Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours

10 top antarctica cruises & tours for 2024-2025, classic antarctica air cruise, antarctica - basecamp, antarctic express: fly the drake, antarctic small ship expedition, south shetland islands and antarctic peninsula, antarctic explorer: discovering the 7th continent, epic antarctica: crossing the circle via falklands & south georgia, spirit of antarctica, 8 antarctica cruise deals for 2024-2025, find the perfect antarctica trip, cruise one way & fly one way, adventure expeditions, luxury cruises, our most remote antarctic expeditions.

  • South Georgia

Falkland Islands

Weddell sea, tips for planning your antarctic cruise, how to choose an antarctic cruise.

  • Book early! Fewer than 60,000 people step foot on Antarctica each year and many ships fill up many months or even years ahead of time. Plan your trip at least a year ahead of time, or even earlier if you can, for the best prices and selection.
  • Choose a smaller ship, preferably with less than 200 passengers. By choosing a smaller cruising vessel for your Antarctica cruise, you are guaranteeing yourself a superior on board  experience with more opportunities for daily excursions to small bays and ports. Ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land their passengers ashore in Antarctica.
  • Choose your cruise based on activities, destinations, and cruise line experience. Use this guide, or contact one of our Antarctica cruise experts  and we'll help you find the itinerary and ship that is best suited to your you. 
  • Be prepared for rough seas. If you are affected by motion sickness, then take tried and tested medications or treatments. Consider taking a flight cruise that can fly you either one, or both ways from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island.

Top-Rated Small Antarctic Cruise Ships

Magellan explorer, sylvia earle, ultramarine, greg mortimer, national geographic endurance, ocean albatros, world explorer, ocean adventurer (sea adventurer), ocean victory, ms seaventure, antarctica highlights.

  • Zodiac Expeditions: Delve into the heart of Antarctica's icy realm on Zodiac expeditions. Get unbelievably close to massive icebergs and glaciers that defy imagination. Encounter unique wildlife such as seals, penguins, and majestic whales, making every moment a captivating memory.
  • Antarctica Camping Trips: For an unparalleled connection with the environment, camp under the starry skies of Antarctica. Some cruises offer camping experiences complete with all the necessary equipment, ensuring your safety while you immerse yourself in the raw beauty of the continent.
  • Kayak Among Marine Life: Glide through the pristine waters of Antarctica in a kayak, coming face to face with the remarkable marine life that calls this continent home. Paddle through stunning ice formations and observe seals and penguins in their natural habitat.
  • Snowshoeing and Skiing: Embrace the adventure spirit by snowshoeing or skiing on the pristine slopes of Antarctica. Some cruises include these exhilarating activities in their itineraries and provide top-notch equipment for guests seeking an adrenaline rush.
  • Glacier Hikes: Embark on glacier hikes through awe-inspiring white landscapes, all while spotting the incredible wildlife that inhabits this unique region. It's an opportunity to stay active and witness wildlife thriving in their natural habitat.
  • Scientific Explorations: Visit science research stations and onboard science labs to delve into the cutting-edge research conducted in Antarctica. Learn about the history of exploration in Antarctica and gain insights into the current challenges facing the continent.
  • Breathtaking Sceneries: Be prepared to be mesmerized by the inspiring and breathtaking sceneries of Antarctica. Marvel at the incredible species that call this pristine wilderness home every step of the way.
  • Relaxation and Luxury: Amidst the adventure, take time to unwind and pamper yourself. Enjoy moments of relaxation as you tour or sail through the blue waters of Antarctica. Many cruises offer onboard services like spas, massages, fine dining, hot tubs, and more, ensuring you have the best of both worlds during your expedition.

Antarctic Wildlife

Top places to visit in antarctica.

  • Antarctic Peninsula : This is one of the most visited regions in Antarctica and is known for its stunning landscapes, research stations, and abundant wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. Cross the Lemaire Channel back or from notable visitor sites along the Antarctic Peninsula include Paradise Bay , Deception Island , Neko Harbor, Cuverville Island, Half Moon Island, and Petermann Island.
  • East Antarctica: The vast and largely unexplored eastern portion of Antarctica contains the coldest and driest areas of the continent.
  • West Antarctica: This region is characterized by its massive ice sheets and glaciers, including the West Antarctic Ice Sheet. It is an important area for scientific research on climate change.
  • Ross Sea : Located in the southernmost part of the Pacific Ocean, the Ross Sea region is home to the Ross Ice Shelf, the largest ice shelf in Antarctica. It is a critical area for studying the continent's marine ecosystem, Visit Brown Bluff (Tabarin Peninsula) or sail to the remote Peter I Island and Macquarie Island as you approach New Zealand .
  • Weddell Sea : Situated off the eastern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea is known for its diverse wildlife and historic significance, including the famous Shackleton expedition.
  • South Orkney Islands: These islands are a sub-Antarctic archipelago located in the Southern Ocean, not far from the Antarctic Peninsula. They are home to various bird species and marine life.
  • South Shetland Islands : This archipelago is a popular stop for Antarctic cruises, serving as a gateway to the continent. It is known for its research stations and wildlife, including penguins and seals. Notable visitor sites within the South Shetland Islands include Livingston Island, Hannah Point (Livingston Island), Elephant Island , and Aitcho Islands.
  • South Sandwich Islands : This group of uninhabited islands located in the South Atlantic Ocean is home to a variety of seabirds and marine mammals, including chinstrap penguins, fur seals, albatrosses, and orcas.
  • Sub-Antarctic Islands: These islands are scattered throughout the Southern Ocean and are known for their unique ecosystems, including various bird species and marine life. Sail to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island . Explore visitor sites such as Port Stanley (capital), Saunders Island, Carcass Island, West Point Island, and Sea Lion Island.
  • Scotia Arc: This chain of islands and undersea ridges connects South America with the Antarctic Peninsula. It is an important migratory route for marine animals.
  • Balleny Islands: These remote sub-Antarctic islands lie in the Southern Ocean and are known for their isolation and unique geology.

Antarctica Travel Guide

Ushuaia airport & transportation, antarctica fly + cruise, best time of year to travel to antarctica, antarctica weather.

  • November: This is when tourism to Antarctica begins to kick off. Days start to lengthen, and sea ice retreats, marking the Antarctic "spring" in full force. While temperatures are still chilly, it's a great time for those seeking pristine landscapes and wildlife, including penguin mating rituals and seals having pups. Skiers and snowshoers will find ideal conditions in November and early December
  • December: Among the most popular months for visiting, December offers optimal weather, long days, and access to stunning scenery and wildlife. It includes the austral summer solstice, providing extended daylight and relatively warmer temperatures. Penguin hatchlings and chicks are a highlight, and it's a great time for various activities, including kayaking and camping.
  • January: Another prime month for tourism, January features ideal weather conditions, long daylight hours, and extensive access to the mainland and coastline. Temperatures are at their warmest, and there's an abundance of wildlife to observe, including penguins and increasing numbers of whales.
  • February: Although tourist numbers start to decline from the December/January peak, February continues to offer fine weather. Daylight remains ample, and sea ice is at its yearly minimum, allowing for deeper exploration into the Antarctic wilderness. Whale-watching is particularly rewarding during this time. Scuba divers may prefer mid-December through mid-February
  • March: The tail-end of the austral summer provides less-crowded sightseeing opportunities, minimal sea ice, and the chance to experience the "Antarctic fall." While temperatures cool off, March offers lower cruise prices, clearer waters for diving, and unique wildlife experiences, such as leopard seals hunting penguin chicks.
  • Don't introduce any non-native species that could become invasive species.
  • Always listen to your guides and the ship's crew while on day-trips.
  • Make sure to observe animals from a safe distance and never try to touch them (at least 15 feet is a good recommendation).
  • Don't feed any animals.
  • Stay on designated walking paths.
  • Allow animals enough space to make their own navigation decisions. 
  • Do not surround any animal or go between baby animals and their mothers.

What's it like on an Antarctic Cruise?

A Typical Day on an Antarctica Cruise

Expeditions to the south pole, south pole expeditions.

  • The cruising season in the Arctic is from May to September, while in Antarctica it runs from November through March.
  • While temperatures in Antarctica can be more extreme than in the Arctic, the cruising season tends to stay between 20-30 degree Fahrenheit, with plenty of sunny days (sometimes with 24 hours of sunlight each day). 
  • A trip through the Arctic might bring you through any of the following countries: Canada, the US, Greenland, Iceland, Norway, Russia, Sweden and Finland. Longer comprehensive cruises might do the whole Northwest Passage or cruise almost all of the Arctic Circle. Cruises board either in Scandinavia, Russia, or Canada.
  • Antarctica trips either start in Ushuaia, Argentina for cruises or Punta Arenas for the fly cruises over the Drake Passage . 
  • Polar bears or Penguins - While penguins are so prolific in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean that the idea of not seeing hundreds on your cruise seems absurd, the polar bears of the Arctic can be much harder to spot (though some feel that they are more majestic and rewarding when you do spot them). NOTE: Polar bears live in the Arctic and penguins live in the southern hemisphere, so there is nowhere (other than perhaps a zoo) where you will see them both living in their natural habitat on the same trip. 
  • Wildlife in Antarctica features more whales and many different types of seals. 
  • Active travelers might prefer Antarctica for the chances to do activities like camping, kayaking, mountaineering, cross-country skiing, paddleboarding or scuba diving, which aren't included on Arctic tours for safety reasons.
  • Ice vs. Land: Antarctica is aptly named the White Continent because its landmass is almost entirely permanently frozen ice and glaciers with towering rocky mountains, while the Arctic Circle goes through a summer season of lush vegetation when its icy coat melts away.

Antarctica Cruise Lines

Penguins of antarctica.

  • Adelie Penguins - are common along the entire coast of the Antarctic continent and is the most widely-spread penguin species.
  • Emperor Penguins - the tallest, heaviest and perhaps most famous of the penguin species.
  • King Penguins - the second largest penguin, and similar in appearance to the Emperors, King Penguins live in the sub-antarctic islands and northern regions of Antarctica.
  • Rockhopper Penguins  - get their name because they are found jumping from jagged rock to rock instead of waddling like most penguins. 
  • Chinstrap Penguins - are easily distinguishable by their black chinstrap, which makes it look like they're wearing a bicycle helmet!
  • Gentoo Penguins  - are related to the Adelie and Chinstraps, and perhaps the speediest of the penguins in the water. 
  • Macaroni Penguins - with their distinctive spikey orange crests, are perhaps the world's most abundant penguin species, though they only visit Antarctica part of the year.

Antarctica Travel FAQ's

Fun facts about antarctica, real antarctic traveler stories & reviews, antarctica - pure awe for 19 days, antarctica air cruise on the ocean nova, top antarctica travel destinations, antarctica trips by departure date.

  • 2024 Antarctica trips (111)
  • 2025 Antarctica trips (132)
  • 2026 Antarctica trips (39)
  • November 2024 (48)
  • December 2024 (66)
  • January 2025 (64)
  • February 2025 (51)
  • March 2025 (30)
  • November 2025 (25)
  • December 2025 (24)
  • January 2026 (24)
  • February 2026 (18)

Top Experiences in Antarctica

  • Antarctica Cruises (189)
  • Antarctica Wildlife & Safari Exploration (165)
  • Antarctica Luxury (53)
  • Antarctica Solo Travel (24)
  • Antarctica Active (13)
  • Antarctica Family (11)
  • Antarctica Land Tours (9)
  • Antarctica Scheduled Group Tour (4)
  • Antarctica Most Popular (3)

Antarctica Trips by Duration

  • 6 day trips (4)
  • 8 day trips (6)
  • 9 day trips (5)
  • 10 day trips (14)
  • 11 day trips (18)
  • 12 day trips (34)
  • 13 day trips (22)
  • 14 day trips (13)
  • 15 day trips (8)
  • 16 day trips (3)
  • 17 day trips (6)
  • 18 day trips (10)
  • 19 day trips (8)
  • 20 day trips (12)
  • 21 day trips (10)
  • 22 day trips (8)
  • 23 day trips (7)

Antarctica Trips by Activity

  • Antarctica wildlife viewing (194)
  • Antarctica small ship cruises (159)
  • Antarctica whale watching (135)
  • Antarctica adventure options (94)
  • Antarctica kayaking (88)
  • Antarctica camping (36)
  • Antarctica photography seminars (34)
  • Antarctica hiking (23)
  • Antarctica snorkeling (20)
  • Antarctica fly cruises (14)
  • Antarctica stand up paddle boarding (9)
  • Antarctica skiing (8)
  • Antarctica land & sea exploration (7)
  • Antarctica helicopter tours (6)
  • Antarctica spa relaxation (6)
  • Antarctica scuba diving (5)
  • Antarctica wilderness lodge exploration (4)

Why Travel With Adventure Life

Recognized by.

trip to antarctica from germany

Get the Hottest Deals First!

Research and Discovery

Destination Must-See's

Antarctica ms1 (1)

Southernmost post office in the world:

After being abandoned for over 50 years, the most southerly post office in the world has re-opened. It’s possibly the most visited place in Antarctica even though it has no telephone, internet, electricity, or running water. Each letter sent from there will receive a highly-prized Antarctic stamp and postmark. Stamps are available that say “South Pole” as well as other commemorative and interesting stamps that are sure to delight collectors and non-collectors alike.

Antarctica ms2

Antarctica is home to 6 of 17 species of penguins: Adélie, Chinstrap, Emperor, Gentoo, Macaroni, and Kings. Penguins are the most common birds in the arctic and live in colonies that can have populations larger than some cities. They can survive in the harshest conditions, but only two species (the Emperor and the Adélie) are native to Antarctica. Other species that can be found in Antarctica breed on the northern tip, where conditions are not as harsh.

Antarctica ms3

Errera Channel:

This is one of the most beautiful areas of the Antarctic Peninsula. It’s almost 6 miles long and runs south before it turns west around Ronge Island. It has a constant current and can fill with small icebergs or occasionally be blocked by some very large ones. Errera Channel is home to several Gentoo penguin colonies and also to a few hundred of the rare chinstrap penguins.

Antarctica ms4

Drake Passage:

Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named for the explorer Sir Francis Drake. Warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser waters of the south here in the Antarctic Convergence, making the area rich in marine life. Spot whales and sea birds as you begin this voyage of exploration. Experts provide presentations on history, biology and geology throughout your adventure.

Destination Must-Do's

Antarctica md1

Hurtigruten Cruise:

Hurtigruten offers a unique advantage and takes you to ports and waterways that other cruise ships cannot reach. Enjoy an incredible nature-based experience on one of their 11 different ships.

Antarctica md2

Polarcirkel boats:

These rugged boats will be your form of transportation while venturing off the ship in Antarctica. They are very safe and versatile vessels that allow you to get closer to nature than any other boat can. The boats fit roughly about 12 people plus cargo.

Antarctica md3

Roca Lake is a glacial lake in the southern part of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Camping, hiking, fishing and climbing are fantastic in these parts as it is an ideal place to enjoy the Patagonian landscape. There are also horseback riding tours and lots of birdwatching opportunities.

Antarctica md4

Neumayer Channel:

Because it’s shaped like an ’S’, Neumayer Channel is said to be a maze since it looks like there’s no way out. The channel is known for its majestic cliffs, but also as a summertime feeding ground for humpback whales. Humpbacks are the most active species of whale and one of the biggest creatures known to science. Very entertaining to watch, humpbacks can be seen bubble netting, breaching, spy hopping, and competing against other whales. However, they tend to be alone or with just one other mate, so it’s a rare treat to catch them in a small group. Since they’re so big and move so slowly, it’s easy to study them up close from a boat.

Expert Advice

PaulVieira

Use a dry bag or waterproof bag to protect your things.

Antarctica e2

Pack plenty of warm clothing, you can always take off layers if needed. But it is better to have than have not.

Antarctica e3

Batteries die faster in the cold so be sure to carry extra or keep external chargers with you.

Featured Tours to Antarctica

TS113 Journey To Antarctica

Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent aboard the National Geographic Resolution

Feefo Customer Rating

Brochures that Feature Our Antarctica Tours

Find a travel agency.

Once you've found the perfect Collette tour, your local travel agent can assist you in making reservations. To find a preferred travel agent in your area, please enter your 5-digit zip code, then click Search.

Enter a Whole or Partial Zip Code

Please tell us everything, we want it all.

We really value your feedback, please be open an honest. Tell us where we can improve, how we can get better. This feedback is anonymous, but if you would like us to get in touch with you regarding an issue provide your email address as part of your feedback and we will get right back to you.

Talk to an Expert

Please fill out the form below, and a Collette Expert will contact you shortly.

  • Yes, I'm a Travel Professional
  • Yes, I am working with a Travel Professional
  • I am traveling with 8 or more travelers

View or Download

trip to antarctica from germany

Divergent Travelers

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

trip to antarctica from germany

GET A GUIDEBOOK

trip to antarctica from germany

REUSABLE WATER BOTTLE

trip to antarctica from germany

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!)

