cheapest way to travel to antarctica

The Awkward Traveller

The #1 Cheapest Way to Visit Antarctica: Big Ballin on a Budget!

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Okay okay, with such a HUGE ticket price, everyone wants to know HOW to pay for Antarctica – but what if you don’t really wanna pay? You’re sitting here, looking at this $7,000 USD shared cabin on the bottom deck of a boat for a 10 day Antarctica cruise and you’re like….mmm, yeah. Just show me the hands down CHEAPEST way to visit Antarctica.

No amount of overtime or second job is gonna get me there. Not without losing my mind first.

AND I GET IT. In fact, while I don’t regret paying (almost) full price for my trip, I do wish I had known a few of these factors beforehand. I mean, they wouldn’t have worked for my situation necessarily…but I learned after the fact about the cheapest way to visit Antarctica that would’ve cut my prices in half – or more.

But don’t worry. Lucky for you I’m a blogger and I’m here to share the cheapest way to visit Antarctica with you!

For the low low price of $299 for a consultation call and signing up for my newsletter!

Lol jk girl it’s gonna be in this post (for free), just keep reading haha.

Table of Contents

How Much is Antarctica?

Before we get into the cheapest way to visit Antarctica, I gotta put the price range into perspective for you. If we’re JUST looking at the cruise ticket, then honestly it depends on which Antarctica cruise company you go with because factors like trip duration, ship accommodations and amenities, and which (if any) additional activities are added on!

Depending on what you want to do and see, versus what you’re okay on skipping out on, it could affect which cruise (and it’s ticket price) are better suited to your preferences. For example, if you’re not interested in kayaking or camping on ice, then you might not want to pay for a ship where those additional activities are built into the price. Or if you KNOW you really want a more luxurious experience with an indoor hot tub with a scenic view and multiple in-room tv channels, then a humble ship more focused on getting outside for wildlife viewing might not be for you.

Okay okay, but what are the prices? Typically for a single person in a double room, prices range from $7000 to $20k+ , again, depending on the ship and trip duration. Yeah…we’re gonna need to cut some of these costs down. Sure you could go with the cheapest Antarctica cruise, but do you still want to pay thousands and not see what you want?

The Cheapest Way to Visit Antarctica

I usually go on and on with backstory and the who what when why how of a post, but honestly you came here for one thing and one thing only. What is the CHEAPEST way to visit Antarctica. So here’s the answer:

Don’t buy a ticket.

Wait…WHAT??

No, I’m not talking about stowing away on a cruise ship and popping out when you reach the 7th continent. In fact, for both safety and legal reasons, I strongly advise against doing that.

What I mean is…do not buy a cruise ticket. Just go to Ushuaia, Argentina (where 95% of Antarctic cruises depart from). If you’re a detailed oriented person and a travel planner, that advice is probably KILLING you to hear, but trust me, it’s the cheapest way to visit Antarctica.

It doesn’t matter if you fly straight to Ushuaia or if you hop around South America for a bit on a longer journey, but once you end up in Ushuaia, that is where your Antarctic journey begins. So why exactly is this the cheapest way to visit Antarctica?

Because once you’re in Ushuaia, you’re going to find multiple ticket booths selling discounted Antarctica tickets. And by discounted…I mean like 50% OFF. Maybe even more.

Let me paint a picture for you.

I had already bought our Antarctica tickets by the time we landed in Ushuaia, but since my boyfriend didn’t know we were going to Antarctica (LOL long story for another time), he was super intrigued by all of the ticket booths offering Antarctic cruises.

“Let’s just pop in to see how much tickets are!” he said, eyes sparkling. “I know it’s going to be a lot, but let’s just see so we can know how much to plan for in the future.”

Little did he know.

Since I couldn’t spoil the surprise, we popped into one of these booths. There are a few different ones, but honestly they all operate the same. Basically cruise companies and Antarctic tours sell their un-booked rooms to these booths at a LOW LOW PRICE. Then the booths sell the last minute rooms to people in person for also a low price. It’s the cheapest way to visit Antarctica. It’s a win for the cruise companies, a win for the booths (a third party), and a win for YOU – the customer!

What’s the Catch?

Does it sound too good to be true? There’s gotta be some catch to this cheapest way to visit Antarctica, right?

Well, the pro is obvious. Instead of paying, for example $7000 USD to visit, you could now get that same exact ticket for $3000 USD. Still, yanno, a good chunk of change, but WAY lower than the retail value.

But what are the cons?

Well, there are a few. The biggest, and arguably the one that is the most important, is that this cheapest way to visit Antarctica, just showing up in Ushuaia and going from there, is unpredictable. It’s a gamble. Not in the sense that there will or won’t be last-minute tickets – there WILL be 99% of the time, but…a gamble in what kind of ticket you will be getting.

When you buy your ticket in advance, you are able to choose which tour is best for your preferences, which dates work in your schedule, etc etc. The tradeoff for getting the cheapest way to visit Antarctica is giving up those choices.

When you show up at one of the last minute sales booths, they will give you a list of the upcoming rooms available. It could leave in a few days, next week, or even NEXT DAY – so you’ll want to make sure you have an Antarctica packing list already in mind. You also don’t get to choose the duration, so it could leave tomorrow and be a 10-day trip, or a 20-day trip. And, not surprisingly, you don’t get to choose the tour company either.

So it could be a small intimate cruise with only 100 guest passengers, or a huge ship with 400, which will affect the locations the ships can dock at and how many people can be on land at a time. The company could be on the more humble side in terms of accommodations, or the super luxurious National Geographic tour, which even at 50% off is over $10,000. So…it really is a gamble.

Who Can Take Advantage of This?

All this to say – this method doesn’t work for everyone. If you want to take advantage of the cheapest way to visit Antarctica, the bottom line is that you have to be flexible. In literally ALL aspects.

First and foremost, you have to be flexible with time. THIS IS THE MOST IMPORTANT ASPECT of getting the cheapest way to visit Antarctica. Even if you are not flexible in any other way, if you have a flexible time window, eventually the right tour for the right price will become available. It’s just not guaranteed when.

So if you take a big block of time off anywhere between November-March (or if are able to work remotely), I’d recommend not leaving the Ushuaia-Antarctica bit for last, so you have more of a window to get something that works for you. Plus, if there’s a trip available the next week, you could even leave Ushuaia and come back!

The second area to be flexible in is the Antarctic experience itself. If you don’t really care about HOW you experience Antarctica and you just want to get there, then it doesn’t matter as much which company you go with as long as the ticket is in your budget. If you’re okay potentially not camping or kayaking in Antarctica, or the duration of the ship (which will determine if you cross the Antarctic Circle or visit the Falkland/South Georgia/South Sandwich Islands) – or if you don’t necessarily NEED the most plush expedition ship, then go for it!

Tricks and Deals

We unfortunately cannot all just show up to Ushuaia and go from there. For me personally, I have a non-remote job with a specific amount of paid time off. Plus, the friends I did the cruise with were getting married, so even if I did know about the cheapest way to visit Antarctica, it wasn’t guaranteed that their cruise would have had last-minute rooms available.

And it didn’t haha.

For the vast majority of people who work non-remote jobs, or have pets, or kids, or routine doctor’s appointments, or school obligations…we don’t have unlimited flexibility on time. And that’s okay! Booking in advance isn’t the CHEAPEST way to visit Antarctica, but you can still get some good deals to at least help nudge the price down a little!

The first, look at booking your trip farther in advance (like, 1.5+ years!) and/or around major sale holidays like Memorial Day, Black Friday, Labor Day, etc. Antarctic tour companies usually post about their upcoming cruises at least a year-2.5 years in advance. For example, I went to Antarctica with Poseidon Expeditions , and as of today (Mar 1st, 2023), they already posted Antarctic Cruises listed for Nov 2024- Mar 2025 and are ready to book! Booking those would qualify for their “ super early bird special”, which on average gives a $2000 USD discount.

My ticket was 1.5 years in advance and I got the “early bird discount” knocking $1300 USD off the ticket price! Scoreee. Plus, buying in advance can also help you figure out how to pay for Antarctica after you put the deposit down. Do you need to pick up some extra shifts for a while? Maybe go on a budget or more aggressively save? You have time and now…a motivating deadline!

How to go to Antarctica for FREE???

But wait…TECHNICALLY wouldn’t the cheapest way to visit Antarctica would be to do so for free? Okay okay, you got me. Technically yes…and you CAN travel to Antarctica for free…it’s very limited who can. If you are a fairly prominent travel blogger or influencer though–

–wait…you’re reading my blog?? Lil ol’ me?

Can you give me a shoutout on IG or something?

Hahah kidding (👀👀), but if you are, then you can host a group trip to Antarctica! The only company I’ve heard of doing this (so far) is Chimu Adventures, so I’m going to share their stats. Basically how it works is that, as an influencer, you are convincing people to book their Antarctica cruise through them, and in turn, if you get at least 15 people to sign up, then your spot is covered!! If you get 30 people, you get 2 free spots! You need at least 10 people to sign up for the trip to happen, and in that case you will at least get a discount yourself.

This could also work if you are planning on doing a fun group trip anyway – why not make it to Antarctica?? That would really be the cheapest way to visit Antarctica, and everyone else would get a nice bulk-booking discount too!

The only travel influencer I know and would recommend is Kesi from Kesito and Fro ! I’m not sure which company she is partnered with, but she has such infectious good energy and her last Antarctica group trip looked like it was a BLAST! Highly highly recommend checking her out, especially if you want a good lively environment!

Working in Antarctica?

Wait…so basically am I telling you can one-up the cheapest way to visit Antarctica and actually get PAID to visit Antarctica?

That’s exactly what I’m telling you.

Antarctica isn’t like typical destinations. It isn’t like anywhere else in the world, actually. If you want to “live” in Antarctica, albeit temporarily, then the only way are on bases stationed there. The USA has three bases, but I believe 74 countries have at least one base somewhere on the massive continent. If you’re a scientist of some sort – GREAT! Because they’re research bases!

If you’re not…well, don’t worry, you can still get a support job! For example, as an American, the U.S. Antarctic Program deploys roughly 3,000 people to Antarctica every year, mostly during the austral summer from October through February. There are also programs for artists, writers, and journalists to operate out of an Antarctic base!

Outside of bases, you can also apply to work on an Antarctic cruise, either as an expedition guide if you are adventure inclined, or as a crew member! This would technically involve you being more at sea than on land, but hey, you still get there somehow.

I don’t personally have any experience or insight into this, but I’d recommend checking out Michelle at Wander Eat Write who got paid to live in Antarctica by working at one of the bases. Michelle has gotten paid to travel to every continent, so she knows her stuff!!

Cheapest Way to Visit Antarctica: Conclusion

Wow, I’m surprised I kept this post on topic, haha. But there you have it, the cheapest way to visit Antarctica – plus a few extra for discounts! It’s still not CHEAP by any means, but hopefully this post gave you some reassurance that there is a cheapest way to visit Antarctica. It’s not a race though, so don’t feel compelled the shell out thousands now, but something to keep in mind for sure!

If you’ve been to Antarctica, let me know what you think of these penny pinching ways to make the cruise a taddd more affordable. Or…if you have your own cheapest way to visit Antarctica, PLEASE (for the greater good!!), let me know in the comments below!

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Thank you Kay! SO much good information <3

Yayyy! I’m so glad it was helpful! Thank you for reading!

This was SO helpful!!! I’ve been thinking about going for a while and I do happen to have the flexibility to go down and figure it out! Thank you SO much!!

YAYAYAYAY thank you so much for that feedback! I’m so happy this was helpful for you! I can’t wait for you to visit – it’s going to be amazing!!

Amazing information! It’s on my bucket list to visit!

omg thank you!! Looking forward to when you do!

Thank you so much for the good info Kay!!

Ahh the pleasure is ALL MINE!!! Thank you for reading! 🙂

Thanks for this info. Planning for 2025.

Thank you so much for reading! I’m glad you found it useful!!

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Pete and Perry

Get to antarctica on a budget: 4 ways (with 2023 prices).

When Pete and I set our goal to visit all seven continents, we knew that we were going to have to find a way to get to the seventh continent – Antarctica – at some point. Originally, we thought this was a far-off dream, something to pursue in our old age. But when we pulled our timeline for our seven continents goal into the next twelve months, it raised a stressful question: How on earth were we going to get to Antarctica on a budget?

After a lot of research, a few pulled hairs, and one fantastic travel agent , we found a way. It consumed about 25% of our funds for the year, but hey – I’d spend that money all over again. We only get to live once, and we’re thrilled that our lives have included standing in Antarctica.

Here’s everything I learned about how to get to Antarctica on a budget. I’ve included every option – and I mean every option – since most other guides only focus on the smaller expedition cruise ships. And that’s not the only way!

Turns out, there are options that get you to Antarctica starting at $2,000 per person, though you will easily spend more. Let’s take a look and I’ll tell you what we did.

Table of Contents

How to Get to Antarctica on a Budget: All of the Options

Lowest price: large-ship cruise lines.

Imagine my surprise when, after days of doomscrolling through $6,000 – $15,000 per person Antarctica cruises, I found a few listings on VacationsToGo.com for Antarctica cruises under $2,000 per person.

Had I unlocked the secret Antarctica cruise cheat code?

Kind of, but kind of not.

Several major cruise companies, including Princess, Celebrity, and Norwegian, offer South American cruise itineraries with 4 days or so of “scenic cruising” in Antarctica. Their prices are fantastic, but you’ll never step on land. That’s right – large cruise ships with more than 500 passengers can’t land in Antarctica, and these mega-ships all carry 3,000-5,000 or more people.

But at least it’s a fantastic view.

An itinerary with specific locations for your Antarctic cruising may or may not be specified. If details are included, they usually list Paradise Bay (our favorite from our cruise) and Elephant Island.

If this is the only way you can afford to see Antarctica, I would not hesitate to book this option. It still counts as visiting the continent.

This option is best if:

• Budget is your number one priority. You will not find a cheaper price that gets you anywhere close to the Antarctic continent. These cruises also leave major ports in Chile and Argentina, so you’ll have an easier (and cheaper) time finding international airfare.
• You suffer from motion sickness but can’t afford to fly. Larger ships have better stabilization than smaller ships – and that matters in the awful, no-good Drake Passage . (You can find more of our tips to prepare for motion sickness in Antarctica and the Drake Passage here.)
• You also want to see South America in addition to Antarctica. Not gonna lie – the itineraries offered by these large-line cruise ships do look fun! If you want to see more of South America and Antarctica in one trip, this is a convenient way to do it.
• You want all the amenities of a traditional cruise ship. Casinos, entertainment, dances, pools, spas, buffet dining – these cruise ships have everything you’ve come to expect and more.
• You don’t get to step on land. Cruise ships with more than 500 passengers are prohibited from landing in Antarctica. Most landing sites only allow 100 passengers on shore at any given time, so ships with 100-500 passengers have to rotate landing groups.
• Large ships are least able to access narrow channels and remote sites. The largest mega-liners won’t be able to access sites like Deception Island, which require navigation through narrow channels.
• You’ll be further away from wildlife and scenery. Don’t worry – you’re still going to have incredible views, but you’ll be further away than you would be on a small ship or shore landing.

Cost: $1,500 – $2,000 per person in a 2-person inside cabin before taxes and port fees. (Note that the Antarctica-only options listed below do not have taxes and port fees. These do, as you’re visiting other ports in South America.) Expect to pay more for an ocean view, balcony, or suite-sized cabin.

Lowest Price to Step on Land: Budget Small-Ship Cruise Expeditions

Small, Antarctic vessels with less than 200 passengers are probably the most popular way to visit Antarctica. These expedition ships will have fewer (if any) amenities compared to luxury Antarctic ships (mentioned below) and the large oceanliners (mentioned above), but they offer one important feature: the ability to stand on the Antarctic continent at some point during your journey. We went with a budget-friendly small ship for that reason and that reason alone.

While your ship crew will make every effort for you to actually land in Antarctica during your journey, a landing is never guaranteed due to unpredictable weather conditions. That said, it seems that most journeys are successful in at least one landing. When it wasn’t possible for us to get on the ground, our excursions consisted of short cruises in the zodiac boats, which brought us close to icebergs and wildlife.

Although we refer to this option as “budget small-ship,” there’s a fair amount of overlap between “budget small-ship,” “luxury small-ship,” “luxury large-ship,” etc. features and pricing. We recommend comparing pricing and amenities available. If an operator is having trouble selling their last few cabins, you may get a tremendous deal on a more luxurious ship than I’m describing here.

Budget Small-Ship Cruises are best if:

• You want the opportunity to step on land and see wildlife for the lowest possible price. This is it: the cheapest option to be able to brag to your friends that you set foot on Antarctica, hiked around, and stood within 15 feet of a penguin (but no closer, of course, per international Antarctic treaty rules).
• You want to be able to participate in every excursion. If you book a ship with less than 100 passengers, you’ll be able to disembark and join every single excursion. If your ship has more than 100 passengers, there will be a rotating schedule. Our cruise had around 60 passengers, which we enjoyed.
• Small ships are the worst option for motion sickness. If you are going to go this route despite your motion sickness, you might ask how recently the ship was renovated and therefore what kind of stabilization it has. Otherwise, prepare for the worst.
• You may have limited on-shore excursion options. Our ship was not equipped for camping, kayaking, or similar types of Antarctic excursions. We found that the ships offering these excursions had both a higher base price and an additional fee for the excursion itself. Inquire with your travel agent if you want to participate in one of these activities.

Cost: $3,500 – $5,000 per person in a 2-4 person room. Cabins at this price point may share a bathroom and often have a window.

This method is how we chose to get to Antarctica on a budget. In 2023, we paid $4,605 per person for our budget small-ship cruise. We booked about three months in advance.

The lowest price we saw advertised for the entire 2022-2023 season was $3,500 for a triple cabin only 2-4 weeks before the ship’s departure (very last minute). Many last-minute deals are more expensive than that, so you need to consider whether the cost of last-minute airfare and hotels is worth the savings.

Best Ship Experience: Luxury Small-Ship or “Large”-Ship Cruise Expeditions

I’ll be honest that our budget ship was lacking in the decor and amenities side of things. That didn’t bother us, but if it bothers you, you’ll want to book a luxury cruise to Antarctica. You’ll find luxury expedition ships with anywhere from less than 100 (small ship) to 200-500 (large ship) passengers. You’ll still be able to join shore excursions and attempt a landing in Antarctica.

• You want a comfortable ship experience while still being able to land on the continent. Spas, jacuzzis, saunas… if there’s an amenity you want, at least one luxury ship probably has it. You’ll be more comfortable everywhere else on board, too, compared to the budget-friendly ships.
• You want to camp, kayak, ski, and/or polar plunge in Antarctica. Higher-priced and more luxurious ships are more likely to be equipped for adventure sports excursions. Inquire with your travel agent and make sure to book in advance if sleeping under the Antarctic stars is a must for your expedition.
• You want to step on land and get close to the wildlife. Same as the budget ships, you’ll be able to step on land and participate in daily Antarctic excursions as part of your fare. If your ship has fewer than 100 passengers, you’ll be invited to participate in every excursion; if it has more than that, there will be a rotating schedule.
• It’s the most expensive option. But you get what you pay for.
• It’s not the best for motion sickness. Depending on the size of your ship, you’ll still rock quite a bit through the Drake Passage, but you may have better stabilizers than the budget option.

Cost: $4,000 – $15,000+ per person. The sky’s the limit with pricing here. When they’re advertising last-minute deals, the pricing on more luxurious ships may be very close to budget ships. Always make sure to work with your travel agent to compare the amenities offered!

Best for Motion Sickness: Fly and Cruise

Did you know you could fly to Antarctica? You can!

Unlike the cruise-only options, these itineraries depart from Punta Arenas, Chile, and take a 2-3 hour flight to the Chilean Air Force base, avoiding the Drake Passage. There you’ll board a small or large expedition ship for the remainder of your time in Antarctica, cruising through mostly calm waters to reach different excursion sights. (No, there isn’t a hotel in Antarctica – a ship is your only accommodation option.)

• You suffer from severe motion sickness. Not gonna lie: when I was vomiting in the Drake Passage, I sure wished I was flying over it instead. If you suffer from severe motion sickness like me, the fly and cruise option is your best bet. You may still encounter mild motion sickness on the ship after your flight, but the waters around Antarctica are normal and mostly calm.
• You’re short on time. Fly and cruise itineraries are 5-8 days versus the 10-day minimum for a cruise-only.
• You want to step on land and get close to the wildlife. Same as the other expedition ship options!
• Fly and cruise itineraries are shorter and may cost more per day. If you want to fill a longer vacation, or if you’re trying to travel for an extended around-the-world trip like us, fly-and-cruise options may have a higher cost per day due to their shorter duration.

Cost: $6,500-$15,000+ per person in a two-person cabin.

Bonus Option: Work in Antarctica

Can you get paid to visit Antarctica? Yes!

There are only three industries allowed to operate on the white continent:

Getting a job in any of these industries will allow you to be paid to visit Antarctica. For example, you might become:

• a fisherman on an Antarctic fishing vessel
• a scientist, research assistant, or support personnel (nurse, doctor, electrician, plumber, tradesperson, airfield or transportation manager, etc.) at one of the Antarctic research stations
• a crew member on an Antarctic expedition vessel

You can visit the US Antarctic Program or the Australian Antarctic Program for more information about employment opportunities in the science industry. These jobs range from 3-12 month contracts to permanent positions.

If you wish to work on a ship, your best option is to contact individual operators about employment opportunities. You can also search through job aggregators like Cruise Job Finder .

How Do I Book My Trip to Antarctica?

We highly recommend Freestyle Adventure Travel !

