Drake Passage Cruises, Tours & Trips
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| Trip Name | From | Days | Next Departure | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In Shackleton's Footsteps | $30,295 | 20 | Nov 08, 2026 | 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. |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent | $12,195 | 11 | Nov 06, 2025 | 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 | Feb 07, 2027 | 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. |
| Highlights of Antarctica | $12,778 | 12 | Oct 30, 2025 | 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. |
| Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea - Fly/Sail | $20,095 | 13 | Feb 17, 2026 | 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 | Mar 17, 2026 | Explore Antarctica on this 12-day cruise from Ushuaia to Punta Arenas aboard Sylvia Earle. Reduce your time at sea by flying one way over the Drake Passage and sailing the other way. Discover the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, and the Legendary Cape Horn. |
| Antarctica Complete | $32,295 | 23 | Dec 20, 2025 | Explore Antarctica along with South Georgia and the Falkland - Malvinas islands on this 23-day adventure cruise aboard the Sylvia Earle. Enjoy the wildlife experiences and the unique adventures while on this journey to the deep south. |
| Antarctica in Depth | $37,990 | 13 | Nov 11, 2025 | Experience a 13-day expedition cruise aboard the Scenic Eclipse from Buenos Aires, featuring guided excursions in stunning, remote landscapes. With expert guidance and diverse wildlife, this journey promises unique adventures in comfort and safety. |
| Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition | $19,795 | 14 | Jan 06, 2026 | Setting foot on the 7th Continent is a polar achievement few experience. Even more rare is the milestone of crossing the Antarctic Circle. Navigating south of 66°33' S is the highlight of the 14-day voyage, which rewards passengers daily with views of dramatic ice formations, humpback whales, leopard seals, penguins, and giant petrels. |
| Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia | $33,295 | 23 | Jan 18, 2026 | 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. |
| Trip Name | From | Days | Next Departure | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Cruise Adventure | $16,995 | 13 | Dec 10, 2025 | 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 | Dec 18, 2025 | 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 | Feb 09, 2026 | 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. |
| Magellan Discoverer Inaugural Air-Cruise | $12,995 | 10 | Dec 15, 2026 | 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. |
| Antarctica Peninsula - Round Trip Puerto Williams | $13,900 | 12 | Nov 25, 2025 | 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. |
| The Emperor Penguins of Weddell Sea | $30,850 | 14 | Oct 30, 2025 | Embark on a 14-day expedition to the Weddell Sea aboard Le Commandant Charcot and explore its pristine beauty and wildlife. Encounter glaciers, icebergs, and diverse wildlife while enjoying activities like kayaking, hiking, and snowshoeing. Expert guides lead you through this adventure. |
| Antarctica Peninsula - Round Trip Puerto Williams | $13,100 | 12 | Oct 25, 2025 | 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. |
| Celebrating Antarctica | $11,275 | 12 | Nov 28, 2025 | Board the MS Seaventure for this 12-day cruise that takes you from Ushuaia, across the Drake Passage until you reach the Antarctic Peninsula where you will encounter unspoiled wildlife and scenery. |
| In the wake of Jean-Baptiste Charcot | $28,840 | 16 | Dec 05, 2025 | Join this adventure to remote corners of the world with The Explorers Club aboard Le Commandant Charcot. Experience thrilling expeditions, engaging lectures, and firsthand knowledge from Science Grantees. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula, Bellingshausen Sea, and more on this 16-day journey. Encounter penguins, seals, whales, and more in the Far South. |
| Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands | $14,195 | 12 | Nov 27, 2025 | Join a 12-day expedition to the remote east coast of the Antarctic Peninsula aboard the Ultramarine. This helicopter-focused adventure offers rare views of icebergs, mountains, and remote landscapes, with two heli-flightseeing excursions, a heli-landing, and Zodiac trips through the Weddell Sea and Antarctic Sound. |
| Trip Name | From | Days | Next Departure | Summary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey | $29,795 | 21 | Jan 10, 2026 | 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. |
| Bellingshausen Sea, Peter I Island plus Ellsworth Land - incl. helicopters | $24,500 | 25 | Jan 14, 2027 | 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. |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula | $32,295 | 23 | Dec 27, 2025 | 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 & Antarctic Odyssey feat. South Sandwich Islands | $28,895 | 24 | Mar 04, 2026 | Join a 24-day cruise on the Greg Mortimer, exploring Antarctica, South Georgia, the South Sandwich Islands, and the Falklands-Malvinas. Experience stunning landscapes, wildlife encounters, and expert-led activities, concluding your adventure back in Ushuaia. |
| In Shackleton’s Footsteps | $24,695 | 20 | Nov 01, 2025 | Embark on a 20-day expedition cruise, retracing Shackleton's odyssey through the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Elephant Island, and South Georgia. Explore icebergs and observe South Georgia's diverse wildlife. Conclude with a hike from Fortuna Bay to the abandoned Stromness whaling station, following Shackleton's final leg across South Georgia. |
| Antarctica Complete (Christmas and New Year) | $36,095 | 23 | Dec 17, 2026 | 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 | $31,395 | 21 | Mar 09, 2027 | 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. |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula | $27,195 | 23 | Mar 11, 2026 | Set sail on a 23-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. |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula | $31,395 | 22 | Oct 24, 2026 | 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. |
| Antarctic Wildlife Adventure | $17,195 | 23 | Mar 10, 2027 | 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. |
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.