21-day antarctica & south georgia expedition (full trip overview), how to visit antarctica responsibly: antarctica tourism deep dive, antarctica animals – wildlife animals that you can see during a visit, 26 unreal things to do in antarctica, antarctica by month: best time to go to antarctica, 34 antarctica cruise tips you must know before you go, deception island: a different side of antarctica, 121 epic antarctica facts, surviving the crossing of the drake passage adventure, climate change awareness from travel: how to talk about it, should i go to antarctica best time to visit and travel guide.

Divergent Travelers- Adventure Travel Blog

Hrmm. Looks like you're using an older browser, which means some site features may not work they way they should. For the full gadventures.com experience, we recommend upgrading to the most recent version of your browser . It's worth it! Honest!

View all tours

North America

Central america & caribbean, south america, north africa & middle east.

Few travellers make it to this icy continent, but the lucky ones who do get to explore a frozen Eden ruled by the elements and teeming with wildlife.

G Adventures Land

G adventures sailing & cruises, g adventures private travel.

Whether it’s a family retreat or a girls trip, you can surround yourself with a hand-picked crew and customize a tour that fits you all perfectly.

The Geluxe Collection

Our new line of premium active adventures is officially here. With perfectly paced itineraries, one-of-a-kind accommodations and elevated dining, this is adventure at its finest.

National Geographic Journeys

Go deeper into the cultures and habitats of the places we explore. More is included and you’ll enjoy greater hands-on exploration, interactions with local experts, and freedom to roam.

National Geographic Family Journeys

Are you an adventure-loving family in search of meaningful ways to discover the world together? These tours are specially designed for travellers seven and up and their inquisitive families.

Jane Goodall Collection

Step deeper into the animal kingdom while respecting all of its inhabitants. Our incredible collection of 20 wildlife-focused tours is endorsed by the world-renowned ethologist.

Roamies by Hostelworld

The thrill of adventure. The awesomeness of hostels. Get ‘em both on these immersive small group trips for 18 to 35-year-old travellers.

Why choose us

As the leader in small group travel for 30 years, we know how to do it right: flexible itineraries, freedom to roam, safety, peace of mind, and locally based guides.

Change the world just by having the time of your life. When you travel with us, you become a force for good by acting responsibly and creating positive impact.

Together with our non-profit partner, Planeterra, we ensure local communities touched by our tours benefit from our visits in as many ways possible.

Trees for Days

Leave your destination even greener than you found it! For every day on tour, we’ll plant a tree in your honour and ensure that our forests get to live their best lives.

Travel resources

Last minute deals.

Looking to have the time of your life in the next 90 days or so? You can save big if you’re ready to book now.

Loyalty discount

Back home from a G Adventures tour? Submit a quick trip evaluation to save 5% on your next tour with us.

Student discount

Got proof that you’re pursuing higher learning? Then we’ve got a travel voucher with your name on it.

All travel deals

New ways to save pop up all the time. Here’s where you’ll find every hot deal in one easy place.

trip to antarctica from germany

Antarctica Cruises

Experience earth's frozen frontier, a world of sea and ice awaits.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime? Massive, magnificent, and unforgiving, Antarctica is a continent of superlatives that will leave your mind searching for words to describe it. Each day presents a new discovery, whether you’re cruising through ice-choked waterways, trekking through chattering penguin rookeries, or catching minkes and humpbacks breaching in the pristine waters. The few travellers who are fortunate enough to explore Antarctica’s vast expanses return home forever changed by an experience so awe-inspiring that it reaches to their very core.

Recommended tours

What our antarctica cruise travellers say:.

trip to antarctica from germany

Welcome aboard the G Expedition

Not only will the G Expedition steer you closer to some of our planet’s most amazing places, our professional and highly-skilled team of on-board experts offer keen insight, unique perspectives, and hands-on attention not found in a guidebook. Make your next tour a voyage you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Return home a different person than when you left.

The G Expedition at a Glance

Cabin categories, category 1a - 160sq ft/15 m2.

  • 2 upper, 2 lower berths
  • Full en suite bathroom
  • Porthole view

Category 1 - 160 sq ft/15 m2

  • 1 upper, 2 lower berths

Category 2 - 160 sq ft/15 m2

  • 2 lower berths

Category 3 - 160 sq ft/15 m2

  • Window view

Category 4 - 160 sq ft/15 m2

  • Large window views

Category 5 - 320 sq ft/30 m2

  • Queen bed, lounge area

trip to antarctica from germany

The G Expedition has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions. Amenities include:

  • All cabins with private en suite and outside view

The Penguin Library

  • Medical clinic and english speaking doctor
  • The Gear Shop
  • Polar Bear Pub
  • Albatross Dining Room, serving international cuisine and large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting
  • Large aft deck with barbecue facilities
  • Forward deck viewing platforms
  • Fitness centre/sauna
  • Large fleet of Zodiacs with 4-stroke engines

Technical specifications

  • Built: Helsingor Skibsvaerft, Denmark 1972 (2009)
  • Ice class: Swedish/Finnish 1B
  • Length: 105 metres
  • Breadth: 18 metres
  • Max Draft: 4.71 metres
  • Gross Tonnage: 6334 grt
  • Cruising Speed: 13 knots
  • Stabilizers: Retractable fi ns, gyro stabilized
  • Passenger Group Size: 134 max
  • Crew: 55 crew, plus 14 expedition staff
  • Current Life Saving & Rescue equipment: Covered motor lifeboats 4 pcs capacity of 204 people and life rafts with a total capacity 150 people
  • Communication: Telephone, internet, GMDSS, satellite C, B & M.

Cabin suite

trip to antarctica from germany

Albatross Dining room

trip to antarctica from germany

Large heated mud room

trip to antarctica from germany

Polar Bear pub

trip to antarctica from germany

Main reception

trip to antarctica from germany

Onboard gym

trip to antarctica from germany

Triple cabin

trip to antarctica from germany

Meet the G Expedition team

Experts in everything from geology to marine biology and polar history, the members of our team are always eager to share their infectious passion for the plants, animals, and people you’ll encounter. Add in professional hotel staff and a seasoned crew, and you’ll be more than comfortable during your adventure on the water.

10:1 passenger-to-expert ratio

More on-hand experts means deeper access and greater understanding of the planet’s most amazing places. Our experts’ lectures, Q&A sessions, and personal reflection deliver a personalized and intimate perspective on these faraway shores.

trip to antarctica from germany

Jonathan Green

Expedition leader.

trip to antarctica from germany

Jonathan is a native of England, graduating BSc Geology with Geography from the University of North London in 1984. He travelled and lived in France and Spain for four years, before training as a naturalist with the Galápagos National Park Service in 1988. He was elected Fellow of the Royal Geographical Society of London in 1989.

For nearly three decades, Jonathan has worked in the Galapagos Islands and has several thousand dives in the surrounding waters. An early fascination with whale sharks led to the founding of the Galapagos Whale Shark Project where he is the Project Founder and Director.

He has also worked in the Amazon, Antarctica, the Arctic, Africa, Central and South America, and Indonesia as a diver, photographer on land and underwater, leading and participating in expeditions and expedition travel. In 2009, he led a dive expedition to explore the undersea world of Antarctica in a 70 ft sailboat. On screen, he appeared on “BBC's Planet Earth II” and is the star of the documentary “Galapagos: Secrets of the Ocean Giants.”

trip to antarctica from germany

For the past 30 years, Susan has lectured and lead expeditions in places like the Amazon, the Canadian Arctic, and Greenland – just to name a few. Her work hasn’t gone unnoticed. In 2016, Adie Cove, an inlet on Antarctica’s western coast, was named for Susan in recognition of her work in responsible polar tourism and conservation. She is also the Chair of IAATO's (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) Field Operations Committee.

Her work for G Adventures has included collaborating with Planeterra and the Expedition’s onboard team to develop the Ocean Health Fund, a program that helps support organizations that work to protect the health of our oceans.

trip to antarctica from germany

Meru Ferrari

Polar guide.

trip to antarctica from germany

Meru grew up in Buenos Aires, Argentina and went on to study tourism in university where she won a scholarship from the United Nations to specialize in disaster risk reduction and sustainable development. She went on to work for the Argentinean Tourism Board and eventually started working with Expedition ships shoreside until she jumped onboard as Expedition Guide, which is where she most loves to be. She has a keen interest in history, culture, geography and nature, which propelled her to start lecturing in the capacity of Polar Historian. She loves to share her passion about the polar regions and strongly believes that people can only protect what they care about.

She splits her time between guiding in Antarctica and the Arctic, consulting for community-based sustainable tourism development projects, as well as exploring and hiking wherever she can find mountains.

trip to antarctica from germany

John Kernan

Marine biologist.

trip to antarctica from germany

John Kernan has been working in the expedition cruise industry for the past 24 years as a lecturer, naturalist, Zodiac driver, and expedition leader. He has led trips to all seven continents and over one hundred countries, with a keen focus on the polar and tropical regions. Since 1991 he has travelled the high Arctic during the northern summer, splitting time equally between the North Pacific (Alaska and Siberia) and the North Atlantic (Svalbard and Greenland). During the austral summer months, he makes his way deep south to Antarctica, where he has completed more than 150 trips to the great white continent.

He graduated from Humboldt State University in 1989 with a double major in Marine Biology and Zoology. He focused graduate work on invertebrates of the Pacific Northwest while working as a docent at the California Academy of Science’s Steinhart Aquarium in San Francisco. While travelling with the organization as a guide and lecturer he found his natural calling as an expedition staff member. In his spare time, he enjoys birding, botany, astronomy, invertebrate zoology, photography, writing, backpacking, scuba diving, and skiing. He currently makes his home in the San Francisco Bay Area.

trip to antarctica from germany

Matthew Burnaby

Expedition leader & naturalist.

trip to antarctica from germany

Matthew has been working as an ecotourism guide for the last 15 years, mostly in British Columbia, Washington, Antarctica and the Arctic. He specializes in vessel based operations focused on marine mammals in remote ocean habitats and sensitive ecosystems with an emphasis on facilitating research, citizen science, and conservation through tourism. He manages his own extension of Orca Spirit Adventures through a tour operation out of Port Renfrew, British Columbia that has access to a government protected sanctuary for critically endangered whales.

Having spent every day over the last decade in designated protected wilderness areas has given insight, experience and knowledge of sustainable practices where following set guidelines or regulations is paramount. He is also a specialist in education, providing more than a tourism product, where all levels of the experience he provides is deeply focused on teaching and inspiring his clients about respectful practices in nature and how to be more involved in conservation.

This cumulative experience has put Matthew in various leadership roles throughout his career and he has trained countless guides on emergency procedures, vessel operations in extreme conditions, facilitating research and following guidelines where the safety of all personnel and wildlife is top priority.

trip to antarctica from germany

Sarah Keenan

Kayak master.

trip to antarctica from germany

Sarah grew up on a small island off the coast of British Columbia, Canada, which helped lead to her passion for marine wildlife and outdoor adventure. She has since spent her entire life in the pursuit of working close to nature, such as her years spent as a captain running ocean wildlife tours in British Columbia.

She has spent the past several years as a captain supervising an entire fleet of whale watching vessels. Here she has the privilege of operating the only eco adventure vessel out of a small, secluded town in a remote ocean wilderness off the west side of Vancouver Island. In this remote setting she records important sighting data on Bigg’s orca, humpbacks, gray whales and most importantly the critically endangered southern resident orca.

It only seemed natural to bring her skills to the polar regions, a place where her love of the ocean, glacial landscapes, and marine mammals can be experienced all together. Sarah is most happy in Antarctica while guiding kayak trips through its pristine ice-filled waters.

trip to antarctica from germany

Eric is a professional mountaineer and documentary photographer who specialises in landscape, mountaineering and wildlife photography in the Alps, Himalayas and polar regions.

In 2016, he was the first foreigner to graduate from the Khumbu Climbing Center in Nepal with the famous mountain tribe Sherpa. He also received a professional ice climbing and mountaineering qualification having led and climbed more than 35 mountains including Everest, and he has worked for the Hong Kong Mountain National Team.

His passion for the outdoors and extreme environments brought him to the world of expedition cruising. He has extensive experience in the polar regions having worked aboard the G Expedition for several seasons in both the Arctic and Antarctica.

trip to antarctica from germany

Jeffrey Garriock

Photographer in residence.

trip to antarctica from germany

Jeffrey Garriock is a Toronto-based Director & Cinematographer. He works mainly making films about Science, Natural History, and Ocean Conservation. His fascination with the ocean dates back to age 15 when he was able to scuba dive for the first time on Australia's Great Barrier Reef.

Jeff has worked making films with National Geographic, Mission Blue, the Toronto Raptors NBA team, and in over 60 countries around the world. He has shot everywhere from inside the Chernobyl Nuclear Power Plant to the seas beneath Darwin's Arch in the Galapagos islands. Jeff has worked in the polar regions since 2014 when he visited Svalbard aboard the G Expedition for the very first time. Since then, filmmaking has taken him everywhere from Hudson's Bay seeking out Polar Bear cubs, to Iceland in the dead of winter diving between the continental plates, and all up and down the Antarctic peninsula chasing ice, penguins, whales, and once in a lifetime experiences. Increasingly attracted to conservation stories, Jeff hopes to shine a light on situations that need our attention - even those that may seem quite far away from our regular lives. The more we learn about our planet, the more we begin to care about it - and the harder we will work to protect it. Through films, videos and photographs, Jeff hopes to help inspire those feelings.

Add to your experience

Antarctic kayaking* download the kayaking package.

Nothing connects you to the blissful solitude and fragile beauty of the polar regions like paddling through them in a low-slung kayak. Kayaking excursions depend on the weather, but we’ll try our best to get you out as much as possible. Participants should come with a working knowledge of strokes, entries, and exits.

Antarctic camping* Download the camping package

Experience the sounds of heaving ice, the fresh scent of the sea, and the crisp air of Antarctica in the polar night by camping out on the ice itself. We provide all the tents, warm sleeping bags, and other equipment.

Tierra del Fuego National Park Visit - Ushuaia

Explore this stunning coastal national park extending 630 sq km. We'll take care of the transport, the park entrance fee, and take you to scenic lookouts in the southern portion of the park. Pass Valle Rio Pipo on the way to Austral Fueguino train station. Opt to take the End of the World train before visiting Lago Roca and Bahía Lapataia. Keep an eye out for a variety of birdlife and spectacular colours in the fall. Please note: The entirety of this activity (including the End of the World train) can only be booked on the ground locally.

*Kayaking and camping excursions are only available for booking prior to departure, as space is limited. To add either of these excursions to your Antarctica cruise, simply call us and reference your booking number.

Wear your bragging rights with your very own G Expedition parka

Yours included with every booking.

We wouldn’t send you all the way to the ends of the Earth without making sure you were prepared for the weather. All G Expedition passengers receive their own exclusive parka, included with their tour.

Cold comfort

A high-performance parka designed specifically for adventuring in the polar regions’ frozen climate, the official G Expedition parka combines functional cold-weather features like breathable waterproof fabric, a removable 5cm (2 in) Thinsulate TM liner, reflective taping by 3M, and a removable hood with microfleece lining.

trip to antarctica from germany

Protect Your Trip »

The 7 top antarctica cruises for 2024 + tips from an expert.

Plan your next epic adventure to the White Continent.

The Top Antarctica Cruises

The MS Roald Amundsen from Hurtigruten Expeditions in Orne Harbour, Antarctica.

Yuri Matisse Choufour | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

Experience otherworldly beauty on an Antarctica cruise.

An expedition to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for intrepid travelers who want to explore this remote destination at the bottom of the world. The landscapes are surreal, with eerily blue icebergs, towering ice-capped mountains, dramatic weather conditions that change within seconds and species of wildlife that exist nowhere else on Earth – it's hard to imagine until you've made the long journey yourself.

The fifth-largest continent is home to the largest ice sheet on the planet, the Antarctic Ice Sheet, as well as the Transantarctic Mountains, with peaks soaring more than 14,700 feet into the sky. West Antarctica has volcanoes that are part of a tectonically active area around the Pacific Ocean known as the "Ring of Fire." This incredibly diverse and magical part of the world also has the coldest temperature ever recorded at -135.8 degrees Fahrenheit in 2010.

U.S. News has compiled a selection of seven different Antarctic experiences to help you plan your bucket list adventure to the White Continent.

Book an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: 11-night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Atlas Ocean Voyages cruises kayaking in Antarctica.

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

This 11-night expedition with Atlas is available on several dates in 2024. One highlight of the voyage is crossing the Antarctic Circle, along with four days exploring Antarctica and two days spent in the South Shetland Islands. You'll also have two days en route to Antarctica and two days on the return trip on the famed Drake Passage – also known as the "Drake Lake" (on smooth days) or the "Drake Shake" (when the seas are rough).