This isn’t sponsored – we used Freestyle Adventure Travel to book our budget Antarctica cruise, and we could not have been more impressed. Sarah, Carolina, and the rest of the Freestyle Team took great care of us!

Freestyle sends out regular cruise deal newsletters that we found to be the most comprehensive lists of the best travel deals. I signed up for a bunch of Antarctica-related emails, and Freestyle’s was the only one that provided regular, timely, and useful information about cruise availability. Save yourself some time: sign up for their emails at the bottom of their deals page .

Other travelers on our ship attempted to get the best deals by contacting cruise operators directly via email, phone, or WhatsApp with their travel dates. None of these travelers seemed to receive a better price than us, and they did a lot more work to book their trips. Your mileage may vary.

What else do I need to budget for?

Our cost ranges above are for the cruise fare only. You’ll also need to budget for:

• Hotels before and/or after your cruise
• Food before and/or after your cruise
• Gratuities for the crew (US$15 per person per day was recommended for our voyage. This may increase for more expensive ships.)
• Travel Insurance (We recommend SafetyWing .)

You may also want to budget for the following optional expenses:

• Alcohol and beverages
• Activities in your departure port
• Vaccination, COVID testing, and related expenses, if any
• Visas if you aren’t a US or EU citizen (None required for US citizens.)

In total, we suggest adding US$2,000 per person on top of your cruise fare if you’re going to pay cash for everything and stick to budget-friendly options. You can easily spend less if you use points and miles for your hotel and flight.

Other Money-Saving Tips for Traveling Antarctica on a Budget

Ensure that your cruise fare includes clothing and gear.

Some budget cruise lines do not include clothing or gear in your fare, including your parka, snow pants, and other layers. Our budget cruise did include uninsulated waterproof boots.

If you book through Freestyle Adventure Travel, you’re covered – they include access to their free rental clothing for the duration of your cruise. Other travel agents and direct bookings may not include rental gear. If you need to rent gear, it can add up to $400 to the price of your trip.

Luxury cruises, on the other hand, often include all of your gear and may even let you keep the parka at the end. Make sure to ask in advance.

Consider Fares That Include Flights and Hotel

Some Antarctic cruise fares will include your round-trip flights to Ushuaia and/or a night in a hotel before your cruise departs. It’s worth considering whether this option is more economical than booking your inbound and outbound travel on your own.

Flights to Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile, are more complicated than other destinations, especially if you’re booking close to your cruise departure. We use points and miles for most of our flights, but we were unable to find any good points and miles options to Ushuaia due to the lack of airline coverage. You can learn more about how we ended up booking our flights here.

If you’re flying round-trip to/from Ushuaia or Buenos Aires, then booking your Antarctic cruise fare with the airfare included may be an easy and economical option.

If you intend to explore Chilean or Argentinian Patagonia before or after your cruise – and therefore need one-way flights or other transportation – airfare-inclusive cruise fares won’t work for you.

Hotels aren’t as challenging. Ushuaia has a variety of hotels and AirBnBs that range from budget hostels to luxurious hotels. We spent around $60 per night for an AirBnB with a washer and dryer in Ushuaia before and after our cruise, and later in our travels, we spent around $55 per night for an AirBnB in Punta Arenas, Chile. Again, do the math on whether a hotel-included option is good for you.

Pack Your Own Snacks and Alcohol

Check your cruise line’s individual policies about alcohol. Then, feel free to bring aboard whatever you’d like to drink as long as it’s within the rules!

You can buy alcohol for a better price at either of the supermarkets in Ushuaia ( Carrefour or La Anónima ) than you can on board.

That said, our budget ship had the most affordable prices for alcohol that I’ve ever seen on a cruise ship. A beer was US$5-6; mixed drinks were no more than US$10.

Serve the alcohol that you brought on board in your room. Do not walk around the ship with bottles, especially if they’re made of glass.

You can also inquire with your travel agent about purchasing a drinks package in advance.

We do recommend bringing some of your favorite snacks on board in case you want something outside of mealtime. You should also stock up on anything you need to treat motion sickness in advance.

Use Cash for All Purchases in Ushuaia, Argentina

Do not use your credit card in Argentina! We wrote a whole article about this , but here’s the TL;DR: Converting American dollars to Argentine Pesos at Western Union allows you to access the black market exchange rate and get 50% more pesos than the official rate.

That’s right: using cash is an automatic 50% discount on everything.

Use cash in Argentina! Additionally, book any tours or other items that you can in person once you arrive. Booking in advance online using a credit card will result in you paying – you guessed it – about 50% more.

(This advice does not apply to Punta Arenas, Chile. Feel free to use your credit card there.)

Antarctica Can Be Visited Within Your Budget

While there’s no way that Antarctica is going to be the cheapest destination on your bucket list, you have a variety of options to get to Antarctica on a budget. We hope this guide helps you get started.

Perry Skorcz

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TRAVEL to ANTARCTICA – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Update)

Here is our complete guide to tell you everything you need to know to travel to Antarctica, based on our experiences of visiting and working on the White Continent six times. 

It may just be the number one bucket list adventure for millions of people around the world – travelling to Antarctica!

The remoteness and expense of this incredible destination makes it an unrealised dream for many, but we’re here to help you on your journey to experience it for yourself!

The White Continent is a truly unique place. From its phenomenal landscapes to diverse wildlife, nowhere else on the planet comes close to its beauty.

And that’s not the only things that make it unique. From a political point of view, did you know that there it is the only continent on earth with no official government and no permanent residents?

That’s because in 1959 a couple of countries signed a treaty that over 40 nations follow to this day.

Visiting Antarctica is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.

Whether you would love to hang around with emperor penguins or go  kayaking in the company of humpback whales , or perhaps even climb one of the world’s seven highest summits, there are plenty of reasons to want to pack your bags and  t ravel to Antarctica !

So read carefully and find out why you should stock up on chocolate, what you should bring on your expedition and how to make the most of your trip!

Antarctica Travel Guide

We’ve been lucky enough to travel to Antarctica 6 times, with more trips booked in the near future, and we can safely say it was by the far the most incredible place we have ever visited.

That being said, it’s not an easy trip to make, and it’s especially not a cheap one, so if you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to embark on a voyage, you’ll be one of only 100,000 people a year that actually visit!

In order to get the most out of your trip you need to be well prepared, so make sure to read through our detailed and informative  Antarctica Travel Guide .

After our very successful tour to Antarctica this season, we are going to be running another exclusive adventure down to the Peninsula in 2025, this time crossing the Antarctic Circle! Check out the  tour page  if you’d like to learn more.

Planning on exploring other parts of the polar regions? Don’t miss our brand new complete guide to help you  travel to South Georgia !

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Here are the basics about travel to Antarctica.

Main Destinations

South Shetland Islands, Port Lockroy, Errera Channel, Lemaire Channel, King George Island

Primarily USD on ships.

ENTRY / VISA:

Visitors to Antarctica do not require a visa, however permits are necessary. These will be acquired on your behalf by the tour operator you are travelling with.

English, Spanish, Russian and others depending on the bases.

Travelling to Antarctica comes with inherent risks such as cold weather exposure and possible wildlife encounters. The remoteness of the destination means medical assistance is not instant. All tour operators have trained medical professionals onboard and will mitigate risks to the best of their ability.

ELECTRICITY:

Depends on the ship you are travelling on.

TRANSPORTATION:

The only commercial airport is on King George Island, with charter flights available from Punta Arenas, Chile. Transport around the continent for tourists is primarily done onboard expedition ships and zodiacs.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN ANTARCTICA

With so much to see and do in Antarctica, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Antarctica you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Step Foot on the Continent

The quintessential experience for anybody visiting Antarctica is to officially step foot on the seventh continent. Make sure you book a tour on a ship that carries less than 500 people (less than 200 ideally) to ensure you can do this.

See our recommended Antarctica cruise operators here .

Go Kayaking or SUPing

Zodiac cruises and shore landings are incredible, but nothing quite beat the silence and connection to nature that you get from kayaking!

Read about how to go kayaking in Antarctica .

Camp Under the Stars

If you love adventure and want real bragging rights, you need to experience the fun of camping the night amongst penguins and icebergs.

Learn about camping in Antarctica .

Do the Polar Plunge

Who would jump off of a perfectly good ship into the frigid Southern Ocean? You, you absolute badass! And you’ll get pictures to prove it.

Zodiac Cruise with Whales

In our opinion, the zodiac cruises you take in Antarctica are often better than the shore landings, particularly if you have epic wildlife encounters. Travel late season for humpback whales!

How to Get to Antarctica

EXCLUSIVE – We have partnered with the world’s top polar tour operator, Quark Expeditions, to offer readers of NOMADasaurus a very special deal on any trip to Antarctica or the Arctic! Contact us ([email protected]) if you’d like to learn more.

READ MORE: Check out our latest guide on how to choose the  best Antarctica cruise !

Departures from South America

• Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands
• Puta Arenas in Chile
• Buenos Aires in Argentina
• Santiago in Chile

Departures from New Zealand & Australia

Can you fly to antarctica.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN ANTARCTICA

READ MORE...

What to Wear in Antarctica – Ultimate Travel Packing List

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There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Antarctica, and while you are limited to where the ship can go based on weather conditions and permits, every location is sure to blow your mind.

At just 1600m wide, the Lemaire Channel is one of the most spectacular vistas on the entire Antarctic Peninsula. Navigating through is never guaranteed, but if conditions allow, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Cuverville Island

Cuverville Island lies between the Errera Channel and the Gerlache Strait, and is home to over 7,000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins.

Deception Island

Deception Island is the caldera of an active volcano, and skilled captains can sail their expedition ships right into the heart of it. It is home to an old, abandoned whaling station.

Hanusse Bay, Antarctic Circle

Hanusse Bay lies south of the Antarctic Circle, and is a wintry, iceberg-riddled and wildlife-dense location on the Peninsula.

Visa Requirements for Antarctica

Antarctica doesn’t belong to any one government or jurisdiction, and for that reason, no visas are required.

That being said though citizens of nations that have signed the Antarctica Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection (USA, Canada, EU and Australia) are required to get prior permission before visiting.

Don’t worry though, as this is organised through your licensed tour operator.

5 Interesting Facts About Antarctica

• It’s the coldest continent in the world, with the temperatures in wintertime dropping below -73°C (-100°F). The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Antarctica, and it was a very balmy -89.2°C (-128.6°F).
• There are no permanent residents of Antarctica, only transit residents (around 1,000), that are usually scientists or workers living in different research stations spread all over Antarctica
• Since Antarctica is situated in the southern hemisphere, winter is from May to October, and summer is from November to April.
• Antarctica is actually a desert! That might be surprising to a lot of people, because when we think of deserts we think of hot, dry, large sand surfaces. Since it doesn’t rain or snow in Antarctica it’s considered a polar desert.
• Antarctica holds 90% of the world’s fresh water!

Keen to learn more? Check out our full list of our favourite  facts about Antarctica !

The Best Time to Travel to Antarctica

Unless you are working for a government organisation, the only time to travel to Antarctica is in the summer.

But what month should you visit in? Well that depends on what you want to see, and what your expectations are.

Read our complete guide on the  best time to visit Antarctica , or read on for more information.

Some may argue that early season is actually the best time to visit Antarctica, because you can see it in its most undisturbed form.

After the long, cold winter, the landscape is covered in a fresh blanket of snow and ice, leaving everything looking clean and pristine (and quite other-worldy).

In terms of wildlife it’s possible to see whales, but not as much as later in the season as the water temperatures are still too cold.

If you visit at this time of year though expect to see lots of penguins, seals and birds.

The main downside to coming in November is that the temperatures are lower and polar ice is still breaking up, which means some areas of the continent are not accessible.

Peak Season – December to February

The peak season coincides with the brief summer, and is by far the most popular time to visit the continent.

Temperatures are at their highest and you get up to 20 hours of sunlight a day!

Whales are starting to visit the waters, baby penguins are plentiful, the birdlife is incredible and you’ll have a much better chance at seeing Antarctica with blue skies.

When we say it is the most popular time to visit though, we mean it. While the tour operators are strictly controlled to where and when they can visit certain areas, you may see other ships around and the foot traffic at the popular spots like Deception Island is much higher.

March to Early April

Late summer in Antarctica is the best time for whale spotting, and while a lot of the other animals have started their migration, you’ll see huge amounts of humpbacks, whales and minkes frolicking in the waters.

This time of year you will have access to almost all areas as the polar ice would have melted.

But with the temperatures slowly starting to drop as the season transitions to winter, it can be unpredictable, and snow storms are more frequent.

We personally believe travelling in the shoulder season is best!

Travel Itineraries Suggestions

When you book your trip to Antarctica your itinerary is more or less determined by whichever journey you sign up for. You can’t deviate from this, so it’s important to pick an itinerary that encompasses everything you’d like to see and do.

Most standard Antarctica itineraries start and finish in Ushuaia, and go for 10 days. This includes 2 days each way to cross the Drake Passage, and a few days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

If you have more time, and would like to see extra places, we recommend looking for a voyage that visits the Falkland Islands and South Georgia as well. These kind of trips usually last for around 17-20 days.

These archipelagos have tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities, and are filled with fascinating history, such as the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

If you want a very in-depth Antarctic Peninsula adventure, you can look at crossing the Antarctic Circle, but only a few select companies do this mission.

We crossed the Circle in 2024 with Quark Expeditions and it was an incredible experience.

Budget for Travelling to Antarctica

We’re going to level with you – A tour to Antarctica is not cheap.

But when you compare everything you get to see and do, as well the remote location of the destination and just what is involved on an expedition, it is actually quite fair.

You can expect to spend anywhere from USD$500 per day right up to $3,000 per day, and this depends completely on the itinerary, the company and the type of berth you want to sleep in on the ship.

If you’re looking to save money on an Antarctica tour, the only way you can do this is to book a ticket last-minute.

Different Styles of Antarctica Tour Packages

When you’re doing your research on trips to Antarctica you might be amazed to see a huge difference in price from one company to the next. So why the fluctuation?

This often comes down to two things – the quality of the ship you will be travelling on, and the reputation of the company.

Cheap Antarctica Tours

Not all companies are created equal, and you need to take this into consideration when booking your trip. If a tour company is super cheap, there’s probably a reason for that.

The service of leaders and staff might not be as good, the ship might be much older, and you might only get a limited number of days on the actual continent.

We’ve seen trips for as cheap as USD$5000. Remember though, you get what you pay for.

Our Secret Tip –  Want to go with a reputable and responsible company to Antarctica, but aren’t ready to pay huge amounts? Book the cheapest cabin on the ship.

You still get the exact same service, same guides, same destinations, same activities, except you’re not paying a huge amount for a fancy room. And the truth is you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway, so save your money and just book a cheap berth with a good company.

There are plenty of luxury cruise ships that visit Antarctica, and if this is what you’re into, then perfect.

These ships will have all the creature comforts you’d expect to find on a high-end cruise ship, with hot tubs, swimming pools, masseuses, elevators, etc.

Luxury Antarctic cruises might include charter flight tickets to the Ushuaia too, so you can avoid any complicated flight itineraries and add maximum comfort during your trip.

Sometimes they are part of longer South America trips that start in places like Montevideo in Uruguay or Buenos Aires, and finishing up in Valparaiso in Chile.

But these tailor-made experiences comes at a hefty price, which can go up to $25’000 (or more)!

Is this the best way to visit Antarctica? In our opinion, sometimes – it depends.

You do get what you pay for. You’ll have a newer, better ship with nicer cabins, higher quality food and potentially more experienced expedition staff.

We’ve travelled at both ends of the spectrum – on super budget trips with companies like Intrepid, and high-end luxury ships with Quark Expeditions.

Both had their pros and cons. It comes down to your budget.

Last Minute Antarctica Cruises

So what about these last minute Antarctica cruises that people talk about? Is it really possible to cruise to Antarctica for less than USD$5000?

Short answer, yes. However last minute means last minute, and you’ll often have to travel to Ushuaia and register your interest with a number of tour operators in the town.

If an opening comes up (such as someone cancelling their trip) you’ll be on a waiting list to join the tour. But you may only be given a day or two’s notice, and you may end up spending a week or more down in Ushuaia waiting to hear.

A family we met managed to score some last-minute Antarctica tickets after waiting more than 3 weeks in Patagonia, and when they got the word that it was happening they had 36 hours to drop everything and get to Ushuaia in time to jump onboard.

If you have the time and funds to stay down in southern Patagonia for a few weeks this can be a viable way to visit Antarctica cheaply.

Can I Work on a Cruise Ship to Antarctica?

Yes, you absolutely can. But the idea that you can literally just show up at the dock and get a job cleaning rooms or working in a kitchen is unfortunately not true.

The employees of these companies have months of training and maritime-grade certifications before they are sent on a trip to Antarctica and often have to sign long contracts.

Sorry, to be bearer of bad news, but no, y ou can’t show up in Ushuaia and get a one-off job on a cruise to Antarctica.

Insider’s Tip – Book A Small Group Expedition

Very few people know this when booking their travels to Antarctica, but if you end up on a ship that has more than 200 passengers onboard, your time on the continent is severely limited!

That’s because IAATO rules states that no more than 200 people from any one voyage can get off the ship at any one time, and no more than 100 people can step foot on the continent at once, so if your tour has more than this, you’ll end up spending a lot of time waiting on the ship while the other group is off exploring.

If you have between 100-200 people onboard, you do what’s known in the industry as a ‘split landing’ – basically half the group go ashore while the other half zodiac cruise, then you swap midway through the excursion.

In our expert opinion this isn’t a bad thing. We personally prefer zodiac cruising anyway.

Even worse though, if you end up booking a large cruise ship with more than 500 people onboard, IAATO regulations mean nobody gets off the ship.

That means you won’t even get the chance to do anything more other than simply look at the landscapes from afar.

And while this is still pretty amazing, in our opinion you’re paying all this money to go there – you may as well actually step foot on Antarctica!

Here’s an article to give you some more  tips on how to choose a tour.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the most isolated places in the world and as such it has managed to maintain its pristine nature with minimum human impact (although climate change is reeking havoc down there).

For anyone wishing to enjoy the dramatic landscapes covered in polar ice and beautiful wildlife, make sure your cruise includes our top places to visit in Antarctica!

The Lemaire Channel

The Lemaire Channel is a narrow passage on the Antarctic Peninsula that is stunningly beautiful to navigate. On all sides you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, tumbling glaciers and glistening icebergs.

It’s also a dream come true for marine life lovers, as you can spot all kinds of seals and even whales, including humpbacks and orcas!

No matter how cold it gets, we guarantee you won’t go below the deck in fear you might miss something!

Deception Island always proves to be a highlight of people’s travels to Antarctica as it is incredibly beautiful, and has a human element to it with the old whaling station.

But why the name Deception Island? That’s because even though it looks like just an island, it’s actually a caldera of an active volcano!

The waters here are a tad warmer than the rest of the seas around, making it a popular spot for people to do the polar plunge.

Vernadsky Research Station

No trip to Antarctica would be complete without spending some time at a functioning science base, and luckily you can do just that at Vernadsky Research Station!

This Ukrainian-run base has a lot of history, and today the scientists working there open their doors to visitors.

It’s even home to the southern-most bar in the world! Read all about it in our article about  Vernadsky Research Station.

South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are a small group of islands about 120km north of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Their location makes them one of the most visited places on the peninsula, and they are a great place to visit in Antarctica because of the huge population of elephant seals and penguins.

South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands

While  South Georgia  and the Sandwich Islands don’t actually belong to Antarctica (they are part of the United Kingdom), we couldn’t write a list about the top places to visit without mentioning this place.

It has been called the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean due to the abundance of wildlife that congregates there.

You can see hundreds of thousands of king penguins hanging out on beaches, 4-tonne elephant seals battling each other for mates and the largest bird in the world, the Wandering Albatross.

South Georgia can be included on a few Antarctic cruise itineraries, so if you have the time we highly recommend visiting.

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Antarctica

So what exactly is there to do in Antarctica? Plenty!

We wrote this comprehensive guide on the  best things to do in Antarctica , but let us break down some of the highlights here.

Camping Under the Stars

Yes it is entirely possible to go  camping in Antarctica , but only if you join the right tour operator that provides the right gear.

It might sound risky because of the extreme weather conditions, but that’s why you should only do it with a company that takes all safety measures seriously.

You will sleep in winter-grade bivvy sacks with high-quality sleeping bags, and the expedition leaders will monitor the weather systems closely to make sure that it’ll be the optimum evening to do so.

The adventure won’t seem as challenging once night sets and you get thrown into a daze by views of the open sky and stars, with zero light pollution around to hide the universe.

Laying under the stars and waking up to the sun rising over the vast snowy landscape will be etched into your mind forever.

Take the Polar Plunge

How does swimming in the world’s coldest place sound to you? Well you can do just that in Antarctica, and it’s an experience that’ll give you the ultimate bragging rights.

Whether you’re jumping from a boat or do a sprint into the icy waters at the beach on Deception Island, it’s going to be frigidly cold. But the pain only lasts a minute, and you’ll have expert guides around you to warm you up with blankets and hot chocolate.

Climb Mount Vinson

For those that want a serious adventure, and have the skills to go with it, why not consider climbing the tallest mountain in Antarctica, Mount Vinson!

The mountain is 4897m high, but of course this isn’t for the average traveller to Antarctica, and you won’t find a standard cruise ship that goes there.

It’s one of the world’s seven highest summits, making it a must-do for any mountaineer looking to achieve the Holy Grail.

Kayaking With Whales

Sea kayaking in Antarctica is one of the best adventure activities on the continent, and it’s easy to see why.

Surrounded by icebergs, calm waters and huge glaciers, you can spend hours paddling around, being constantly amazed at the scenery.

This is the best way to get closer to Antarctica’s rich marine life, and if you’re really lucky, you might even have a close encounter with a humpback whale!

