The Antarctic Peninsula is the most visited part of Antarctica and one of the richest areas for wildlife in the Southern Ocean. With glacier-lined bays, towering icebergs, and productive feeding grounds, the region supports large colonies of seabirds, seals, and whales. Summer is the peak season for wildlife activity, especially from November to February. These are the animals you’re most likely to encounter on a classic expedition cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Gentoo penguin
Gentoo penguins are the most commonly seen penguins on the Antarctic Peninsula. Recognisable by their orange beaks and white eye patches, they nest in large colonies on rocky slopes close to the shoreline. During summer, you’ll often see adults building nests out of pebbles, feeding chicks, or waddling back and forth between the colony and the water. Gentoos are curious and often approach people during landings, making them a favourite among visitors.
Chinstrap penguin
Chinstrap penguins are easy to identify thanks to the thin black line running under their beaks like a helmet strap. They tend to nest on higher, steeper slopes, sometimes forming large colonies in exposed locations. Chinstraps are noisy, active, and social. While they are more commonly found on the South Shetland Islands and further north, they are often encountered during Peninsula voyages, especially early in the season.
Adelie penguin
Adelie penguins live further south and are more common around Marguerite Bay and the southern end of the Peninsula. They have a classic black-and-white appearance and are slightly smaller than Gentoos. Adelies are less tolerant of warmer conditions, so their colonies are usually found farther south along the Peninsula and on more remote islands. On some itineraries, especially longer voyages, you may land at locations where Adelies are nesting or foraging close to shore.
Weddell seal
Weddell seals are calm, thick-bodied seals often found resting on the sea ice near the continent. They live further south than most other seal species and are well adapted to the cold, using their teeth to keep breathing holes open through the winter. On landings, Weddell seals are usually seen lying still on the ice, breathing heavily, and occasionally lifting their heads to look around. They are rarely aggressive and often ignore visitors altogether.
Crabeater seal
Despite their name, crabeater seals do not eat crabs. They feed mainly on krill and are one of the most abundant seal species in the world. Crabeaters are usually seen alone or in small groups, hauled out on ice floes or swimming near the surface. They have long, lean bodies and light-colored coats that blend into the ice. These seals are most often spotted from the ship during ice navigation or Zodiac cruises.
Leopard seal
Leopard seals are the top seal predator in the Antarctic and are known for their long, powerful bodies and reptile-like heads. They hunt penguins, fish, and other seals, and are most often seen patrolling near penguin colonies or resting on ice floes. Leopard seals are strong swimmers and are often seen during Zodiac outings, sometimes coming close to investigate. Their sudden appearance often surprises guests, especially near Gentoo rookeries.
Humpback whale
Humpback whales are one of the most frequently seen whales along the Antarctic Peninsula, especially from mid to late summer when krill is most abundant. They often feed in sheltered bays and are known for their dramatic tail lifts, pectoral fin slaps, and occasional breaching. Whale sightings can happen at any time, during navigation, Zodiac outings, or even while anchored. Some locations, like Wilhelmina Bay, are well known for regular humpback activity.
Minke whale
Minke whales are smaller and more elusive than humpbacks, but they are also common along the Peninsula. They often surface briefly and quietly near the ship before disappearing again. Their dark backs and pointed snouts help distinguish them from other species. Minke whales are often seen in ice-filled areas, weaving between floes as they search for food.
Antarctic birds
Birdlife on the Antarctic Peninsula includes skuas, kelp gulls, sheathbills, and several species of petrels. Skuas are bold scavengers often seen near penguin colonies, looking for unguarded eggs and chicks. Southern giant petrels circle landings and follow ships, while Wilson’s storm petrels dart low over the water in search of plankton. Snowy sheathbills, the only land-based bird in Antarctica, often walk around landing sites, picking up scraps and investigating anything left behind.
What makes the Antarctic Peninsula special
The Antarctic Peninsula offers a combination of dramatic landscapes and close-up wildlife encounters. Penguins nest in busy colonies, seals rest on beaches and ice, and whales feed in sheltered coves. The absence of land predators means animals are often unafraid of people, making it possible to observe them at close range without disturbance. Each day brings different sightings depending on the weather, ice, and location. For many travelers, this is one of the most active and accessible wildlife regions on the continent.