During your days at sea, take in all the onboard lectures and films about Antarctica, and head outside on the decks to see petrels and albatrosses soaring overhead. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your photography skills before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, where you want to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Atlas' Jan. 14 expedition is on the line's newest ship, World Voyager. The purpose-built yacht-style vessel features a hydro-jet propulsion system that's quieter and less disruptive to the fragile ecosystem. This feature also provides the opportunity for guests to see more wildlife during up-close encounters. Pricing is all-inclusive on board the ship with free open bars; all meals, wines, spirits and craft beers; a stocked in-room minibar; all landings, Zodiac excursions and lectures; the use of kayaks, walking sticks, knee boots and binoculars; and a souvenir Atlas jacket to take home. Fares also include a one-night pre-cruise stay and private charter jet service round-trip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Aurora Expeditions: Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

The Greg Mortimer from Aurora Expeditions in Antarctica.

Tyson Mayr | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Aurora offers a 14-night Antarctic intensive voyage sailing round-trip from Ushuaia on Nov. 6, 2024, aboard the 132-passenger purpose-built expedition ship Greg Mortimer. This vessel was the first passenger ship to utilize the state-of-the-art Ulstein X-BOW, which provides a smoother, quicker and more efficient transit across the ocean. The ship also incorporates many environmentally conscious features, including low energy consumption and virtual anchoring, which protects the sea floor and minimizes damage caused by traditional anchors.

Guests will find expansive observation decks and hydraulic viewing platforms for optimal wildlife viewing on board. Other highlights of the expedition are nine full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula in nearly 24 hours of daylight at the peak of summer. During this time, you can expect to see whales arriving to feed on the plentiful krill, fur seal pups and many entertaining penguins.

Prices are mostly all-inclusive, with a one-night hotel stay before boarding the ship; all meals, snacks and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages; beer and house wine at lunch and dinner; the use of Muck Boots for the expedition; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures; and more. Adventurous explorers can add on activities (at an additional cost) such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and skiing or snowboarding. The line also offers longer 20- to 24-day expeditions that include South Georgia Island.

Read: Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

The MS Roald Amundsen Antarctica from Hurtigruten Expeditions in Antarctica at sunset.

Dan Avila | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

For an extended adventure that includes crossing the Drake Passage twice, spending up to five days in Antarctica and then landing on Cape Horn in Chile (weather permitting), consider the 25-night grand expedition cruise aboard the Hutrigruten Expeditions' MS Roald Amundsen. Additional highlights are scenic cruising in Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park to see the Garibaldi Glacier; visiting the town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park ; and seeing the longest Southern Hemisphere glacier outside of Antarctica (which grows by as much as 150 feet a day), the Pio XI Glacier in Bernado O'Higgins National Park. This epic adventure begins March 9, 2024, in Buenos Aires and ends in Valparaíso, Chile.

The ship for the voyage, MS Roald Amundsen, is a hybrid vessel that reduces CO2 emissions by using electrical propulsion – and it's designed specifically for use in polar waters. The vessel carries just 500 guests (to adhere to regulations for visiting Antarctica) and features all exterior cabins with Scandinavian inspired decor. Guests will also find an Explorer lounge and bar, three dining venues, the Science Center, a sauna and spa, and other amenities. Fares are mostly all-inclusive, covering a complimentary expedition jacket; the use of expedition equipment like boots and trekking poles; landing activities; most dining options; and wine, beer and soft drinks at meals.

Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic: Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

A small excursion boat off the Lindblad Excursions National Geographic Resolution ship on Peterman Island, Antarctica.

Ralph Lee Hopkins | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions was the first company to bring citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, pioneering travel to this remote destination. The line's 13-night expedition to Antarctica is offered nearly 20 times throughout the summer season in 2024 on one of three ships. Depending on the ship, guests will have one evening in either Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile , before flying to Ushuaia the next morning to embark the vessel.

With about five days to explore Antarctica, you'll have time to take in the awe-inspiring landscapes and look for seals and blue-eyed shags up close from Zodiacs. On land, watch thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins as they playfully slide down the snow-covered hills on their bellies – one right after the other – diving headfirst into the icy waters. After the adventure, a private charter flight will return you to either Buenos Aires or Santiago before your return flight home.

The line's newest expedition vessel, National Geographic Resolution, accommodates just 138 guests – and there are two new cabins for solo cruisers . Guests on the Polar Class 5 vessel will have a National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor and video chronicler documenting the trip. Onboard amenities include a yoga studio, a wellness specialist, infinity-style hot tubs, two restaurants and a chef's table, and plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. This ship also carries an ROV (a remotely operated vehicle) for underwater exploration and other high-tech video gear.

You can even book an overnight stay in an igloo (on a first-come, first-served basis) and spend the evening under the polar sky. Fares are mostly all-inclusive and include all onboard meals and most meals ashore; nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; transfers; excursions; a complimentary jacket; and more.

Silversea: King George Island to King George Island (Antarctica Bridge)

The Silver Endeavor in Orne Harbour, Antarctica.

Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea's six-night Antarctica Bridge expedition takes guests round-trip by a business class flight directly to the Antarctica Peninsula, flying into King George Island from Punta Arenas, Chile. This itinerary is offered several times throughout the season for guests who don't have extensive time to travel – or are nervous about sailing the Drake Passage. Silversea 's pricing is all-inclusive, and guests can choose between door-to-door or port-to-port fares.

While the weather determines the specific itinerary in Antarctica, guests can expect to have several excursions in the Antarctic Sound and as many as nine excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula that include hiking, kayaking and scenic Zodiac cruises with the expedition team. There's also one excursion in the South Shetland Islands, where you can look for massive elephant seals. There will be an abundance of bird and animal viewing on wildlife-rich King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, which is home to Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins as well as Weddell and leopard seals.

Oceanwide Expeditions and Swoop Antarctica: Quest for the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island

Emperor penguins on Snow Hill Island in Antarctica.

Getty Images

Swoop Antarctica's 10-night adventure-filled journey takes wildlife and history enthusiasts into the ice-choked waters of the Weddell Sea, past towering tabular icebergs, in search of the emperor penguin's rookery on Snow Hill: one of the most remote penguin rookeries on the planet. The incredible itinerary also sails through the same waters where famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, sank in 1915 – and to the rarely seen west slopes of the Antarctic Sound.

Other highlights include Zodiac and helicopter landings (weather permitting) to additional remote locales, including Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 to 1904 spent a winter season; Brown Bluff, one of the most scenic places on the northern tip of the Antarctic Continent and home to a large Adélie penguin rookery; and the volcanic crater of Deception Island.

There are two sailings in November 2024 on board the 1A-class, ice-strengthened Oceanwide Expeditions' Ortelius: a 108-passenger former Russian research vessel. Fares includes all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, all Zodiac and shore excursions, educational lectures, helicopter transfers, and group transfers. Optional adventure activities, alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses are at an additional cost.

The onboard helicopter pad is one of the features of the vessel and is used on select expeditions in the Weddell and Ross seas. It's important to note that very few companies offer expeditions to the Weddell Sea that include Snow Hill Island. While Ortelius is not a luxury vessel like other ships mentioned in this list, it is a stable expedition-style ship built for these icy – and at times treacherous – waters and weather conditions.

Viking: Antarctica & South Georgia Island

Viking Octantis in Antarctica with large iceberg in foreground.

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 18-night Antarctica and South Georgia Island expedition begins with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires followed by a flight the next morning to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The first two stops on the expedition are in the Falkland Islands, where you'll find beautiful scenery with imposing cliffs, many types of marine birds and five species of penguins. In South Georgia, watch for king penguins and seals. Then, it's on to Antarctica for days 12 through 16. Guests will have the option to reserve a spot on the Viking DNV-classed submarine for a thrilling journey into the depths of the frigid waters in Antarctica. The return sailing, by way of the Drake Passage, disembarks in Ushuaia.

In 2024, this itinerary is available Jan. 31 and again Dec. 15 on Viking Octantis. The purpose-built Polar Class 6 vessel accommodates up to 378 guests and offers many of the same venues found on Viking's ocean ships, including the Explorers' Lounge, World Café, Mamsen's, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and the Nordic Spa. There are also expedition-specific features, such as Expedition Central, the Science Lab and – for educational lectures and briefings – the Aula theater. Viking's fares are mostly all-inclusive, with all meals and wine and beer served with lunch and dinner; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and nonalcoholic beverages; a keepsake Viking jacket; complimentary use of the excursion gear; and more.

Find an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea.

trip to antarctica from germany

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Expert tips on Antarctica expeditions

There are many factors to consider when planning an Antarctica expedition, including where you want to travel to, the length of the trip and whether you want to sail the famed Drake Passage twice.

To provide helpful insights and information to plan your trip, U.S. News reached out to an expert in the region, Aurora Expeditions' expedition leader, Ashley Perrin , for tips on planning your adventure to the White Continent. Perrin has degrees in both geography and oceanography from the University of Southampton. She was appointed as the first woman boating officer in Antarctica by the British Antarctic Survey in 2009, and has led multiple expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.

Which month is best (in your opinion) to travel to Antarctica and why? 

Perrin: "My favorite time to travel to Antarctica is the end of December or beginning of January, because the penguin chicks are starting to come out and you get the most wildlife spotting opportunities, with marine mammals, penguins and albatross – on top of the spectacular scenery."

What length of trip do you recommend for first-time visitors?

Perrin: "The 10- to 12-day Spirit of Antarctica or Antarctic Explorer (with Aurora Expeditions) is a fantastic introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula. If you had the additional time and opportunity, ideally you would also opt for a voyage that visits South Georgia. For many travelers, this is really the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic experience because of the incredible wildlife opportunities here."

What should you look for in an expedition ship/tour when planning a trip to Antarctica?

Perrin: "Travelers should look for a high-quality educational experience, including lectures and opportunities for Citizen Science. This is such a fascinating and important destination, and you want to ensure you can learn and take as much in as you can. A pivotal factor in this is also choosing a company that offers low passenger numbers.

"Travelers don't have enough of an understanding of the impact of this on their voyage. In the Antarctic Peninsula only 100 people are allowed on land at one time, while at some sites it is 30 to 50 people. Having smaller groups enables passengers to have more time off ship exploring and connecting with nature, and this has such a significant impact on your experience.

"If you like to be a little more active, I would also highly recommend an operator that offers activities, such as kayaking in Antarctica. This allows you to see Antarctica from a different viewpoint and the silence is amazing. You still have opportunities to do landings as well, so I think it's the best of both worlds."

Do you prefer the combination fly/sail for the Drake Passage or sailing the Drake Passage both ways?

Perrin: "I prefer to sail both ways as it's how you earn your right to get to Antarctica! You also get more opportunities to see wildlife like seabirds, and it gives you extra time to prepare for the Antarctic experience through pre-lectures and education. Travelers arrive with more of an understanding of what to expect."

Any other tips, advice or comments you'd like to share?

Perrin: "Do your research into the operator you are choosing and their different offerings – things like passenger numbers, expedition team experience and off ship activities – as these can all have a significant impact on the travel experience. There is also a big difference between traditional cruise operators and expedition operators and what travelers can expect. We ensure that our passengers are exploring and getting off the ship as much as possible.

"I would also add that it's important to do your research into the areas that you're most interested in. For example, it could be history, exploration and walking in someone's footsteps (such as Sir Ernest Shackleton), or the types of wildlife you might see. Having a deeper understanding of the history and the region really does enhance the experience once you are there."

Frequently Asked Questions

An expedition where you get off the ship and make landings on the Antarctic peninsula typically costs about $10,000 per person for a 10-night voyage. However, depending on the cruise line, the ship and dates of travel – and whether you sail or fly the Drake Passage – you could spend as much as $29,000 per person for a 12-night expedition or more. There are slightly lower prices for some expeditions, such as a few with Hurtigruten Expeditions, and you can find reduced fares and deals with lines like Atlas Ocean Voyages and Quark Expeditions. In addition, there are extended polar expeditions that range from a 14-night trip to the 94-night Pole-to-Pole Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions, which is priced at close to $48,000.

If you're not interested in getting off the ship in Antarctica to see penguins and seals up close (but no closer than 15 feet, according to the Antarctic Treaty), you can opt for a voyage on a large cruise ship that sails around the continent for a much lower cost. Just know that you won't be able to disembark at any point in Antarctica. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has a 14-night Antarctica and South America voyage that makes a round trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, for as low as $999 per person. You may be able to find even cheaper fares from lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises.

It's important to note that by the rules set forth in the Antarctic Treaty, only ships carrying 500 or less passengers are permitted to make landings on the Antarctica peninsula. The Antarctic Treaty, along with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, has strict conservation protocols and regulates that no more than 100 passengers are allowed to go ashore at one time. The IAATO works with more than 100 Antarctica outfitters to create the guidelines and safety procedures to protect the fragile environment and wildlife in this remote part of the world.

The following cruise lines offer small ship expeditions in Antarctica with no more than 500 passengers. You can also look at tour companies – such as Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, Adventure Life and Swoop Antarctica – that exclusively charter ships or help navigate the decision-making process for their clients and book individual expeditions with the cruise lines.

  • Atlas Ocean Voyages
  • Aurora Expeditions
  • Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
  • Hurtigruten Expeditions
  • Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
  • Quark Expeditions
  • Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
  • Seabourn Cruise Line

These larger cruise lines offer sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula, which may include scenic cruising in and around the Gerlache Strait, Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Schollart Channel.

  • Celebrity Cruises
  • Holland America Line
  • Norwegian Cruise Line
  • Oceania Cruises
  • Princess Cruises
  • Regent Seven Seas Cruises
  • Royal Caribbean International

The answer depends on the expedition. The majority of passengers will depart from South America in either Ushuaia, Argentina – which is also known as the "End of the World" – or Punta Arenas, Chile. Then it will take approximately two days to cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Some lines also offer chartered flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, which only take about two hours. Some passengers who have taken the flight say it can be as unnerving as sailing the Drake Passage, since weather conditions can delay the flight for up to several days where you could potentially miss the trip.

Cruises on larger ships that only sail around the Antarctic Peninsula may embark in Buenos Aires; Santiago, Chile; Puerto Williams, Chile; Rio de Janeiro; ports in Florida or New Zealand; or even the South Shetland Islands.

The expedition and cruise season to Antarctica extends from November to March, which is during the austral summer in the Southern Hemisphere. But Antarctica is still the windiest, coldest and driest continent on Earth, so weather conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly – even during the summertime. One minute the sun may be out, and the next minute it can be snowing and extremely windy and cloudy.

Visitors in November can expect temperatures between a low of 25 degrees to a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest temperatures are typically in January, when you'll find days ranging between 33 to 36 degrees before they start to drop again in February.

Most expedition companies provide jackets that you can take home, so you won't need to bring a heavy parka if it's given to you on board. They may also provide waterproof boots that you'll need to use for wet landings. It's best to check with your expedition line to see what's available on the ship, what you can rent or buy, and what you'll need to pack and bring with you. Due to the unpredictable weather, it's advisable to bring different types of layers.

Here are some of the items you'll want to pack:

Layers: Pack at least two top and two bottom quick-drying base layers (or more, depending on the length of your expedition) that wick moisture, such as those made of silk, wool or bamboo. It does get toasty when you're layered up and moving around ashore, so choose lightweight options that will layer easily under the rest of your clothing and keep you warm and dry. For your mid-layer top, go with a lightweight polar fleece or vest; for the bottom, quick-drying warm tights or fleece pants are a good option.

You'll also want to layer what's on your feet, starting with a wicking pair of socks made from silk or synthetic polypropylene, followed by a good pair of merino wool socks from a brand like Smartwool. Glove liners are another must, especially if your hands tend to get cold. If you can, buy insulated waterproof gloves with removable liners to save packing an extra item. You may also want to toss a few hand and foot warmers in the suitcase in case you need extra warmth. Bring a lighter pair of insulated gloves for warmer days off the ship.

And don't forget a lined wool beanie, a set of earmuffs, and a balaclava or fleece neck gaiter to keep your ears and face warm and your nose and mouth protected from the cold air and wind.

Waterproof gear: The parka and tall waterproof boots may be provided on the ship, but if they're not, you'll need to bring your own. You'll also need wind- and waterproof pants to go over your base layer and mid-layers. If they're tapered at the bottom, you should be able to tuck them into your boots. Perrin says this is one of the most important items you should purchase and pack for your expedition.

Comfy clothes ­and shoes for around the ship: Most people dress casual on Antarctica cruises, so bring clothes that will be comfortable for days and evenings around the ship. It can get rough when crossing the Drake Passage, so you'll want flat or low-heeled shoes for those days at sea.

