Antarctica Cruises & Tours

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.

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.

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.

See below some factors to consider when selecting an Antarctica ship. Consider ship size, itinerary, budget, and special interests. Contact our trip planners to chat through your preferences and find the best fit.

Ship size - Some travelers prefer the intimacy of small group travel, which often means more time with the guide, more efficient embarkation/disembarkation, and a cozier feel on board. Smaller ships offer a more intimate, expedition-style experience, while larger ships and luxury cruises provide more space, comfort, and onboard amenities. Ships with fewer passengers also tend to offer more adventure options such as scuba diving, kayaking, and camping. Other travelers prefer the relative spaciousness (cabins still tend to be small on most boats!) and added facilities (Jacuzzi, gym, pool, etc) of the larger boats. 

Itinerary - Many of the ships offer a similar range of itineraries. However, some offer more variety than others. If you have a special interest such as visiting South Georgia, crossing the Polar Circle, or traveling to the Falkland Islands, let our trip coordinator know.

Special interests - Some ships offer special Antarctica cruises for divers, kayakers, climbers, campers, photographers, etc. If you have a special interest, please let us know.

It depends. Some ships have a minimum age requirement ranging from 8 to 12. Other ships leave it up to the parents to decide if the cruise would be appropriate. The dramatic landscapes and unique wildlife can be fascinating for children. However, the long voyages at sea can become tiresome for even the best child travelers. It is unlikely that there will be other children on board for your kids to play with, so be sure to bring plenty of entertainment options. You may also want to consider upgrading to a larger room or suite on your cruise to Antarctica to give your kids more room to spread out. Since there is no access to medical facilities, children with chronic conditions such as severe asthma, diabetes, etc. are not advised to travel.

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.

Travelers come from all over the world, although most speak English fluently. They may range in age from children to seniors, with most travelers in their 30s to 60s. Some cruises to Antarctica do not permit children under the age of 12, and families should not expect many children on any of the departures.

Tour rates 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.

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.

Although you do not need to be in excellent physical condition to join an Antarctica cruise, you do need to be in overall good health. These remote areas do not have access to modern medical facilities. You should not join an Antarctica cruise if you have a life-threatening condition or one that requires extensive medical attention. However, a cruise to Antarctica does not need to be physically demanding. You need to be able to balance on a vessel in rough seas, and get in and out of Zodiacs if you wish to participate in shore excursions. You may opt-out of the shore excursions and choose instead to view the wildlife and landscape from the deck. Onshore, most ships offer at least one easy walk that allows participants to experience the destination without going far from the landing site.

The correct spelling is Antarctica, not "Antartica." This common misspelling occurs because people often drop the second "c" when speaking quickly.

For clarification, Antarctica is the name of the southernmost continent. It’s a vast, icy landmass known for its extreme climate and incredible wildlife including penguins, seals, and whales.

When searching for your Antarctica cruise (often misspelled as "antartica cruise"), use the proper spelling to find the most accurate expedition information and travel options.