What Kind of Antarctica Cruise is Best for You?

“Antarctica is about the wildest place you can go on the planet,” – Lars-Eric Lindblad

Lindblad first took a group of 57 visitors to Antarctica in 1966, and since then, tourism has been growing in the region. According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, tourism doubled from 2010 to 2020.

Antarctica is not a country; it is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which preserves it for peaceful and scientific use. Tourism operators must submit stringent permit applications annually, and only those that meet specific criteria are authorized to operate in the region. Traveling with an authorized operator ensures that your permit has been secured. Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required to travel there.

For many, Antarctica represents one of the most exotic and unique bucket list destinations. The continent sees about 170,000 visitors each season, which is small compared to Rome’s 10.5 million annual tourists. Despite its remoteness, Antarctica has never been so accessible to adventurous travelers. If you’re planning a trip to Antarctica, it’s essential to understand how to get there, what activities to do, and what your budget might look like, as most people only visit once in their lifetime.

The easiest way to reach Antarctica is through Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Both cities have international airports with regular services to other parts of the world. Most Antarctic cruises depart from the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, which is about a three-hour flight from Buenos Aires. The cruise itself lasts two days as it crosses the Drake Passage.

Alternatively, you can skip the Drake Passage by flying from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, an island near the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, you can board a ship to explore glaciers and penguins within hours. However, flying can carry a higher risk of delays due to unpredictable weather conditions.

Each year, a few specialty cruises voyage from New Zealand and Australia to Antarctica. These cruises take longer than those from South America, with trips taking more than five days. Antarctic cruises from Australia and New Zealand last between 25-35 days. However, cruising remains the most popular option, offering a wider range of activities, ships, departure dates, and prices. Cruises can start as early as November, and the best time to visit Antarctica is from late spring to early fall (November to March).

Best Time to Visit Antarctica

The best time for penguin spotting is from late December to early January. However, if you wait too long, penguin colonies can become dirty and smelly. For peak whale watching, February or March is ideal, though whales can be spotted as early as January.

Choosing Your Itinerary

There are various itineraries for visiting Antarctica, from “express fly & cruise” expeditions, which can last as short as eight days, to more extensive voyages lasting three weeks or more. For most travelers, trips typically last nine to ten days, including five full days of exploration and four days of sailing.

If you want more information about how to reach Antarctica from these point of origins, click here.

The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) limits the number of people allowed on land at any one time from a single vessel to just 100. This rule impacts the type of ships available. There are large cruise ships and smaller expedition ships, and the choice of ship affects the experience.

Expedition Antarctica ships are smaller and offer a more immersive experience, allowing passengers to get closer to Antarctica’s landscapes and set foot on its shorelines. Larger ships, on the other hand, tend to provide quicker "cruise-bys," offering only glimpses of the continent. Larger ships can carry 500-2,000 passengers, while expedition ships typically carry between 70 and 200 passengers.

Benefits of Smaller Ships

Smaller group sizes on expedition ships comply with tourism regulations and allow for more activities, including daily landings and Zodiac cruises. These types of trips offer a more intimate exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, something not possible on larger ships.

If you opt for a smaller ship on your trip to Antarctica, read here.

Luxury vs. Expedition Experience

Larger ships often provide a more luxurious experience and are more stable for those prone to sea sickness. However, don’t let sea sickness be your deciding factor—most expedition ships have doctors on board to provide medication at a low cost. Smaller ships generally offer more landing opportunities and less waiting time, given the fewer passengers.

For those seeking a more extravagant experience, small yachts are available for the wealthy. Yacht tours, which leave from Ushuaia, offer greater versatility in terms of landing locations but are more expensive (ranging from $10,000 per day to over $2 million per trip) and more susceptible to rough seas.

Antarctica offers a unique chance to experience the environment up close. Most voyages make landfall, allowing you to walk among penguins and seals, hike up to vantage points, or sit amongst glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife. Nearly every cruise offers daily Zodiac Antarctica cruises, small inflatable boats that hold about 12 people, to explore icebergs, marine life, and historical areas.

For those seeking an adventure, various add-on activities can personalize the trip, including overnight camping, stand-up paddleboarding, mountaineering, scuba diving, and kayaking.

Unpredictability and the Unique Nature of Each Trip

No two trips to Antarctica are the same. Sea ice and weather conditions are constantly changing, requiring a flexible travel style. Good weather can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as visiting islands not originally on the itinerary, like our trip to Brown Buff and Paulet Island.

Cost of an Antarctic Expedition

Expect to spend between $6,000 and $50,000 per person, depending on the length of the trip and the level of luxury. The average cost is around $10,000 per person. Additional expenses include flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, optional activities, and necessary gear.

Simple expedition ships with basic amenities will cost less and focus more on adventure than comfort. Mid-range expeditions typically cost $8,000 to $15,000 per person and strike a balance between comfort and price. Luxury cruises, with modern amenities and upscale service, can cost $15,000 or more per person.

If you want to know more about the activities you can do in Antarctica, You can read our Antarctica blog here. 

Before booking your trip to Antarctica, consider the following questions:

• Do you want to step foot on the continent? You’ll need a ship with fewer than 200 passengers.
• How long do you want to stay? Weather can delay landings for several days.
• Do you want to cruise or fly? Flying can save you time.
• Can you embrace the “expedition” spirit, or do you need luxury?

Good luck and safe travels!

 As always, my thoughts and opinions are my own.

Angie xoxo