Other items you'll want to pack:

  • Waterproof dry pack
  • Sea-Bands and medications for motion sickness
  • Camera and accessories with a waterproof cover
  • Hiking poles (unless the ship has them available)
  • Swimsuit (you may want to take the polar plunge!)
  • Other necessary medications
  • Hydrating lip balm and a good protective moisturizer
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Books on the history of early exploration in Antarctica and the incredible wildlife

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

  • Cruise Packing List
  • Alaska Cruise Packing List
  • The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
  • The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
  • The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

Tags: Travel , Cruises

World's Best Places To Visit

  • # 1 South Island, New Zealand
  • # 4 Bora Bora

If you make a purchase from our site, we may earn a commission. This does not affect the quality or independence of our editorial content.

You May Also Like

Alaska cruise cost.

Gwen Pratesi March 15, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

Spooky Charleston Ghost Tours

Holly Johnson March 15, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

The Best Beach Wagons

Gwen Pratesi and Amanda Norcross March 13, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

Best New Orleans Cemetery Tours

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson March 13, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

The Best Whale Watching Tours in Maui

Lyn Mettler March 11, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

The Best Luggage Sets

Erin Evans , Rachael Hood and Amanda Norcross March 11, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

19 Best Ireland Tours

John Rodwan March 8, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

The Top Family Resorts in the Bahamas

Sharael Kolberg March 8, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

The Top Everglades Airboat & Swamp Tours

Holly Johnson and Ann Henson March 7, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

Top Luxury Alaska Cruises

Gwen Pratesi March 7, 2024

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Destinations

Expedition Travel Guide to Antarctica

Antarctica is the pinnacle of expedition and adventure travel! Start planning your journey to exploring this pristine world of ice, wildlife, and awe-inspiring beauty.

trip to antarctica from germany

Antarctica | Like nowhere else on earth

Undertaking an expedition cruise to Antarctica is the pinnacle of adventure, a journey to the southernmost reaches of the planet, where untouched landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife converge in this frozen wonderland. From the towering icebergs and snowcapped peaks of the Antarctic Peninsula to the charismatic penguins of South Georgia, each day is a unique chance to experience the mysteries of this pristine wilderness.

This guide takes you through the most frequently asked questions about travelling to Antarctica! Discover the best time to undertake this polar journey, ensuring optimal conditions for wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes. Get insider tips on selecting the ideal expedition cruise with the help of our Expedition team and how to pack for the everchanging Antarctic conditions.

Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-time adventurer, this guide will help to plan your trip, ensuring your expedition to Antarctica is a seamless, enriching, and unforgettable experience at the edge of the world.

trip to antarctica from germany

Know Before You Go

What do i need to pack for antarctica.

Even though we journey to Antarctica during the warmer summer months, the weather is unpredictable and changes quickly. Be sure to pack lots of warm insulated layers, waterproofs, gloves, and hats.

To ensure we are IAATO compliant, we will lend you rubber boots to wear ashore.

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

The best time for an Antarctic expedition cruise is during the austral summer, from November to March.

This time brings slightly milder temperatures, an abundance of wildlife activity, and the chance to witness breathtaking landscapes from both sea and land.

How do you get to Antarctica?

For our expeditions to Antarctica, we sail out of two ports - Ushuaia, Argentina for sailings on MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen or Punta Arenas, Chile for sailings on MS Fram.

However, depending on the expedition you undertake, we offer return flights between major airports within Argentina and Chile to smaller regional airports.

How will I explore Antarctica? What is a typical day like?

One of the joys of an Expedition Cruise to Antarctica is that there is no 'typical day'. Flexibility is key, as conditions can be unpredictable, and the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority. One thing we can be certain of is that we are ready from Plan A to Plan Z - each day is dynamic and filled with a variety of activities that take advantage of the unique environment and locations.

Even though your expedition ship is specially designed for sailing amongst the waters of Antarctica, there are limits on where it can go. Our small expedition boats allow us to easily navigate the icy maze, getting you closer to the rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Where the conditions allow, we will use these boats to get ashore for land exploration including hikes, snowshoeing, or if lucky a night spent sleeping out on the ice.

Or what could be better than drifting alongside icebergs or past penguins diving into crystal-clear water? Where the conditions allow, you can take to the water in sea kayaks for a more intimate experience with these frozen landscapes.

Please Note: Actual activities & excursions are subject to availability.

trip to antarctica from germany

How can I get involved with the Science & Education program?

For over 20 years we have been exploring Antarctica, during this time we have been proud to of helped and supported hundreds of scientists, research projects, universities, and organisations to undertake world-leading research. Today we continue and the 2023/24 season is set to be the biggest yet with new projects coming on board and plenty of opportunities for guests to get involved.

The onboard Science & Education team aims to unlock your inner scientist with numerous hands-on experiences helping you to get a better understanding of the world around where we sail. From researching the impact of climate change on animal populations and sea ice to getting a better understanding of migratory patterns of marine life or meteorological observations in partnership with NASA. We have multiple Citizen Science Projects for you to get involved with.

We are occasionally joined onboard by various international research groups, universities, or scientists. They make use of the expedition boats to access the remote parts of Antarctica, in return many often run guest lectures or workshops for you to get involved with. When you get onboard, speak to a member of our Expedition Team who will be able to provide more information about the projects taking place on board your ship.

Don't just take our word for it! Check out the HX Insiders Facebook Group - where previous guests share their thoughts, tips, and highlights about their time onboard an expedition.

trip to antarctica from germany

How do I find the right voyage?

Best unique itinerary, voyage to the late summer sun | 24 days.

This is one of our newest voyages onboard MS Maud, as she makes her return to Antarctica in 2025. Giving you everything you need for an extended expedition around South America - from the vibrant culture of Santiago and Buenos Aires to the rich history of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia and not forgetting the unique wildlife and landscapes of Antarctica.

With the added bonus of sailing late into the Antarctic Summer, the extended hours of daylight allow you to pack more into your time onboard.

Best for first timers

Highlights of antarctica | 12 days.

Whether you're a first-timer to expedition cruising or to Antarctica, this itinerary gives you a good introduction to both. The 5 days spent amongst the icy maze of the Antarctic Peninsula are unscripted and unplanned, welcome to true Expedition Cruising.

Each itinerary is slightly different as it depends upon the sea and weather conditions, but we hope you will have a range of opportunities to meet some of the 12 million local penguin residents who live on the ice, take part in citizen science projects and marvel at the rugged antarctic landscape.

Best for Wildlife & Wilderness

In-depth antarctica, falklands & south georgia | 23 days.

Sailing onboard one of the smallest ships in our fleet - MS Fram, this itinerary will take you to some of the more remote parts of Antarctica and the islands of the Atlantic Ocean.

Taking in the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, we hope to visit the penguin and bird colonies of these remote islands. Spending 4 days around the Antarctic Peninsula, weather dependant you can get amongst the sea ice and if you are lucky, intimate encounters with the area's unique wildlife.

MS Roald Amundsen anchored off Snowhill Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills.

Sail in the wake of histories greatest explorers.

With a range of 12 to 24 days expeditions to Antarctica, we have the perfect voyage for you explore this frozen wonderland at the edge of the world.

Sitting at and around the South Pole, Antarctica experiences some of the harshest weather conditions on Earth rendering it uninhabited for many months of the year. During the Antarctic winter (April to September), the continent sits in darkness with winds reaching up to 100 mph (160 kph) and temperatures as low as -34 degrees Celcius (-30 degrees Fahrenheit).

In contrast, the best time to visit Antarctica is during the summer months of late November to early March, when the continent experiences milder temperatures, less sea ice, and longer daylight hours, making it more suitable for exploration. It's during this time that the waters, air, and land come alive with the arrival of an array of wildlife species, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds, as they return to the continent for breeding. January and February are considered the peak months for visiting, when the temperatures are relatively warmer, and wildlife activity is at its highest. You can also experience the mesmerising midnight sun phenomenon, where the sun remains visible for almost 24 hours in a day.

It's good to remember that even though we journey to Antarctica during the summer months, the weather can be unpredictable and the conditions change quickly. To ensure you are fully prepared, we have pulled together a recommended packing list for Antarctica, which you can find in this guide.

trip to antarctica from germany

Depending on the expedition you choose, we have return flights in the economy between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia in Argentina or Santiago de Chile to Punta Arenas in Chile included in the cost of your voyage.

These flights are operated by different South American airline partners.

They usually depart Buenos Aires /Santiago de Chile early in the morning and land back in Buenos Aires /Santiago de Chile late at night.

We strongly recommend arranging overnight accommodation, as airlines don't confirm flight times until a few days before departure.

Please Note: On these flights, we only book guests into economy class and no upgrades in higher booking classes are possible. You can travel with checked luggage (Max. 23kg), and bring one carry-on bag on board (Max. 8kg). Allowance may differ between long and short-haul flights - please check the baggage terms and conditions and you are within all luggage allowances. We are unable to accept responsibility if you miss your own booked flight in the event of a delay of the included flight. The latest information will be provided within your travel documents

trip to antarctica from germany

What to pack for an expedition to Antarctica?

Even though Antarctica is cold enough to be the only uninhabitable continent on the face of the planet, you are not going to freeze while you're visiting. When you're packing for your Antarctic Expedition there's one piece of sage advice you should always carry with you: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."

To help you prepare we recommend packing the following for your expedition to Antarctica:

Waterproof trousers

Woolen underlayers and second layers

Thin woolen socks, and thick top-layer socks

Polarised sunglasses and sunscreen

Underlayer gloves, top layer gloves

A warm hat that covers your ears

Moisturiser and lip balm

A face mask to prevent windburn

A water bottle that’s insulated against cold

A pair of casual shoes for use onboard

Don't forget you will receive a a reusable aluminum water bottle, which is yours to keep at the end of the expedition.

q2 exp 2500x764 b2c landingpage 2

Sign up for our newsletter

Be the first to hear about our latest offers, exciting itineraries and inspirational articles.

Next Trip

Antarctica Trips, Tours & Vacations

An Antarctica trip can be the vacation of a lifetime if it is well planned and executed. Travel to Antarctica is a true expedition to one of the most remote destinations on Earth. Explore up close on daily Antarctica tours to view penguins, seals, whales and spectacular glaciers. Our Antarctica tours epitomize small, sustainable travel on the White Continent. These are truly the best trips to Antarctica for active and education-minded travelers.

We are your ultimate resource to selecting and booking the best Antarctica tour for your interests, ability, schedule and budget. Browse our extensive selection of Antarctic vacations. Our Antarctica trip selection spans from cruises to the Polar Circle or South Georgia, itineraries in the Weddell Sea and even routes that fly you over the Drake Passage. Book a trip with us to visit Antarctica with true experts.

Explore the Antarctic Peninsula on this 12- to 15-day expedition aboard two state-of-the-art ships, featuring unique activity programs including backcountry ski and snowboard touring and polar snorkeling.

On this comprehensive voyage, visit wild South Georgia, the historical Falklands and the Antarctic Peninsula aboard National Geographic vessels: 126-guest Endurance or Resolution, or 148-guest Explorer, with expert naturalist guides.

Set sail aboard the comfortable and spacious, 200-guest Ocean Endeavour on an exclusive 11-, 12- or 14-day voyage, to discover truly unbelievable wildlife and the world’s most remarkable scenery.

Trips to Antarctica

Antarctica is a massive icy wilderness on the bucket list of many nature travelers. Here you can walk among penguins, kayak alongside icebergs or just sit and listen to the symphony of sounds this amazing landscape has to offer. Trips to Antarctica with AdventureSmith are expeditions in the truest sense.

Choose an Antarctica vacation with the assurance of our industry expertise aboard ships worldwide. Our team has personal experience in Antarctica. We will match you with the best Antarctica trips and tours that focus on small, sustainable, active travel in the White Continent.

Trips to Antarctica offer the opportunity to explore up close on hikes and by skiff tours. There are fully guided activities available for all skill levels. Our Adventure Specialists can match you with the perfect Antarctica trip to fit your interests. Are you ready for the best Antarctic vacation? Let us be your guide.

Why Choose a Trip to Antarctica with AdventureSmith

Choosing a trip to Antarctica with AdventureSmith means choosing an award-winning company that boasts the best selection of Antarctica vacations and tours. Thousands of travelers have trusted our Antarctic expedition specialists to help them choose, book and plan the right Antarctica trip at the best price. We are award-winning U.S.-based experts with decades of combined experience with Antarctica vacations. Our professional crew will help you with everything you need for an all-inclusive trip to Antarctica. Why book your trip to Antarctica with AdventureSmith Explorations?

Personalized

Work with one Adventure Specialist to research, purchase & prepare for your trip to Antarctica.

We are well traveled & savvy to the latest in Antarctica vacations, including new Antarctic trips & boat tours.

Antarctica kayak tours, camping, skiing… Our staff has experience doing it all & can match your activity interests.

Take advantage of early-booking deals, discounted flights & other perks. We’re here to help you save.

an airplane lands on a strip in antarctica

Antarctica Vacation Packages

We offer all-inclusive, fully guided tours and Antarctica vacations. Boat tours to Antarctica are at the heart of your trip. Our all-inclusive tour packages to Antarctica from the USA and Canada can include flights, transfers, pre- and post-cruise overnights, and trip extensions throughout South America. Book a trip package with AdventureSmith for a seamless and worry-free Antarctica vacation.

Many Antarctica vacations are specialized to focus on a particular landscape or style of travel. For instance, Antarctic Circle tours aim to cross the latitude at which the sun never sets. Some boat tours to Antarctica strive to view majestic emperor penguin colonies. Antarctic tours to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island venture beyond the Antarctic Peninsula. Some trips fly to Antarctica over the Drake Passage one way or round-trip. And Antarctica luxury cruises pair five-star suites and fine dining with adventure. Boat tours to Antarctica are as diverse as the polar landscape. 

Antarctica Adventure Trips

For travelers seeking more activity, we offer a range of Antarctic adventure trips. Hiking and Antarctic kayak tours explore farther and longer in search of wildlife and solitude. Antarctic camping trips allow adventurous guests to overnight on the continent. Antarctica ski touring can be arranged for skiers and snowboarders seeking the ultimate backcountry adventure.

Additional Antarctica adventure trips include mountaineering, cross-country skiing, ice climbing, snowshoeing, scuba diving and trekking. Adventure holidays in Antarctica are the most active way to explore up close. Many activities book far in advance so plan ahead when considering your Antarctic adventure trip. 

Group of kayakers paddles past an enormous iceberg in calm seas on an Antarctica trip.

Planning Antarctica Trips in Changing Times

With constantly changing requirements, allow us to be your trusted resource for the latest information on Antarctica 2024, 2025 and beyond. It’s not easy to juggle the requirements of international travel, especially to a place as remote as Antarctica. Let our team be your guide to all you need to know. Book your expedition with peace of mind working with our experts.

“Walk among penguins, kayak alongside icebergs or just sit and listen to the symphony of sounds this amazing landscape has to offer.”

Temperature & Rainfall

Antarctica Vacation Season

Antarctica weather is a lesson in extremes. Antarctica is the world’s coldest, windiest and driest continent. However, during the South Polar summer months when Antarctica tours operate (November-March) the winds subside considerably and the weather is surprisingly comfortable, averaging between 20 and 50 degrees F. The climate data listed above is for the Antarctic Peninsula. Learn more about the best time to visit Antarctica .

Learn More About Antarctica’s Climate

Find more Antarctica climate tables for other popular Antarctic tour stops, including South Georgia and Ushuaia.

100+ combined years of experience, 7 continents explored, decades of expedition cruising around the world & here to help you find & book your dream trip.

Antarctica Tour Boats

Small Antarctica boat tours provide travelers an experience that is simply incomparable to trips on larger vessels. By choosing a sailing trip aboard a small ship at or under 200 passengers, you will have more opportunities to get off the ship and actively explore Antarctica’s many icescapes and bays. We have curated these ice-class vessels as they are among the safest, most purpose-built ships for trips to Antarctica today. Browse our full selection of Antarctica ships and Antarctica cruises , then learn how to get aboard your dream trip.

The 126-guest National Geographic Endurance is the newest addition to the National Geographic fleet. This expedition ship is specifically designed for stability and sustainability as well as for in-depth education and an unmatched range of exploration in the polar regions.

Sylvia Earle offers a robust menu of adventure activities from kayaking and polar diving to mountaineering and backcountry skiing and snowboarding. Cruise responsibly knowing this brand new icebreaker polar expedition ship was built with cutting edge nautical technology including one of the lowest polluting marine engines in the world.

The 2019-built, 172-guest World Explorer is designed with distinction, comfort and refinement in mind. This 1B ice-class vessel boasts private walk-outs or Juliet balconies for each cabin and a glass-domed lounge for unimpeded ocean viewing.

The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic. Dual helicopter pads and an incredible 70-day cruising range allow access to the hardest-to-reach places.

The 149-guest Seaventure Antarctic small ship uniquely offers two family cabins and boasts superior strength, included drinks, a heated saltwater pool, sauna and custom-built citizen science lab for voyages that are both relaxing and intellectual.

