Antarctic cruise costs explained
Month of travel, length of trip, whether you fly or sail, and the level of comfort will have an influence on the end price. Let Swoop's deep knowledge guide you.
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How to get to Antarctica: Essential information
- Over 98% of visitors to Antarctica visit the Antarctic Peninsula, via the bottom tip of South America
- The majority of travellers sail to Antarctica, making the two day sea crossing from Ushuaia in Argentina to the Antarctic Peninsula
- It is possible to fly direct to the Antarctic Peninsula, joining a ‘fly-sail’ cruise ship after a two hour flight from Punta Arenas in Chile
- The international gateway cities for Antarctic cruises are Buenos Aires in Argentina for cruises, or Santiago in Chile for fly-sail cruises
- There are a small number of alternative routes to Antarctica, including sailing from New Zealand to the Ross Sea or even flying direct to the South Pole from Chile or South Africa
Swoop's advice on how to get to Antarctica
Getting to Antarctica by sea
Sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula
The majority of visitors to the Antarctic travel by sea, sailing from Argentina’s southernmost port of Ushuaia to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, taking two days to sail across the Drake Passage that lies between the two continents.
As the gateway to Antarctica and the centre for the majority of the polar fleet, Antarctic Peninsula cruises offer the widest variety of choice when it comes to the size and style of ship.
Ships range in size from under 100 passengers to more than 500, with a large variety of cabin types from simple quads to cabins with balconies to luxury suites. Swoop knows every ship in the polar fleet inside and out: we’re the only polar travel agency that sends every member of its sales team to Antarctica every year, and keep our knowledge topped up with further ship inspections during the off season.
Sailing to other destinations in Antarctica
The Antarctic Peninsula is known as the gateway to Antarctica for a good reason: cruising here allows you to visit a variety of different regions.
A great way to get the most out of your polar voyage is by combining your trip to the Peninsula with South Georgia, with its king penguin colonies hundreds of thousands of birds strong set against a background of epic mountains. South Georgia cruises also take in the Falkland Islands, another great wildlife watching destination.
Accessible east of the Peninsula is the haunting Weddell Sea, with its immense tabular icebergs. You can also choose to continue further south to sail below the Antarctic Circle.
Finally, a small number of cruise ships approach Antarctic every year from the far side of the continent, sailing from New Zealand to explore the Ross Sea and follow in the footsteps of explorers like Shackleton, Scott and Amundsen.
Daniel says
The two day voyage is the perfect way to build excitement for your grand arrival in Antarctica: meeting your fellow travellers, watching albatrosses follow your wake and excitedly scanning the horizon for your first iceberg.
Daniel Brooks Antarctica Specialist
Crossing the Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is the name given to the stretch of ocean that lies between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. For many travellers, crossing the Drake is an essential part of their Antarctic journey, accompanied all the while by albatrosses and other seabirds that glide gracefully alongside the ship.
The Drake Passage can be lively at times, thanks to the strong currents and winds generated where the Southern Ocean funnels through this narrow stretch of water. You’ll hear of two types of crossing: a benign Drake Lake and a rougher Drake Shake. While the latter can certainly generate some big waves, people also seem to enjoy talking up the fear factor: in reality you’re far more likely to encounter calm seas than turbulent ones.
