This Is the No. 1 Adventure Destination in the World, According to Virtuoso — and It Is Famous for Its Crystal-clear Glacial Waters

Once only braved by the most adventurous, courageous thrill-seekers and scientists, Antarctica is now more accessible than ever to the average traveler. This year, in its annual Luxe Report, luxury travel advisor network Virtuoso named Antarctica the top adventure destination of 2025.

For its report, Virtuoso surveyed its team advisors across 58 countries to learn about emerging trends and what travelers hope to gain from their vacations in the coming year. It noted that globetrotters continue to be highly interested in remote, cold-weather destinations, so naturally, it follows that most people would put a trip to the White Continent at the top of their priority list.

And these days, it’s easier to get to Antarctica than ever. Over 70 cruise ships make the journey to the continent each year, and itineraries typically span seven to 14 nights. Most voyages require navigating the notoriously rough Drake Passage from Argentina, but some outfitters (like Lindblad Expeditions) offer the option to fly it. For those seeking an even more exclusive experience, a few companies such as White Desert, provide eco-luxury glamping experiences.

But, all the trouble it takes to get to Antarctica is more than worth it. The continent offers travelers a wealth of extraordinary activities, from taking in towering icebergs to kayaking glacial waters to observing unique wildlife like penguins, orcas, and seals.

For Lindblad Expeditions founder and CEO Sven-Olof Lindblad, the continent represents one of the last frontiers where nature remains largely untouched by human activity. Lars-Eric, Sven-Olof’s father, led the first non-scientific civilian expedition to Antarctica in 1966. Sven-Olof believes expanding tourism services to Antarctica offers a unique opportunity for travelers to connect with one of the planet’s most pristine ecosystems in a profound, transformative way.

“When people come to places like this, they develop sensibilities about the world, and it changes them for the better,” he said.

Can’t make it to the most remote continent in the world? The other top adventure destinations in Virtuoso’s report include Alaska, Iceland, South Africa, and Costa Rica, respectively.