Antarctica Cruises & Tours

Yes, you need a passport to enter Antarctica in addition to the country from which you enter Antarctica. Most travelers on a cruise to Antarctica pass through Argentina or Chile before reaching the Antarctic continent, and you will likely need a visa in addition to a passport to enter those countries, depending on your nationality.

The average cost of a cruise to Antarctica is around USD$10,000-12,000 per person for a 10-12 day peninsula cruise. The most economical cruises to Antarctica are typically shorter or steeply discounted Antarctica Peninsula cruises in the shoulder season for around $7500-8000. Cruises to Antarctica from Ushuaia or flight/cruise options leaving from Punta Arenas that visit the Antarctic Peninsula are typically around $16,000 as a starting point. The biggest factors in the cost of an Antarctica cruise are the number of days of your trip, the class of ship, and the type of cabin.

The shortest trip length available for a cruise to Antarctica is typically a ten-day trip starting and ending in Ushuaia for an optimal experience on the Antarctic continent. Shorter express cruises to Antarctica can reduce the time to 5-6 days, but do not actually visit the continent, only the surrounding islands. Cruises to the Ross Sea last around 30 days. To explore the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in addition to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will need at least 18 days.

The best months for Antarctica cruises are during the austral summer, which runs from late October through March. This period offers milder temperatures, extended daylight, and accessible sea ice. Early-season cruises in October and November feature pristine landscapes and active wildlife courtship, while December and January offer peak wildlife viewing. February and March are ideal for whale sightings and slightly calmer seas.

All of our small ship Antarctica cruises feature Zodiac excursions and hikes for up-close encounters with Antarctic wildlife. Some ships have sea kayaks available at an additional cost, giving you a unique perspective on penguins, whales, and other wildlife. Some Antarctic expeditions include skiing and camping in Antarctica for the ultimate adventure trip to the White Continent.

Start with your preferred travel dates, as availability for Antarctica cruises can be limited. From there, consider ship size, itinerary, budget, and special interests. Smaller ships offer a more intimate, expedition-style experience, while larger ships and luxury cruises provide more space, comfort, and onboard amenities. Costs vary widely depending on trip length and ship type. Our Antarctica cruise experts can help you choose the best fit.

Absolutely! Most cruises to Antarctica have special single rates or can arrange a shared room at no additional cost. The majority of Antarctica visitors still travel as couples or families, so these trips can be a bit lonely for some solo travelers. However, the relatively small groups and long voyages on board allow travelers to easily meet others with similar interests. Solo travelers should also take a look at our exclusive Solo Traveler Departures.

Tour rates for these cruises to Antarctica do not include international flights unless indicated. We find that it is usually less expensive for travelers to book these separately, and this also gives you the flexibility to choose the schedule and routing that is most convenient for you. You are welcome to book these on your own, or we can certainly help you arrange these flights with an airfare consolidator who specializes in South America flights.

The cheapest way to visit Antarctica is to book early and secure an Early Booking Discount offer, or risk a last-minute booking and even travel to Ushuaia, Argentina, for a two-week window of time and be available to fill a spot at the last minute. Some Antarctica cruise operators will offer steep promos around Black Friday in late November for last-minute spots in the upcoming season. Another option is to try the Antarctica Express Air Cruise, which sails one way from Ushuaia and then flies back to Chile via King George Island and lasts five days. While you only visit the South Shetland Islands and not continental Antarctica, it can be the best way to get a taste of the experience on a small budget. See Antarctica Express Air Cruise. Here is a list of other Antarctica deals and discounts that may be available on traditional cruises. 

Most of the best Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, while some air-cruise itineraries leave from Punta Arenas, Chile to combine flights and sailing to shorten travel time. A small number of expeditions depart from New Zealand, typically on longer voyages to the Ross Sea. Travelers first fly to Buenos Aires or Santiago before continuing to Patagonia. From Ushuaia, ships sail past Puerto Williams and Cape Horn, crossing the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, with extended routes reaching the Weddell Sea and beyond.

There are no direct international flights to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, so all travelers going on Antarctica cruises must connect through Buenos Aires or Santiago. The United States offers the most direct options, with nonstop flights from cities like Miami and Houston. Travelers from Canada, the UK, Australia, and India should expect one or more connections, depending on origin, before reaching southern South America.