Getting to Antarctica by ship
Our top Antarctica cruises
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.7 out of 5
Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure
Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. Ideal for those wanting a high comfort level, but who have limited time or are anxious sailors. An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.…
- 8 Days
- $13,495
4.7 out of 5
South Georgia, Antarctica and Falklands Explorer
Looking for an Antarctic adventure without compromising on comfort and service? This stylish 139-passenger ship, with its cavernous suites, fine dining and compelling itinerary, offers a polished Southern Ocean adventure at a fair…
- 21 Days
- $16,236
4.3 out of 5
Classic Peninsula Voyage
Travelling aboard this modern 134-passenger ship with its 200-degree observation lounge and spacious cabins, spend 4 full days exploring Antarctica’s extraordinary icebergs and wildlife. Optional camping and kayaking, while Ushuaia hotel accommodation and a parka jacket are included in the…
- 11 Days
- $7,599
4.3 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Sail Combination
A rare and popular voyage which flies to Antarctica in just two hours, then sails back across the Drake Passage, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5 to 7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, purpose-built expedition ship, with kayaking…
- 9-13 Days
- $17,295
4.5 out of 5
Antarctic Basecamp Adventure
The ultimate Antarctic adventure, this trip is specifically for the active traveller. Spend 7 days kayaking, hiking, camping, mountaineering and snowshoeing, all included in the price. A medium-sized expedition ship acts as your floating ‘basecamp’. An excellent deal backed up…
- 13 Days
- $9,700
4.3 out of 5
Fly & Cruise the Antarctic Peninsula
For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar…
- 12 Days
- $23,795
4.8 out of 5
Antarctic Explorer
The great strength of this trip is choice – a wide selection of departure dates and optional adventure activities available on a sleek purpose-built 138 passenger expedition ship. Spend four full days exploring Antarctica. Enjoy daily shore landings and zodiac…
- 11 Days
- $13,676
4.6 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Explorer
Explore the White Continent aboard one of the polar fleet's newest additions, a state-of-the-art expedition vessel combining adventure with comfort. As well as being limited to only 130 passengers, there’s a wide range of optional activities on this classic Antarctic…
- 12-15 Days
- $11,395
4.8 out of 5
Onto the Antarctic Ice
With three medium-sized expedition ships to pick from and regular departure dates throughout the season, this well-priced voyage is a popular option. Across striking landscapes and icy seas, your company includes penguins, seals, whales and skuas. For the adventurous, optional…
- 10-13 Days
- $6,300
4.7 out of 5
Antarctic Peninsula Classic
Travelling on board this extremely comfortable ship, explore the highlights of the peninsula with a top class expedition team. Spacious cabins, delicious cuisine and optional adventure activities all help create this ideal marriage of comfort and…
- 12-13 Days
- $10,452
Flying to Antarctica
The quickest way to reach Antarctica is on a fly-sail cruise. These depart from Punta Arenas in Chile, flying on special charter flights in just two hours direct to King Georgia Island in the South Shetland Islands, which lie off the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. On arrival, you transfer directly to your expedition cruise ship. There’s no faster way to start exploring Antarctica.
If you only have a shorter time available for your trip, or are an anxious sailor keen to avoid the voyage across the Drake Passage, a fly-sail cruise makes an excellent option. However, planes are more susceptible to polar weather delays than ships, so you’ll need to be ready for flexibility if choosing this option. Fly-sail cruises also have higher operating costs than regular cruises, which makes them a slightly more expensive option.
Nardus says
Flying to Antarctica is an incredible experience. Spotting your first icebergs from the air, landing on a remote island airstrip and then taking a zodiac out to your ship all feels like a scene from a James Bond movie.
Nardus Erasmus Polar Consultant
Our top fly & sail Antarctica cruises
Special Offers:Swoop has access to the widest range of offers and can help you find the right trip, cabin, & price.
4.7 out of 5
Original Fly & Cruise Luxury Adventure
Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. Ideal for those wanting a high comfort level, but who have limited time or are anxious sailors. An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.…
- 8 Days
- $13,495
4.7 out of 5
66 Degrees South Fly Cruise
By offering time saving flights, extended time in Antarctica and the chance to reach the Polar Circle, this 10-day voyage maximises the polar experience. Minimum travel time and maximum exploring time and all the benefits of only 76 people…
- 10 Days
- $15,995
4.7 out of 5
Fly & Cruise Polar Circle
This impressive voyage combines all the comfort and speed of flying in both directions with extended time in Antarctica (7 full days), allowing you to head south towards the remote Antarctic Circle. Explore from the comfort of your outstanding purpose-built…
- 10 Days
- $23,996
4.7 out of 5
Antarctic Fly & Cruise Safari
If you’re keen to fly to Antarctica instead of sailing, this 8-day trip is ideal, with a choice of dates in December and January. Travel on outstanding modern expedition ships with a maximum of 140 passengers. Active adventurers can enjoy…
- 8 Days
- $16,145
Flying to the Antarctic interior & South Pole
While fly-sail cruises take in the classic wildlife and sights of the Antarctic Peninsula, a handful of flights every year offer lucky travellers to experience the Seventh Continent where few have ever walked before.
It’s possible to explore the Antarctic interior from Union Glacier Camp on the edge of the Ellsworth Mountains, which can be reached by air from Punta Arenas in Chile. A specially adapted plane is required to land on the blue ice runway here.
Alternatively, you can achieve a true travel holy grail by flying direct to the South Pole, from either Punta Arenas or Cape Town in South Africa.
What our customers think of travel to Antarctica
My advice is to review the videos that are out there on a trip to Antarctica. Read the reviews of the different type of cruises and determine what works best for you. Get in touch with Swoop and let them help with narrowing down the choices. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Terrie Mandina - United States Of America
If you have never been, there is no way of preparing for the impact of being there. The untouched, natural beauty, the mighty icebergs, the silliness of the penguins. You will be spending hours just sitting in one spot adoring the view. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
For ease and efficiency few things beat flying to Antarctica. If I'd have known it was that easy I would have gone years ago!