Our Experts & Travelers Review Their Trips to Antarctica

What is a trip to Antarctica really like? What is it like to cross the famed Drake Passage? To fly on an air cruise? To go on a luxury Antarctica cruise ? Or to camp in Antarctica? Consult these detailed Antarctica trip reviews written by both the AdventureSmith staff and our travelers who’ve been everywhere from South Georgia Island to the Polar Circle. These genuine experiences, personal vacation stories and reviews can not only help you plan the best Antarctica trip but also inspire you for the journey ahead.

Adventure Specialist Taylor Cranney reviews her Antarctic Explorer expedition, showcasing the awe of Antarctica and the detailed logistics of camping and kayaking.

Emperor penguins, midnight sunsets... Read this review of Le Commandant Charcot's explorations in the Bellingshausen Sea and learn why you should cross the Antarctic Circle aboard this ship.

AdventureSmith's founder writes this firsthand review of the National Geographic Resolution & Endurance. Learn what makes these the best-in-class, next-generation expedition ships, from X-Bow design to on-deck igloos.

AdventureSmith’s Lis recounts her Antarctica air cruise. Learn what it's like to fly the Drake and travel in a single-share cabin.

An AdventureSmith expert returns to Antarctica—this time stopping at the wildlife Mecca of South Georgia Island. Learn all about the Island's wildlife, landscape, trip highlights to differences and see if South Georgia should be part of your Antarctica expedition.

AdventureSmith's Director of Sales & Operations makes a case for crossing the Drake Passage and venturing as far south as the Antarctic Circle in this review of his time aboard 108-guest Ortelius.

Antarctica Travel Guides

Planning an Antarctica vacation requires a lot of consideration. When should you plan your Antarctica trip for your particular interests? How do I get to Antarctica? When is the best time to go? What do I need to pack?

Our experts visit Antarctica frequently and share these tips so you can find the best trip. Our definitive Antarctica travel guides are updated regularly and help explain all the details and excitement surrounding your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica.

From cruise costs by season to money-saving tips, our experts crunch the numbers to help you answer the question “How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?”

There are more small ships than ever cruising Antarctica with vessels and itinerary options for every style and budget. This up-to-date guide culls the best tips for a comprehensive look at Antarctica travel today.

When is the best time to go to Antarctica? On the White Continent, the answer isn’t so black-and-white. Consult this month-by-month list covering everything from penguins to pack ice to help guide your travel timing.

You can go to Antarctica, we will show you how. Advice on how to get to Antarctic by cruise ship and by flight. We provide logistics for flights, cruises and how to get to Antarctica from your home country.

What Travelers Say About Their Trips to Antarctica

All of the staff were very professional and had the experience needed to make the trip the best!

Antarctica is a winning destination...but the fantastic service and attitude of the staff put this trip right over the top! I'm TELLING YOU, this was a FANTASTIC TEAM that I will never forget!

Wow, wow, wow!!! 3 course dinners, 5 star food, 100% satisfied. The staff and crew on the Plancius was amazing!!!

Excellent, a crown jewel in our world travels. There wasn't a flaw in the arrangements and the experience.

Each and every landing was unique. My husband and I enjoyed not just every one but their frequency as well.

Accommodations Review

Cabin was quite comfortable and staff took good care each time we were out. Camping was fun.  The only thing I was upset about was that there were not enough bivvies for all 60 people who signed up for camping and we literally had to make a run for it to be one of the lucky ones. For me, this was a criteria for picking this trip and had I NOT been one of the lucky ones I would have been quite disappointed.

Meals Review

Most meals were quite well done and certainly presentation was excellent. Some meals lacked flavor but that did not prevent us from eating enough. I know it is a challenge to make every meal GREAT and still compliment the chef.  

Crew & Guides Review

Shane did a very good job of keeping things on track. A couple of suggestions - make sure you have enough hiking poles for everyone on each hike. One of them the first wave of people took all of the poles and for us there were none left and the snow was quite deep. We were on the first landing and the staff caught on for the 2nd landing and notified those folks to please just take 1 pole so everyone has at least 1 pole.   

AdventureSmith Explorations Review

Nicely done and quickly answered all questions we had.  

Traveler Advice

Follow all the tips given on the Quark/AdventureSmith websites - it pays off. 

Antarctica is a winning destination...but the fantastic service and attitude of the staff put this trip right over the top!  Everything ran extremely smoothly and was well organized by coordinators.  I felt well prepared with information and expectations for the trip.  The on-board expedition staff was just great: enthusiastic, filled with expertise, accommodating, and just a joy to be with!

Cheli Larsen (Expedition leader) has a wonderful set of skills: very well versed in all aspects of the trip, fantastic at assessing her customers and their interests, and great at communicating what was going on and why. The customer's frankly all fell in love with the expedition team and it was clear they were all in love with Cheli! Subject Matter experts: Colin, Colin S., Jim, and Damien were a great team.  Time spent with them was my best time on the trip! Guides Emma, Marla, Val, and Dave were all exceptional. I don't mean to simply be "gushy" in this feedback; I'm TELLING YOU, this was a FANTASTIC TEAM that I will never forget!  

I felt well prepared for the trip.  Given the guidance I was given, I had all my papers properly organized for the phases of the trip in case I needed to refer to any (reciprocity tax, proof of evacuation insurance, etc.). The logistics went very smoothly. AdventureSmith clearly works with the creme-de-la-creme of Adventure Travel companies. Their selection of Quark Expeditions for this adventure was one that was very well placed. Having AdventureSmith to help me coordinate the logistics and prepare myself helped to ensure everything went extremely smoothly!

Don't take too many clothes!  Bring adequate and make use of on-board laundry!

Featured in this Traveler Review

  • Antarctic Explorer
  • Quark Expeditions

The staff and crew on the Plancius was amazing!!! Professional, funny, knowledgeable, and friendly. The ship was perfect for small outings. I never felt cramped, no long lines, and it allowed everyone to experience the landings. The staff gave us the most for our dollar and even squeezed in an extra landing! Everything was well organized and planned. The added surprise bonus was the food!! Wow :) I was not expecting such high quality food a day presentation.

It was a little warm with no AC, but the room layout, space, storage, etc was perfect.

Wow, wow, wow!!! 3 course dinners, 5 star food, 100% satisfied.

Andrew Bishop was phenomenal! Well organized, humorous, and obviously loves his job. Liz Pope was equally amazing, the hotel manager and assistant (Johnny and Heidi) were so helpful and responsive. Kasper Jaeger was a great help with photography and really knew the areas. Louise adie was an incredible kayak guide! She was as excited as all of us when going out. She was honest about whether the kayak or zodiac landing was better and was knowledgeable in so many areas.

Provided information timely, followed up if I forgot something, and provided material to help make transitions and travel easier.

Excellent, a crown jewel in our world travels. There wasn't a flaw in the arrangements and the experience. All of the travelers were enthusiastic and friendly.

The chef and her staff were amazing and the menus absolutely gorgeous.

All of the experts and guides were topnotch.

Open heart, open mind and pack lightly. There were at least 2000 people trying to pass immigration and zero organization in the [Buenos Aires] airport. I would suggest, when possible, booking arrival for closer to noon.

Each and every landing was unique. My husband and I enjoyed not just every one but their frequency as well. The Ortelius crew went above and beyond to ensure we spent as much time on land as possible.

It would have been great for there to be a fruit basket or something along those lines available around the clock for when we got hungry (which was surprisingly more than usual).

All of the guides were very professional and knowledgeable. I especially enjoyed listening to their lectures.

No surprises and quick responses from Aaron Gaines. Both of those things were greatly appreciated.

Save on Your Travel to Antarctica

To save on your trip to Antarctica, search our latest special offers. Our experts know the nuances of Antarctica tours. The AdventureSmith team can help you take advantage of the best early-booking discounts, alert you to dates as soon as they are released and provide details on other savings like cabin shares for solo travelers.

Don’t shortchange this once-in-a-lifetime destination. Our team of specialists will help you plan right from the start so that you get the best discount to fit your ideal trip itinerary. Browse our latest Antarctica cruise deals , and then talk with one of our experts to ensure it’s the perfect fit for your trip. Learn how much does it cost to go to Antarctica .

Save up to 20% when you book your select 2024-25 departure Antarctica expedition aboard Ocean Endeavour.

Save up to 25% when you book your select 2024 Antarctica expedition cruise.

Book your select Antarctica expedition cruise and save up to 30% based on trip, departure and cabin type.

Stop dreaming about Antarctica and start planning! For a limited time, this offer saves you up to $2,000 on select 2025-2026 Antarctica Air-Cruise departures.

Book your select 2024-25 Antarctica expedition cruise now to receive up to 20% off and $2,000 in air credit per person.

Save up to 20% when you book your select 2024-25 season departure of the below-linked expeditions aboard Ocean Endeavour.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. Applicable on category 1-4 cabins. See all  Antarctica cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

  • Best of Antarctica
  • Journey to the Antarctic Circle
  • Shackleton’s Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer

Save up to 25% when you book your select 2024 departure of the below-linked Antarctica expedition cruises.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and may not be combined with any other offer. See all Antarctica cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.

  • Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
  • Antarctica Discovery & Learning Voyage
  • Antarctic Peninsula Basecamp Cruise
  • South Georgia & Polar Circle Wildlife Cruise
  • Polar Circle Cruise

Save up to 30% when you book a select 2024-2025 or 2025-2026 departure of the below-linked Antarctica expedition cruises.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer,  except an additional 5% off select 2024 departures and 5-10% off on select 2025 or 2026 departures when you pay in full at time of booking.  Discount varies by cabin selection. Ask your Adventure Specialist for details and applicable savings; rates listed on our website reflect the currently available discount. See all  Antarctica cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

  • Crossing the Antarctic Circle
  • Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake
  • South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari
  • Epic Antarctica: Crossing the Circle via Falklands & South Georgia
  • Explorers & Kings
  • Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

Reach Antarctica quickly by flight and cruise through icy and magical landscapes. Book your select 2025-2026 departure of the below-linked Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise aboard Ocean Nova or Magellan Explorer to save up to $2,000 per person.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offer. See all  Antarctica cruise deals  for a comprehensive list of current savings on this and other adventures.

  • Antarctica Air Cruise

Receive up to 20% off and up to $2,000 in air credit per person when you book a select 2024-25 season departure of the below-linked Antarctica expeditions aboard Greg Mortimer or Sylvia Earle.

Offer valid on new bookings only, subject to availability and cannot be combined with any other offers. See all Antarctica cruise deals for a comprehensive list of current savings on these and other adventures.

  • Spirit of Antarctica Expedition
  • South Georgia & Antarctic Odyssey Cruise
  • Active & Wild Antarctica Air Cruise

Let Our Experts Be Your Guide to Antarctica

Planning travel to Antarctica requires a lot of logistics. Our Antarctic vacation experts have all the answers to help you select and plan for your trip to Antarctica. How do I get to Antarctica? Where do I embark the ship? What is the best time to view penguin chicks?

Want help narrowing down all the Antarctica vacation itineraries? Our experts are just a phone call or email away. Contact us to receive a personalized-to-you recommendation on the best Antarctica tour for you, or DIY filter through all the trips on our Antarctica Cruise Search.

Contact Us - Trips to Antarctica

Travel is best planned one-on-one, and we’re here to help you with your specific needs.

  • First Name *
  • Last Name *
  • Phone (required because some email replies get blocked) *
  • Country of residence (required in order to comply with privacy laws) * United States of America - US Afghanistan - AF Aland Islands - AX Albania - AL Algeria - DZ American Samoa - AS Andorra - AD Angola - AO Anguilla - AI Antarctica - AQ Antigua and Barbuda - AG Argentina - AR Armenia - AM Aruba - AW Australia - AU Austria - AT Azerbaijan - AZ Bahamas - BS Bahrain - BH Bangladesh - BD Barbados - BB Belarus - BY Belgium - BE Belize - BZ Benin - BJ Bermuda - BM Bhutan - BT Bolivia - BO Bosnia and Herzegovina - BA Botswana - BW Bouvet Island - BV Brazil - BR British Virgin Islands - VG British Indian Ocean Territory - IO Brunei Darussalam - BN Bulgaria - BG Burkina Faso - BF Burundi - BI Cambodia - KH Cameroon - CM Canada - CA Cape Verde - CV Cayman Islands - KY Central African Republic - CF Chad - TD Chile - CL China - CN Hong Kong, SAR China - HK Macao, SAR China - MO Christmas Island - CX Cocos (Keeling) Islands - CC Colombia - CO Comoros - KM Congo (Brazzaville) - CG Congo, (Kinshasa) - CD Cook Islands - CK Costa Rica - CR Côte d'Ivoire - CI Croatia - HR Cuba - CU Cyprus - CY Czech Republic - CZ Denmark - DK Djibouti - DJ Dominica - DM Dominican Republic - DO Ecuador - EC Egypt - EG El Salvador - SV Equatorial Guinea - GQ Eritrea - ER Estonia - EE Ethiopia - ET Falkland Islands (Malvinas) - FK Faroe Islands - FO Fiji - FJ Finland - FI France - FR French Guiana - GF French Polynesia - PF French Southern Territories - TF Gabon - GA Gambia - GM Georgia - GE Germany - DE Ghana - GH Gibraltar - GI Greece - GR Greenland - GL Grenada - GD Guadeloupe - GP Guam - GU Guatemala - GT Guernsey - GG Guinea - GN Guinea-Bissau - GW Guyana - GY Haiti - HT Heard and Mcdonald Islands - HM Holy See (Vatican City State) - VA Honduras - HN Hungary - HU Iceland - IS India - IN Indonesia - ID Iran, Islamic Republic of - IR Iraq - IQ Ireland - IE Isle of Man - IM Israel - IL Italy - IT Jamaica - JM Japan - JP Jersey - JE Jordan - JO Kazakhstan - KZ Kenya - KE Kiribati - KI Korea (North) - KP Korea (South) - KR Kuwait - KW Kyrgyzstan - KG Lao PDR - LA Latvia - LV Lebanon - LB Lesotho - LS Liberia - LR Libya - LY Liechtenstein - LI Lithuania - LT Luxembourg - LU Macedonia, Republic of - MK Madagascar - MG Malawi - MW Malaysia - MY Maldives - MV Mali - ML Malta - MT Marshall Islands - MH Martinique - MQ Mauritania - MR Mauritius - MU Mayotte - YT Mexico - MX Micronesia, Federated States of - FM Moldova - MD Monaco - MC Mongolia - MN Montenegro - ME Montserrat - MS Morocco - MA Mozambique - MZ Myanmar - MM Namibia - NA Nauru - NR Nepal - NP Netherlands - NL Netherlands Antilles - AN New Caledonia - NC New Zealand - NZ Nicaragua - NI Niger - NE Nigeria - NG Niue - NU Norfolk Island - NF Northern Mariana Islands - MP Norway - NO Oman - OM Pakistan - PK Palau - PW Palestinian Territory - PS Panama - PA Papua New Guinea - PG Paraguay - PY Peru - PE Philippines - PH Pitcairn - PN Poland - PL Portugal - PT Puerto Rico - PR Qatar - QA Réunion - RE Romania - RO Russian Federation - RU Rwanda - RW Saint-Barthélemy - BL Saint Helena - SH Saint Kitts and Nevis - KN Saint Lucia - LC Saint-Martin (French part) - MF Saint Pierre and Miquelon - PM Saint Vincent and Grenadines - VC Samoa - WS San Marino - SM Sao Tome and Principe - ST Saudi Arabia - SA Senegal - SN Serbia - RS Seychelles - SC Sierra Leone - SL Singapore - SG Slovakia - SK Slovenia - SI Solomon Islands - SB Somalia - SO South Africa - ZA South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands - GS South Sudan - SS Spain - ES Sri Lanka - LK Sudan - SD Suriname - SR Svalbard and Jan Mayen Islands - SJ Swaziland - SZ Sweden - SE Switzerland - CH Syrian Arab Republic (Syria) - SY Taiwan, Republic of China - TW Tajikistan - TJ Tanzania, United Republic of - TZ Thailand - TH Timor-Leste - TL Togo - TG Tokelau - TK Tonga - TO Trinidad and Tobago - TT Tunisia - TN Turkey - TR Turkmenistan - TM Turks and Caicos Islands - TC Tuvalu - TV Uganda - UG Ukraine - UA United Arab Emirates - AE United Kingdom - GB United States of America - US US Minor Outlying Islands - UM Uruguay - UY Uzbekistan - UZ Vanuatu - VU Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic) - VE Viet Nam - VN Virgin Islands, US - VI Wallis and Futuna Islands - WF Western Sahara - EH Yemen - YE Zambia - ZM Zimbabwe - ZW
  • Newsletter Subscribe to our email newsletter
  • By submitting this form, you consent to our privacy policy .
  • Hidden IP Location

Talk to an AdventureSmith Travel Specialist Call us toll free at 1-877-620-2875 . Call us direct at 530-583-1775 .

