Exploring amid the icebergs, glaciers and ice floes of the White Continent you find an abundance
of wildlife. And although it’s thought too cold for plant life to flourish, there are several species
​of flora to see on an Antarctica expedition.

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Antarctica thrives with incredible wildlife
​Below are the best times of the year to look for these awe-inspiring possible sights

December

• ​Blue petrels along the Drake Passage
• Penguins hatching end of month
• Humpback whales near the Peninsula

Penguins in the Antarctic Peninsula

• Adélie Penguins – Nest on rocky shores, with eggs hatching and chicks appearing in the Peninsula.
• Gentoo Penguins – Parents raise their fluffy young, bustling through the penguin highways to feed them in the Peninsula and South Georgia.
• Chinstrap Penguins – As the eggs begin to hatch in the Peninsula, these colonies are thriving with life among the nests

Penguins in South Georgia

• King Penguins – Massive colonies with thousands of these majestic birds, many tending to their fluffy brown chicks, can be seen in South Georgia.
• Macaroni Penguins  – Nesting among the rocky slopes of South Georgia, their distinctive golden crests shine in the summer light

Seals in the Antarctic Peninsula

• Weddell Seals – Some pups are still seen and actively exploring their environment, venturing further from the mothers.
• Leopard Seals – Patrol penguin colonies and ice floes, on the hunt for prey.

 Seals in South Georgia

•  Antarctic Fur Seals – It’s the height of breeding season, with mothers and their playful pups on the beaches.
• Southern Elephant Seals – Dominant males finish their breeding battles while younger seals and pups are active along the shores.

Whales in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia

• Humpback Whales – Return to Antarctic waters to feed on rich blooms of krill.
• Minke Whales – These agile swimmers are frequently spotted near the ice edge.
• Orcas (Killer Whales) – Rare sightings occur, so when you see one, you know it’s a truly special moment.
• Southern Right Whales – Occasionally are seen in the waters around South Georgia. 

Seabirds in the Antarctic Peninsula

• Snow Petrels – These pure white birds almost blend into the icy landscapes as they soar above.
• Albatrosses – Glide smoothly over the Southern Ocean.
• Skuas and Giant Petrels – Scavengers lurk near penguin colonies, seeking unattended nests 

Seabirds in South Georgia

• Wandering Albatrosses – Legendary for their impressive wingspan, they soar gracefully over the ocean.
• Light-mantled Albatrosses – These are best known for an elegant flight pattern and evocative calls.
• Petrels, Shearwaters, and Prions – There’s an increase in activity amid nesting sites

All the information on this page and the following pages is from Atlas Ocean Voyages

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