Hanging Out With Penguins

Hanging out with penguins is everyone’s number one item on their Antarctica bucket list.

There are six types of penguins living in Antarctica and they are one of the few animals on the continent that is pretty much a guarantee to see no matter when you go!

The guideline on interacting with wildlife on Antarctica is that you have to keep your distance, at least 5 meters away from all wildlife, but if they approach you that’s no problem!

These friendly birds are very unfamiliar with humans, so chances are they will come right up to you if you just hang out and wait.

Transport in Antarctica

Unless you’re working on a research station, the only form of transport you’ll get to experience in Antarctica is the floating kind.

Cruise or Expedition Ships

The main mode of transport in Antarctica is by ship, and you have a couple of different options – A luxury cruise ship, or a research expedition ship.

Cruise ships are comfortable and luxurious, but they might also lack the character and sense of adventure that you’d expect from a place like Antarctica.

We most recently travelled on a  polar expedition vessel called the Ultramarine , and it was amazing in that they were conducting real-life science research as we went.

Zodiacs (Inflatable Rubber Boats)

This is the most common, and fun way, to get your way around Antarctica.

They are used for getting from your ship to shore, or for just exploring around the gorgeous seas. They are open-air, which means you’re exposed to the elements, so make sure you wear plenty of protective gear.

We’ve already spoken about kayaks before, but if you have the chance to paddle around the continent you should definitely take it!

Safety in Antarctica

While Antarctica truly delivers on the promise of untouched nature and rich wildlife, one should seriously prepare to be exposed to the harsh climate and one of the most dangerous environments in the world.

But don’t stress too much about it – Chances are you’ll only be travelling to Antarctica in the summer, where the temperatures are warmer anyway.

Plus all Antarctic tours have qualified and experienced medical staff onboard, so you’ll be in safe hands.

Rough Sea Weather

When crossing the Drake Passage, which is a gruelling 48-hour journey, there’s a chance that you will encounter some rough sea weather.

Don’t worry though, because expedition ships are designed to charge through even the most turbulent of seas, so even though you might feel scared, the boats are absolutely fine.

If you’re prone to sea sickness you can take strong medication to help, or if you’re absolutely petrified we suggest booking a trip that has a flight to King George Island instead of boarding the cruise ship in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

Walking On Ice

The key to crossing the icy sections of the continent are to have good quality boots.

Sometimes the tour operator will supply you with these boots, but make sure you do your research before you show up.

The guide will offer you some practical advice how to walk across icy sections. Usually those instructions consist of keeping a slow pace and short, confident steps where you plant your feet.

Harsh Climate

The main issue travellers to Antarctica will come across is the harsh climate, so make sure you come prepared.

You need to pack all the necessities before you come, because the right clothing is the most important factor in whether you will have a good time or not.

Learn to layer up, because the temperature can change rapidly, and the last thing you want is to have one giant, warm coat on when the sun comes out, meaning all you have underneath is a t-shirt.

The expedition leaders will keep an eye on the weather to help keep you safe in Antarctica.

Cruise Ship Safety

Most incidents that happen to cruise ships in Antarctica involves the pack ice, but this is an extremely rare occurrence in this day and age.

It’s important to know that your tour operator evaluates all risks and manages the trip around perceived hazards. Safety is their number one priority.

Today we’re able to predict icebergs, pack ice and unexposed hazards with forward-scanning sonar and ice radars, and all cruise ships have them in use.

Medical System in Antarctica

All tour operators have a medical team on-board for any possible health issues you may encounter.

The only thing up to the traveller to take care of is to make sure you get the proper vaccinations before the expedition.

The vaccines that you should be up-to-date on are:

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Diphteria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• Polio vaccine

The risk of acquiring of any of those diseases comes from the fact that they’re easily spread from person to person, and the close living quarters.

You will be sharing same space with people from many different parts of the world which carries an increased risk of contracting a disease.

Packing List for Antarctica

Making sure to pack everything you need for your Antarctica travels is the most vital part of your travel preparations.

Some of the tour operators will supply you with adequate waterproof jacket, pants and boots, but make sure to check with them.

Check out our detailed guide on  what to wear in Antarctica  to get you prepared.

Men And Women

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Boots (with the most grip)
• Thermal underwear
• Thermal socks x2
• Merino wool socks x3
• T-shirts x4
• Long sleeve shirt x1
• Hooded jumper x1
• Down jacket x1
• Wind/rain jacket x1
• Glove liners x1 pair
• Ski gloves x1 pair
• Buff bandana x2
• Sunglasses x1

Miscellaneous Items

• Camera (here’s  our list of the absolute best travel cameras on the market )
• Wide angle & zoom lens
• Spare batteries x4
• SD memory cards x4
• Waterproof cases for electronics

Travel Tips To Antarctica

• Wear layers! In some moments when you physically exert yourself you will start feeling a bit hot so then you should take off a layer. Later on when you feel cold again just put it back on – it’s important to regulate the body temperature.
• Invest in your camera equipment! This is a trip that most people only take once in their lifetime – you want to be sure to  make memorable photos of it.
• When booking your cruise make sure that somewhere it says ‘step foot on the continent’ because some cruise ships don’t allow passengers to leave the vessel!
• Think of flying to Buenos Aries before connecting to Ushuaia. It might end up a cheaper and you can arrive a day or two earlier to explore Buenos Aries.
• Buy a  good travel insurance policy ! Antarctica is so isolated and unpredictable that your travel policy should always include an emergency evacuation charge!

Table of Contents

Read our antarctica blog posts, the best time to visit antarctica – month by month breakdown.

5 Best Affordable Antarctica Cruises

Cruising to Antarctica is a fantastic way to visit the White Continent. However, if you’ve ever seen the prices and the cost of an Antarctica trip , it probably left you in sticker shock. The good news is, there are ways to travel to Antarctica on a budget! This post will cover the best affordable Antarctica cruises to show you that you won’t need to go into debt to travel to this incredible place.

This post contains affiliate links. When you click on these links and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. This helps me keep the site going and I appreciate your support.

** Please note that pricing and itineraries can vary from year to year so it’s always a good idea to check current offerings. This post is meant to act as guidance to get you started in your search.**

Find Your Perfect Cruise

Don’t have time to read the whole post? Here are my top picks!

Holland America

• 4 Days in Antarctica
• Sails the Chilean Fjords

Princess Cruises

• Stops in Falkland Islands

Hurtigruten Expeditions

• 10 Days in Antarctica
• Passengers can go ashore

Best Affordable Antarctica Cruises: Larger Ships

The cheapest way to visit Antarctica is by cruising on a larger ship that sails by the continent but doesn’t let passengers go ashore. Instead, you will sail to the Antarctic Peninsula and into some of the surrounding bays where you will see wildlife, mountains, icebergs, and more. It is truly a magical experience.

While several big cruise lines sail to Antarctica, like Celebrity, Norwegian, Princess, and Holland America, not all itineraries are created equal. For example, Celebrity and Norwegian only spend two days in Antarctica and do not go further into the peninsula where some of the best scenery is. That is why these cruise lines didn’t make my list.

Here are my recommendations for the most affordable Antarctica cruises.

1. Princess Cruises 16 Day Cruise

For an affordable cruise that still spends plenty of time in Antarctica, consider sailing with Princess. This 16-day itinerary stops in some South American ports like the Falkland Islands as well as spends 4 days in Antarctica. Onboard naturalists and expert speakers will help you get the most out of your journey.

This option is excellent if you are short on time and want a cheap option that provides the most value for a trip to the White Continent. Prices start at around $1,700 per person and include transportation, accommodation, onboard activities, and meals. Wi-Fi, beverages, tips, and excursions (not available in Antarctica) are an additional fee.

Other itineraries are also available if you wish to combine more of South America with an Antarctica trip. For example, you could book the 34-Day Antarctica, Andes & Cape Horn Grand Adventure for around $3,100 per person.

2. Holland America 22 Day Cruise

This 22-day cruise combines some of the beauty of South America with a voyage to Antarctica. You’ll spend time cruising the Chilean Fjords, visiting interesting ports where you have a chance to get close to adorable penguins, and sailing the Antarctica Peninsula for 4 days.

Onboard, you can attend port talks, and learn about the science of the area, as well as get a better understanding of Antarctica from someone who used to live there. Holland America hires scientists and experts to make your journey a truly enjoyable one.

Once in Antarctica, you’ll visit incredible areas such as Deception Island, Le Maire Channel, Neu Maiyer Channel, Paradise Harbor, Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, Gerlache Strait, Wilhelmina Bay, Charlotte Bay, and Elephant Island. Your days will be busy as you watch for wildlife such as Humpback Whales, Orca Whales, four different species of penguins, seals, and birds.

The cost of this cruise starts at $3,500 per person which includes meals, transportation, onboard activities, and accommodations. You can add extras for an additional fee such as Wi-Fi, alcoholic beverages, specialty dining, gratuities, and shore excursions (not available in Antarctica).

Best Affordable Antarctica Cruises: Expedition Ships

Sailing to Antarctica on an expedition ship will certainly cost more than a larger cruise ship. However, the main benefit to these types of cruises is that you can step foot on the White Continent. They are also mainly all-inclusive.

If this is more of the experience you wish to have during your voyage, then it may be worth the added cost. Below are my recommendations for the most affordable Antarctica expedition cruises.

3. Hurtigruten Expeditions 11 Night Cruise

This 11-night cruise will allow you to visit both the Shetland Islands as well as the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll be able to take advantage of the included landings so you can say you actually stepped foot on Antarctica.

Watch adorable penguins waddle over snowy icebergs, look for whales and more during your trip. Expedition leaders will be on hand to help you take the perfect picture as well as provide valuable information about what you are seeing.

Prices start at $9,300 per person and include onboard activities such as an onboard science center where you can participate in research, landings, transportation, meals, Wi-Fi, a reusable water bottle, 1 night pre-cruise hotel stay, domestic flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, and loan of clothing (boots, trekking poles, and coat).

Some items such as shore excursions (camping in Antarctica, kayaking, snowshoeing etc.) and gratuities are an additional cost.

This is the cheapest and most inclusive expedition cruise to help you get the most value out of your money.

4. Silversea 10 Night Cruise

While this is the shortest cruise to make my list, it is one that sails only to the Antarctica region. As a result, you’ll spend 6 days in Antarctica with an additional day in the Shetland Islands. If you are planning to explore South America on a separate trip, this is a fantastic option.

It is also considered more of a luxury ship vs an expedition ship. You will enjoy all the classic comforts during your voyage.

Prices start at $13,350 per person and include accommodations in a suite with private butler, ocean transportation, entertainment and daily activities, gratuities, on-board meals, wines & spirits, and port charges. Not included in the price are shore excursions and Wi-Fi.

5. Hurtigruten Expeditions 17 Night Cruise

As the longest cruise to make this list, you will get to spend ten exciting days in Antarctica during this sailing. In addition, you will get a chance to go farther south than any other voyage on this list. It is an immersive experience that is perfect for lovers of the 7th continent.

You will be delighted with the wildlife you see as well as the giant icebergs that float by. There will be plenty of chances for you to go ashore and be amazed at the beauty around you.

Although this is the most expensive cruise on this list, it is one of the cheaper longer itineraries available so you can fulfill all your Antarctica dreams. Prices start at $12,700 per person and include one night pre-cruise hotel stay, flight to Ushuaia, expedition leader, science center, loan of clothing, reusable water bottle, Wi-Fi, meals, Antarctica landings, and more.

Not included are excursions, travel insurance, tips, and personal expenses.

Antarctica Cruise Questions

What is included in the price of my cruise.

Each cruise line will have separate inclusions and exclusions in the cost of their voyages. For the cruises that made this list, I’ve included that information above. If you find an itinerary or cruise provider that is not mentioned here, look at the fine print to see what is included in your fare.

What should I pack for my Antarctica cruise?

For both styles of cruises, you will want to pack and wear layers. Usually, a moisture wicking layer in addition to warmer items such as fleece or wool. Outer layers should offer protection against wind and precipitation.

If you are a wheelchair user who is concerned about staying warm, consider using a wheelchair cozy or lap blanket to help hold in heat.

Quality Camera

You will also want to make sure to pack a good camera with a quality zoom lens. Wildlife can be far away, and cell phone cameras just don’t quite cut it. It would be a shame to spend all that money on a trip to not have wonderful photos to remember it by.

You’ll also want to make sure you have the right camera for your abilities. Having something so high-tech you don’t know how to properly use it doesn’t produce the best images. Likewise, if you are a person with a disability, you will want to make sure you have the right tools to make photography for disabled individuals easier.

Are cruises to Antarctica wheelchair accessible?

While expedition ships aren’t built with accessibility in mind, the larger cruise ships are. These cruises to Antarctica are wheelchair accessible and offer an incredible experience. In fact, you can read more about how I visited Antarctica as a wheelchair user in my other post.

Are there sales on cruises to Antarctica?

You will often find sales on cruises to Antarctica when you book early (like when itineraries are first released), during wave season (January-March), and around the holidays. Sales can vary by cruise line but may include free international airfare, no single supplement fees, or other perks such as onboard credit.

Are cruises to Antarctica rough?

Drake’s Passage has two nicknames, the Drake Shake and the Drake Lake. It’s hard to predict how rough or calm this notorious passage will be. Waves can get as high as 60 feet tall! It’s always better to plan for rough weather and be prepared with seasickness prevention measures. Sea Bands, Dramamine, ginger chews, and more can help combat this illness.

What is the best month to go to Antarctica?

The best month to go to Antarctica will depend on your goals. If you are looking for cheaper prices, then the months of November and March (or even late February) may help you score a better deal.

However, during the months of December and January there tend to be more whales and the penguins have started to hatch their chicks. So, for a wildlife lover, these months may be optimal.

Is cruising to Antarctica worth the price?

People value different things so it’s hard to give a universal answer to this question. Personally, I felt like cruising to Antarctica was worth the price. I sailed with Holland America and although I didn’t set a wheel on Antarctica, I still had an incredible experience.

If you’re still on the fence, check out my post on the top reasons to visit Antarctica to help you make your decision.

Are cruises to Antarctica safe?

You may have heard in the news about ships getting damaged or people dying during a cruise to Antarctica and now wonder how safe this journey will be. It is important to remember, that the news mostly highlights the negative and those few and far between circumstances where someone is injured or has died. Most cruises to Antarctica do not have such dramatic outcomes.

Any time we travel, there are inherited risks and cruising to Antarctica is no exception. However, the captain and crew work hard to ensure everyone’s safety by taking necessary precautions such as changing the itinerary due to weather. Don’t let the news scare you and prevent you from taking this incredible trip.

Are cruises to Antarctica safe for the environment?

There are very strict rules and regulations for anyone traveling to Antarctica. Most of the area around the White Continent is protected and a sanctuary for wildlife. Additionally, there are several organizations that regulate tourism in the region.

One of these organizations is IAATO . For more information about what they are doing to protect the Antarctica environment, I encourage you to visit their website.

While cruising to Antarctica does present some challenges to protecting it, they also serve a significant importance to its preservation. When people visit and experience the beauty of the continent, they become more invested in protecting and saving it.

Conclusions on the best affordable Antarctica cruises

I hope that this post has shown you that there are affordable Antarctica cruises out there, and that traveling to the White Continent may be cheaper than you originally thought. It is truly a trip of a lifetime which I hope you get to take. I know it’s a journey that will leave you in awe, just like it did me.

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I'm Kristin and I was born with a rare form of Muscular Dystrophy, which impacts my mobility and breathing. Despite this challenge, I have travelled across the United States and abroad and want to share my accessible travel information with others.

Ultimate ANTARCTICA Travel Guide

Antarctica is officially the 7th continent  and southernmost located destination on earth. Travel to Antarctica is a true adventure and not for the weary. Sailing to the continent is done through rough waters and takes days.

The two most visited areas are the Antarctic Peninsula that can be accessed Ushuaia, Argentina in South America by ship or flight, and the Ross Sea ice cap that can be accessed from  New Zealand  by ship.

The most popular place to visit in Antarctica is the  Antarctic Peninsula  though, as sailing from South America is easier.

Itineraries to the Antarctic Peninsula start at 11 days and up to 25 days depending on whether you choose an itinerary that visits some of the surrounding islands, such as the Falkland or South Georgia islands.

Hands down, Antarctica travel is one of the most unique experiences you will ever have in your life. You’ll visit massive penguin rookeries, experience ice in a way you didn’t know was possible, and enjoy whales from every angle.

Destinations

Antarctica travel: quick tips, don’t visit antarctica without:.

MOUISTURIZING CREAM

GET A GUIDEBOOK

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

ANTARCTICA BUCKET LIST

Cross the drake passage.

Sailing the notorious seas between South America and Antarctica is one the greatest adventures you can ever embark on. Enjoy wildlife watching, iceberg spotting, and the open ocean.

OBSERVE PENGUINS

Antarctica is the best place in the world to observe penguins. Expeditions will get you up close and personal with Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins. It is also possible to see Adelie, Emperor, and King penguins depending on your itinerary. 

MARVEL AT BIG ICE

The ice in Antarctica is no joke and you’ll find yourself standing in awe as you get up close to massive icebergs. You’ll learn about ice formation, types of bergs and have the chance to identify them on your excursions away from the ship.

MORE THINGS TO TRY IN ANTARCTICA

While a trip to this part of the world may seem redundant at first glance, there is a surprising amount of things to do in Antarctica when you get there.

The trick will be getting to actually do them because weather and wild animal patterns mean nothing is ever guaranteed.

POLAR PLUNGE:   A trip to Antarctica would not be complete without participating in a chilly polar plunge. This can be done wither from the shore of the ship but regardless of how you get in the water, we guarantee it will be a cold dip!

VISIT PORT LOCKROY:  The remains of an old British research station is now operating as a small gift shop, post office and museum for visitors to Antarctica. The penguins have also moved in, meaning it’s a good place to watch nesting behavior.

WHALERS BAY:  The remains of an old whaling station haunt the shores of the volcanic Deception Island. Visiting here is a surreal experience that is paired with tall snow-capped mountains and steaming black sand beaches.

WHALE WATCHING:  Antarctica is one of the best places in the world for whale watching. Hundreds of whales across many species migrate into polar waters to feed on krill during the southern summer. This means your chances of seeing whales up close, especially humpbacks, is high.

SNOW HIKING:  One of our favorite things was to hike on the continent. After landing by zodiac we were allowed to explore the landing area, sometimes leading up onto high lookouts. We encountered penguins, birds and could often see whales feeding in the waters just off the coast.

KAYAKING:  There are fewer ways to get intimate with the natural beauty of Antarctica. Most ships offer an onboard kayak program that will allow you to paddle in the Antarctic waters during your trip, weather allowing.

CAMPING:  I know, this sounds crazy but you can absolutely camp out in Antarctica. Some of the expedition companies that frequent Antarctica offer the option to spend a night away from the ship. It’s an unreal experience and if you’re interested, be sure to book in advance of your trip to ensure you get a spot.

Pack like a pro on your trip to ANTARCTICA!

Popular regions in antarctica, antarctic peninsula.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most northerly part of the Antarctic continent and the most southerly area that’s generally visited by  cruises  when it comes to Antarctica travel. The peninsula is separated from Tierra del Fuego, the most southerly point in South America, by the infamously rough and stormy Drake Passage .  It’s a dramatic and seemingly inhospitable place. Huge icebergs and vast ice sheets can be found in the surrounding waters, even in summer, and high, ice-topped mountain peaks rise above the peninsula. It’s the last frontier in the world for tourists, but it’s surprisingly busy with wildlife.  Across the peninsula you can find colonies of penguins, you can watch seals hunting from afar, and watch albatrosses flying through the air. Visitors can kayak through icy fjords, you can call into the Antarctic research centers found on the peninsula, and you can even camp out under the stars.

Visiting Antarctica from New Zealand is an option that is commonly overlooked. This for a couple of reasons but mainly due to the lack of operators that offer this route.   That said, this makes visiting this part of Antarctica really elusive and special.  Itineraries to the Ross Sea leave from Invercargill, New Zealand, and visit a series of sub-Antarctic islands like Macquarie Island, Auckland Islands, and the Snares before heading further south.  They then reach the Ross Sea region where several days are spent exploring Antarctica the same as you would along the Antarctic Peninsula. 

FALKLAND ISLANDS

The Falkland Islands are found far north of the Antarctic continent and are on the boundary of the sub-Antarctic region. They are a popular stop on many Antarctica travel cruises, as itineraries will include the islands before continuing further south.  Off the coast of Argentina, the Falklands are perhaps most infamous for the ongoing dispute that’s pitted Argentina against the United Kingdom, as the islands are a British Overseas Territory. You can experience life on the edge of the world when you visit the small capital of Stanley, explore the history of this remote destination, and the many conflicts that have rocked it, and even drink a few beers in a British pub. The Falklands are wild and windswept, and you can find large colonies of penguins across the islands. Bird lovers will be able to spot Albatrosses, while there are a surprisingly large number of introduced species of animals too, including thousands of sheep. 

SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

The South Shetland Islands are an archipelago that’s found to the north of the Antarctic Peninsula. They are a popular stop for many cruises taking visitors to enjoy their Antarctica travel experience because the islands are a haven for wildlife in an otherwise icy world. This is one of the most-visited parts of Antarctica, because the islands lie closer to South America, and have a warmer climate than the Antarctic Peninsula. One of the best places to visit is Deception Island , a barren, semi-submerged island that’s actually the caldera of an active volcano. It’s home to thousands of penguins, black sand beaches, and the abandoned remnants of whaling stations.  The largest island is King George Island, where you’ll find a large number of permanent research stations and even an airport. Penguin Island is another volcanic island that, as the name would suggest, is popular for those looking to see large numbers of penguins in the wild.

