Drake Passage Cruises, Tours & Trips
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| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| In Shackleton's Footsteps | $30,295 | 20 | Set sail on a 20-day expedition cruise on the Douglas Mawson, retracing Shackleton’s path through the Antarctic. Explore stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and enjoy guided excursions, culminating in a scenic return to Ushuaia. |
| Classic Antarctica | $5,490 | 10 | This classic small ship cruise to Antarctica lets you follow in the footsteps of the early Antarctic explorers like Shackleton, Cook & Ross. Explore amazing Antarctic scenery - pristine wilderness of sea, snow, ice, mountains, and an incredible abundance of wildlife on this 10-day Antarctic cruise on the MV Ushuaia which houses only 88 passengers. |
| Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica | $14,500 | 19 | Embark on a 19-day cruise from Ushuaia to see black-browed albatrosses in the Falkland Islands, explore Port Stanley, visit South Georgia's king penguin colonies, marvel at Weddell Sea icebergs, and meet elephant seals. Experience an unforgettable adventure aboard the Ortelius! |
| Antarctica, South Georgia & the Falkland Islands | $21,995 | 19 | Board luxurious Le Lyrial on an exciting 19-day expedition cruise to Antarctica. After a flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina, at the tip of South America, depart toward the Falkland Islands and South Georgia before cruising the Drake Passage and the expansive glaciers and wildlife-rich shorelines of the Antarctic peninsula. |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent | $12,195 | 11 | On this 11-day adventure to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula you'll cruise through sea ice, witness penguins building their nests, kayak along icebergs, and experience exhilarating encounters with abundant wildlife including penguins, seals and whales. |
| Antarctica Complete | $36,095 | 23 | Join a 23-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer, exploring Ushuaia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and South Georgia. Experience onboard lectures, thrilling activities, and a traditional Fuegian barbecue before concluding your unforgettable journey in Ushuaia. |
| Emblematic Antarctica | $14,120 | 12 | Embark on an unforgettable 12-day cruise to Antarctica aboard Le Lyrial. Explore the Antarctic in a Zodiac reaching small harbors and coves unreachable by large cruise ships. |
| Spirit of Antarctica | $16,195 | 12 | Join a 12-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia on the Sylvia Earle and explore the breathtaking Antarctic landscape. Experience adventure through Zodiac navigation, land on the continent, and enjoy unique activities under the vibrant polar skies. |
| Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea - Fly/Sail | $20,095 | 13 | Join a 13-day expedition cruise on the Sylvia Earle to explore the Weddell Sea in Antarctica, famous for its icebergs and historical significance. Experience the breathtaking wilderness as you navigate pack ice and encounter stunning tabular icebergs. |
| Antarctic Explorer - Fly/Sail Expedition | $17,895 | 12 | Embark on a 12-day expedition cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle to explore Antarctica's stunning landscapes and unique wildlife, including penguins and whales. Enjoy enhanced exploration with a flight across the Drake Passage, maximizing your adventure in this pristine, ice-covered wilderness. |
| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Women’s Expedition: Spirit of Antarctica | $16,195 | 11 | Join this 11-day Antarctic expedition on the Sylvia Earle, where women actively engage in science and leadership. Experience stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and discussions on climate change alongside expert female guides. |
| Emblematic Antarctica | $15,530 | 12 | Join Le Boreal for a 12-day Emblematic Antarctica Cruise. Sail from Ushuaia to an enchanting polar desert, a final frontier where penguins number in the thousands and humpback whales patrol the icy waters. |
| Antarctic Cruise Adventure | $16,995 | 13 | Cruise aboard the all-balcony ship Le Lyrial on a spectacular 13-day expedition cruise of Antarctica. Visit the incredible Antarctic Sound, the South Shetland Islands, Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, and Wilhelmina Bay, accompanied by a team of naturalist guides who will highlight the rich wildlife you'll see as you explore the glaciers & icebergs. |
| Christmas in Antarctica | $12,965 | 12 | Celebrate the Christmas season and explore the majestic white continent. Enjoy abundant wildlife encounters and the striking panoramic landscape of the Antarctic Sound, Weddell Sea, and Antarctic Peninsula aboard the MS Seaventure on this 12-day cruise. |
| Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition | $19,395 | 14 | Explore the Antarctic Peninsula on this 14-day Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition aboard Ocean Explorer. See penguins, seals, and whales in their natural habitat, visit Antarctic research stations, and learn about the history and geology of the region. Go sea kayaking through channels dotted with icebergs. |
| Antarctica's Whale Season | $9,895 | 11 | Journey from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros to the majestic landscapes of Antarctica. Explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, encountering penguins, seals, and whales in their pristine natural habitat. |
| Magellan Discoverer Inaugural Air-Cruise | $12,995 | 10 | Embark on a 10-day cruise on the Magellan Discoverer from Punta Arenas to Antarctica. Sail the Strait of Magellan, explore Glacier Alley, and cross the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Spend three days discovering fjords, icebergs, and wildlife before flying back from King George Island. |
| Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition | $11,095 | 11 | Embark on an 11-day Antarctica expedition from Ushuaia aboard the Ocean Albatros. Discover pristine glaciers, penguin colonies, and icy fjords while crossing the legendary Drake Passage and exploring the White Continent’s untamed beauty. |
