Can you go on a cruise to Antarctica?

By far the most popular option for Antarctica tourists is a standard Antarctic cruise from Ushuaia. This means sailing from the port of Ushuaia to the Peninsula and returning either straight back or via the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, depending on your itinerary.



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The cost of embarking on a cruise to Antarctica can vary depending on the departure date, how long the cruise goes for, and the type of cabin you book on the ship with most cruises starting at around USD$5,000 (AUD$7,000) and going all the way up to USD$12,000 (AUD$17,000) - for a cruise lasting 21 days.

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The most expensive Antarctic cruise itineraries in 2022 will be from the ultra-luxury Antarctica expedition lines such as Silversea, Scenic and Seabourn. If you are happy just to see Antarctica from your ship, then you have a number of much cheaper options available from the mainstream lines.

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The Drake Passage can experience up to 15m swells and winds reaching Beaufort scale 10 (hurricanes are scale 12) at its peak. Most Antarctica cruise ships have stabilizers to reduce these rough sea conditions, but it is needless to say these will not stop the effects of Drake Passage sea sickness.

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A rough estimate for round-trip flights to Antarctica can range from $5,000 to $15,000 per person. It's important to note that traveling to Antarctica often requires specialized flights or cruises, and prices can be higher due to the remote location.

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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.

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The average Antarctica cruise cost is about $8,000 per person. The least expensive trips to Antarctica start at under $5,000. Luxury voyages can exceed $15,000 per person.

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Why is it so expensive to visit Antarctica? Because of the Antarctic Treaty, only certain carriers can visit and they're required to have a permit. This means that even though there are now quite a few companies offering these cruises, there is still limited supply.

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It is not illegal to go to Antarctica and thousands of people do each year.

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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.

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Where do most cruises depart from? 99% of Antarctica trips start from either Ushuaia in Southern Argentina or Punta Arenas in Southern Chile. It provides the most choice in terms of voyages. Explore the route to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

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Where do most cruises depart from? 99% of Antarctica trips start from either Ushuaia in Southern Argentina or Punta Arenas in Southern Chile. It provides the most choice in terms of voyages. Explore the route to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

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Unlike traditional cruises, the itineraries of Antarctic expedition cruises are packed with informative talks. These are given by the expedition crew on board who are all experts in their specific fields. These lectures range in subjects from geology and history to wildlife, conservation and climate change.

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The best time to visit Antarctica is during the summer period from November to March. Wildlife is most active during these months and the days are at their longest. The most popular period to visit during the summer is from December to February when temperatures are regularly above zero.

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For people who are particularly sensitive to motion, flying there really is the only viable option for a trip to Antarctica, unless you want to risk being miserable for up to four days (don't forget you'll have to cross the Drake twice on an all-cruise trip).

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Upon boarding a cruise ship or plane to Antarctica, you will need to present a valid passport. Because of the Antarctica Treaty, no visa is required.

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Express Overnight Antarctic Stays. If you want to visit Antarctica with limited time, LANDED can arrange an overnight stay at an Antarctic camp. Express Antarctic camping itineraries typically center on a visit to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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It is not illegal to visit Antarctica or to explore the continent. However, the treaty that prevents military use or ownership of the continent sets strict guidelines for gaining permission to mount an expedition, usually for scientific purposes.

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