SOUTH GEORGIA

South Georgia is even more remote and isolated than the Falkland Islands, and along with the South Sandwich Islands, it’s another British Overseas Territory. South Georgia is the largest island in the archipelago, but no one really lives here permanently. It’s an inhospitable land on the edge of Antarctica, and it’s the perfect place for anyone looking to escape the rest of the world. You can find King Penguins, seals, and plenty of whales around the island, while there’s also a surprisingly large number of historical sights. You can pay your respects to an Antarctic explorer at Ernest Shackleton’s grave, you can visit the tiny ‘capital’ at King Edward Point, where a few hardy individuals brave the winters, and you can visit old whaling stations strung around the island. 

ANTARCTICA TRAVEL BUDGET

Antarctica travel has a reputation for being expensive, but considering what you are experiencing and what’s generally included in the cruise packages, they can be surprisingly good value.

Independent travel to the region is virtually impossible, so the only way that you’re getting here is on a cruise, or on a fly-cruise.

Packages vary in cost depending on the length of the trip, your standard of onboard accommodation and the destinations and activities included. Accommodation and food will be included in the total cost, but optional activities such as sea kayaking will cost more.

Flights to the departure point will not be included in most cases. You can get discounts by booking up last-minute spots that have yet to be filled, or by traveling on cruises scheduled to depart at the beginning and end of the summer season.

More expensive cruises may include guest speakers and onboard scientific researchers who will be able to enlighten you along the way. Always check what’s included before booking any Antarctica travel package.

STARTING AT $6,000 USD

While extreme budget travel is never possible when it comes to Antarctica travel, there are ways to get around high costs. The cheapest cruises start from around USD 6000 for a classic 10-day voyage from Argentina, to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. You’ll have a basic, shared cabin.

STARTING AT $10,000 USD

Mid-range cruises generally cost upwards of USD 10,000 for a longer voyage taking in more destinations, such as the Falklands and South Georgia, as well as the classic routes along the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands.

STARTING AT $20,000 USD

When it comes to luxury cruises in the Antarctica travel sphere, the costs can be endless. If you have the money and time you can easily spend upwards of USD 20,000 for a comprehensive multi-week itinerary with excellent food and onboard guest speakers.

ETHICAL ANTARCTICA TRAVEL

While comparatively few tourists visit Antarctica compared to other destinations across the world, this area of wilderness in the south is unused to human activity.

In the past, animal populations have come to the brink of extinction because of unethical human practices such as whaling or seal hunting.

While this does not happen anymore, the new challenge for Antarctica is increasing tourism, and ethical tourism practices need to be followed to protect the area, as per the IAATO Code.

As a tourist, you need to be aware of your impact on the environment, and that means leaving it as you found it.

Do not litter or discard any trash, either in the ocean or on land. Don’t leave anything behind, but equally don’t take anything you shouldn’t with you, be it as simple as a rock or pebble.

Many travelers visit Antarctica  for the wildlife , and the animals need to be respected. Follow the guidelines at all times, and stay within designated distances from the wildlife. As cute as those penguins might look, don’t get too close.

IAATO CODE IN ANTARCTICA

The IAATO is the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, an organization that was founded in 1991 by a group of private tour companies dedicated to the development of sustainable tourism in the region.

Their focus has always been on safe and environmentally friendly tourism practices within Antarctica, and their code of conduct is a manifesto that’s followed by private companies operating in the area.

The IAATO Code’s objectives compel visitors to Protect Antarctica Wildlife, Respect Protected Areas, Respect Scientific Research, Be Safe, and Keep Antarctica Pristine.

They set comprehensive guidelines that should be adhered to by all private tour companies looking to operate in Antarctica. These rules must be followed by all travelers looking to experience this untouched natural world, so it can be kept pristine for future generations.

HOW TO GET AROUND IN ANTARCTICA

Trips to Antarctica are always predominantly cruise based, however, there are options for you to fly from Argentina to King George Island in the South Shetlands, where you can join a cruise.

You can also fly into the Falklands from Santiago, in Chile, or you can even catch a Royal Air Force transport from the United Kingdom if you are a British citizen.

For most of your trip though, you’ll be on an expedition ship, but offshore excursions to many islands will see you transferring to small Zodiac boats. It is also possible to explore Antarctica by sea kayaking or hiking during landings.

TOP ANTARCTICA TOURS

Antarctic explorer.

12 Days from Ushuaia, Argentina Adventure Options: Camping, Hiking, Kayaking, SUP & Cross Country Skiing

ANTARCTIC EXPRESS: FLY THE DRAKE

8 Days from Punta Arenas, Chile Adventure Options: Kayaking & SUP Fly over the Drake Passage.

EPIC ANTARCTICA: CROSSING THE CIRCLE VIA FALKLANDS & SOUTH GEORGIA

23 Days from Ushuaia, Argentina Adventure Options: Camping, Hiking, Kayaking & SUP

WHEN TO VISIT ANTARCTICA

Being located at the far southern pole, Antarctica has a harsh climate that can only be experienced by tourists in the summer months. The summer, tourist season runs from  October through to March , and all Antarctica travel is undertaken within this window.

Your travel experience may vary though, within the summer months, and deciding when to go will depend on what you want to actually see.

If it’s penguins you’re after, then the colonies are at their most active between December and February, when it’s hatching season. Whales can be seen through much of the summer, with the most sightings occurring between January and March.

At the start of the season, from October to November, you can experience the vast ice sheets as they break up when the weather begins to warm up.

The start and end of the season are generally quieter times, as fewer ships make voyages, due to rougher seas, colder weather, and fewer wildlife sightings.

For more information, check out the  Antarctica By Month: Best Time To Go To Antarctica

LEARN ABOUT ANTARCTICA BEFORE YOU GO

Safety in antarctica.

While the Antarctic is an inhospitable place, joining a cruise will see you in safe hands. The potential for danger though, is much higher than your standard cruise anywhere else in the world, due to the harsh climate and conditions that you’ll encounter.

You may experience rough weather onboard, even in summer, so you will want to take precautions if you get seasick easily. Most cruises have an onboard doctor who can help in case of sickness. In rough weather, you will not want to move around too much either, as accidents can easily occur.

It is extremely important that you abide by all rules and warnings that are issued by the onboard expedition staff. If they tell you to keep one hand free for the boat when moving around, do it.

If they tell you to wait before exiting a zodiac, listen. Simple instructions can save you from serious injury and they are not to be taken lightly.

As with any destination, we recommend learning and adhering to certain safety practices when you travel. Be sure to read our personal  travel safety tips , compiled from our travels across 7 continents.

ANTARCTICA TRAVEL: BOOKING RESOURCES

Antarctica travel guide: related articles.

Looking for more info? Check out all the articles we’ve written on travel to Antarctica and start planning your dream trip.

People Go Snorkeling in Antarctica? (Spoiler: We Did!)

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Ask LP: how can I travel to Antarctica?

Oct 7, 2020 • 3 min read

Antarctica's tourist season starts in November © DreamPictures / Getty Images

The far south of the world may have escaped the pandemic that’s locked down life elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean this summer season is smooth sailing. Antarctica has no cases of COVID-19  – partly due to efforts to keep it that way, and partly reflecting the restrictions placed on other countries. This impacts scientists who make up the temporary residents of the continent and also threatens the Antarctic tourist season, which generally runs from November to March or April.

In a normal year, travelers would converge on Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile), and, less frequently, ports in New Zealand and Australia to embark on the long journey south. The shortest route – across the swells and choppy waters of the Drake Passage from South America – takes two to three days to reach the Antarctic Peninsula . Air options like DAP’s overnight trips to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands ($6500 per person from Punta Arenas, Chile) usually gives another way to reach the far south from South America for a more limited time. Services are currently suspended.

There are two big obstacles to getting to Antarctica this year. One is the lack of cruises – most operators have cancelled their schedules for the remainder of the this year and early next year. If cruises can happen at all this season it will be towards the end of the usual period of operation. Hurtigruten has cancelled Antarctica departures until January 2021, but hopes to resume operations then. 

The other is the inaccessibility of gateway destinations. At the time of writing there’s no way into Chile , Argentina , New Zealand and Australia for foreign tourists. All these countries have closed their borders to non-nationals since March, and Argentina has recently paused plans to allow international flights back into the country until at least October 11. In all likelihood, this will be longer. Sub-Antarctic destinations have their own entry restrictions. The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are only accessible for essential travel with reduced air links. In order to reach Antarctica, any departing travelers heading south would need to transit Argentina (or one of the other jumping-off countries) and transfer directly to their cruise ship. As you’d expect there’s no confirmed plan for this at present. 

Adding all this up, 2020–21 may be a better time to save for a future Antarctic odyssey. However knock-on demand for 2021–22 is likely to be strong, as capacity is always limited and there is an Antarctic solar eclipse in November next year. That said, specialist travel companies are also keen to encourage booking, and deals for next year are available through experts like Discover the World .

One way for ice-cap enthusiasts to get their fix from Australia is to take a seat on one of the  scenic overflights of the continent run by Antarctica Flights . These 12 hour journeys – using a 787 Dreamliner for the first time – depart from various Australian airports from November to March. They don’t touch down and therefore count as a domestic charter flight. Currently there is not a requirement to wear a mask on these flights.

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Is it sustainable to visit Antarctica?    How to pack for a trip to Antarctica    The eternal lure of icebergs: fulfilling a life-long dream of visiting Antarctica   

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• Antarctica Tours
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Budget Travel to Antarctica: Top Tips

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To even the most seasoned globetrotter, Antarctica represents an impossibly exotic and irresistibly alluring adventure. Setting foot on the planet’s most inaccessible continent bestows travel kudos that no other destination can offer; the problem is, whichever way you look at it, an  Antarctica cruise is not cheap. However, it is still possible to land yourself a good discount and here are the top tips for doing so.

What does a trip to Antarctica look like?

Most people have little idea of what a trip to Antarctica would entail. To many, Antarctica sounds like such a distant and unreachable land. However, it is possible to reach the great southern continent from many places. As a tourist, you are most likely to arrive there from the ‘world’s most southern city’, Ushuaia in Argentina . From there, ships cross the Drake Passage and make their way to the Antarctic Peninsula, the long arm of land that curls up to within 500 km of South America .

The only way to reach Antarctica is on a cruise ship or take a flight to the Drake Passage and then join a cruise. There are many cruise options, and during peak season, there are departures from Ushuaia every day. Some cruises take in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, others call at the South Shetlands, many allow you to step foot onto the Antarctic Peninsula itself and a few even take you south of the Antarctic Circle. Cruises usually last around 10 – 20 days.

Read our guide on planning a trip to Antarctica to find out more.

How much does a trip to Antartica cost?

Unsurprisingly, Antarctica travel is expensive. Cruises to the Falklands and South Georgia can start at around USD 6,000 per person, but the ones taking you to the Peninsula realistically start at around USD 10,000. For ‘special’ trips, including cruises south of the Antarctic circle, you are looking at around USD 14,000 – 15,000.

The advantages of paying full price are clear: you can choose the cruise that takes you where you want, when you want and with the company of your choosing. However, if you can be more flexible — ‘flexible’ being the golden word — it is possible to find discounts of 50% and more.

Last-minute Antarctica deals

One of the secrets to obtaining the lowest rates for an Antarctica trip is to look for last-minute deals. To do this, you have two options:

1. Go to Ushuaia

The traditional method is to head to Ushuaia and do the rounds of all the tour agents in town. Since Ushuaia is the world’s premier base for Antarctic cruises, many operators are located there; if any last-minute deals become available, they will be easy to find.

The possibility of discovering attractive propositions this way was always there. However, the main downside is that you may not find anything at all, and even if you are offered a tour, it may not be the one you really want. If you are determined to walk on the Peninsula and you are offered a trip to South Georgia instead, you may feel pressured into accepting rather than leaving Argentina with no trip at all.

• The chance of finding some of the cheapest Antarctica deals is fairly high
• You have plenty of time to organize your travel to Ushuaia and accommodation in advance.
• In the lieu of not finding a good deal, you may end up paying for a trip you are less interested in.

Read our guide on traveling from Ushuaia to Antarctica for more information. It is also possible to explore Antarctica from other locations .

2. Look online

Another option to find deals on travel to Antarctica for cheap is to attempt to find last minute deals/sales online. To do this, you should first contact all Ushuaia agents and travel websites or tour operators. Add yourself to the mailing lists and follow the Facebook pages. You can often even set up alerts for every time a page changes or a sale starts. If you are fast enough to steal a deal, you’ve won the jackpot! That being said, you will still need to travel to Ushuaia last minute, which eventually may cost you more.

• This method doesn't require travel to Ushuaia not knowing if you will get a deal
• You are likely to end up paying for a trip that you really want
• Last-minute travel to Ushuaia may end up being more expensive overall

Other tips for lowering the cost

While last-minute deals may sound great, they are not something you can depend on unless you can afford to be spontaneous. But don’t lose hope just yet. Here are some other factors that can considerably bring down the cost of a trip to Antarctica:

Plan early This goes completely against the concept of last-minute deals, but sometimes it works like a charm. Some of the best chances of buying a cheaper cruise ticket run out the fastest —  like shared cabins or smaller boats. If you want to get the best price of the lot, plan at least a year in advance.

Travel before December The window for traveling to Antarctica is late October to early March, with the peak season running from December to February. So, if you don’t mind missing out on seeing penguins during December and January or whales in February and March, opt for a cruise early on in the season. While you might not find the biggest discounts, you have more chances of finding a good deal before December.

Look for short cruises For the cheapest trips, look for shorter cruises. A 9-day cruise may not hit all the destinations in Antarctica or may not make long stops, but it will be cheaper than a 23-day trip by a long haul.

Book a small boat Depending on the size, boats can accommodate between 80 to 500 people at a time. Larger boats may be more spacious, comfortable and susceptible to less movement, but they are often more expensive than smaller boats. Also, since only 100 tourists are allowed onto Antarctica at any one time, your opportunities to disembark will be more limited on a big boat.

Share a cabin and amenities Again, it’s all about flexibility. If you are ready to share a three-berth cabin with strangers, you have more chance of getting a comparatively cheaper deal. That being said, most of us are looking to explore Antarctica at the lowest price possible, which is why the shared cabins are the first things that get sold out.

Book flights in advance Just arriving in Ushuaia can cost quite a bit, especially if you keep it until the last minute. The earlier you find your tour, the earlier you can book flights in advance, usually saving quite a bit. You can also save more money by booking a return trip rather than one-way.

Consider taking the bus Another option to save money is to take the bus from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. There are two schools of thought on this one. While bus services in Argentina are comfortable and efficient, the journey will take at least 20 hours and there is no direct bus, so you will need to change. The big advantages are the cheaper price and the fact that there is no risk of the airline losing your bags.

Pay attention to what is included With any Antarctic cruise, three meals a day plus snacks will always be included. Many cruises also offer activities such as kayaking, hiking and camping in the total price. Compare different tours on offer. It is better to go for a trip that includes activities of your interest than for a really cheap tour that doesn’t give much.

How much can you get an Antarctica trip for?

If you are flexible and with some time, effort and a dash of luck, there’s no reason why you won’t be able to secure a trip for USD 5,000 or less if you’re fortunate. You need to factor in travel to Ushuaia, insurance (if you fall sick in Antarctica, you’ll need to be evacuated by helicopter), accommodation in Ushuaia and an Argentinian visa. Count on spending around USD 5,500 – 6,500 for the whole trip. When it comes to trips to Antarctica, the term ‘budget’ is relative — but this is still a lot less than paying the full price of USD 10,000 or more.

A trip to Antarctica is not something many will think about doing twice — even if they want to. It involves a lot of time, money and energy. There is a high possibility that you will only take this trip once in your lifetime. So, when looking for an  expedition to Antarctica , don’t only look for the lowest price possible. Also keep in account the value the price offers. Make wise decisions and you are bound to have a memorable trip without breaking your bank account.

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How to Get to Antarctica (A Detailed Guide)

For those of you who love nature and are willing to travel to the farthest reaches of the earth to see it, visiting Antarctica has probably been on your bucket list.

Antarctica is the hardest place on the planet to get to. But, with a rise in tourism, it has never been easier to get to Antarctica, however, it still isn’t easy to get to by normal standards.

Join me as I run through everything you need to know about how to get to Antarctica so that you can begin planning a trip of a lifetime to the “white continent.”

Can You Fly to Antarctica?

Yes, flying to Antarctica is possible and you have two different options to choose from, a flying-over experience and a flying-in experience.

Flying Over

Flying Over involves flying to Antarctica and back in a day. It is essentially a day trip to Antarctica, flying over the continent and seeing the incredible landscapes from the comfort of a plane.

You’ll have an expert who knows everything about Antarctica explaining all the wonderful things you can see from the chartered Boeing 747 window.

If you are short of time and want to see Antarctica, this is a great way of doing it. But, you won’t actually get to set foot on Antarctica and experience it up close or see the wildlife that calls Antarctica home.

Charter flights for this type of experience only depart from Australia with flights operating out of Sydney, Melbourne , and less frequently from Perth.

Flights are limited, so you will need to book way in advance and be a little flexible as weather conditions can delay trips.

In order to fly and land in Antarctica you will have to book a charter flight and they operate from Chile, Argentina, South Africa, and Australia.

The great thing about flying into Antarctica is that you will get to see the interior of Antarctica which you can not see from cruise ships.

Opportunities like spending time with the Emperor Penguin colony, hiking, skiing, ice climbing, going to the South Pole, and climbing to the peak of the Vinson Massif, the highest peak in Antarctica become a reality.

Only around 500 people a year or less actually fly into Antarctica’s interior and it certainly would be an experience of a lifetime.

Other benefits of flying in include skipping the long sail and seasickness, but it does cost a lot. Expect to pay around $30,000 for a standard fly-in expedition.

You should also note that to fly to Antarctica requires some flexibility with your dates as flights only operate in good weather windows.

Cruising to Antarctica

Most people visit Antarctica by going on an Antarctica cruise as Antarctic Peninsula Cruises are the most affordable way of getting there and the most environmentally friendly too.

From South America

Around 90% of the cruise ships, aka expedition ships, leave from Ushuaia in Argentina, South America. You can also get on a cruise ship from other ports in South America such as Port Stanley, Falkland Islands, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina, and Punta Arenas, Chile.

If you live in Europe, Africa, South America, or North America, flying into Ushuaia via Buenos Aires is your best bet.

It takes about 3 days to cross to the Antarctic Peninsula on a cruise ship. This is, of course, weather dependent as the sea can be rough. You will have to cross the Drake Passage also, which is notorious for rough seas.

Departures may be delayed to avoid dangerous seas, so some flexibility is needed, even with larger ships.

From Oceania

If you live in Asia or Oceania, then you have the option to get a ship from New Zealand or Australia. The crossing from these countries takes 7 days to reach as they are considerably further away.

However, you will get to stop off at some stunning islands such as the Campbell and Auckland islands, as well as Macquarie island too which are all teaming with wildlife.

Taking a ship from Australia or New Zealand often ends up requiring a month-long expedition and is therefore more expensive than leaving from South America.

You should also note that taking a ship from Australia or New Zealand will involve rougher seas and colder weather than from South America. You also won’t get to the Antarctic peninsula and will see less wildlife.

Fly-Cruise Option

The best and most popular way of getting to Antarctica is by doing a fly-cruise trip. It involves flying from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, right at the tip of the Antarctic peninsula, which is just a 2-hour flight.

At King George Island, you will board a ship that then cruises around the peninsula. Fly cruise trips are great as they save you around 4-6 days of sailing and you avoid crossing the rough seas of the Drake Passage.

The fly-cruise option is ideal if you get seasick and want to miss the long crossing. But, a fly-cruise expedition is more expensive than getting a ship from South America.

Antarctica Expedition

An Antarctica Expedition can range from 5 days to one month and cost anywhere from $6000 to $98,000 per person, depending on the type of Antarctica Expedition.

There are literally close to 100 Antarctica Expedition itineraries to choose from, the most affordable and most popular of which take you down the Antarctic peninsula and via both King George Island and the South Shetland Islands.

You have the option of visiting the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula, and the South Shetland Islands on an Antarctica Cruise, but these expeditions take longer and cost more.

The most expensive Antarctic Expeditions are to the interior. If you would like to go to the South Pole and summit the Vinson Massif, expect to pay close to $100,000 per person.

How to Get to Antarctica from the USA

There are numerous ways to get to Antarctica from the United States depending on the kind of expedition you would like to do.

To explore the interior, fly from a US hub such as LA or NYC to Punta Arenas, Chile. From Punta Arenas catch your charter flight to the interior.

For a fly-cruise option, you should also fly to Punta Arenas, Chile from one of the major US hubs and board your ship to explore the Antarctic Peninsula.

If you want to cruise the whole way via the Drake Passage, fly into Ushuaia in Argentina via Buenos Aires and board your ship from there.

How to Get to Antarctica from the UK & Europe

The best way to get to Antarctica from Europe or the UK is via South America.

Depending on how you want to get there and your expedition, you can either fly into Punta Arenas, Chile (interior or fly-cruise expedition) or to Ushuaia, Argentina (cruise-only option).

Flights operate out of London, Madrid, Paris, and Amsterdam.

How to Get to Antarctica from Canada

Getting to Antarctica from Canada involves exactly the same options as getting to Antarctica from the USA (see above).

Flights to Punta Arenas, Chile for Fly Cruise and Antarctica Interior Expeditions are available from Ottawa and Montreal.

Flights to Ushuaia, Argentina for a Cruise only expedition are only available from Toronto.

How to Get to Antarctica from Australia

Antarctic cruises from Australia depart from the port of Hobart in Australia and take around one week to get there.

