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Drake Passage Cruises, Tours & Trips

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Departing from the southern tip of South America, one of our favorite expeditions in Antarctica is a legendary Drake Passage cruise. The Drake Passage is home to impressive wildlife where you can observe flourishing colonies of seabirds and penguins. These extended itineraries are well-suited to active travelers hoping for a unique way to see one of the least-visited parts of the planet—the White Continent of Antarctica. Kayaking among icebergs, wildlife viewing, birdwatching, and hiking across glaciers are just a few of the adventures that await you on your Drake Passage cruise. Learn more about a cruise to the Drake Passage and start planning your journey through the Antarctic with us today.
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Our Favorite 10 Drake Passage Cruises for 2026-2027

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10 Best Drake Passage Cruise Deals for 2026-2027

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.
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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.
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Spirit of Antarctica $16,595 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.
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Highlights of Antarctica $9,518 12 Begin your 12-day Antarctic adventure in Buenos Aires, then fly to Ushuaia to board MS Fridtjof Nansen and cross the Drake Passage. Explore Antarctica for five days with guided landings, wildlife encounters, and optional activities before returning via Ushuaia.
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Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia $37,695 23 From the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) to South Georgia to the Antarctic Peninsula, you will have countless unforgettable moments on this adventure-packed, 23-day voyage aboard the Ultramarine. This epic Antarctica  expedition includes all of the major Antarctic highlights you can imagine, full of significant milestones for any world traveler.
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Spirit of Antarctica $18,195 11 Join an 11-day Antarctic cruise aboard the Greg Mortimer, sailing from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage. Experience thrilling adventures like Zodiac cruises and landings on the Antarctic mainland for an unforgettable exploration.
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Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula $31,395 22 Join a 22-day expedition cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle, exploring the Subantarctic islands and Antarctica—experience king penguin colonies in South Georgia and stunning wildlife in the Antarctic Peninsula.
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Across the Antarctic Circle $18,695 13 Join a 13-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia on the Sylvia Earle, crossing the Antarctic Circle to explore remote icy landscapes. Experience stunning glaciers, vibrant wildlife, and historic sites while navigating pack ice and iceberg-laden waters.
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Across the Antarctic Circle $20,095 13 Join this 13-day expedition cruise on the Greg Mortimer, exploring the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Discover wildlife and breathtaking landscapes, and enjoy expert-led outings while crossing the iconic Drake Passage and Cape Horn.
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South Georgia and Antarctica - Round Trip Puerto Williams $19,500 17 This 17-day Antarctic trip on Silver Cloud takes you to South Georgia, the Antarctic Sound, the Antarctic Peninsula, and Elephant Island, where you might encounter seabirds, whales, penguins, glaciers, and icebergs.
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All Drake Passage Luxury Cruises

Our Favorite 10 Drake Passage Luxury Cruises for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Spirit of Antarctica $16,195 11 Join an 11-day Antarctic expedition aboard the Sylvia Earle, experiencing the wild beauty of the continent like early explorers. Enjoy daily adventures, including guided Zodiac cruises through stunning ice formations and opportunities to explore penguin-populated landscapes.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Exploring Antarctica's Spring $9,895 11 Embark on an extraordinary 11-day Antarctic expedition aboard the Ocean Albatros. Discover the rich wildlife of this frozen world, including albatrosses, prions, petrels, penguins, seals, whales, and dolphins. Journey through the stunning landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage, and South Shetland Islands.
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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.
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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.
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Antarctica Peninsula - Round Trip Puerto Williams $15,800 12 This 12-day expedition aboard the ultra-luxury ship Silver Cloud leads you to one discovery after another. Experience the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands to the fullest with a complimentary program of small-group shore excursions led by an expert team of guides and lecturers. 
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Antarctica Peninsula - Round Trip Puerto Williams $15,600 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.
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Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage $12,965 12 Discover the wonders of Antarctica on an unforgettable 12-day cruise from Ushuaia aboard MS Seaventure. Experience breathtaking glaciers, rare wildlife encounters, and the thrill of exploring the White Continent’s remote beauty.
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Our 10 Extended Small Ship Cruises of the Drake Passage for 2026-2027

Trip Name From Days Summary
Antarctica & Falklands Expedition $18,005 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.
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Ultimate Antarctic Adventure $21,080 20 This 20-day Ultimate Antarctic Adventure aboard RMS St. Helena begins in Ushuaia, sailing through the Beagle Channel and crossing the Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Explore via ship aboard Icebird yacht, adventure into remote bays and narrow channels inaccessible to larger vessels
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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.
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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.
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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.
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South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey $52,315 21 Join a 21-day expedition cruise on the Douglas Mawson to explore the stunning wildlife of the Falklands-Malvinas and South Georgia. Experience breathtaking moments with king penguins, elephant seals, and migrating whales in this ultimate Antarctic adventure.
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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.
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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.
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Antarctic Wildlife Adventure $20,595 23 Embark on a 23-day expedition cruise from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires aboard the Sea Spirit, exploring stunning Antarctic landscapes and diverse wildlife like penguins and seals. Visit South Georgia and the Falkland Islands before concluding your journey with a scenic sail across the South Atlantic.
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Antarctic Wildlife Adventure $17,195 23 Embark on a 23-day expedition cruise aboard the Sea Spirit from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires, exploring vibrant cities and diverse wildlife, including penguins and whales. Discover the breathtaking landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island, and the bird-filled Falkland Islands before concluding your journey across the South Atlantic.
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FAQs About Drake Passage Cruise

Can cruise ships cross the Drake Passage?

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.
 

How much is a cruise across the Drake Passage?

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!
 
Is a Drake Passage cruise safe?

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.
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