Office Hours Monday through Friday, 8am-5pm Pacific Time.

Address 40169 Truckee Airport Road, Suite 201 Truckee, CA 96161

Antarctica Cruises

  • Travel Guide

How Much Does It Cost To Go To Antarctica?

trip to antarctica from germany

Why Is It So Expensive to Go to Antarctica?

Antarctica cruise cost, what’s typically included , optional extras on select departures, additional costs not included, what factors affect antarctica trip cost, when you book, a note on deposit requirements, when you travel, where you’re coming from, where you sail from, how long and how far you sail, how far south you go, whether you fly the drake passage or not, what vessel you travel on, which cabin category you choose, who you travel with, whether you want to add on any “adventure options”, who you book with (false), clothing & other costs to bear in mind, total antarctica travel cost, antarctic trip cost estimate, antarctica trip cost from usa: an example, is price really a good criteria for choosing the right antarctic trip.

Can you put a price on a trip to Antarctica, one of the most profound and authentic experiential adventures you’ll have in your entire life? It turns out “Yes”. While many consider an Antarctica trip to be a ‘priceless’ experience, Antarctica travel does incur a significant outlay, and not solely from the cost of your Antarctica cruise, albeit the most notable contributing factor.

Here we’ll explore the reasons why Antarctica expeditions cost so much, explain all the factors that may affect the cost of the Antarctica trip that you want to experience, and ultimately help you calculate (approximately) how much it may cost you to go to Antarctica based on these factors. Just bear in mind that, despite how expensive you may perceive a polar adventure to be, we’ve never had anyone return from Antarctica who didn’t think that it was well worth the investment.

Please note that all the estimated costs mentioned below are in USD.

Some things are priceless

There’s no way around it, any trip to Antarctica is expensive, especially when you compare the cost of an Antarctica cruise to conventional cruises. But there are a multitude of reasons why the expense of Antarctica travel, relatively speaking, isn’t as exorbitant as it at first seems, not least the unparalleled remoteness of the destination, the challenging logistics involved in getting there, and the requisite permits, expertise and equipment involved in operating cruises (safely!) in such a pristine, ice-laden environment.

Ice-strengthened ships are very expensive to build and maintain, and then there’s the actual fuel to run the ship which surprisingly represents as much as 50% of total operating costs in some cases. In 2011 new fuel oil standards came into force banning the burning of heavy fuel oil and requiring ships to use lighter, cleaner fuels such as Marine Gas Oil while in the Antarctic Treaty Area (the sea south of 60° South latitude). Already expensive, such high-grade fuels can cost considerably more in such remote areas where supply is scarce and demand high, making refueling prohibitively expensive for larger vessels.

Other regulatory hurdles associated with conservation also add extra cost so that the traveler’s wallet takes the toll rather than the Antarctic environment. For example, each journey requires a detailed environmental impact assessment to be made (in the U.S. this is made to the Environmental Protection Agency) to verify that any planned activities will have less than a minor or transitory impact on the Antarctic’s (and any dependent or associated) ecosystems.

After fuel, crewing costs represent the next highest operating cost at around 30%. Crew numbers can easily total more than 80 people, including a number of costly experts, naturalists, and knowledgeable expedition leaders, all of whom need to be paid and also accommodated on board. With ship capacities of fewer than 200 guests, this makes the crew to passenger ratios—and the split of their wages—much higher than on traditional cruises. What’s more, expedition crew understandably earn much higher wages than the industry average because they need to be more specialized, exceptionally well trained, and experienced—IAATO expects at least 75% of expedition teams to have previous Antarctic experience.

Polar expedition cruises by their very definition operate in remote, inhospitable and potentially hazardous areas, often inadequately surveyed or unsurveyed, and so not only do crew need to be exceptionally experienced and well trained as we’ve already mentioned, but furthermore, the insurance premiums associated with such cruises are understandably far higher than for ships operating close to home in familiar waters.

Provisioning in polar regions, away from major ports, also presents additional (and expensive) logistical challenges. Whereas your average cruise ship is built for short cruises of perhaps a week to ten days, expedition vessels often need to travel for three weeks or more (certainly those Antarctic cruises from Australia and New Zealand) without the opportunity to stock up. This means a larger proportion of space is dedicated to storage rather than fare-paying passengers than on conventional ships, whether that be for fuel, food, equipment or technical consumables.

So while Antarctica cruise costs do appear expensive, certainly in comparison with more traditional river or ocean cruises, once you take into consideration all the additional operational hurdles—from logistical constraints and specialist staffing requirements to paramount safety aspects—a more pertinent question might be, “how do they do it for the money?”.

High-end Antarctica Travel

Expect to pay a minimum USD$6,000 per person for a classic Antarctica cruise. Prices rise quickly from there, with average prices more in the USD$10,000 range, and high-end berths on luxury ships costing up to four times that much.

That equates to between USD$600 – USD$3,600 per person per day, with the average passenger needing to budget around USD$1,000 per person per day of their cruise, inclusive of all meals, some drinks and most shore excursions. Less expensive tickets often leave out key items such as required gear which can be costly.

Here is an approximate price guide for the most popular itinerary types with prices displayed per person in USD:

Classic Antarctica Peninsula cruise (10 – 11 days) :   USD$6,000 – USD$14,000 Antarctica Fly & Cruise (8 days) :  USD$11,000 – 27,000 Antarctic Circle cruise (12 – 14 days) :   USD$8,000 – 18,000 Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica cruise (18 – 23 days) :   USD$12,000 – 25,000 Ross Sea cruise (25 – 35 days) :   USD$18, 000 – USD$27,000 Flights to Antarctic Interior & South Pole (7 – 9 days) :   USD$50,000

On any Antarctic voyage the following inclusions, optional and additional costs typically apply, but these will be dependent upon your choice of ship and itinerary:

  • Accommodation on full board basis
  • All guided landings and excursions
  • A programme of lectures by leading experts
  • Loan of a pair of rubber boots
  • Complimentary parka jacket (to keep)
  • Camping in Antarctica
  • Sea kayaking
  • Other adventure activities such as snowshoeing, camping and photography workshops
  • Reserved seating on charter flights for fly-cruises to Antarctica
  • Return flights to and from port of embarkation
  • Pre- and post-voyage hotel accommodation
  • Travel insurance
  • Internet data cards
  • Discretionary crew tips (approx. USD$15-20 per person per day)

When exploring your Antarctic travel options, there are several fixed costs and many variable ones that can affect the overall cost of your trip. Each variable cost, which we’ll look at now, can act as a lever to adjust the price you’ll pay for your polar adventure, with some more easily pulled than others!

Cruises for a season become available to book two years in advance, so there is a wide window of opportunity to purchase a polar voyage. But how far in advance should you book, and is there any benefit to leaving it to the last minute? Unlike large cruise ships with almost unlimited availability, the small expedition ships that frequent Antarctica don’t suffer the same difficulties in selling their inventory, so last minute discounts are few and far between. In fact, the more popular, less expensive berths tend to sell out before all others, and with some operators now moving towards dynamic pricing models (like airlines), it’s quite likely that the longer you leave it, the more you will pay.

Instead, the best deals are certain to be had by those willing to commit early, with Antarctic boat operators commonly offering early booking incentives in the region of 25% – 35% off (around USD$1,000 – USD$1,500) per person, typically when booking ten or more months in advance, with smaller discounts of 10% – 15% still possible when booking as late as April or May for the upcoming season.

Note that not all ships offer an early booking incentive, and these offers always have strict deadlines. The rewards for booking in advance aren’t just limited to cost savings though. Booking early also ensures you have a greater chance of securing your preferred ship, cabin, and itinerary rather than sifting through limited options at the last minute. This is especially true for those seeking the rarer single, triple or quadruple cabins available.

Does this cost need paying all in one go? Well that depends on how far in advance you are booking your trip. If your cruise departs sooner rather than later, usually within 120 days, then you’ll be expected to cough up the entirety of the total amount due in one fell swoop. However, should your cruise depart beyond that timeframe, typically a deposit of 25% will need to be made to secure your booking, with the balance payable 120 days prior to departure. Perhaps another reason not to book right at the last minute—even if there is the slim chance of a bargain—so you can spread the cost somewhat.

With the Antarctic cruising season during the austral summer being so short, you might be forgiven for assuming a flat cruise rate applies irrespective of when you travel. But you’d be mistaken. When you travel can affect the cost of your Antarctica cruise by anywhere between 10% – 25%.

This price differential is predominantly dictated by customer demand—albeit directly linked to the weather and wildlife conditions experienced on the White Continent—with the lowest prices available on the less popular early season (November) and late-season (March) cruises. Despite these collective ‘shoulder’ seasons still being great times to experience Antarctica—and cheaper flights also being more readily available at this time—most travelers prefer to travel in the ‘high’ season (December – February) when Antarctica’s weather and wildlife are considered at their best, and are happy to pay a premium for them.

We’re often asked whether high season prices are worth the extra outlay. In our opinion, the longer days, more stable weather, and more active wildlife during high season do justify the 10-25% higher price, but it very much depends on your personal preferences. For example, keen photographers may prefer November for the heady cocktail of soft light, spectacular skies and heavy ice conditions, while whale watching enthusiasts will often wait until March when cetacean sightings are more commonplace.

Your point of origin is also a factor. Not in the sense that you’ll pay more for a cruise depending upon your nationality or country of residence, although the currency you choose to pay in (if it differs from the local currency of the operator you’re sailing with) may have a negligible impact on the price due to foreign exchange fluctuations. We’re referring to where you’ll begin your journey to Antarctica from, as the cost to reach the port where you’ll actually embark your cruise may be significant, especially if you are based a considerable distance away or in a location with poor flight connections.

The cost of flights to ports of Antarctic cruise embarkation such as Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina—or indeed flights to airports like Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport in Punta Arenas, Chile, from which you can take a flight part, or all the way, to the White Continent—will naturally be dependent upon where you’re flying from, and which airline and which class you travel, but you’ll probably need to budget at least USD$1000 – USD$1500 for international (and sometimes domestic) flights, even slightly more for European travelers.

Before it gets white

For example, flying to Ushuaia from the US will set you back somewhere in the region of USD$1,200 – USD$1,600, from Europe between USD$1,500 – USD$2,000, and from Africa between USD$900 – USD$1,500. If you are flying to New Zealand or Australia, the price from Europe will be around USD$1,500, and between USD$1,200 – USD$1,500 from Africa. In some rare instances, the cost of the domestic flight between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, or Santiago de Chile and Punta Arenas, may be included in your cruise cost.

However it’s not just the cost of the flight to your Antarctica cruise port, as likely, due to jetlag, or more importantly the potential risk of missing embarkation and your cruise altogether due to flight delays, you’ll sensibly play it safe and want to arrive at least a day in advance. Additional accommodation, transfer and meal costs then come into play. Rightfully one might argue that you’d want to explore other parts of the region apart from your port cities anyway—who wouldn’t want to explore the Tierra del Fuego National Park?—so this may be considered more an optional expense, but will only set you back an additional USD$150 – USD$300, a small price for peace of mind.

Where you sail from, to the White Continent, is also a cost factor, and not just in terms of how far and how long you will sail for to reach Antarctica (see below) but also the level of cruise competition due to the volume of vessels and frequency of departures to choose from, with shorter distances and increased competition equating to lower fuel costs and reduced rates respectively.

The South America port of Ushuaia serves as the primary launchpad for Antarctic trips, with some 98% of visitors sailing to Antarctica from Argentina’s shores. With its copious cruise options, regular departures, and (relative) close proximity to the continent—crossing the Drake Passage takes around 2 days—Antarctica-bound travelers from Tierra del Fuego can benefit from this competitive (and comparatively cheaper) cruise market.

Those travelers coming from Oceania will find far fewer operators and vessels to choose from, and getting to Antarctica will take much longer, with crossings of typically around a week or more, depending on the weather. Subsequently departures are much less frequent than South American cruises, and given the reduced competition, limited availability, and longer travel times involved, Antarctic cruises from Australia and New Zealand can often be double or triple the cost of one from Argentina.

To an extent, where you sail from will also dictate where you sail to, but even if you’ve decided upon your departure point, there are a wealth of itineraries to choose from that vary in length from anywhere between 5 – 35 days. As you can imagine, the longer and farther you sail, the more operating costs (fuel, provisions, crew, etc.) will be incurred and passed on to you.

Itineraries from South America (depending on whether you cruise the Drake Passage or not) typically last between a week to two weeks, but can sometimes extend to three weeks should you opt for a cruise that incorporates visits to the wildlife-rich sub-Antarctic islands of the Falklands and South Georgia. Itineraries from Oceania on the other hand can last anywhere between three and a half to five weeks depending on if you just visit East Antarctica’s Commonwealth Bay or embark on an epic expedition across the Ross Sea.

For those short on time, when considering cheaper, shorter cruises, just be mindful that sailing days will take up a larger proportion of your time in Antarctica and limit your time enjoying excursions. For example, on a classic Antarctica itinerary of 10/11-days, 4 of those could well be spent crossing the Drake Passage getting to and from the Antarctic Peninsula, meaning a possible 3 or 4 days of landings in Antarctica.

Given the previous point, as you’d expect, the farther south you sail the more expensive your cruise will be, given the vessel will have to come back on itself, effectively doubling the distance sailed. But what if you want to go even farther South, to the fabled South Pole itself? That’s when things get really expensive, as cruising isn’t an option to this most landlocked of landmarks. Your only option is to do a fly-in, a flight that takes around 10 hours from Punta Arenas (with stop-over).

As no scheduled commercial flights operate to Antarctica itself, you would have to book with a private charter operator and the cost of a flight expedition to the South Pole can reach in excess of USD$50,000, thanks in no small part to the considerable logistical challenges and additional aircraft specializations required. Expect to pay even more for the privilege of a window seat.

As mentioned above, any flights to Antarctica bring with them additional cost due to their private charter nature. Fly-cruise itineraries are no exception, despite the shorter flight time (2 hours) and distance between Punta Arenas and King George Island. As such, expect to pay a premium for not cruising the Drake Passage.

Fly & Cruise trips that involve flying to the Antarctic Peninsula in both directions start at about USD$11,000 per person, making them around 20% more expensive on a per day basis than a standard Antarctic cruise, however flying just one way does reduce that markup somewhat. Just remember that many argue the time savings (2 hours versus 2 days) and avoidance of getting seasick afforded by flying more than justify the added investment.

Over the storm

Your choice of vessel—specifically its size, level of comfort, and its operator—is certainly one of the most important considerations in terms of your desired cruise experience, and also one of key determinants in the overall price you’ll pay.

For example, a cruise aboard a luxury Antarctic ship operated by an eminent expedition company will undoubtedly provide a first-class experience of the White Continent, but will also come with a premium price tag, often in excess of USD$15,000 per person. Many luxury vessels will hire the foremost experts in their fields and feature gourmet menus, bottomless beverages, gratis gear, and all-balcony ensuite cabins—some even with their own saunas! Conversely, more affordable Antarctic operators may cut back on the caliber of their crew, creature comforts, caviar, and complimentary parkas to make their cruises considerably more cost efficient.

The size of the vessel, capacity-wise, can also play a large role in potential cost savings. With more paying passengers (assuming the same number of crew) larger ships can split their operating costs between more people, and lower prices can be offered. Smaller ships, however, can also have very cost-effective four-berth cabins, not dissimilar in price (per person) to a double cabin aboard a large ship, but many do not offer these ‘quad’ accommodations, besides which they do tend to only have public bathroom facilities, sometimes down the corridor.

While traveling on a larger ship may bring some cost benefit, be aware that their possible lower crew-to-passenger ratios can be detrimental to service levels, and that larger ships are subject to considerable restrictions by IAATO and the Antarctic Treaty Parties, namely those vessels carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to land any passengers while in Antarctic waters, making them strictly cruise-only. This means you wouldn’t be permitted to participate in any shore landings on the continent at all, and arguably the entire adventure element of your visit would be missing.

The standard of your ship accommodations can have a significant impact on the cost of your Antarctica cruise, with the highest category cabins sometimes costing three times that of the lowest category cabins on the same ship.

In general, cabins found on lower decks of a ship, such as those closer to the waterline with small porthole windows, or indeed those on the interior of a ship with no windows at all, are the least expensive. Ships that offer triple or quad bed configurations can further reduce your Antarctica trip cost. Shared bathrooms will reduce your Antarctica price even further. Another benefit of being lower on the ship is less rocking when rough seas are encountered—perhaps an important consideration for those susceptible to sea sickness.