Antarctica trips like this generally take about a month, as it is a week to get to Antarctica, 2 weeks of exploring the continent, and one week to get home.

Flying to Antarctica directly from Australia is very rare and availability is almost zero. If you want to shorten the trip, you are best off flying to South America.

You can fly into Punta Arenas, Chile for Fly Cruise and Antarctica Interior Expeditions from Sydney or Brisbane, or to Ushuaia, Argentina for a Cruise only expedition from Sydney only.

It is actually more affordable to fly to South America for a 10-day expedition than taking the 3 or 4-week expedition cruise from Australia. Also, you will see a lot more wildlife in the Antarctic Peninsula than in the Eastern Arctic where the cruises from Australia go.

How to Get to Antarctica from New Zealand

Antarctica cruises depart New Zealand from the port of Invercargill and are very similar to cruises from Australia. The total expedition takes 3 to 4 weeks and is only to East Antarctica which has huge icebergs but much less wildlife than the Antarctic Peninsula.

Flights to Antarctica directly from New Zealand are close to impossible. If the cruise option from New Zealand isn’t what you are looking for, then flying to South America is your best bet.

You can fly into Punta Arenas, Chile for Fly Cruise and Antarctica Interior Expeditions and to Ushuaia, Argentina for a Cruise only expedition from Auckland only.

Reasons to Visit Antarctica

There are lots of reasons to visit Antarctica and some of them will most likely be quite personal to the traveler in question.

The main reason to visit Antarctica is for an adventure of a lifetime. It truly is the least explored place on Earth. The Antarctic peninsula receives just 50,000 visitors a year and the Antarctic’s interior less than 500.

Between the stunning white landscapes, huge icebergs, giant glaciers, mountain ranges, and the waters that teem with wildlife, it is a bit of heaven on earth.

Hanging out with a King Penguin Colony, watching leopard seals and orcas hunt, as well as seeing all the other wildlife that calls Antarctica home, will be nothing short of mind-blowing.

A trip to Antarctica also involves being truly disconnected from the world and reconnecting with nature.

But, to experience all this, you have to work for it. First, you fly around the world, get on a boat, perhaps cross the infamous Drake Passage, and then live in extreme conditions to see it all.

A trip to Antarctica is life-changing and you will come home seeing the world with a new perspective. It will ignite the adventurer in you and give you a newfound respect for nature.

What to Do in Antarctica

While in Antarctica, you are not going to sit aboard a ship all the time or relax at a research station, you are going to explore it in numerous different ways. Here are some great things to do in Antarctica.

Stand-up Paddle Board Around The Shores

Taking a stand-up paddle board and cruising slowly around the edges of icebergs and the peninsula is nothing short of incredible.

It is just you, the elements, and all the wildlife that happens to swim or fly past. You might encounter seals, penguins, and whales while on your paddle board.

Kayaking With Wildlife

If stand-up paddle boarding seems a bit risky, why not go for a paddle in a kayak? You will look over snow-covered mountains, see and hear glaciers, and paddle with humpback whales and orcas if you are lucky.

Go Scuba Diving

If you are an experienced scuba diver then going for a dive in Antarctica is possible. The waters are crystal clear and you will be able to see all the different colors blues, and icebergs from underwater, and get up close to seals, whales, and penguins.

Small boats will take you to shore where you can hike around Antarctica to see spectacular sites like red waterfalls, glaciers, and lots more.

While hiking, you will also get to hang out with penguins. They are not worried about humans at all which allows you to have close-up experiences.

There are 6 types of penguins in Antarctica, including Gentoo, Adelie, Rockhopper, Macaroni, Chinstrap, and Emperor penguins. You are pretty much guaranteed to spend some time with some of them.

Learn About Antarctica At A Research Station

The research being conducted in Antarctica is about as cutting edge as it gets and there is no better way of learning about Antarctica than visiting one.

Some are open to visitors and will give you an excellent insight into the “white continent” and the discoveries being made.

Go To The South Pole & Climb The Vinson Massif

If you are going on an expedition to the Antarctic interior, you will have the opportunity to get to the South Pole and climb the highest peak in Antarctica, the Vinson Massif.

Doing one or both of these will be the physical and mental test of a lifetime, as well as an adventure that you will never forget and only a few humans have ever accomplished.

Best Time to Visit Antarctica

The only time you can visit Antarctica is between November and March, as in the other months the sea ice is too large and thick, and the sea conditions are intense, to say the least.

Choosing which month to see Antarctica depends on what you would like to see and your budget. The month of November is great for mating penguins and lots of different seal species. The landscapes are also to die for as the icebergs are at their biggest.

December to January sees 20 to 24 hours of daylight, so you can explore for longer in the day. Penguin chicks are out and there are lots of seals to be seen. The icebergs still offer great landscape photography.

February and March are all about whales, penguins, chicks, and seals, plus the ice has melted more so you are able to explore the southern reaches of the peninsula.

March is also the most affordable time to go too, combined with a tonne of whales, I’d say it is the best time to travel to Antarctica.

What to Pack For Antarctica

The key to being comfortable in Antarctica is staying warm, and dry, and having the ability to capture all the stunning things you are seeing. Here is a good packing list to follow:

• A DSLR camera with multiple lenses to take amazing shots
• Binoculars so you can spot wildlife at a distance
• Sunglasses with mirrored polarized lenses to protect your eyes
• A beanie hat for warmth
• Waterproof warm jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Merino wool jumpers
• Thick down jacket
• Waterproof boots (knee-high)
• Waterproof gloves
• Seasickness meds

Frequently Asked Questions

Is traveling to antarctica legal.

Yes, it is legal to go to Antarctica. Anyone can travel there with a tour operator, but tour operators must hold a permit.

What is the cost of traveling to Antarctica?

The cost of visiting Antarctica depends on the type of trip you do and how long it is. You should expect to spend a minimum of $8,000 including flights from home for a shorter cruise package.

Prices then go up to over $100,000 per person for special expeditions to the interior including going to the South Pole and summiting the Vinson Massif.

How long is the flight to Antarctica?

From Punta Arenas, Chile the flight to Antarctica is just over 2 hours. But, if you want to include your flight from home, add around 24 hours to that.

Why is Antarctica guarded?

Antarctica is guarded under the Antarctic Treaty as it is a unique and pristine environment that is vital to the health of the planet.

It is key to understanding our planet and is one of the only left true wildernesses without human influence left on earth.

About the Author Anna Timbrook

Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.

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How to Score a Cheap Trip to Antarctica

Many people want to go to Antarctica, but the price is scaring them away. It’s not a mystery that Antarctic cruises don’t come cheap, especially comparing them to other cruises in the Caribbean or Europe.

However, it doesn’t mean that you cannot score a cheap trip to Antarctica, or even a combo cruise also sailing to neighboring islands – South Georgia and Falklands.

There are 28 operators that go to the Antarctic, so you have a lot of trips to choose from. I ended up going with Quark Expeditions and would surely recommend them, however, this doesn’t mean that any other operator would be bad.

How Much Does it Cost to go to Antarctica?

Before we get into tips and tricks on how to score a deal, let’s keep things realistic in terms of pricing.

For an Antarctica only cruise, the minimum you can pay is about $5000, and for a trip including a stop at South Georgia, the minimum pay is $10,000.

Of course, on top of that there are expenses on board, extra activities, things you’ll need to purchase for the trip, flights (if they’re not included) and so on.

I highly recommend going to South Georgia, even if it requires you to save up for longer. It’s a completely different experience than Antarctica and the only chance to see a sea of penguins.

Various Ways to Book a Cheap Trip to Antarctica

1) booking very early.

Personally, I’m not used to booking things way in advance. While some might like to have everything pre-booked, I always end up changing my plans last minute.

However, we knew we needed to book Antarctica trip early enough to get a good price. Why? Because most companies always have an early-bird discount and cheap cabins are still available and it can make a huge difference in price, as these are the cabins that sell out first.

Just to give you an example, a spot in a quadruple cabin on my ship was about $10,000, a spot in a double window room (mid-range) was about $22,000 and a spot in a suite was about 45,000+.

When it comes to booking early I’m talking about 1,5 years in advance if not 2 years in advance. In fact, most cruises sailing during the solar eclipse were sold out 1,5 years in advance.

We purchased our cruise exactly a year in advance and all double rooms with portholes were sold out already apart from one with bunk beds. Kayaking was sold out as well.

Pros of booking early:

• Availability of different & cheaper cabins
• The option of pre-booking activities
• Early-bird discount
• If your plans change you’ll lose your deposit

Kayaking in Antarctica. Photo by Dagny Ivarsdottir.

2) Booking Last Minute

Another option that is often described as the best opportunity is booking last-minute. If not all spots on a cruise are sold out or someone cancels, companies can start a flash sale about 2 months before a cruise.

In the past, you could score a regular cruise to Antarctica that way, but cruises stopping at South Georgia never used to be on sale. These days with the number of ships and companies operating there are many different cruises on sale.

Remember though, that it might not necessarily be cheaper as it’s a matter of luck. My cruise was full of people who booked last minute because a group of people canceled their spots.

They all claimed they got 50% off on a flash-sale, but when we actually asked about the exact amount they paid it turned out they paid about the same we paid when booking early.

The only perk they got was an opportunity to buy a single room without a supplement.

Pros of booking last minute:

• An opportunity to book a better room for a lower price
• Might get extra perks like free activity or on-board credit
• If you’re traveling solo you can get a single room without paying extra
• Activities might be sold out
• You might not actually get the cruise
• Requires flexible schedule

3) Going to Ushuaia and Waiting for a Deal

A well-known method is going to Ushuaia and stopping by travel agencies to book a last second spot on ships leaving in a few days. These spots aren’t on sale through normal agencies abroad.

I know people who scored an extremely good deal this way, but also personally know some who spent money on flights down to Ushuaia and hotel and were never able to get on any cruise.

This way is definitely not for everyone. Ultimately, it’s really up to you, your time and commitments, as you also might need to wait a week or two down in Ushuaia even if you score a cruise.

Pros of going to Ushuaia:

• A chance to get a super cheap deal
• You could end up spending a bunch of money flying down to Ushuaia and failing to score a cruise
• Requires extreme flexibility

4) Booking Through a Travel Agent

Another thing I highly recommend is actually booking not directly through a cruise company, but a travel agent. I normally never use a middle man, but when it comes to any cruises, travel agent is a way to go.

They can score you some extras like onboard credit (which you will need!), better cabin, or simply a better price. We paid less by booking through a travel agent than if we booked directly with Quark Expeditions.

You might also want to check whether it’s cheaper to book in your own currency or a different one. We actually ended up paying in EUR as it was cheaper than in the USD.

Pros of booking with a travel agent:

• Opportunity to get extra perks
• If you might need a refund you need to go through an extra step/person

Penguins of South Georgia

Do you know of any other special tricks to score a better deal on a cheap trip to Antarctica?

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Jenny Joseph

Thursday 30th of January 2020

I just go through your blog. KLM airlines reservations is the favorable service provide. It gives the best to satisfy the customers. Thanks!!!!

Monday 6th of January 2020

This is awesome! Thank you for sharing, love your insta! Can you please share the name of the travel agent you used or share how to find Antartica travel agents?

Anna Karsten

I wouldn't recommend the agent I use frankly (Intrepid), because we didn't get any extra on-board credit and they were late giving us any information. But people who booked with Trailfinders got good deals for example.

• EXPLORE Random Article

How to Visit Antarctica on a Budget

Last Updated: January 29, 2021 References

This article was co-authored by Angela Rice . Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show. There are 9 references cited in this article, which can be found at the bottom of the page. This article has been viewed 33,781 times.

Preparing for Your Trip

• When applying for a passport, you will need to bring proof of your identity and citizenship.
• Depending on your country’s rules, you can renew your passport by mail.

• Some cruise agencies may have a discount on travel insurance when you book a trip through them.
• You can also get travel insurance to cover a delayed trip, canceled trip, and lost or stolen items.
• Travel insurance will not cover pre-existing medical conditions.
• Talk with a travel agent to help you pick an insurance package that fits your needs.

• Plan your trip early in the season to see icebergs and penguins building their nests. Your ability to go to shore may be limited early in the season.
• Go during the middle of the season to watch sea lion pups, penguins, and other birds.
• Go at the end of the season for a chance to see the whales.

Finding a Cheap Cruise Online

• Most of these deals are offered within a week to a month before the boat leaves which might be unrealistic depending on your responsibilities.

• Always be aware of scams or false advertisements. If receiving an email offer, always double check that the email address corresponds with the actual cruise agency. Be sure to never provide personal information through an email offer to avoid having your information stolen. If you see an offer you like, call the agency directly to confirm that the offer is valid. [5] X Research source
• The largest discounts are for trips that are leaving soon, but you could also save some money by booking a cruise way in advance. If you would rather have a set in stone departure date, it might be worthwhile to just settle for a small discount.

• Trying to find a discount over a holiday might be a good way to reduce the number of work days you will have to take off.

Finding a Cheap Cruise Option in Person

• With so many boats departing, it's possible to find a discounted rate on a boat that needs to fill seats. Though this method is risky, it can save you a lot of money on your cruise ticket.

• Add a few extra days to your vacation in order to find the best deal. Giving yourself some extra time will allow you to compare more options. [8] X Research source

• Depending on the agency, a last-minute deal can save you between 30%-60% on your total costs.

• Some cruises will only take you to the surrounding islands.
• Depending on how much of the ice has melted, you may not be able to reach the continent early in the year.

• Smaller ships are rockier and are not recommended if you are prone to seasickness.

Saving on Travel Expenses

• You can cut costs on flights by booking well in advance.
• Book your flight for a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday to save the most money on your ticket. [12] X Research source
• Find a flight that leaves between 5 a.m.-7 a.m. or after 8 p.m. These are off-peak hours and the flights are usually cheaper. [13] X Research source

• If you are under a time constraint, it is best to take a plane.
• If you want to see the surrounding countryside, taking the bus may be an enjoyable option.

• Some hostels will offer free breakfast which can help you cut down on food costs.
• Some hostels may give you a discount depending on how many days you plan on staying.

Expert Q&A

You might also like.

• ↑ Angela Rice. Luxury Travel Specialist. Expert Interview. 18 September 2020.
• ↑ https://travel.state.gov/content/travel/en/passports/apply-renew-passport/how-to-apply.html
• ↑ https://flygirl.jezebel.com/the-time-to-go-to-antarctica-is-now-and-heres-how-for-1712071353
• ↑ https://www.techrepublic.com/blog/10-things/10-tips-for-spotting-a-phishing-email/
• ↑ https://www.adventure-life.com/travel/news/early-season-antarctica-travel-a-great-time-to-go
• ↑ http://wanderingtrader.com/antarctica-travel-tips/a-guide-to-find-cheap-antarctica-cruises/
• ↑ https://www.thrillist.com/travel/nation/flight-booking-hacks-fly-off-peak-hours-hidden-city-fares-and-more
• ↑ https://money.usnews.com/money/the-frugal-shopper/2014/12/23/how-to-save-money-by-staying-in-hostels

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Dreaming of Antarctica: How to book the trip of a lifetime

On Earth Day, April 22, 2020, we are publishing several environmentally themed stories. They're a reminder that it's possible to travel and minimize the impact on the environment at the same time. In this story about travel to Antarctica, we are highlighting the special care that travelers must exercise there.

Antarctica, the fifth-largest continent on the planet, is the most remote, mysterious and unknown territory on earth. Constituting approximately 20% of the Southern Hemisphere, it is larger than Europe, yet unique in that it has neither a native population nor a government. Instead, portions have been claimed by seven countries: Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway and the United Kingdom.

Unfortunately, climate change has affected Antarctica significantly (as it has many other parts of the world) . Who knows if it will still exist as we know it in a few years? It's the only continent I haven't visited and I want to see it before it is unalterably changed. However, it will also require budgeting well in advance -- a trip there can easily cost $15,000 or more.

Here's how I'm planning my bucket-list trip to Antarctica, hopefully for the end of 2020 or early 2021 — at the peak of summer in the Southern Hemisphere.

There's no quick way to get there

This is one trip for which there are no shortcuts , especially for travelers from North America. Most Antarctica expeditions originate in the Southern Hemisphere, so get your stash of miles ready to help offset the overall cash cost you're almost inevitably going to incur.

Where should you travel from?

Antarctica is also an inconvenient destination. (It's even inconvenient for airplanes to overfly, let alone land, which is partly why there aren't that many flights that cross oceans in the Southern Hemisphere .) The main jumping-off points for Antarctica are Patagonia, the southernmost region of Argentina, Australia and New Zealand.

Ushuaia, Argentina

Ushuaia, nicknamed the "End of the World," is the capital of the Argentine province of Tierra del Fuego, which, in turn, is part of the region of Patagonia. The city is also the port from which most cruise ships depart for Antarctica. If you prefer a little less hassle, you may be able to book some luxury cruises out of Buenos Aires.

There are direct flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Many flights to USH depart from Buenos Aires' Aeroparque airport (AEP) instead of Ministro Pistarini International Airport (EZE) -- the usual arrival airport for flights from the U.S. Buenos Aires is a wonderful city with so much to explore, and so much delicious food and wine that I highly recommend a stopover of a day or two, just to rest and stretch your legs before continuing on. As an added bonus, your dollar will stretch quite far against the Argentine peso, and your tourism dollars will help boost the struggling economy.

Flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia are typically $200 to $300 one-way, although with the coronavirus pandemic, prices have dropped as low as $67 one-way during summer peak season (November through February). The main airlines serving the route are Aerolíneas Argentinas, which is part of the SkyTeam alliance, and LATAM, which leaves the Oneworld alliance on May 1, 2020, to begin its partnership with Delta Air Lines.

Once you arrive in Ushuaia, you can board a cruise you've already booked or wait to see if a last-minute cruise cabin opens up. If you have more free time than money, waiting for a last-minute deal is a one of the most affordable ways to get to Antarctica for a fraction of the usual price.

Punta Arenas, Chile

You can fly, drive or bus down to this southern Chilean city. The main airport is Aeropuerto Presidente Ibáñez (PUQ), and you can fly direct from Santiago, the capital of Chile. If you feel like adding some extra sightseeing, there are restaurants, museums and walkable options within the downtown area. Taxis are relatively cheap and easy to hail. You can even sail from Punta Arenas to Ushuaia via cruise ship — it's a three- to four-night trip one-way.

Invercargill/Port of Bluff, New Zealand, or Hobart, Tasmania, in Australia

These cities are the jumping-off points for incredibly scenic cruise routes to Antarctica. It takes about seven days of sailing to get to Antarctica, but where's the fun in that? Cruises from Tasmania take about 23 to 35 days in all, stopping at beautifully remote spots such as Macquarie Island, the Snares and Auckland Islands and Campbell Island, rich with unique wildlife.

What will you pay for a cruise like this? On average, expect to budget a cool $25,000 per person.

Standard ways to get to Antarctica

There's no easy way to get to Antarctica, but the vast majority of visitors get to or near Antarctica by water. There are cruises to Antarctica from Chile, Australia, New Zealand and even South Africa, but most tourist expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Related: TPG readers share their best tips and tricks for getting to Antarctica

Prefer to fly? You can do that, but none of your usual loyalty programs will get you there on points or miles . The majority of aviation into Antarctica is into King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, where you can transfer to a cruise ship for the next few days. A direct flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island takes two to three hours one way, and allows you to skip the Drake Passage .

Unique ways to visit Antarctica

If you are a researcher, extreme marathoner or have other types of special skills or interests, you might be able to get there through some nontraditional routes.

For runners

One option is by participating in the World Marathon Challenge , where athletes run a full 26.2-mile marathon within seven days on all seven continents, including in Antarctica. Heads up: It's not cheap at more than $40,000 per person, and registration slots are extremely limited. In 2020, the World Marathon Challenge chartered a Boeing 757 operated by Titan Airways to ferry marathoners to and from Cape Town, South Africa, to Novo Station, a Russian base on the Antarctic mainland.

For shutterbugs

Some National Geographic explorers have the unique privilege of visiting the North and South Poles as part of their jobs. But Nat Geo has also partnered with Lindblad Expeditions to offer 14- to 24-day cruises for explorers who are looking for more nature-focused experiences.

As with most Antarctica trips, the cruises aren't cheap -- they range from just under $15,000 to a whopping $113,000. But the multi-week itineraries look really exciting, and include adventures such as photography expeditions with hands-on training. As a former full-time photographer, I would find one of these a dream come true.

For geoscience researchers

Scientific researchers also have an inside route to the southernmost part of the world. Geoscientists can visit Antarctica for research purposes , but you'll probably have to be there for a month or two.

For the rich

Is there anything money can't solve, at least where travel is involved? If you've got the dough, skip the plebeian routes and charter a private Gulfstream jet through White Desert Antarctica . As a bonus, you'll also be able to visit one of The Points Guy's favorite countries : South Africa.

You can book "The Greatest Day" package for a one-day trip from Cape Town, South Africa, to Wolf's Fang, Antarctica. It takes five hours one-way to arrive there. You'll pay "just" $13,500 for one person, or $150,000 for the whole jet, which seats 12 — talk about an epic party.

If a single day is too short of a trip for your taste, choose the five-day, $58,000 "Early Emperors" package which also includes round-trip flights. This package allows you to spend some quality time with baby emperor penguins.

Or you could go for broke — literally — and splurge on the "Emperors and South Pole" package, which offers exactly what it suggests: An eight-day luxury trek to the South Pole . I'm not sure how the company is juxtaposing "luxury" with "endless ice," but at $92,500 per person, I hope they have it figured out.

Related: 7 tips for visiting Antarctica before it's too late

If you're the sort of person who likes to plan every detail of your upcoming flight, Antarctica Flights offers an experience that's a lot more similar to a typical commercial travel experience, including seat maps and special flights for significant dates including New Year's. You'll get champagne to ring in the coming year.

