The Weddell Sea is named after James Weddell, a British sailor who sailed to the sea in 1823. The sea touches Antarctica at Coats Land and the Antarctic Peninsula. A large portion of the sea is permanently covered by the Filchener-Ronne Ice Shelf.

Antarctica Peninsula family travel options.

When you make your expedition to Antarctica, you join a privileged and small group of people who have dared to embark on this journey. Cruises to Antarctica depart from either Ushuaia, Argentina, Invercargill, New Zeland, or Punta Arena, Chile. Accessible only by expedition ships, some of the most popular destinations on a visit to Antarctica are:

Preparing to return to Antarctica for a fourth visit, Adventure Life traveler, Laurie Allread, explains a little about why Antarctica continues to beckon her return again ... and again. Laurie will be joining us on the Kapitan Khlebnikov's Ross Sea Centennial Voyage. This is the final season the Kapitan is taking travelers to the polar regions -- …

One of the richest breeding grounds for the continent's birdlife, the Antarctic Peninsula is a fantastic destination for wildlife lovers. The typically warmer climate also makes it an ideal place for research stations, as well as for travelers hoping to actually step foot on the continent. Learn more about the geography, wildlife, weather, and highlights of the Antarctica Peninsula.

A journey to the Antarctic Peninsula in early December that avoids crossing the Drake Passage.

My husband and I traveled to Patagonia and Antarctica for an epic three-week adventure to celebrate our 20-year anniversary. We visited Ecocamp Patagonia, and then flew from Punta Arenas south to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. Here we boarded the newly christened Sylvia Earle and cruised around the Antarctic Peninsula and …

I spent my birthday sailing to Antarctica! I experienced world records being broken by swimmers, icebergs and glaciers shining in the sunshine and also walked around with many different species of penguins, whales and seals. I also hiked around Tierra del Fuego and rode under waterfalls on both sides of Iguazu Falls.

On my very first solo trip, I boarded the Ocean Nova for an expedition cruise to Antarctica. With no set plans, we chased the best weather around the Weddell Sea, South Shetland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula to find spectacular icebergs, incredible wildlife, and an experience to remember!