As you get higher on a ship, staterooms become more expensive and often more spacious—perhaps with a sitting area in addition to the bedroom—and typically have larger panoramic windows, and sometimes balconies, for improved (and private) viewing of the polar scenery and wildlife. As well as having a privileged front-row seat to Antarctica, these suites usually benefit from a more convenient proximity to on board social areas.

Luxury ships may have even more exclusive and costly cabin categories available, offering upscale amenities such as heated bathroom floors, in-room WiFi, entertainment systems or even butler and room service.

Sharing the wonder and elation of an Antarctic expedition with loved ones is probably one of the most emotive experiences imaginable. If you are traveling in tandem with a partner, spouse or friend you’ll benefit from the abundant double cabins (in twin or matrimonial configuration) prevalent on all expedition vessels, which means availability, whilst still potentially problematic in high season, is typically less of an issue than for odd numbered groups of passengers.

The larger your group, the greater the total cost, although the per person price may drop slightly when you consider the potential 5% discount sometimes afforded to groups of 8 or more people, or to children if you’re traveling with family. Increasingly more intrepid families are heading to Antarctica, and some ships are becoming more family-friendly both in terms of the activities provided and the cost to go. Child and teenage discounts can vary considerably, with the most generous offering 25% off young travelers under 18 and 15% for those between 18 – 21 years old. In conjunction with an early booking discount, the savings can be really quite significant.

But what if you aren’t traveling with anyone? You’ll be in good company! Antarctic voyages are surprisingly popular with solo travelers, and it’s not uncommon to find 20% or more of passengers on board traveling alone. Even better news is that there is an option to travel solo without increasing Antarctica cruise costs at all, as almost all operators give the option to share a cabin with a fellow solo traveler of the same sex. You simply choose which type of cabin you want and the ship operator then pairs you up.

If you aren’t comfortable sharing, costs will increase somewhat. If there are only twin cabins available, and you want your own cabin you will need to pay a substantial single supplement, typically 50-70% of the cost of the second berth. Single berth cabins do exist, but they are rare and in high demand, so be sure to book early. This option is still more expensive than sharing but significantly less expensive than paying a supplement for a twin cabin.

With the exception of Basecamp itineraries which include a whole host of activities in with the price of your cruise, the ever-popular polar ‘adventure options’ are more often than not not included in the quoted fares. The cost of adventure options typically depend on your chosen vessel and duration of the voyage, as longer cruises often lend to more opportunities to participate in your pursuits of choice. Note that some activities may only be available on select departures at certain times of the season (for example you won’t be able to camp after January).

Kayaking is the most popular add-on activity and generally costs around USD$700 – USD$1,600 on top of your base cruise cost. Another water-based activity, snorkeling, is priced at around USD$600 per person, but if you wish to head deeper into Antarctica’s icy waters, scuba diving will cost between USD$500 – USD$,1000 per person.

Camping is one of the least expensive adventure options available, setting you back a mere USD$150 – USD$300. Cheaper still, snowshoeing can cost up to USD$200 per person, although it is typically included. At a similar price point, paddle-boarding costs around USD$200 – USD$300, however, not every operator offers this option.

Mountaineering carries an extra charge of ​​around USD$600 – USD$1,250, but skiing is by far and away the most expensive adventure option, setting you back somewhere in the region of USD$1,500 – USD$2,200 per person.

Participation in such adventure options may also have higher premium implications for your travel insurance policy as rarely are all such activities included as standard.

It’s a common misconception that you’ll pay less if you book directly with an operator.  In fact we’d go so far as to say you’re more likely to pay less when booking with a specialist agent who has access to the entire expedition cruise market and can compare all prices and deals available. But for the exact same cruise, there is no cost benefit to booking direct as you’ll pay exactly the same whether you book directly or through an agent because the prices of Antarctic voyages are set. Besides, many ship operators don’t actually accept direct bookings.

The extreme weather clothing and equipment required for polar vacations can be costly. Despite most operators providing one of the most expensive necessities—a parka jacket—we still recommend you budget a further USD$600 – USD$1000 for other items, whether you buy or rent. However this outlay can vary considerably depending on what gear you already own and the quality of clothing you buy. You can make savings by purchasing lesser brands, but invariably cheaper kit can have dubious durability. Err on the side of caution and plump for reputable brands, especially if you’re planning to reuse it in the Arctic!  Shops in situ in remote locations tend to have higher prices, so buying at home—especially during end of winter season sales—is more cost effective.

Given the high cost and remote nature of an Antarctica trip, not to mention the wildly unpredictable weather conditions—which can often lead to travel delays and sometimes cancellations—good (cruise) travel insurance is a must. You’ll need to budget around USD$250 – USD$300 for a policy suitable for polar cruising, which should cover you for unforeseen travel delays, any baggage issues, cancellation, and emergency evacuation (although some operators may include this in the cost of your voyage, all will request proof of emergency evacuation cover of at least USD$100,000 which is the minimum cost of an evacuation from Antarctica). Be sure to check your policy also includes sufficient cover for all the adventure activities you will be participating in, as well as the country where your cruise will depart from.

Speaking of which, whilst no visa is required to go to Antarctica itself, you should also check whether you need a visa for the country (or countries) where you will embark (and disembark) your cruise. For citizens of the European Union, UK, United States and Canada (among others) traveling via South America, this usually isn’t an issue as no visa is required for either Chile or Argentina if you stay for less than 90 days, however Australian citizens (and others) do currently require a visa for Chile which may have an additional cost. Always check with your local embassy for the latest requirements.

It’s also worth bearing in mind some of the expenses you may incur on board your vessel, the largest of which is likely to be staff gratuities in the (recommended) region of USD$15-USD$20 per person per night, as well as any items of a personal nature such as laundry, bar tab, wifi, or onboard shop.

When you combine the cost of an Antarctica cruise with any flights and gear you may need, plus the other requisite ‘sundries’ (visas, insurance, etc.) for visiting this most southerly of continents, your overall Antarctica travel cost may total somewhere between USD$8,000 – USD$29,000, with the average cost of a trip to Antarctica around USD$11,500 per person.

Below, we have provided a breakdown of what you might expect to pay for your Antarctica trip. Please bear in mind that these are just guidelines and may be lower or higher depending on the factors previously discussed.

Cruise: USD$6,000 – USD$25,000 Flights: USD$1,000 – USD$2,000 Clothes, Equipment and Kit: USD$600 – USD$1,000 Visas: USD$0 – USD$150 Insurance: USD$250 – USD$300 Hotel/Transfer/Meals: USD$150 – USD$300 Tips: USD$150 – USD$600

Total = USD$8,150 – USD$29,350

It’s important to note that this means you may need to budget for an additional USD$2,000 – USD$4,000 on top of the cost of your cruise.

If we assume a classic Antarctic Peninsula cruise (during peak season at full price, excluding any optional adventure activities), in double occupancy of a standard cabin aboard a mid-range expedition ship, with international and domestic flights, average gear and typical sundry travel expenses, your Antarctica trip cost from the US would be in the region of USD$13,000 per person.

10/11-day Classic Antarctica Cruise: USD$10,000 Return Flights Miami-Ushuaia: USD$1,500 Clothes, Equipment and Kit: USD$800 Visas: USD$0 Insurance: USD$250 Hotel/Transfer/Meals: USD$200 Tips: USD$150

Total = USD$12,850

Whilst price is always an important consideration for travelers, it’s just one of many variables involved in any desired Antarctic experience, and cost alone can’t be considered an accurate barometer for your enjoyment of an Antarctic trip. Price is one thing, but value is very different. For example, does a cruise that costs twice as much as another mean you will see twice the wildlife, or double your enjoyment? Hardly. In any case, enjoyment is very much subjective in the eye of the beholder (the person holding the binoculars—you!).

When it comes to Antarctica expedition selection, it’s important to understand all the options available to you, establish what your desires and wildest dreams might be, and make an informed, considered decision based on impartial advice. This is where a specialist like Antarctica Cruises is invaluable, taking the time to listen to, and understand, your ‘brief’, no matter how vague or detailed, ascertain what is important to you, and curate a shortlist of carefully chosen options, all recommended specifically to match your aspirations, so that you’ll get as much as you possibly can from your once-in-a-lifetime trip. That way, no matter how much your Antarctica trip or South Pole sojourn may cost, you know it will be money well—and wisely —spent.

You May Also Be Interested In

How to find the best antarctica travel insurance for you.

Elephant seal

Do You Need A Passport, Visa Or Permit To Go To Antarctica?

Do you need your appendix or wisdom teeth out to go to antarctica, modes of travel & transportation in antarctica.

Ships bow bell

A Day In Antarctica: What to Expect On An Antarctic Cruise

Lady posing for photo in Antarctica

Antarctica Cruise Packing List: What (& What Not) To Bring

Antarctica money: currency, banks & atms.

Sea swell in the morning sun

How Dangerous Is The Drake Passage? Should I Fly Or Cruise?

Ice shelf of the Ross Sea

Is Antarctica Safe? Dangers To Travelers & How To Avoid Them

Our travel guides are for informational purposes only. While we aim to provide accurate and up-to-date information, Antarctica Cruises makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information in our guides or found by following any link on this site.

Antarctica Cruises cannot and will not accept responsibility for any omissions or inaccuracies, or for any consequences arising therefrom, including any losses, injuries, or damages resulting from the display or use of this information.

Ready for the adventure of a lifetime?

Get in touch with us via phone or form today and you’ll be assigned a dedicated Antarctica specialist who’ll be with you every step of the way to help you choose, book and plan the right Antarctica cruise for you. Here’s how it works:

Listen & Match

We’ll carefully listen to your aspirations and curate an impartial shortlist of personalized polar cruise recommendations—and pre- and post-cruise extensions—to match your desired experience.

Reserve & Relax

Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed.

Prepare & Travel

Then we’ll provide you with our expert packing advice, insider travel tips, and more to ensure you are fully prepared for—and maximize your enjoyment of—your once-in-a-lifetime Antarctica expedition.

  • With Partner/Friend
  • With Family
  • As Part Of A Group
  • Emperor Penguin
  • Photography
  • Exploration Heritage
  • Antarctic Peninsula
  • Antarctic Circle
  • Falklands/S. Georgia
  • Weddell Sea
  • Ross Sea/E. Antarctica

Emergency Banner Component

  • 2025 Classic
  • Accommodations
  • Pricing & Availability
  • Important Info

Uniquely Tauck

Antarctica Expedition

EXPERIENCE WITH TAUCK

Cruise aboard one of Tauck's sleek sister ships,  Le Boréal or  L'Austral , accompanied by onboard naturalists who share their expert insights

Tauck provides you with a special, water-repellent hooded parka that you will receive aboard ship; this parka is yours to keep

TAUCK VALUE INCLUDES

All gratuities to Tauck Directors, local guides, naturalists and ship staff

Your cruise may be a shared ship experience with non-Tauck guests onboard as well; all Tauck guests will be accompanied by one Tauck Director for approximately every 40 Tauck guests, and your itinerary will always be highlighted by exclusive, private Tauck shore excursions

Shore Excursions to islands in the Antarctic Archipelago that are guided by expert naturalists, ornithologists, historians or oceanographers

Two nights in a premium hotel in Buenos Aires in the heart of the city

SEE WHAT YOUR JOURNEY INCLUDES

Active components such as hiking, bicycling and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. Guests should be able to walk two to three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty.

Moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motor coach travel.

Cultural journeys and expeditions

Floating castles of ice glisten in the warmth of the austral sun... glacial mountains rise from the sea, framed against a radiant sky... in an instant, a bright sun illuminates a floating regatta of ice formations... Explorers throughout the centuries have been captivated by the ice... Today, you are that Antarctic explorer.

See for yourself what small ship cruising is all about, exploring antarctica's archipelago, a magical place whose mystical allure fascinates and forever beckons to return....

The magnificent great white continent of Antarctica, the most remote place on Earth, astounds with glacial landscapes and Arctic wildlife that defy description… and you enjoy a rare opportunity to view them up-close with on-board experts who have spent a lifetime studying these natural wonders in extraordinary detail. Due to changing weather and shifting glacial patterns of this remote region, your day-by-day itinerary will vary and may include Zodiac excursions to Antarctic Peninsula islands. Penguins, seals, whales and myriad species of seabirds are often seen on land and at sea; our on-board naturalists can help you identify them during your cruise.

Cruise with producer and wildlife filmmaker Peter Bassett in 2025

Two of our 2025 departures, January 22 and February 1, will be joined by multi-award winning producer and wildlife filmmaker Peter Bassett, with a 20-year track record in world class natural history productions.

Embark in Ushuaia, the world's southernmost city

Ushuaia, argentina's "gateway to antarctica".

Your Antarctic cruise begins in the southernmost city in the world, Ushuaia, an Argentinian frontier town located on the Tierra del Fuego Archipelago and the Beagle Channel. Known as "the end of the world," Ushuaia is also the only Argentine city that sits on the other side of the Andes. Sightseeing takes you up and down the hilltop streets that preside over this waterfront town...

Our visit to Antarctica left us spellbound! The ruggedness of the Peninsula landscape was unexpected and the sheer beauty was magnificent!

Tauck Traveler Review

Download, Print Or Share

Take The Details With You

Download day-by-day details.

All the information you need to begin your travel plans is right at your fingertips – day-by-day details, map, hotel descriptions, key highlights, and more; download, print or share and your cruise dreams become reality!

Download, print or share deck plans and additional information for your vessel, such as specifications and cabin descriptions. 

Tour Planner

Download the details to make planning your trip easier - including an itinerary overview, pricing based on your selected departure date and accommodations, plus protection plan costs.

Request A Tour Planner

Welcome Aboard

Ship Specifications

View Cabin Categories

trip to antarctica from germany

Deluxe Suite

trip to antarctica from germany

Prestige Stateroom

(Contain either a shower or a bathtub as indicated on deck plan)

trip to antarctica from germany

Prestige Suite

(Two combined Prestige Staterooms; they offer a bathtub and shower)

trip to antarctica from germany

Deluxe Stateroom

trip to antarctica from germany

Superior Stateroom

(Two Prestige Staterooms combined)

Overnight Accommodations

Extend your stay

Arrive Early

Hilton buenos aires.

Buenos Aires, Argentina

Nights 3-12 On Board

Tauck Small Ship

Your Journey

Pricing & Availability

Includes On-Tour Air

Pricing & Dates are not available yet. Please check back soon.

No departures found.

Try using less filters or select a different year.

Want More Detailed Information?

Request a Tour Planner

Call 800-788-7885

About Booking This Tour

Travel Documents

If you are a U.S. citizen traveling internationally , you will need a passport valid for six months beyond the completion of your Tauck journey for entry into Antarctica and Argentina. A visa is not currently required for either country.

We are continuing to monitor the situation, and are providing this information simply for your awareness. Should the reciprocity tax be reinstated, we will contact you promptly with instructions on how the tax may be paid.

A reciprocity tax applies to any citizen of a country that charges Argentinean citizens a fee to obtain a visa. If you are not a U.S. citizen, please check with the Argentinean Embassy or Consulate regarding any applicable fee.

If you are a citizen of another country traveling internationally , you should contact a consulate or embassy of Antarctica and Argentina to determine what travel documentation is required.

Please Note: Longer stays abroad for any purpose may require additional travel documentation.

You will be issued a boarding card, which you must present before embarking the ship in each port. This security measure also ensures that only guests of the ship are permitted onboard.

We recommend that you make at least two photocopies of all the travel documents that you bring with you. Include copies of the photo page of your passport that contains the date of issuance, the date of expiration and your citizenship, as well as both sides of your driver's license. Secure one set of copies in the safe in your room while traveling and leave one set behind with someone at home who will assist you in the event your documents are misplaced, lost or stolen.

To facilitate Travel Requirements, destinations are increasingly utilizing online forms that require digital proof that you've successfully completed your submission (via an email, QR code, etc.) To ensure smooth travels and peace of mind, we strongly recommend all guests carry a personal smart phone and sign up for international data plans before traveling overseas.

Cruise Regulations

International maritime security guidelines require that your passport information be provided to us prior to your embarkation. You need to provide this information to us as soon as you book your cruise or boarding may be denied. Once you board the cruise ship, your passport will be held by the purser until you disembark.

TRAVELING WITH CHILDREN AS A GUARDIAN: If you are traveling as the guardian of a child/children, we strongly suggest that you carry a letter from both parents of the child authorizing emergency treatment in the event of illness or accident. For travel abroad, many foreign countries have specific entry requirements for children under 21 who are traveling internationally without BOTH parents. (These requirements are in response to the increased incidence of children being abducted and taken abroad.) PLEASE NOTE THAT TAUCK IS NOT RESPONSIBLE for the disruption of travel caused by improper documentation for children traveling without both parents.

How to Book a Tour

See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation.