The best time of year to visit

The best time of year to visit Antarctica is when it's winter in the Northern Hemisphere and summer there. You'll have the best chance of seeing unique animals including baby penguins, whales, seals and a variety of bird life between the months of November and March. If you're sailing to Antarctica, you'll also have the highest likelihood of experiencing a calm Drake Passage in the summertime. Unfortunately, as with any peak season, this is also when you're most likely to run into other tourists.

Can I get there on points?

Use points to offset your cash expenses.

Again, Antarctica isn't a budget trip and most of your big expenses will have to be paid in cash. But that doesn't mean you can't use credit cards to your advantage.

Cards like the Capital One Venture Rewards Credit Card allow you to use your miles to "erase" charges on your statement, and you can do the same with Chase Ultimate Rewards. Keep in mind that this isn't usually the best use for your hard-earned points, since TPG is all about redeeming points and miles for outsize value . Your best way for determining value would be to use TPG's monthly valuations guide to compare the cost of paying for your trip in cash versus using points and miles to cover those expenses.

One way to knock a few thousand dollars off the cost of your travels is by booking your positioning flights on miles. You can easily get to Argentina, Chile, South Africa or Australia and New Zealand on points. TPG has published an extensive number of deal alerts to all of these destinations in the past, so be sure to sign up for our newsletter to receive alerts , or follow us on Twitter to find out when they are published.

Book your cruise on Hyatt points

I was pleasantly surprised to discover that World of Hyatt partners with Lindblad Expeditions for luxury excursions. Lindblad's smaller vessels are perfect for travelers who want to disembark in Antarctica, because ships with more than 500 passengers aren't allowed to deposit anyone on land. Lindblad partners with National Geographic for its routes, including a handful of Antarctica sailings each year.

Unfortunately, you'll need a lot of Hyatt stays (or spend) to visit on points: Lindblad's Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent cruise costs between $14,940 and $73,100 in cash or a whopping 933,750 to 4,568,750 World of Hyatt points to book — per person.

Even though Hyatt points are worth 1.7 cents apiece by TPG's current valuations, resulting in a very reasonable cash conversion value of $15,873.75 to $77,668.75, I still think I'll be paying for my cruise in cash. After all, my Hyatt points are far more valuable when used toward, say, a stay at the beautiful Palacio Duhau Park Hyatt Buenos Aires in the lovely Recoleta neighborhood of Buenos Aires on my way down to or from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

As of now, it's unclear whether or not cruise lines will still be operating their Antarctica routes toward the end of 2020. The novel coronavirus has impacted virtually every corner of the world, and it wouldn't be a surprise if Antarctica was no exception. For now, I'll cross my fingers and hope for the best. And it seems that the cruise lines are doing so as well, since you can still purchase passage for 2020 and 2021 cruises on many websites.

Important reminders and tips

Take care of the environment

The pristine environment of Antarctica is vulnerable to climate change and human presence, so be sure to follow the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines for your visit. If walking on the continent is important to you, book a cruise on a smaller vessel; you won't be allowed to disembark on Antarctic ice if you arrive on most ships carrying 500 or more passengers. Even if you sail on a smaller ship, only 100 people are allowed on shore at any given time, with a 1:20 guide-to-passenger ratio required.

You will also need special permits to enter any protected areas , so be sure to complete any necessary paperwork before departure.

Travel insurance

Even if you never purchase travel insurance and rely exclusively on your credit card's trip protection benefits when you travel, TPG strongly recommends purchasing an independent travel insurance plan for a trip of this magnitude. In the event that you need emergency evacuation or to cancel at the last minute, it will be a relief to know that your finances won't take a hit.

Plan ahead for motion sickness

Last summer, I took a sunset cruise in Santorini with some friends for a post-wedding party. As we were boarding, we heard the captain apologetically telling the previous passengers, "Sorry for the choppy waters today." I don't usually get seasick, but I was really grateful I'd taken some prophylactic Dramamine 45 minutes prior.

As you can see from the video, the motion of the boat was fun for a couple of hours — for some of us — but it would be brutal for two days for any traveler unaccustomed to this amount of motion. I ended up having a great time that evening, but many of the other guests did not and it took them the rest of the evening to recover.

Back on the subject of Antarctica, have you heard of the infamous Drake Passage ? Travelers say that it's no joke. The waters between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands, known as the Drake Passage, are the convergence point for the Atlantic, Pacific and Southern Oceans and are unavoidable if you're sailing between South America and Antarctica. The Drake Passage produces some of the choppiest waters in the world. It isn't a quick pass-through, either: The Drake Passage takes about two days to navigate — in each direction . So even though you'll be in a far larger vessel than my small Santorini yacht, it's a good idea to plan ahead for potential motion sickness.

Most reports I've read on the Drake Passage say that it's not that bad if you hit it at the right time. But this is the ocean we're talking about, and two or more days going through choppy waters will take a physical toll on any landlubber.

If you are also unsure of your sea legs, bring whatever works best for you: Medication, motion sickness patches, acupressure point bands. For the amount of money you're spending on getting to Antarctica, the last thing you want to do is feel miserable and exhausted when you get there.

Consider using a travel agent

Many TPG readers pride themselves on pulling together their dream trips on their own. But when it comes to Antarctica, even seasoned travelers can benefit from the services of a professional travel agent.

TPG contributor Daniel Hank told TPG's Melanie Lieberman that "in the case of Antarctica, I totally needed that help." Hank used ExpeditionTrips , which is considered one of the foremost travel companies for Antarctica journeys, although there are many other travel companies and specialists who can help you ensure that your once-in-a-lifetime experience goes without a hitch. Travel Leaders , for example, can connect you with an Antarctica travel specialist near you.

How I want to go, and how I plan to pay for my trip

Personally, I'm planning to keep things simple. I've decided against planning a November trip. My birthday falls at the end of January, so that's probably my top choice for a departure time: What a memorable way to ring in a new year.

I will probably use my United Airlines miles to book a cheap award flight from Texas to Buenos Aires to visit some friends for a day or two, then fly to Ushuaia. Depending on how my finances look at that point, I might try working from the End of the World for a few weeks in hopes of scoring a budget cabin on a cruise ship headed to Antarctica. I'm not planning any activities ahead of time; I just want to be there and experience whatever comes up in the moment — yes, even if it's a choppy Drake Passage.

If I had my choice, I'd love to cruise to Antarctica on one of the National Geographic routes through Lindblad. I was a professional photographer for a number of years before joining TPG, and I would love to dust off my fancy lenses and get some hands-on tutelage from nature photography professionals for a memorable excursion. But regardless of my cruise line, my camera gear will undoubtedly accompany me to Antarctica.

I have an annual travel insurance plan which has treated me very well over the two years that I've had it. I plan to pay cash for most of the Antarctica portions of my trip, using my Chase Sapphire Reserve for its excellent travel benefits. As for lodging on my way down south, I tend to rely on Hotels.com for cheaper accommodations in nonbranded hotels, although I do have a significant stash of Marriott and Hilton points as of now.

Antarctica isn't a bucket-list place for everyone; in fact, I probably wouldn't have considered visiting even five years ago. But it's almost a mythical destination, and I can't wait to go. If you've been, please leave me your best tips in the comments below and if you're also hoping to go sometime in the near future, tell me how you want to get there.

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How to Visit Antarctica: 5 Ways of Getting to the Bottom of the World

If you’ve ever dreamed of traveling to Antarctica but have no idea as to how to make it happen or where to even start, we’ve broken it down for you to help you plan your epic adventure to the seventh continent. Whether you are a budget traveler or have income to spare, there are options for everyone, depending on how much time you have on your hands. There’s even a day-trip option for those who just want to knock it off their bucket list without having to spend days on a ship. However you decide to get there, we hope to inspire you to learn more about one of the most remote parts of the world.

Hop on an Icebreaker

Hope for a no-show, take a cruise, embark on an expedition, a private experience.

Before the boom in Antarctica tourism, you may have heard tales of people making their Ushuaia, Argentina, also known as the “end of the world,” which also happens to be the starting point for many Antarctica-bound ships. Backpackers and penny pinchers would go to the docks and offer money to mostly Russian ice-breakers that were headed towards Antarctica on their way to drop off supplies, or which were continuing to another destination for whatever reason. These ships are not meant for tourism and are therefore not at all comfortable, and you might even find yourself bunking in a room with some hard-working yet unfriendly sailors. This is by no means the best way to see the 7th continent, but during its peak popularity, it was the cheapest way to get there. But since you are on a working ship, don’t expect any stops or even narration as to where you are during the experience. In recent years, this type of travel has mostly been restricted to very limited spots and if you think you are the only person with the brilliant idea of jumping on a Russian icebreaker, you’d be sorely wrong. If you do plan to attempt this type of travel, know that it can at times take weeks to find space on a ship, and since there is such a demand, what used to cost barely nothing, has turned into a bidding war for space.

Another option for budget seekers with time is to again, make their way to Ushuaia and knock on the door of ever tour operator you can find. Rarely, but at times, you can jump on a ship at the last minute, taking over a cabin that either wasn’t sold or has a no-show for someone who suffered a major delay and is unable to make the trip in time. Some operators sell the cabins at a reduced price due to it being last minute. That being said, the more well-known companies are steering away from doing this as guests who have paid the big bucks don’t appreciate knowing that someone could walk up to the ship the day of departure and pay about half of what they paid (which is still in the thousands).

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When it comes to tourism trips to the continent, there are two options to choose from. The first is a standard cruise on a massive ship with lots of people. These larger passenger ships are billed as Antarctic experiences as they get you as close to the peninsula as possible but rarely go further south due to the size of the ship and its inability to maneuver through ice sheets. Additionally, if the ship can dock, due to the capacity of the ship, not everyone is able to step foot on land as there are strict guidelines as to the number of people per vessel that can step foot on the continent per day. These cruises can be much less expensive than the second and more desirable option, the expedition cruise.

If you’ve dreamed of making it to Antarctica and you’ve saved up your hard-earned money, an expedition-style cruise on a small passenger ship is your best option. These small ships tend to max out at 150 guest, making the experience a lot more intimate, which means you will have more time to step foot on the continent and take part in activities like kayaking. National Geographic Expeditions , in partnership with Lindblad Expeditions offers some of the best tours to Antarctica. Not only are you being catered to on a small ship with like-minded travelers, but you are also joined by a team of biologists, geologists, and undersea specialists who will offer insights and engaging presentations throughout the trip. In addition, each expedition has an onboard photo instructor and National Geographic photographer to ensure you are taking the very best images. National Geographic Expeditions offers 4 sailing options starting at $15,000, $18,000, $25,000, and $48,000, respectively.

One of the benefits of traveling to Antarctica by private jet is how much travel time you’ll be able to shave off since traveling to the continent via boat takes at least four days, while a jet can get you there in a matter of hours from Chile or South Africa (not to mention skipping the seasickness). Plus, imagine the views of the icebergs from above. At the moment, there are no commercial flights to Antarctica, so if you plan on flying, private is the only way to do so. White Desert Antarctica is one of the premiere services offering flights to the continent. Travelers fly deep into the heart of the ice pack and stay at White Desert’s private camp before heading out for any number of adventures, like checking out a colony of Emperor penguins or visiting the research station at the South Pole. Getting to one of the world’s most remote continents isn’t cheap and will cost you around $100,000. The company also offers a 24-hour trip from Cape Town on an excursion they call “The Greatest Day.” Twelve passengers fly over icebergs to the land of continual sunshine, landing at the base of Wolf Fang peak, a stunning geological formation of jagged kilometer-tall rocks rising out of the ice-laden landscape. A hike to a lookout point is finished off with a champagne picnic at one of the most remote places on earth, and before 24 hours is up, you’re back in the warmth of the African continent. The 24-hour adventure costs approximately $14,000.

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• Destinations

The seventh continent isn’t just for scientists and researchers, it has become a go-to bucket-list destination for avid travelers who want to see a place that so few have seen. One of the great things about Antarctica is that while you are there, you are witnessing nature in its most raw and natural form, untouched by man. If you want to get an insider view of what you can expect to see on a journey to Antarctica, we’ve compiled a photo series to help inspire you to travel there. Expedition Style If you are hankering a true Antarctic experience, your best option is to book a sailing expedition. Expeditions don’t necessarily follow an exact itinerary as they adapt to their surroundings and often change course due to various factors like weather or ice sheets, which make them a bit more exciting than a standard cruise. National Geographic Expeditions offers four options from 14 to 35 days, all with a max group size of 148 passengers, which means, everyone will have multiple opportunities to step foot on the continent. In addition, sailing with National Geographic Expeditions means that you will have a team of biologists, geologists, and undersea specialists on board who will offer insights and engaging presentations throughout the trip. In addition, each expedition has an on-board photo instructor and National Geographic photographer.

When thinking about Hawaii, you often picture cocktails, beaches, and relaxation. However, Hawaii can also be a thrilling and adventurous destination. There are plenty more things to do than golfing green pastures and sipping Blue Hawaiians, especially on Oahu and Kauai. Oahu Atlantis Adventures Since 1988, these sustainable battery-powered submarines have been a great family-friendly and mellow way to explore the sea. During a recent trip to Hawaii, I took a dive at the Waikiki location, where artificial reefs have been installed to create more areas for fish to inhabit. There are also reefs that have grown over old wartime aircraft remains.

Atlantis Adventure is a good option for those who do not want to or can’t scuba dive. You get to see the ocean in the comfort of air-conditioning with a host to lead the tour. Also, how many times can you say you have been in a submarine? You descend to 100 feet underwater for closeup views of some turtles and a variety of fish that don’t normally visit the surface. ‘Iolani Palace For those who want to take in a bit of Hawaii’s history, ‘Iolani Palace will take you back to the Kamehameha Dynasty (the 1800s). Be sure to opt for a guided tour to get the full scope of the royal residence and how it came to an end. It is one of the oldest and best-known buildings in Hawaii. Its story is grand and contains dark memories, including the imprisonment of the native Hawaiians' own Queen during her reign due to great opposition from her own subjects. She was overthrown, stripped of future claims to the thrown, sentenced to hard labor, and confined to her own palace bedroom for almost a year.

When you think of Whistler, British Columbia, the Canadian town (population 12,000) tucked between the bases of Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains, you probably think of skiing. If so, you're spot on. Indeed the resort hosted many of the downhill events during the 2010 Winter Olympics held in nearby Vancouver, and is considered one of the finest downhill spots on the planet.

Then again, if on hearing the name Whistler your first thoughts are of mountain bikes, you're right there, too. Whistler is the birthplace and site of the main and final event of the annual Crankworx World Tour -- arguably the biggest circuit in mountain biking today -- and the go-to destination for tens of thousands of mountain bike enthusiasts, the sport that transformed Whistler from a pricey, upscale ski town to ... a pricey, upscale multi-sport town.

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About Flying to Antarctica

Pack your knapsack, arrange your Antarctica flights, and prepare for an excursion unlike any other. Whether you're looking for a thrill-filled getaway or a blissful retreat from your home life, you'll find innumerable ways to tailor your trip perfectly to your liking. Treat yourself to every facet of the nearby culture, from sampling the local fare to enjoying the after-hours scene in Antarctica. Visit the iconic landmarks on your trip and enjoy the views of the most scenic areas. It's no wonder why so many adventurers, culture enthusiasts, and restless travelers alike are drawn to this alluring destination.

At Expedia, we're devoted to assisting you in your hunt for cheap flights to Antarctica that won't break the bank. That's why we provide you with a vast selection of affordable plane tickets, including roundtrip and one-way reservations, to ensure your Antarctica travel plans remain within your budget. Take advantage of our lowest rates on airfare and have leftover money to spare on sightseeing.

When it comes to finding flights to Antarctica that match your price range and itinerary, look no further than our options right here. We offer a variety of airlines, airports, and flight times making it easier for you to book your airfare. Whether you're looking for a redeye ticket or a flight to a specific terminal, you'll find exactly what you need. We also offer a hassle-free downloadable app, which lets you book whenever and wherever is easiest for you. Reserve your flight to Antarctica right now and prepare for an unbelievable getaway tomorrow.

Here at Expedia, we’re committed to helping you find cheap flights to Antarctica that won’t break the bank. We know you want to put more of your hard-earned cash toward exploring the sites and less on the price of your airfare. That’s why we provide you with a vast selection of affordable plane tickets, including roundtrip and one-way reservations, to ensure your travel plans remain within your budget. Take advantage of our lowest rates on airfare and have leftover money to spare on your travel adventures.

When it comes to finding flights to Antarctica that match your price range and itinerary, look no further than our options right here. We offer a variety of airlines, airports, and flight times making it easier for you to book your airfare. Whether you’re looking for a redeye ticket or a flight to a specific terminal, you’ll find exactly what you need. We also provide a hassle-free mobile booking app, which lets you reserve wherever and whenever is most convenient for you. Book your airfare to Antarctica today and get ready to embark on an unforgettable getaway tomorrow.

Antarctica Flights Information

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5 Possible Ways for Ordinary Individuals to Travel to Antarctica

W hen we think of Antarctica, we usually imagine floating icebergs, vast colonies of penguins, and a place that seems distant and otherworldly, almost like a planet outside of reality, based on what we’ve seen on TV. Antarctica covers 9.2% of the Earth’s land surface. Since the first humans set foot there in 1821, Antarctica has become a bucket-list destination for explorers and travelers for over 200 years. However, finding someone in our surroundings who has been to Antarctica is like finding a needle in a haystack. So, is it possible for ordinary tourists to visit Antarctica, the southernmost continent on Earth? Of course, if you’ve studied Antarctic-related subjects, you could visit as a scientist or research facility staff member. Professionals like chefs, beauticians, and plumbers can also apply to work at Antarctic research bases. However, in this article, we’ll focus on purely travel-related ways for people like us, ordinary individuals, to visit Antarctica. Here are five ways for normal individuals to travel to Antarctica.

1. Embark on a Cruise Journey

The most common way to reach Antarctica is through a cruise journey. Most cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in Argentina, in South America. Typically, you can choose from 10-day to 3-week packages. However, it’s important to note that the grand luxury cruises we often imagine are not feasible due to the difficulty of navigating the large Antarctic ice. The available ships range from 45 to 280 passengers. Remember that these cruise packages can cost anywhere from a minimum of $4,500 to as much as $16,000 for a 10-day trip.

2. Take a Day Trip by Plane

The quickest way to reach Antarctica and see the entire continent in one go is through a day trip by plane. However, you won’t be able to step on the continent and can only enjoy the Antarctic view through the plane’s windows for a few hours. Tour guides provide snacks inside the plane and kindly explain the surrounding landscapes and history. Currently, these day trips by plane to Antarctica depart exclusively from Australia. Reservations are usually fully booked, and prices can range from $1,000 to $8,000, depending on seat availability and peak/off-peak seasons.

3. Reserve a Luxury Airline + Ski + Camping Package

Luxury airline packages, available only a few times a year, are offered in Australia, Chile, and South Africa. Some of these packages include camping, skiing, and hiking courses. Camping for one night and two days can be arranged for around $4000, but ski or hiking packages spanning one to two weeks can cost between $40,000 and $55,000. Prominent companies offering these packages include The White Desert, The Antarctic Company, and Adventure Network International.

4. Board the French Supply Ship

By signing a contract for a €8,030 (approximately $9,000) package with the travel agency Mer et Voyages in Paris, you can embark on the French supply ship called Marion Dufresne II, which departs from Réunion Island in the southeastern part of Africa and travels to Antarctica for a month. It’s worth mentioning that ordinary individuals can also board this supply ship.

5. Participate in Extreme Marathons or Ski Competitions

That’s right. The Ultra Ice Marathon and Half Marathon occur annually in Antarctica. By paying around €15,000 (approximately $16,500), which includes the cost of the flight departing from Chile, anyone can register for these events. Additionally, through the company Ski Antarctica, you can apply to participate in the Antarctic ski competition.

How to travel to Antarctica on a budget

by  Victor Eekhof

Many dream about it, few have done it. I’m one of the latter, and I will tell you how you can travel to Antarctica too.

The coldest continent on Earth can be approached from New Zealand, South Africa and Argentina/Chile. Reasons for undertaking an expedition vary from scientific research, charity fundraisers, world record attempts or simply tourism.

In this article I’ll focus on departing from Argentina/Chile for sightseeing; chances are that this is the most relevant combination for you too. In the end I found the best and  most valuable deals over at Chimu Adventures .

Getting to Ushuaia, the end of the world…

Try to find the right agency…, what do you get for your money, how i felt after the trip, about the author – victor eekhof.

How can I travel to Antarctica?  

You need to go via Ushuaia!

How can I get to Ushuaia?

In the far south of Argentina lies a little city called Ushuaia, nicknamed “fin del mundo” for its geographical location: it’s the most southern city in the world. Most tourist expeditions leave from this city, and it’s therefore filled with Gore-Tex wearing, Nordic walking sticks carrying 40-somethings.

There’s not much to see in the city itself; there are a couple of hikes, but nothing compared to spectacular El Calafate and El Chalten, roughly 500 kilometers to the north west. You can get to Ushuaia easily from Buenos Aires by plane; ticket prices vary from 200 to 300 euros depending on the season.

I put together a whole article with  my best Business Travel Hacks and Trips . Including how to get cheap lounge access, affordable airport pick ups or how to find the best seat on your next flight, check it out!

There is also a (slow) bus connection but no central bus station in Ushuaia, and many travelers have complained about getting stuck in the city on their way out during high season. Book accommodation and flight tickets in advance, they tend to be hard to find and expensive during the season.

The cheapest and best option was to  stay at an AirBnB . Check out whether there is something for you too.

