Short answer: on a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula, you can expect to see penguins, seals, whales and sea birds. You will not see polar bears (they live in the Arctic). What you see depends on the month and on luck, so no animal is ever guaranteed.
Penguins
Three kinds are common on peninsula trips:
- Gentoo penguin: easy to spot by the white patch above each eye and an orange beak.
- Chinstrap penguin: has a thin black line under its chin, like a helmet strap.
- Adélie penguin: mostly black with a white ring around the eye.
Emperor penguins, the tallest kind, usually live farther south and on sea ice, so most standard peninsula trips do not see them. King penguins live on islands such as South Georgia, which some longer trips include.
Seals
- Weddell seal: often resting on ice.
- Crabeater seal: despite the name, it eats mostly krill.
- Leopard seal: a strong hunter with a large head.
- Antarctic fur seal: seen on some beaches in summer.
Whales
- Humpback whale: the most often seen, especially later in the season.
- Minke whale: smaller and quick to disappear.
- Orca: sometimes seen in groups, called pods.
Birds
- Albatross: huge sea birds that follow ships, often seen on the Drake Passage.
- Skua: a bold bird that steals eggs and chicks.
- Snowy sheathbill: a white bird that walks around penguin colonies looking for scraps.
- Giant petrel and cape petrel: common seabirds.
When to see what
- Early season (Nov to early Dec): penguins building nests and courting.
- Mid season (late Dec to Jan): eggs start to hatch in late December, and fluffy chicks fill the colonies in January.
- Late season (Feb to Mar): larger chicks and more whale sightings.
See the full guide to the best time to go to Antarctica.
Rules for watching wildlife
- Stay at least 5 metres (about 15 feet) away from animals on land. Guides may ask for more distance, especially near fur seals.
- Never touch or feed animals.
- Give penguins the right of way when they cross your path.
- Stay quiet and move slowly.
Quick FAQ
Are there polar bears in Antarctica?
No, only in the Arctic.
Can you touch a penguin?
No. Rules protect the animals.
Plan more: Arctic vs Antarctica, the packing list and the Antarctica guide. Back to the travel section