Travelled: December 2016
Agi - Hungary
Dear Swoop family, we would like to thank you for all the amazing effort you made in getting us to Punta Arenas in time.
Travelled: December 2015
Erik & Natascha - The Netherlands
Review:
From One to One Hundred
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
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Solos
- Working with over 30 different ships to find you the most solo-friendly ships, with the lowest single supplements, and the best solo deals available. Discover More
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2 - 5 people
- With over 100 collective years of Polar experience our team will help you find your perfect trip, so you’re on the right ship, in the right cabin, and at the right point of the season. Discover More
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6 - 80 people
- We’ve worked with all sizes of groups, from large families to small schools. Travelling with Swoop means you’ll be the best prepared customers on the voyage and you pay nothing extra for this service. Discover More
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Large Groups
- We are experienced charter consultants that can build tailored experiences for both part and full charters of vessels. Discover More
How to get to Antarctica from your front door
Cruises to Antarctica sail from Ushuaia in Argentina, while fly-sail cruises depart from Punta Arenas in Chile. Neither city offers international flights, so to get to the start of your trip you will to have to fly via Buenos Aires in Argentina (airport code EZE), or Santiago in Chile (airport code SCL).
Most luxury Antarctic cruises automatically include a first night in either Buenos Aires and Santiago and charter flight down to join your ship.
Flying to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires There are multiple daily flights to Ushuaia (USH, three hours 30 minutes) with either Aerolíneas Argentinas or LATAM, from the city's domestic Aeroparque Internacional Jorge Newbery. We recommend allowing five hours to transfer between the international and domestic airports.
Flying to Punta Arenas via Santiago From Santiago, there are multiple daily flights to Punta Arenas (PUQ three hours 30 minutes) with LATAM.
How to get to Antarctica from the USA
Flying from the USA to Antarctica via Buenos Aires
Both Aerolíneas Argentinas and American Airlines fly direct to Buenos Aires (EZE) from New York (JFK, 11 hours) and Miami (MIA, nine hours). American Airlines also fly direct from Dallas (DFW, 10 hours 30 minutes). Aerolíneas Argentinas and Delta Airlines fly direct from Atlanta (ATL, (10 hours). There are no direct flights to Buenos Aires from California.
Flying from the USA to Antarctica via Santiago
Santiago is well connected to the USA. LATAM flies direct to Santiago from New York (JFK, 10 hours 30 minutes) and Miami (MIA, eight hours) and from Los Angeles via Lima (LAX, 13 hours 50 minutes). American Airlines fly direct from Dallas (DFW, nine hours 30 minutes), Miami (MIA, eight hours 10 minutes). Delta fly direct from Atlanta (ATL, nine hours 10 minutes).
How to get to Antarctica from the UK
Flying from the UK to Antarctica via Buenos Aires, Argentina
British Airways fly 13 hours direct London Heathrow (LHR) to Buenos Aires (EZE). LATAM fly from Heathrow via São Paolo. Useful indirect flights include with Iberia through Madrid or with Air France via Paris.
Flying from the UK to Antarctica via Santiago, Chile
British Airways fly 14 hours direct from London Heathrow (LHR) to Santiago (SCL). LATAM fly from London via Madrid or São Paolo, while Iberia fly via Madrid.
How to get to Antarctica from Australia
Flying from the Australia to Antarctica via Buenos Aires, Argentina
There are no direct flights between Australia and Argentina. The quickest way to complete this journey is to fly to Santiago via Sydney or Aukland and then take a connecting flight to Buenos Aires (a travel time of around two hours).
Flying from the Australia to Antarctica via Santiago, Chile
Qantas and LATAM both operate direct flights from Sydney (SYD) to Santiago. The flights take around 12 hours 40 minutes. An alternative route is to travel via Aukland in New Zealand, which also direct flights to Santiago.
How to get to Antarctica from Canada
Flying from Canada to Antarctica via Buenos Aires, Argentina
Air Canada operate a service between Toronto (YYZ) and Buenos Aires, with a stop at either Bogota or São Paulo. Wider connections are available through New York (JFK), Miami (MIA), Dallas (DFW), Atlanta (ATL) and Los Angeles (LAX).