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Can You Go To Antarctica? Yes! How To Get To Antarctica

Among the first questions prospective polar travelers consider “ Can you visit Antarctica? ” Yes, you can visit Antarctica, being mindful of any Antarctica travel restrictions . We’ll show you how.

The next question is “ How to get to Antarctica? ” The answer is not as difficult as it seems. The best way to get to Antarctica is via Antarctica cruises from Argentina, Australia and New Zealand or Antarctica flights from Chile.

IN THIS POST – How to Get to Antarctica: Can You go to Antarctica? 10 Reasons to Visit Antarctica Get to Antarctica by Ship Flights to Antarctica Get to Antarctica From Your Home Passport & Visa Requirements The Best Way to Get to Antarctica More Resources

Can You Go To Antarctica?

Yes, you can visit Antarctica. In fact, Antarctica has never been more accessible to travelers.

Do you need permission to go to Antarctica? Travelers do not need permission to go to Antarctica, but tourism operators must hold a valid permit. First, a bit of background on why it is legal to visit Antarctica.

Antarctica is not a country. The continent is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which preserves it for peaceful and scientific use. The treaty and related agreements ensure that all human activity is carefully managed and planned, including environmentally sensitive tourism. As of 2023 the treaty has 56 signatory parties. 

Tourism operators in Antarctica submit stringent permit applications annually. If their planned activities meet all criteria, they are authorized and granted a permit. Traveling with an authorized operator means your permit has been secured for you.

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Do you need a visa to visit Antarctica? Because no country owns Antarctica, a visa is not required to travel there.

How many tourists visit Antarctica each year?   During the 2022-2023 season, more than 32,000 travelers visited Antarctica. Will you be next?

How to Get to Antarctica

The two primary routes travelers use to get to Antarctica are cruising to Antarctica or flying to Antarctica. Below we present everything you need to know about each method. 

Wondering why people want to visit Antarctica. View our top 10 reasons to visit Antarctica now.

Get to Antarctica by Ship

The most common and most affordable way to get to Antarctica is to book an  Antarctica cruise . Over 90% of all visitors travel to Antarctica aboard a small ship. Learn more about the cost to go to Antarctica .

Specially outfitted operators run a fleet of purpose-built Antarctica expedition ships taking travelers to Antarctica. They take care of all the logistics from permits to schedules and itineraries. Shore landings and activities on the continent are an important part of the experience. See our tips on how to choose an Antarctic cruise .

Cruise to Antarctica From South America

The distance from the tip of South America to Antarctica is about 600 miles. The countries closest to Antarctica are Argentina and Chile. Most of the travel to Antarctica occurs from these countries in South America.  Most cruises begin in Ushuaia, Argentina but some start in other port towns in Argentina and Chile. 

Cruises to Antarctica range from 10-24 Days.  Antarctica cruises from South America are popular because they access the most popular regions including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands.   

Ushuaia to Antarctica Cruises

Ushuaia to Antarctica is the most popular cruise route. Ushuaia is 680 miles to Antarctica and the closest port making it the primary hub for cruises.

Ushuaia is the southernmost city in South America before Antarctica. It is in the Terra del Fuego province of Argentina and is generally recognized as the southernmost city in the world. Ushuaia is well worth a visit. We recommend travelers going to Antarctica arrive a day or two early.

Ushuaia Antarctica cruises offer the largest variety of itinerary and ship options. The shortest and most affordable Ushuaia cruises visit the Antarctic Peninsula. Some cruises from Ushuaia strive to reach farther south the Antarctic circle. More comprehensive Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. 

During the height of the season the port of Ushuaia can host 3-5 Antarctica expedition ships each day. Overall, there may be more than three dozen ships visiting Antarctica from Ushuaia each season. Don’t worry the ships coordinate schedules so ports and landing sites do not become overcrowded. This diverse fleet offers travelers the widest choice of ships, cabins and availability. 

Other Argentina to Antarctica Cruises

While most cruises begin in Ushuaia there are other routes from Argentina to Antarctica. Each year a handful of Argentina Antarctica cruises embark from Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands. To reach Port Stanley travelers must fly from mainland Argentina, usually Buenos Aires.   

Chile to Antarctica Cruises

Chile is known for its cruises with flights to Antarctica. But there are some cruises from Chile to Antarctica each year. Chile Antarctica cruises typically embark in the southern Patagonia city of Punta Arenas. 

A Chile to Antarctic voyage will travel through the Chilean Fjords passing by Cape Horn before venturing into the Drake Passage. If you choose a Chilean Antarctic trip it is also possible to combine it with travel to Patagonia or a Chile vacation .

Cruises From Australia and New Zealand to Antarctica

Each year a handful of specialty cruises voyage from New Zealand and Australia to Antarctica. These are true expeditions and take longer than cruises from South America. Just crossing from New Zealand or Australia to Antarctica can take five days or more. The highlight of an Antarctica cruise from Australia or New Zealand is a visit to the Ross Sea. 

The most common embarkation ports for journeys from New Zealand to Antarctica are Invercargill and Dunedin. Cruises from Australia to Antarctica typically depart from Hobart, Tasmania.

Some Antarctica cruises depart from Australia, visit the White Continent, and then return to the same port. Others begin in South America and end in Australia, or reverse. Either way, these cruises are much longer than cruises from South America. Antarctic cruises from Australia and New Zealand range from 25-35 days.  

Voyages will visit sub-Antarctic islands such as Macquarie Island, the Auckland Islands or Campbell Islands. These remote outposts are rich in birdlife and wildlife. They serve to break up the longer ocean crossing.

How to Get to Antarctica by Boat FAQ’s

The Antarctic Peninsula lies just over 680 miles (1100 kilometers) from Ushuaia, Argentina in South America.

The Antarctic Circle is about 800 miles (1,300 kilometers) from Ushuaia, Argentina in South America. 

The voyage from Ushuaia to Antarctic takes about 48 hours by small ship. Antarctic Peninsula cruises will make this crossing each way. So, a typical 11-day cruise will include 4 days crossing at sea and 7 days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. 

Most Antarctica cruises are 10-13 days. Some cruises are 14-20 days. The longest Antarctica cruise is 36 days long.

Most cruises to Antarctica leave from Ushuaia, Argentina. Cruises also leave from Punta Arenas-Chile, Port Stanley-Argentina, Hobart-Australia, Dunedin -New Zealand.

The Antarctic continent is about 1650 miles (2655 kilometers) from Australia. The Ross Sea is about 2200 miles (3,500 kilometers) from Australia. 

The crossing from Australia to Antarctica can take up to 7 days depending on weather.

The Antarctic continent is about 1500 miles (2415 kilometers) from New Zealand. The Ross Sea is about 1800 miles (2900 kilometers) from New Zealand.

The crossing from New Zealand to Antarctica can take up to 5 days depending on weather.

The closest country to cruise to Antarctica is Argentina. 

You cannot see Antarctica from South America. Don’t laugh, people ask. 

Flights to Antarctica

Flying to Antarctica from Chile avoids crossing the infamous Drake Passage and makes the overall trip shorter. Antarctica air cruises are the second most popular way to get to Antarctica. 

Flights to Antarctica are a great option for travelers short on time or concerned about seasickness. A flight to Antarctica takes about two hours, saving two days of cruising. Since most cruises make the crossing twice, flying can shave four days off the overall travel time. Cruises with flights to Antarctica range from 7-17 days long. 

When considering cruises with flights to Antarctica, there are not as many options of ships and itineraries. The season for Antarctica flights is shorter, beginning in December and ending in February. There are not as many flight departures as standard cruises from South America.

Many trips with flights depart and return to the same location. Others will fly one way to or from the Antarctica Peninsula and cruise the other direction. Our experts are here to discuss the details of flights to Antarctica and help you choose the best Antarctic flight. 

There are no commercial flights to Antarctica.  Antarctica air cruise itineraries utilize one-way or round-trip flights from Punta Arenas, Chile, to the Antarctica Peninsula where guests board a ship. Flights to Antarctica utilize the airstrip at the King George Island Antarctica airport. This landing site is associated with Chile’s Frei Station.

Fly to Antarctica from Chile

Punta Arenas, Chile, is the primary departure point for cruises with Antarctic flights. These trips fly over the Drake passage, landing on King George Island near the Antarctic Peninsula. Travelers then embark the ship in Antarctica.

Most trips will explore the Antarctic Peninsula, then fly back to Chile. Some venture further to Antarctic Circle, South Georgia Island and the Falkland Islands. Some trips fly one way from Chile then cruise back or reverse. 

How to Fly to Antarctica FAQ’s

Yes, you can fly to Antarctica , but only in conjunction with an organized tour or cruise. There are no commercial flights to Antarctica.

There are no commercial airports in Antarctica. Flights to Antarctica utilize landing strips associated with scientific research stations.

The only way to fly to Antarctica is part of an organized tour or cruise. Flights with cruises depart from Chile.

The flight to Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile is about 2 hours.

Travelers get around in Antarctica by small expedition ship. Travelers also get around via zodiacs, kayaks, skiing, snowshoeing, hiking and trekking. 

The closest country to fly to Antarctica from is Chile.

No it is not possible to see Antarctica from Chile.

How to get to Antarctica from Your Home

Most cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Fly-and-cruise trips depart from Punta Arenas, Chile. There are no direct international flights into these ports, so most travelers must route flights through Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Santiago, Chile.

Below is our advice on how to get to Antarctica from your home, using these air travel hubs. Our specialists can assist with your flights to Antarctica.

Get to Antarctica From Your Home: Get to Antarctica From the U.S.A. Get to Antarctica From Canada Get to Antarctica From Australia Get to Antarctica From New Zealand Get to Antarctica From the U.K. & Europe

How to Get to Antarctica From the United States

• To Buenos Aires : To get to Antarctica on a cruise departing from Argentina, travelers need to fly from the USA to Buenos Aires. The most popular Antarctica flights from U.S.A. to Buenos Aires depart from New York, Dallas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, Houston, Chicago, Washington D.C. and Boston. From Buenos Aires fly to Ushuaia to board your ship. 
• To Santiago : To fly to Antarctica from the USA, travelers first need to fly to Santiago, Chile. The most popular flight routes from the U.S.A. to Santiago, Chile, depart from Los Angeles, Dallas, Houston, Atlanta, Miami and New York. From Santiago fly to Punta Arenas to board your flight to Antarctica. 

How to Get to Antarctica From Canada

There are direct flights from Toronto to both Buenos Aires and Santiago, five days each week. From other regions in Canada, travelers may consider connecting through a gateway in the U.S.A.

How to Get to Antarctica From Australia

• To Hobart: To get to Antarctica on a cruise departing from Australia you will need to travel to Hobart, Tasmania. Popular flight routes to Hobart depart from Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Perth and Adelaide.
• To Buenos Aires: To get to Antarctica from Australia on a cruise departing from Argentina, travelers need to fly to Buenos Aires. Unfortunately, there are no direct flights from Australia to Buenos Aires. Travelers going to Antarctica from Australia must consider connecting to Buenos Aires through Auckland, New Zealand, or through Santiago, Chile. From Buenos Aires fly to Ushuaia to board your ship.
• To Santiago : To fly to Antarctica from Australia travelers will first need to fly to Santiago, Chile. Flights from Sydney, Australia, to Santiago, Chile, operate four days each week. From Santiago fly to Punta Arenas to catch your flight to Antarctica. 

How To Get to Antarctica From New Zealand

Most travelers from New Zealand will fly to South America to get to Antarctica from there. If you are on a specialty New Zealand cruise to Antarctica there are numerous options, depending on your departure port. See details below to get to Antarctica from New Zealand.

• To Invercargill or Dunedin: To get to Antarctica on a cruise departing from New Zealand you will need to travel to either Invercargill or Dunedin. Travelers on New Zealand’s South Island may drive to their embarkation port. There are flights to Invercargill and Dunedin from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch.
• To Buenos Aires : To get to Antarctica from New Zealand on a cruise departing from Argentina travelers need to fly to Buenos Aires. There are four direct flights each week from Auckland, New Zealand, to Buenos Aires, Argentina. From Buenos Aires fly to Ushuaia to board your ship.
• To Santiago : To fly to Antarctica from New Zealand, travelers will first fly to Santiago, Chile. Flights from Auckland, New Zealand, to Santiago, Chile, operate four days each week. From Santiago fly to Punta Arenas to catch your flight to Antarctica. 

How To Get to Antarctica From the U.K. & Europe

• To Buenos Aires : To get to Antarctica from the U.K. and Europe most travelers will first fly to Buenos Aires, Argentina. There are numerous flights from Europe to Buenos Aires each day. Popular routes depart from London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Madrid, Barcelona and Rome. From Buenos Aires fly to Ushuaia to board your ship.
• To Santiago : To fly to Antarctica from the U.K. and Europe travelers will first fly to Santiago, Chile. There are numerous flights from Europe to Santiago each day. Popular routes depart from London, Amsterdam, Paris, Frankfurt, Madrid and Barcelona. From Santiago fly to Punta Arenas to catch your flight to Antarctica. 

How to Get to Antarctica From Argentina

To get to Antarctica from Argentina, travelers will first fly to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires, Argentina has two airports. International travelers will arrive at Ezeiza International Airport (EZE). Then connect from Buenos Aires to Uhsuaia. Flights to and from Ushuaia (USH) operate out of the Jorge Newbery Airpark domestic airport (AEP). So a transfer between airports in Buenos Aires is required.

We recommend the airport shuttle service, Manuel Tienda Leon. Find their colorful booths in the airport to book a transfer for about $30 USD. Shuttles depart every 30 minutes from the EZE arrival terminal.  A taxi can be arranged and may be quicker but more expensive. 

The opposite transfer is required on the return trip. We advise travelers to allow at least four hours between flights for this transfer and check in. Many travelers will consider a stopover in Buenos Aires as part of their Antarctica travel package.

How to Get to Antarctica from Chile

To get to Antarctica from Chile, travelers will first fly to Santiago. International travelers will arrive at Arturo Merino Benitez International Airport, also known as Santiago International Airport (SCL). Then connect from Santiago to Punta Arenas. Flights to and from Punta Arenas also depart from this airport making connections easy. Many travelers will consider a stopover in Santiago as part of their Antarctica plans.

Antarctica Passport & Visa Requirements

A visa or passport is not required to visit Antarctica. However, the country you pass through to get to Antarctica, such as Argentina, Chile, Australia or New Zealand will require a passport and may require a visa depending on your country of origin. Visas are not required in these countries for U.S. citizens. Your passport should be valid for 6 months after your travel dates, depending on your country of residency.

Countries that have signed the Antarctica Treaty including the U.S.A., Canada, E.U., New Zealand and Australia require that visitors from those countries need permission to visit Antarctica. This is typically provided through the tour operator. 

Argentina Visas – click here to learn if a visa is required to enter Argentina from your country. Chile Visas – click here to find your Chilean consulate. Contact your consulate to learn if a visa is required if a visa is required to enter Chile from your country. In the United States, visa services can answer detailed questions and expedite applications for visas to Argentina and Chile.

What is the Best Way to Get to Antarctica?

The best way to get to Antarctica is by  small ship cruise  across the Drake Passage, or by plane to meet your ship in Antarctica. There are no right or wrong ways to get to Antarctica. Your choice will depend on your personal preferences, schedule and budget. Regardless of how you get to Antarctica, it will be the trip of a lifetime.

Continue your research on how to travel to Antarctica using the links below, or sign up for the AdventureSmith newsletter to stay in the loop on Antarctica travel news and deals. Our experts are here to teach you how to visit Antarctica and to help you get there.

MORE ANTARCTICA RESOURCES : Antarctica Travel Guide Antarctica Cruises Luxury Antarctica Cruises Falkland Islands & South Georgia Cruises Cruises with Flights to Antarctica Best Time to Visit Antarctica Antarctica Cruise Cost Things to Do in Antarctica Places in Antarctica Antarctica Ships Best Antarctica Cruise Lines Antarctica Cruise Deals Antarctica Cruise Reviews

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How much cost for the trip from India to Antarctica for one person?

Hi Ramesh, From ship selection to cabin considerations, trip duration and departure date, there are many factors that can affect the cost of an Antarctica cruise. Start with our helpful article How Much Does it Cost to go to Antarctica , (note the section on solo travelers ). Our experts are your best resource and can ultimately help you determine how much you’ll need for this bucket list destination plus offer money-saving tips in the process. We will be in touch shortly.

I want to visit in Feb or March 2024. Please give me a price for 2 pax.

Hi Smarajit, You’ve come to the right place. An Antarctica expert will be in contact with you shortly to discuss all your Antarctica cruise options.

i want to package of antartica via cruise or by air with couple

Hi Pradeep, We can certainly help! An Antarctica Specialist will be in touch direct shortly. In the meantime you can review more information about Cruises with Flights to Antarctica and Antarctica cruises in general.

Let Our Travelers Explain What Is So Special About Antarctica

The Antarctic cruise was something else; it was an unbelievable experience. The crew were superb. Thanks, AdventureSmith, for getting me into such a grand adventure. I have too many stories.

Antarctica is an out of the world experience. It is nothing like anywhere. Neither was there an experience like this before nor can there be similar one after.

I was blown away by the experience. Antarctica is truly a magical place. By far, the quality and variety of food beyond exceeded my expectations. Camping on land was incredible!!!

One of the best trips I have ever taken. You are only going to Antarctica once most likely, so you want to get it right. I felt like we really did and that was made possible by excellent guidance from Nick and excellent service from all involved on our travels. We were told National Geographic was second to none in terms of naturalist and that was very true. Antarctica was simply amazing. Nothing can compare and you simply have to see it to believe it.

The first time I stepped onto Antarctica, I just closed my eyes and tried to envision the globe and where I was on it at that very moment; definitely a wow moment and a wow trip! Since I prefer masses of wildlife to masses of humanity, I had a wonderful experience. Be prepared to be amazed!

The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations. I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a...

The Antarctic cruise was something else; it was an unbelievable experience. The crew were superb. I have no negative impressions to relate. The scenes of Antarctica from the Professor Malchanov were breathtaking, not to mention in the landings on the peninsula and numerous islands. The gear (coat and rubber boots) was perfect; I never got cold. Penguins were encountered at just about every stop. We saw a couple of seals, too, and a few whales at sea. Those birds are incredibly photogenic and there must have been thousands of pictures taken by my fellow passengers. Thanks, AdventureSmith, for getting me into such a grand adventure. I have too many stories.

Featured in this Traveler Review

• Antarctic Explorer

Overall trip experience was great, since it had an equal measure of all components-comfortable stay, good food, insights on the continent, well organised landings and great care taken by the expedition head and his team. All the landings were unique in their own way, had different elements of surprise every time. Whale watching from the ship-out of the world experience.

Accommodations Review

Accommodations were convenient and well maintained. Only the camping tent could have been a little larger to accommodate two campers.

Crew & Guides Review

The enthusiasm and professionalism was par excellence. Alex the team leader was very knowledgeable about the continent and its various facets and his alertness and information got us more benefits from the trip. All others were equally competent and knowledgeable. Lyn, Osi, Gerard, Scott, Phil, Mike and others-each had so much energy and enthusiasm to share their knowledge, help and guide us that made your trip so memorable.

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

All info was given in detail. There were regular emails from Nick which helped me a lot. The change in airline schedule was informed in advance so that alternates could be booked. The info about ground transport was also useful.

Traveler Advice

Antarctica is an out of the world experience. It is nothing like anywhere. Neither was there an experience like this before nor can there be similar one after. Anyone who like nature should visit it! Do not have any doubt or inhibition, everything will be smooth. Enjoy and soak in the experience as it seeps in!

• Antarctic Peninsula Aboard Expedition
• MS Expedition

I was blown away by the experience. Antarctica is truly a magical place and Oceanwide did an excellent job in showing it to me. The staff and crew were beyond helpful and enthusiastic about their work. By far, the quality and variety of food beyond exceeded my expectations. Safety was paramount and everyone was well taken care of. I would recommend this trip to anyone! Great variety of age, backgrounds, gender, country of origin, etc. on the boat. Everyone was friendly and talkative.

David (Expedition Leader) was very professional, informative, and friendly. He handled any situation that came up quickly and made prompt decisions. He kept everyone informed and had a positive attitude the whole time. The other staff that took us on expeditions was also wonderful (Mal, Koen, Julia, Owen, Werner, Alexis, Andreas, Regis, Daniel, and Trevor).

Itinerary Review

I enjoyed the adventure activities including camping, kayaking, and mountaineering. They allowed me to get close to nature and experience the environment first-hand. It felt like we stayed in the same place for so much of the trip and that was a bit of a disappointment. It would have been nice to see more of the peninsula and move along it each day rather than in the same area. Camping on land was incredible!!!

Meals Review

It was phenomenal! As noted previously, I was blown away by the food variety and quality.

I received great information from AdventureSmith. The only exception would be in regards to the Mountaineering activity. I was told I would need mountaineering boots for this but after purchasing them and getting on the boat, I found out I was not able to do the activity because I did not have prior experience mountaineering.

• Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise
• Oceanwide Expeditions

Please note: The primary ship(s) operating the mentioned itinerary can change from year to year, so the ship this guest cruised on may no longer be sailing this exact route.

The arrangements from start to finish were seamless. The staff for the pre-cruise tours as well as on the ship were simply fantastic. Great group of travelers on the ship - we enjoyed the adventurous spirit of all on board. One of the best trips I have ever taken. You are only going to Antarctica once most likely, so you want to get it right. I felt like we really did and that was made possible by excellent guidance from Nick and excellent service from all involved on our travels. We were told National Geographic was second to none in terms of naturalist and that was very true. Not only did we see the landscape and animals but we learned about them - and from people who love them and are experts in their field. That added a richness not possible otherwise.