| Celebrating Antarctica | $12,965 | 12 | Join a 12-day cruise on MS Seaventure to explore Antarctica's stunning wildlife and landscapes, with extra time for flexibility in your itinerary. Experience rich wildlife in the South Shetland Islands and the remote Antarctic Peninsula, enjoying more landings and Zodiac excursions. |
| Antarctica Peninsula - Round Trip Puerto Williams | $14,500 | 12 | Join the Silver Wind on a 12-day expedition cruise from Puerto Williams, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Enjoy an exclusive program of small-group shore experiences, guided by a team of experts. |
| Trip Name | From | Days | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica & Falklands Expedition | $21,323 | 24 | Join a 24-day expedition cruise to Antarctica and the Falklands aboard MS Fram, starting in Santiago, Chile. Experience wildlife, culture, and stunning landscapes as you explore remarkable locations, ending your journey in Buenos Aires. |
| Epic Falklands Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica | $25,195 | 20 | Embark on this 20-day Epic Falklands Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica Cruise from Ushuaia round-trip aboard the Ocean Victory. Sail through the legendary Beagle Channel toward the wildlife-rich Falkland Islands. Discover diverse penguin species, playful seals, and birdlife on remote outer islands. |
| Bellingshausen Sea, Peter I Island plus Ellsworth Land - incl. helicopters | $24,600 | 25 | Begin your 25-day expedition in Ushuaia, Argentina, and sail aboard Ortelius through the Drake Passage into Antarctica’s remote southern reaches. Discover rare wildlife, historic sites, and untouched landscapes as you explore the Bellingshausen Sea, Ellsworth Land, and Peter I Island by Zodiac and helicopter. |
| Antarctica Complete | $37,995 | 23 | Join a 23-day Antarctic expedition on the Sylvia Earle, venturing beyond the Antarctic Peninsula to cross the legendary Antarctic Circle. Experience breathtaking wildlife, ice-filled fjords, and unique ecosystems while uncovering the region's rich human history. |
| Antarctica Complete (Christmas and New Year) | $36,095 | 23 | Join this 23-day cruise from Ushuaia on the Douglas Mawson, celebrating Christmas while exploring the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and the Falklands-Malvinas. Experience wildlife-rich subantarctic islands, Zodiac cruises, and breathtaking landscapes for the ultimate polar adventure. |
| South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey | $29,795 | 21 | Join a 21-day expedition cruise on the Sylvia Earle, journeying from Ushuaia to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands. Experience stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and expert-led excursions, concluding your adventure back in Ushuaia. |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula | $32,295 | 23 | Embark on a 23-day expedition cruise roundtrip Ushuaia aboard the Greg Mortimer, exploring South Georgia, the Falklands, and the Antarctic Peninsula. Delve into the islands' rich history, observe diverse wildlife, and witness king penguin colonies before returning to Ushuaia. |
| South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey | $31,395 | 21 | Join a 21-day expedition cruise on the Douglas Mawson from Ushuaia to Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands. Experience breathtaking landscapes, wildlife, and historic sites while enjoying expert lectures. |
| In Shackleton’s Footsteps | $30,595 | 20 | Embark on a 20-day Antarctic cruise aboard Sylvia Earle, retracing Sir Ernest Shackleton's legendary journey from the Antarctic Peninsula to South Georgia. Experience wildlife sightings, including King Penguins and seals, while visiting historic sites like the Endurance shipwreck and Elephant Island. |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula | $27,195 | 22 | Set sail on a 22-day expedition cruise aboard the Douglas Mawson, exploring Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands from Ushuaia. Experience stunning landscapes, diverse wildlife, and rich history with expert excursions and lectures. |
Yes, modern expedition cruise ships can sail safely through the Drake Passage due to their purpose-built design and stabilizer equipment to handle the challenging conditions of the Drake Passage. While notorious for its rough seas, the Drake Passage experiences a range of conditions, from relatively calm ("Drake Lake”) to the very turbulent ("Drake Shake"). For those who do not want to only cruise Drake Passage, there are also fly and cruise options. These options allow travelers to fly over the Drake, then board a cruise ship once they are in the Antarctic region.
The cost of a Drake Passage Antarctica cruise varies significantly due to several factors. The ship's size and luxury level, the duration of the voyage, and the specific itinerary all play a role in determining the final cost. After all, traveling to destinations like the South Pole, where crossing the Drake Passage is part of the itinerary, could be considered an investment and is rarely inexpensive. It is also important to remember that fly-cruise options, which allow travelers to fly over the Drake Passage and then board a cruise ship in the Antarctic region, will greatly affect the total cost of the trip. For more details, read our article breaking down Antarctica trip costs.
Still have questions? Contact one of our Antarctica experts today!Although a Drake Passage cruise is notorious for its rough seas, modern expedition cruises are generally considered safe. These cruise ships–designed specifically for Antarctic travel, feature robust hulls and stabilizers to manage the challenging conditions.
Furthermore, the captains and crews who navigate a Drake Passage cruise are highly experienced in handling unpredictable weather and sea conditions. Cruise operators also implement numerous safety precautions to ensure passengers well-being and safety, and while rough seas are possible, they are well-prepared to handle them.