Flying from Canada to Antarctica via Santiago, Chile
Air Canada operate the only direct flights from Canada to Santiago, departing from Toronto (YYZ, 10 hours 40 minutes). Wider connections are available through the US hub airports of New York (JFK), Los Angeles (LAX), Miami (MIA), Dallas (DFW) or Atlanta (ATL).
How to get to Antarctica: FAQs
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How long does it take to get to Antarctica?
It takes two days to sail to the Antarctic Peninsula by cruise ship from Ushuaia in Argentina, and just two hours by plane from Punta Arenas in Chile.
Sailing to the Falkland Islands from Ushuaia takes approximately 36 hours, and a further day's sailing is required to reach South Georgia island. From South Georgia, it is two days by sea to the Antarctic Peninsula.
To reach the Ross Sea, it takes around ten days to sailing from Queenstown in New Zealand, calling in at many Subantarctic Islands along the way.
It is possible to fly to the South Pole from Punta Arenas in ten hours.
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Where do Antarctic cruises depart from?
Almost all Antarctic cruises depart from the tip of South America.
If you sail to the Antarctic Peninsula, your ship will depart from Ushuaia in Argentina. If you fly to the Antarctic Peninsula, your plane will depart from Punta Arenas in Santiago.
The few Ross Sea cruises depart from Queenstown in New Zealand.
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Do you need a visa to visit Antarctica?
No. Antarctic is international territory so there are no immigration requirements.
You will need to check whether you require a visa for either Argentina or Chile, depending on where your Antarctic cruise starts. The majority of international travellers do not require a visa: check our visa page for more information.
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Can I visit Antarctica as a solo traveller?
Yes. Antartica is a very popular destination for solo travellers. See our dedicated solo travellers page for more on why the Seventh Continent is such a great destination for those travelling alone.
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Can I add time in South America before or after my Antarctic trip?
Yes. It's easy to make the most of your time in either Argentina or Chile. Whether you want time in Buenos Aires or Santiago, to explore wider Patagonia or range farther afield to destinations like Iguazú Falls or the Atacama Desert, we can tailor the perfect add-on to your trip.
Our team has lived and travelled widely in the region: visit our dedicated travel page for more information.
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Can you travel to Antarctica?
Of course! Deciding which route to take, where you want to visit, and whether to cruise or fly are all the questions you need to answer next.
At Swoop, we've visited Antarctica more than 150 times and have 100 years of collective polar experience under our belts. We send our sales team out to Antarctica every year to keep our knowledge of the region and the polar fleet the best in the business – and we’ll put this expertise at your service at no extra cost to you, listening to exactly what you want from this once-in-a-lifetime trip, to find the perfect ship and itinerary at the right price for you.
Discover more about Antarctic cruises
What to expect on an Antarctic cruise
From stepping foot on polar shores to zodiac cruises, and wildlife encounters to adventure activities, here’s what you can expect from an Antarctic cruise.
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The best time to visit Antarctica
Choosing the best time to visit Antarctica is an essential part of the planning process. Each month's distinctive weather and wildlife offer a different side of the region.
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Antarctic Adventure Activities
Picture a humpback whale gliding past your kayak or sleeping out in the pristine snow of a polar campsite. An adventure activity can take your Antarctic cruise to the next level.
Discover MoreWhy our customers love Swoop
The Antarctic Experts.
No Compromises
Our team has visited Antarctica over 150 times and has 100 collective years of polar experience, so from which trip is right for you to what shoes to bring - there’s no question we can’t answer.
Expert impartial advice at no extra cost
Choosing the right voyage is complicated, Swoop makes it easy. We offer no-nonsense advice on 1500 voyages across 30 ships to find you the right trip, cabin, price - and we don’t charge a fee.
The only B Corp certified Antarctic specialist
We want to protect Antarctica for future generations - which is why we became a certified B Corp and set up our own conservation fund. So your adventures can be a force for good.
A full concierge service, unlike booking direct
We leave nothing to chance in delivering your perfect trip and have over 6500 happy travellers to show for it. With a dedicated Antarctic co-ordinator & support throughout - you’re in safe hands.
Ready to plan your Antarctic adventure?
1
Listen
We'll spend some time listening to your aspirations, then discuss the kind of experience that might suit you.
2
Match
Next we'll discuss the options, shortlist the best trips for you and present you our impartial recommendations.
3
Reserve
We'll place a 24 hour hold on your preferred option - without obligation - whilst we talk through the details.
With over 100 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
1-888-970-4570
Impartial advice, a bespoke service, and at no extra cost. Let our Polar Specialists help you find your dream trip...
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