The Mandarin hotel prior and the National Geographic Orion were exactly as I expected and met all our needs.

The meals on the ship were consistently incredible. The variety of fresh foods and beautiful presentation never got boring.

The pre-tour guide and driver were outstanding. Our guide went above and beyond to make our experience a good one and to give us insight into his country in addition to seeing 'the sights' - it was a true cultural experience which I wanted and appreciated. The National Geographic crew from top to bottom were fantastic.

Antarctica was simply amazing. Nothing can compare and you simply have to see it to believe it. We also enjoyed our day trip to Valpairaiso. The day trip and the drive over with a stop at a local winery gave us a good flavor for the region as well as a day to adjust and get ready for the next leg of the journey.

Nick helped us for more than a year to secure the trip, work on pre-tours and help with all preparations and questions - which were many. He was also professional and responsive and educational in preparing us for the trip. Just what I wanted from a travel agency. Expert advice from people who have been there and can match your wishes and travel style to the right fit for you.

Plan far ahead and research what the actual trip experience will be like. Find the fit that best suits your personality and travel style. Be flexible. The only challenge was a very late night flight out of Santiago to Dallas. The downtime on that final day proved to longer than I would have liked. I would recommend to future travelers that they spend the night in Santiago, taking a morning flight out the following day in order to ensure a less exhaustive end to the trip. Santiago city center is worth seeing but not particularly engaging - at least at the moment. The protests have very much disrupted the flow for tourists and the effects on the city with graffiti and boarded up sites around the city are painful to see.

• National Geographic The White Continent
• National Geographic Orion
• Lindblad Expeditions

The first time I stepped onto Antarctica, I just closed my eyes and tried to envision the globe and where I was on it at that very moment; definitely a wow moment and a wow trip! Penguins, penguins, penguins, penguins, penguins! Gosh, I love them! South Georgia was fantastic. Since I prefer masses of wildlife to masses of humanity, I had a wonderful experience.

The M/S Plancius is a very nice clean ship with comfortable beds. I was impressed that they cleaned the windows many times during the voyage so that you always had a clear view from inside.

I thoroughly enjoyed all of our leaders and thought all were professional and enthusiastic. James Cresswell and Brent Houston were outstanding in their knowledge. 

Chris Harter at AdventureSmith was outstanding in answering my endless questions; also in general he was just a pleasure to talk to, easygoing and friendly.

Be prepared to be amazed!

• Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

We particularly wanted to do this trip because of the abundance of wildlife we expected to encounter and selected this ship because they offered the kayaking experience. Overall, the weather was very good. Most people seemed like minded and were there for the adventurous experience.

They upgraded our cabin and we were very pleased with the amount of space and the amenities in the room. We appreciated the twin windows and being able to see humpbacks diving from our cabin. It was kept very clean and it was a treat to have our bed turned down with chocolates on the pillow each night.

We liked the variety and the quality of the food.  There was always something new to try.  The dining room staff was very professional and personable.

Solon was our Principal Trip Leader. He was incredibly professional and it seemed like he was constantly working to maximize the encounters with wildlife and scenery, taking advantage of all the weather opportunities and going to places that they don't often go. He worked very closely with the captain who was very accommodating and caring about us having a memorable voyage. Aymie and Andrew were our kayak guides. We went out to kayak 10 different times and were able to get to know both of them well. They worked hard to keep us safe and well informed. They made sure that we didn't miss out on any land excursions. We've had quite a few kayak guides over the years that we've paddled and we loved these two. Marla was the marine biologist aboard the ship. She was very enthusiastic and had a passion for marine mammals that was infectious. We loved listening to her presentations and looked forward to hearing her voice on the PA saying that there was another whale sighting. Colin, the geologist aboard the ship, was very knowledgeable and able to make difficult subjects understandable to the passengers.

The trip far, far, far, far, far, far exceeded our expectations.  I had one "far" in the sentence when we left South Georgia Island after seeing 250,000 King Penguins at St. Andrews Point and added the second when we saw blue whales on two different days. The third "far" was added when we saw hundreds of whales for 6 hours along the iceberg, A68a. I added another "far" when we kayaked for over an hour with humpbacks all around and another "far" when minke whales were all around the kayaks the next day. The last "far" was added the day we didn't paddle since a leopard seal was all around the kayaks and then an orca came close. We had so many incredible experiences that we could never experience all of them in the same trip again. The guides told us that the close encounters that we had didn't happen very often and that we were very lucky that they all happened on our trip. The only thing that we didn't like was portions of the Drake Passage when it was a tad rough, but that experience gives us something to talk about.

Transportation Review

We made our transportation arrangements through another travel agency.

Make sure that you take sea sickness meds. Take advantage of every opportunity to see wildlife.

• Explorers & Kings

How To Go To Antarctica? On These Trips

Now that you know how to get to Antarctica, start browsing this selection of cruises and trips with Antarctica flights for your best way to get there. Contact our experts to learn more about how to get to Antarctica. We’re here to help with a free, personalized quote and planning advice for your polar expedition.

Contact Us - Can You Go To Antarctica? Yes! How To Get To Antarctica

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The most affordable Antarctica expedition cruises!

Antarctica is not exactly the world's cheapest destination, but there are some surprisingly affordable alternatives. Nowadays, any cruise to Antarctica that costs less than US$8000 could be regarded as being a budget cruise. A very few expeditions come under US$6000 but usually only with the cheapest Quad or Triple cabin categories (which usually sell out a long way in advance!). Occasionally we can offer last-minute specials or Early Booking Discounts that bring an otherwise more expensive cruise to this price level. If you are travelling on a budget, look out for Antarctic Peninsula cruises sailing in the shoulder-season period of November or March. It may not be peak-season, but this is still a wonderful time to travel to Antarctica! In November the landscape is very pretty and snow-covered and in March we can enjoy extra special encounters with whales!

Earlybird Savings

Antarctica Small Ship Expedition: Ocean Nova

November or March 10 days

A boutique 10 day adventure cruise to Antarctica. Sail to the beautiful Antarctic Peninsula on the small expedition ship Ocean Nova

Classic Antarctica Cruise: MV Ushuaia

November - March 10 or 11 day departures

A small ship cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands aboard the M/V Ushuaia

Special Offers!

Best of Antarctica: Ocean Endeavour

November, December - January 11 days / 9 night cruise

An shorter expedition with the impressively comfortable Ocean Endeavour discovering the 7th Continent, Antarctica

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

December-February 10-11 days

A 9 or 10 night Classic Antarctic route on the brand-new expedition ship M/V Hondius, the first-registered Polar Class 6 vessel in the world

Polar Circle Deep South: M/V Ortelius

March 14 days

An extra long Antarctica expedition cruise to the Polar Circle on the ice-class expedition ship M/V Ortelius

Antarctica Classic - M/S Expedition

November-March 11 days

This 11-day itinerary with the M/S Expedition will introduce you to the magic of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctic Peninsula: M/V Ortelius

January-March 10-12 days

A classic Antarctic Peninsula expedition cruise on the ice-class expedition ship M/V Ortelius

Antarctic Basecamp M/V Plancius

November - March 11/12 days

An Antarctic expedition cruise onboard M/V Plancius with a greater variety of included activities such as climbing, kayaking, hiking and diving

Antarctica - Basecamp M/V Ortelius

November-March 13 days

An Antarctic expedition cruise onboard M/V Ortelius with a greater variety of included activities such as climbing, kayaking, hiking and diving

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The Cheapest Cruise to Antarctica: Antarctic Voyages on a Shoestring

When it comes to traveling around the world, few people think beyond the 6 “accessible” continents. Antarctica is often described as too hostile for travel and not many people would consider visiting on holiday.

However, if you’re a travel enthusiast, you’re always up for a challenge and a trip to Antarctica is a rare feat. So, if you’re excited about visiting a destination that few people have been to, the cold, frozen continent of Antarctica is a great destination.

Besides, there are many fun activities to indulge in when you reach this relatively untouched land. You can take pictures with penguins in their natural habitat, enjoy hiking through picturesque landscapes or simply marvel at the vastness of this continent.

However, keep in mind that cruises to Antarctica aren’t cheap, and it can take up a huge chunk of your travel budget.

Suggested Reading: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting Abu Dhabi on Transit and Stopover

Table of Contents

The Complete Guide to Exploring Antarctica on a Budget

Fortunately, this guide will help you find the cheapest cruises to Antarctica, and how to make your trip worthwhile.

The Cost of a Cruise to Antarctica

When considering the cost of a cruise to Antarctica, there are several factors to take into account. The most significant expenses include the cost of the cruise itself, flights to and from the embarkation port, and any additional expenses such as travel insurance, gear, and excursions.

The cost of the cruise itself can vary significantly depending on the type of ship, the duration of the itinerary, and the level of luxury offered. The cheapest cruises are typically offered during the shoulder seasons of October and March when there are fewer tourists, and prices can start from around $5,000 to $6,000 per person for a 10 to 14-day itinerary.

Mid-range cruises, which often offer more amenities and comfort than budget options, can cost between $8,000 and $12,000 per person for a similar itinerary. These cruises typically offer more comprehensive onboard services and may include extras such as shore excursions, lectures, and onboard activities.

Luxury cruises are the most expensive option and can cost upwards of $30,000 per person. These cruises typically offer larger cabins, more personalized service, and additional amenities such as hot tubs, spas, and fine dining restaurants.

When budgeting for a cruise to Antarctica, it’s important to factor in additional expenses such as flights, travel insurance, and gear. Flights to the embarkation port can vary depending on your departure location and the time of year, but can cost anywhere from $1,500 to $5,000 per person . Travel insurance is also essential, and can cost between 5% and 10% of the total trip cost.

One of the most significant additional expenses when planning a trip to Antarctica is gear. Depending on the type of cruise you choose, you may need to purchase specialized gear such as waterproof boots, insulated jackets, and thermal underwear. While some cruises include gear rental as part of the package, you may need to purchase your own gear, which can cost several hundred dollars or more.

Finally, it’s worth considering any additional excursions or activities you may want to participate in during your cruise. These can include helicopter flights, kayaking expeditions, and camping trips, and can add several thousand dollars to the total cost of your trip.

Here’s a rough breakdown of the expenses of an average cruise trip to Antarctica:

It’s worth noting that the above cost breakdown is just an estimate and that actual costs may vary depending on a variety of factors. For example, luxury cruises can cost significantly more than budget options, and the cost of gear may be lower if you already own some of the necessary items.

Ultimately, the cost of a cruise to Antarctica will depend on your individual preferences and circumstances. However, by carefully researching your options and budgeting appropriately, it’s possible to plan a memorable trip to this incredible destination without breaking the bank.

So, how can you make your trip more budget-friendly? Here are some tips to keep expenses in check on a trip to Antarctica:

Choosing an Affordable Cruise

When planning a trip to Antarctica, choosing an affordable cruise can be a challenge, but it’s not impossible. Here are some practical tips for finding an affordable cruise to Antarctica:

• Travel during the shoulder season : Consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of October and March, when there are fewer tourists and prices tend to be lower.
• Look for last-minute deals : Some cruise lines offer last-minute deals on unsold cabins, which can be a great way to save money. Keep an eye out for these deals in the months leading up to your trip.
• Book early : Conversely, booking your cruise well in advance can also lead to savings. Many cruise lines offer early booking discounts, so it pays to plan ahead.
• Compare prices : Be sure to compare prices across different cruise lines and itineraries. Prices can vary widely depending on the type of ship, the duration of the itinerary, and the level of luxury offered.
• Consider a smaller ship : While larger ships can offer more amenities and comfort, smaller ships can be a more affordable option. They may also be able to access more remote locations that larger ships can’t reach.
• Look for bundled packages : Some cruise lines offer bundled packages that include flights, gear, and other extras. These can be a convenient way to save money and ensure that all of your needs are taken care of.

Also, while there aren’t too many travel companies that offer Antarctica cruises, it’s still helpful to compare the ones that do. Some cruise companies have really affordable options in comparison to the high-end famous cruises.

We recommend reading our Travel Explained section for more advice.

Booking Affordable Cruises to Antarctica

Some affordable cruise options for traveling to Antarctica include:

Oceanwide Expeditions

Oceanwide Expeditions offers a 10-day itinerary to Antarctica, starting at $5,600 per person, which includes a visit to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. The tour includes onboard accommodation and meals, as well as lectures and shore excursions.

Activities such as kayaking and camping are available for an additional fee. The ship typically departs from Ushuaia, Argentina, and returns to the same port. When traveling from the US, you’ll have to book a flight to Argentina, which may incur additional costs. The cruise season runs from November to March.

You can book a cruise with Oceanwide Expeditions through their website or get a reservation by calling them at +1 800 453 7245.

Quark Expeditions

Quark Expeditions offers a variety of cruise options to Antarctica, with prices starting at around $8,000 per person for a 10-day itinerary. Their tours typically include visits to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as onboard accommodation, meals, and lectures. Some tours may also include activities such as kayaking and camping.

Quark Expeditions also offers bundled packages that include flights, gear, and excursions. The cruise season runs from November to March. You can book a cruise to Antarctica on the Quark Expeditions website .

Hurtigruten

Hurtigruten offers a range of cruises to Antarctica, with prices starting at around $7,000 per person for a 14-day itinerary. Their tours typically include visits to the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula, as well as onboard accommodation, meals, and lectures. Some tours may also include activities such as kayaking and camping.

Hurtigruten offers early booking discounts and bundled packages that include flights and excursions. The cruise season runs from November to March. You can call them at +1 (866) 552-0371 or book your spot on the cruise through their website .

Save on Gear Costs

When planning a cruise to Antarctica, one of the major expenses is the cost of gear. However, there are ways to save money on gear without sacrificing your comfort or safety.

Here are some tips on how to save money on gear when on a cruise to Antarctica:

• Rent gear : Instead of purchasing all the necessary gear, consider renting it. Many outfitters and cruise lines offer gear rental services, which can be a more affordable option. For example, Oceanwide Exped
• Buy used gear : If you prefer to purchase your own gear, consider buying used gear. Websites like eBay and Craigslist can be great sources for used gear at a lower cost. Just be sure to inspect the gear thoroughly before purchasing to ensure that it’s in good condition.
• Borrow gear : If you have friends or family who have traveled to Antarctica before, consider asking if you can borrow their gear. This can be a great way to save money and ensure that you have quality gear.
• Pack smart : Be sure to pack smart and only bring the gear that you will actually need. This can help you avoid having to purchase or rent unnecessary gear.

Here is a breakdown of some of the gear you may need for a cruise to Antarctica, along with the expected costs:

• Waterproof boots: $75 – $150
• Waterproof jacket: $150 – $500
• Waterproof pants: $100 – $300
• Warm hat: $20 – $50
• Gloves: $20 – $100
• Thermal base layers: $50 – $150
• Sunglasses (essential): $50 – $150

Keep in mind that these are just estimates and that actual costs may vary depending on the type and quality of the gear you choose. You may also need additional gear, depending on the activities you’ve planned, so ask your tour company to provide you with a list of requirements beforehand.

Skip the Expensive Excursions

Excursions and activities on a cruise to Antarctica can be an incredible way to experience the beauty and wildlife of this unique destination. However, they can also be expensive. If you’re looking to save money on your trip, skipping some of the more expensive excursions may be a good option.

Here are some tips on how to save money by skipping the excursions on a cruise to Antarctica:

• Focus on free activities : Many cruises offer free activities such as shore landings, wildlife watching, and lectures from naturalists. By focusing on these activities, you can still experience the beauty of Antarctica without spending extra money.
• Do it yourself : If you have experience in outdoor activities like hiking and kayaking, you may be able to explore on your own instead of booking a guided excursion. Just be sure to follow all safety guidelines and get permission from the tour guide.
• Prioritize excursions accordingly : If there are specific excursions that you really want to do, prioritize those and skip some of the less important ones to save money.

Here is an estimated breakdown of the cost of some popular excursions on a cruise to Antarctica:

• Kayaking : Explore the calm waters of Antarctica by kayaking through stunning ice formations and observing penguins, seals, and whales up close. It can cost you around $1,000 – $2,000 per person
• Camping : Experience the wilderness of Antarctica by camping in the wilderness and experiencing the tranquil environment. It costs you around $250 – $500 per person
• Scuba diving : Divers can explore diverse marine life, including fish, krill, and seals, and observe the beautiful ice formations underwater. It costs you around $800 – $1,500 per person
• Mountaineering : Explore the breathtaking scenery of Antarctica on foot by hiking across glaciers and around ice formations. It costs you around $500 – $1,000 per person
• Skiing : Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the snow-covered terrain of Antarctica. It can cost you around $1,000 – $2,000 per person.

Again, these are just estimates and actual costs may vary depending on the cruise line and the specific excursion. Just be sure to prioritize safety and follow all guidelines and regulations.

Saving Money on the Cruise Ship

If you’ve already booked a cruise to Antarctica, here are some tips on how to save money and keep additional costs down:

• Bring your own drinks : Most cruise lines offer drink packages that can be quite expensive. Instead, bring your own drinks such as water bottles, soda, or even wine (if allowed by the cruise line).
• Avoid specialty restaurants : While specialty restaurants on cruise ships can be tempting, they can also be quite expensive. Stick to the main dining room or buffet to save money.
• Use onboard credits wisely : If you have onboard credits, use them wisely. Consider using them for things like spa treatments or souvenirs rather than expensive drinks or meals.
• Skip the souvenir shops : While it can be tempting to buy souvenirs on board, these can be quite expensive. Consider buying souvenirs on shore or bringing your own from home instead.
• Use the free amenities : Most cruise ships such as Symphony of the Seas offer a range of free amenities such as the pool, gym, and entertainment. Take advantage of these to save money on expensive activities and services.

By following these tips, you can save money and keep additional costs down while still enjoying your cruise experience.

What to Do on a Cruise to Antarctica

Cruises are fun in the beginning but can get really boring after a while if you aren’t prepared. Since cruises to Antarctica can be as long as 3 months, it’s best to plan what you’re going to do beforehand to make the experience memorable.

Here are some tips to help you plan your activities on a cruise to Antarctica:

• Enjoy the wildlife : Antarctica is home to a variety of wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Many cruises to Antarctica offer opportunities for wildlife viewing, either from the ship or on shore excursions. Make sure to follow any guidelines from your guides to ensure that you don’t disturb the animals.
• Take part in shore excursions : Many cruises to Antarctica offer shore excursions that allow you to explore the landscape and wildlife up close. Activities can include hiking, snowshoeing, kayaking, and camping. Make sure to bring appropriate gear and clothing for these activities.
• Attend lectures and workshops : Many cruises to Antarctica offer lectures and workshops led by experts in fields such as marine biology, history, and geology. These can be a great way to learn more about the region and its unique features.
• Take in the scenery : Antarctica is known for its stunning landscapes, including glaciers, icebergs, and mountains. Be sure to take some time to simply observe the beauty around you.
• Relax and unwind : While there’s plenty to do on a cruise to Antarctica, it’s also important to take some time to relax and enjoy the journey. Spend time on deck watching the scenery go by, or take advantage of onboard amenities such as a sauna or hot tub.

Remember to always follow any guidelines or instructions from your guides to ensure that you’re respectful of the fragile Antarctic ecosystem. And most importantly, have fun and make the most of this unique and unforgettable experience!

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Safety Tips to Consider on Your Cruise to Antarctica

While cruises to Antarctica are generally safe, they aren’t as straightforward and relaxing as tropical cruises. Be prepared for rough weather and delays in the schedule, as these measures may be taken for safety.

Also, follow these safety tips during your trip:

• Follow all safety instructions : Pay close attention to any safety briefings or instructions from the crew, and make sure to follow them carefully.
• Dress appropriately : Antarctica can be very cold and windy, so make sure to bring plenty of warm clothing and gear. Dress in layers, and make sure to wear waterproof and windproof outerwear.
• Wear appropriate footwear : When going on shore excursions or hiking, it’s important to wear sturdy and waterproof boots with good traction to prevent slips.
• Practice good hygiene : To prevent the spread of illness, it’s important to practice good hygiene while on the ship. Wash your hands frequently, and use hand sanitizer when necessary.
• Be aware of wildlife : While wildlife viewing can be a highlight of a trip to Antarctica, it’s important to be respectful of the animals and keep a safe distance. Follow any guidelines from your guides, and never approach or disturb wildlife.
• Stay alert for changing weather conditions : Antarctica’s weather can be unpredictable, with sudden changes in temperature, wind, and visibility. Be aware of changing conditions and follow any instructions from the crew or guides.
• Be prepared for emergencies : Make sure to familiarize yourself with the ship’s emergency procedures, and know how to use any safety equipment such as life jackets or survival suits.

By following these safety tips, you can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip to Antarctica.

Final Words

Now that you know every bit of information to have the cheapest cruise trip to Antarctica, we suggest you pack your bags and head over to the continent very few people get to visit in their life! In case you are interested, read our travel and tour guide to Dubai as well as several parts of the United States .

Cheapest Cruise to Antarctica | The Complete Guide - FAQs

The cost of a cruise to Antarctica can vary widely depending on the duration, luxury level of the ship, and specific itinerary. A basic 10-day cruise on a mid-range ship can cost $5,000 to $10,000 per person, while a longer, more luxurious cruise can cost over $20,000 per person.

A cruise to Antarctica is definitely worth it. It offers the opportunity to see incredible landscapes, unique wildlife, and a truly remote and pristine environment.

If you’re planning a cruise trip to Antarctica, the best time to visit is during summer, which runs from November to early March. During this time, the weather is relatively mild and the days are longer, allowing for more time to explore the continent. The sea ice also begins to break up during this time, making it easier for ships to navigate the waters and access landing sites.

• EU Editor | Frequent Traveler |

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