At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party:

  • Tour Name and Departure Date
  • Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license
  • Traveler's Address(es)
  • Email Address*
  • Traveler's Phone Number(s)*
  • Emergency Contact Information: Please provide the name and phone number  of a relative or friend (not travelling with you) whom we could contact during the tour in the unlikely event of an emergency
  • Interest in purchasing a travel protection plan (US and Canada)
  • Interest in extending your trip by staying in a Tauck recommended hotel before your trip begins or after it ends
  • Interest in our specially negotiated airfares

* Required Fields

Deposits & Final Payment

The deposit and the fees for the optional Protection Plan or Cancel Fee Waiver [CFW] coverage are due at time of booking.

The deposit amount is $1,700 per person

Final Payment:

Final Payment is due to Tauck  90  days before departure for lands trips, and  120  days before departure for cruises and rail journeys. If your deposit was made by credit card, final payment will be automatic unless you opted out at time of booking. Bookings without full payment at this time may be subject to cancellation without notice. Failure to make payment will be a considered a cancellation by the guest and all applicable cancellation fees will apply.

Cruise Protection Plan

Effective for plans purchased as of July 1, 2021:

Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection

Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection provides you with cancellation protection before your journey begins as well as insurance benefits while you are traveling. It must be purchased within 10 days of your initial deposit. Guest Protection includes the following:

Cancellation Waiver – Provided by Tauck:

Under Tauck's Cancellation Fee Waiver you can cancel your tour for ANY REASON and Tauck will  reduce the regular cancellation fees outlined herein, provided we are notified of cancellation before your cruise departs. Certain terms and restrictions apply (see below*).

*Extreme Circumstances:  In the event of an act of God, war (whether declared or undeclared), terrorism, accident, natural disaster, outbreak of disease, or other event or circumstance beyond our control that contributes to or results in cancellation rates above our historical cancellation rates in the absence of such event or occurrence, Tauck reserves the right to issue a credit to you in lieu of a money-back refund, applicable to a future Tauck journey.  Travel Insurance Benefits – Underwritten by United States Fire Insurance Company.

  • Trip Cancellation –  Should you cancel for covered reasons, the plan reimburses cancellation fees imposed, up to your total trip cost. 
  • Trip Interruption –  If you have to interrupt your tour for covered reasons, the plan provides reimbursement to catch up to your tour or return home.
  • Travel Delay –  Provides reimbursement for missed, prepaid travel arrangements if you are delayed by a common carrier, natural disaster, unannounced strike, or other reasons as cited in the plan.
  • Medical Expense –  Reimburses covered medical expenses incurred in the event you become injured or sick during your trip. 
  • Baggage / Personal Effects Protection –  Provides reimbursement in the event your luggage or personal effects are, lost, stolen, damaged or delayed during your trip.

Worldwide Emergency Assistance Services –  Provided by Carefree Travel Assistance; 24-hour emergency telephone assistance hotline for medical and travel related problems.

The cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection is:   $989  per person

This plan provides cancellation coverage for your trip and other insurance coverages that apply only during the covered trip. You may have coverage from other sources that provides you with similar benefits but may be subject to different restrictions depending upon your other coverages. You may wish to compare the terms of this policy with your existing life, health, home and automobile policies. If you have any questions about your current coverage, call your insurer, insurance agent or broker.

This optional Cruise and Event Protection must be requested at time of booking and fee must be included in initial payment. Details will be provided with written confirmation of your reservation. Cruise and Event Protection does not protect travel agent commissions. Reimbursements will be made according to original method of payment. The amount of any refund shall be reduced by any recoveries obtained by you from any third parties.

If You Have To Cancel

If you cancel within 10 days of initial deposit

Within the first 10 days after you place your initial deposit, you may cancel your reservation for any reason with no cancellation fees.

If you cancel more than 10 days after initial deposit

Regardless of reason, cancellations result in costly charges from our travel and hotel providers covering penalties and fees incurred by canceling confirmed bookings. These fees vary from tour to tour. Therefore, the following fees apply for this tour.

Cancellation Fees with Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan:

120 days or more before departure: Loss of cost of Tauck's Cruise and Event Protection fee per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 25% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person 59 – 1 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of the cruise, not including air (if applicable), plus loss of Cruise and Event Protection fee, per person Cancellation Fees without Tauck's Cruise Protection Plan: 120 days or more before departure: $1700 per person 119 – 60 days before departure: Loss of 50% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person 59 - 1 days before departure: Loss of 100% of the cost of cruise, not including air (if applicable), per person Time of cancellation will be when notice is received in our Wilton Woods, CT office.

Tour Interruption Fees

If you have to interrupt your tour en route, you may be entitled to a refund for the unused land portion if it exceeds 24 hours; certain restrictions apply. Such refunds are based upon the number of overnights missed less a fee of $40 per person per day for unused transportation and other fixed expenses.

Partial Room Cancellation

A person who cancels or leaves a tour while a roommate remains constitutes a cancellation of one type of accommodation and rebooking of another type of accommodation. The price charged to the remaining person is the new, higher price for the new accommodation.

In the event of an unforeseen circumstance beyond our control, Tauck reserves the right to amend the cancellation and transfer terms outlined herein. Note: All Guests, regardless of residency, who book a Tauck journey have the option of purchasing the Cancellation Waiver provided by Tauck in the event they need to cancel their trip after making their reservations. Tauck's Cruise & Event Protection, which includes both the Cancellation Fee Waiver and the Travel Insurance Benefits and Assistance Services described above, is not available to residents of Puerto Rico.

Travel Terms and Conditions

Click here  to find Tauck's Travel Terms & Conditions.

Travel Requirements For This Tour

Air Information and Luggage Restrictions

AIRFARE: Airfare to and from this destination is not included in the journey cost. If purchasing your air elsewhere, it is very important to provide us with your confirmed arriving and departing flight information no later than 3 weeks before your arrival date. Flight information can be submitted to Tauck (or verified, if you've already provided it) in the My Account section of Tauck.com.

TAUCK AIRPORT TRANSFERS are included at the start and end of the journey between the airport and the Tauck hotel. Airport transfers are available for any pre tour or post tour hotel stays immediately consecutive to the tour, providing flight information is received in the Tauck office no later than three weeks in advance. Details on locating your transfer upon arrival to the tour start city will be included in your final documents.

AIRLINES and CHECKED LUGGAGE: Due to space limitations during your Tauck journey, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one average-size suitcase per person. Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and are free to revise luggage policies without notice. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies. PLEASE NOTE that if you are booked on a tour that includes on-tour flights, the checked luggage weight restrictions for these flights may be lower than the weight restrictions for your international flights.

Due to space restrictions, we ask that you please limit your checked luggage to one suitcase per person weighing no more than 50 pounds (23 kg) and with overall dimensions (length + width + height) not exceeding 62 inches (158 cm).

Checked Luggage – General

Besides complying with the Tauck restriction noted above, you should also be sure to research and comply with all airline baggage restrictions relating to your flights to and from your Tauck journey. Airlines have become much more strict in enforcing size and weight limits in recent years, and luggage exceeding airline standards for size or weight may result in expensive overage fees or other consequences.

Airlines are free to revise luggage policies without notice, and certain airlines have different baggage allowances for different classes of service. Researching and complying with airline luggage restrictions is the responsibility of the guest, and Tauck cannot be held responsible for any costs or disruptions to travel caused by the failure to research and comply with airline policies.

Tauck luggage tags will be provided by your Tauck Director on Day 1 of your itinerary. Please do not attach a Tauck luggage tag to any carry-on items, as the Tauck tags designate luggage that is to be handled and transferred by ground operators and hotel staff during your journey.

Carry-on Luggage - General

Although oversize bags and wheeled, carry-on luggage are popular for airline travel, they are often not convenient or appropriate for motor coach travel or for many on-tour flights. Most modern sightseeing motor coaches offer limited space for numerous or larger items. Space under seats or in the overhead rack is typically small, and designed to accommodate items like coats, hats, purses, and small camera bags, etc.

For your day-to-day travel while on tour, we recommend that you limit your hand luggage to a small, soft-sided carry-on piece, and that you bring only those items you need handy during the day such as make-up, medications, cameras, film, etc. Items too large to fit under the motor coach seat or on the overhead rack must be stored in the luggage bays beneath the motor coach, and may be inaccessible during daytime travel.

Health, Safety and Mobility

HEALTH CONSIDERATIONS

Medical Forms - In compliance with the Antarctic Treaty and the rules of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators all guests will receive a medical health questionnaire that must be returned to Tauck, completed in full no later than 90 days prior to tour departure. Failure to do so will be interpreted as the guest's desire to cancel their cruise and in which case all published cancellation penalties will apply. The medical questionnaire, completed fully, is a mandatory requirement "to respect safety rules of the polar zone". Any false information may lead to a refusal of embarkation of our guests at the port of departure. The medical questionnaire must be retained by the cruise ship company until the end of the cruise.

A certified French physician and nurse travel aboard ship and are available at all times, and an onboard treatment room is available. A nominal fee is charged to your shipboard account for office visits and any medication dispensed. We strongly suggest that each guest contact their physician at home to discuss their personal level of health before embarking on this Antarctic expedition.

As on any seagoing vessel, some marked motion may be anticipated in certain areas, dependent upon the weather and season. We recommend that passengers bring anti-motion medication just in case, even if you have never experienced motion sickness in the past. We suggest consulting your physician about appropriate medication.

The water on board the ship is potable, and complimentary bottled water is placed in your cabin each day. We also provide bottled water on the motor coaches.

IMPORTANT NOTE: There are no sophisticated medical facilities available in Antarctica. Travelers who are not fit for long trips for any reason, including disability, heart, or other health conditions, are advised not to join the expedition. If a health emergency would arise in Antarctica, you may have to be evacuated by air at considerable expense to you. We strongly recommend that you purchase travel insurance.

Activities: On a scale of 1 (easiest) to 4 (most challenging), the activities on your itinerary are rated Level 3. Therefore, active components such as hiking and walking longer distances may be included, and hills and/or uneven terrain may be encountered on several days. You should be able to walk two-to-three miles and stand for long periods of time with no difficulty. Additionally, you must have good balance and be steady on your feet to move about the ship while cruising.

Pacing: On a scale of 1 (easiest) to 4 (most challenging), the pacing on your itinerary is rated Level 2. Your journey is moderately paced, and may include some early morning hotel departures, one or two on-tour flights, and extended motorcoach travel.

You should be in good health and able to walk reasonable distances, often over unpaved and uneven surfaces. Some of the most memorable sightseeing can only be accomplished on foot. The amount of walking you do, however, is at your discretion.

AN IMPORTANT NOTE ON SUPPLEMENTAL OXYGEN AND MOBILITY ISSUES: This Tauck itinerary cannot accommodate oxygen tanks, wheelchairs or motorized scooters. Oxygen tanks are strictly prohibited in many foreign countries on regional flights aboard small aircraft, such as those intra-tour flights featured on this Tauck journey. Likewise, the very limited cargo capacity on such flights prohibits the transport of wheelchairs or motorized scooters.

Guests should also bear in mind that the infrastructure in many foreign countries, particularly in developing countries, often presents severe and even insurmountable challenges for those with walking difficulties or other mobility issues. The responsibility of the Tauck Director is to ensure that the larger group enjoys a relaxing and informative journey, and he or she cannot be relied upon to provide ongoing individual assistance to any one guest. Guests requiring such individualized assistance must be accompanied by an able-bodied companion who can provide it.

SPECIAL DIETARY REQUESTS

The restaurants, hotels, caterers and numerous other partners we work with all do their best to accommodate special dietary requests from Tauck guests. However, given the diverse nature of those food providers (from small wineries to grand hotels to world-famous restaurants in more than 70 countries worldwide), some of our partners are better able than others to accommodate such requests. We therefore cannot guarantee that all dietary requests can be accommodated at every meal. Also, please note that where dietary requests can be accommodated, choices will frequently be limited.

Efforts are made to accommodate guests with special dietary needs. We must be notified of the special dietary needs prior to embarkation. The galley is not equipped to prepare or serve kosher cuisine.

Aboard ship smoking is permitted on the outer decks only. Smoking is not permitted in any interior area of the ship, including the dining room, observation lounge, or passenger stateroom balconies. In accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, smoking is prohibited on all Antarctic landings. Additionally, smoking is not permitted aboard motor coaches. These regulations pertain to e-cigarettes as well.

Airline Disinsection

The U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) has issued a guidance letter that requires airlines and travel agents to disclose to consumers countries that require the use of insecticides by airlines. Please click here for more information.

Reading List

We have compiled a reading list of recommended books to give you more information about the destinations you will be traveling to on your upcoming journey!

You can view the reading list  here.

The Antarctica expedition is scheduled during the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. Therefore, the temperatures in Antarctica will not be as cold as expected. In Buenos Aires, the expected temperatures should range from 70 to 85 °F (21 to 29 °C), and in Ushuaia, the expected temperatures should range from 45 to 60 °F (7 to 16 °C). Expect temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula to range from 20 to 35 °F (-7 to 2 °C). Please also keep in mind that it will be cooler in the evenings and you may experience a wind chill factor while aboard ship.

To read about current weather conditions, we suggest you log on to  noaa.gov by clicking  here.

What To Pack

Bringing the right clothing for your trip is important – we've partnered with Necessary Gear who provide an "easy-to-use, one-stop shop" for your Tauck travel needs, specifically selected for this trip. Click here to visit their site .

Please note that this is a casual tour. Comfortable and casual clothing is recommended while on board the ship and ashore. For daytime and evening wear, including the Captain's welcome aboard and farewell parties and dinners, casual dress is recommended. Slacks, sweaters, turtlenecks, etc. are suggested for both men and women. Appropriate footwear includes at least one or two pairs of deck-type, rubber-soled shoes.

Air is a very good insulator. Therefore, if you trap air in several layers of clothing, you have a better chance of staying warm than if you wear one or two very heavy items. You will also be able to add or subtract layers more easily to remain comfortable at all times. Wool and silk are superior to cotton because they can trap warm air. Synthetic fabrics that spring back into shape after compression are also good. Polypropylene and Polar fleece gloves, turtlenecks and pants may be purchased from most outdoor outfitters or at a marine supply store.

Parka: We will provide you with a complimentary, special, water-repellent hooded parka that you will receive aboard ship, several sizes are available. Although this will serve you well during the Antarctic expedition, you may want to bring along your own windbreaker for those areas where the temperatures are more moderate.

Pull-on rubber, unlined, waterproof knee-high boots (14" to 16") with strong rubber-ridged, nonskid soles are required. These specifications are VERY

IMPORTANT. If you do not have boots, you will not be able to participate in shore excursions. You may be stepping into water up to 10" deep. Moon boots or leather boots are not appropriate. Shoe-liners are good insulators (in addition to wool or synthetic socks) and can be dried out easily since they are removable. Please be sure your boots fit properly with heavy socks on your feet. Your pants should fit over your boots to maximize dryness.

BOOT RENTAL: Tauck will provide you with rental boots free of charge. If you are interested in taking advantage of this included boot rental, on embarkation day, there will be a letter in your cabin with instructions on the boot rental process. You will be asked to provide Reception with your boot size(s) and the staff will provide delivery of the boots to and from the ship.

Valet laundry service is available on the cruise ship and at the Hilton Buenos Aires or the Alyear Art Hotel for a fee. There is no valet dry cleaning available on the cruise ship.

We recommend that you pack an adequate supply of your prescription medication in its original container to last through your entire journey, together with a copy of your doctor's prescription or a letter from your health-care provider on office stationery explaining that the medication has been prescribed for you, a list of the generic names of your medication, your travel documents and a change of clothing in your carry-on bag to avoid any inconvenience in the event that your flight or luggage is delayed. No medications are sold on board the cruise ship other than those prescribed and stocked by the ship's physician.

We recommend you also bring the following items:

  • Good quality, pull-on waterproof rain pants - VERY IMPORTANT for spray in the landing crafts and wet landings
  • Waterproof mittens or gloves
  • Warm socks - good material choices are silk, fleece, and polypropylene
  • Warm pants to be worn under the waterproof pants - for example, polypropylene, wool slacks, corduroys, jeans, sweatpants, thermal underwear, silk underwear, etc.
  • Sweatshirts, as well as silk turtlenecks, are good insulators
  • Hat, as well as a scarf, neck gaiter or other face protection (Some people bring earmuffs if they already have them, but these are not necessary)
  • Clothing made of comfortable, cotton, woolen, knit and permanent press fabrics that can be layered for warmth if necessary
  • Sun protection - sunscreen, sunglasses, lip protection. The glare from the water and surrounding snow and ice can be quite penetrating, even when the sky is overcast
  • One pair of comfortable, sturdy, nonskid, rubber-soled walking shoes for on board during the day and city sightseeing before or after the Antarctica cruise
  • Camera lenses, batteries, memory cards and chargers
  • A good pair of binoculars is strongly recommended
  • Backpack to carry extra clothing or camera gear during excursions; this item is extremely useful for ship to shore transfers
  • Travel alarm clock or cell phone with alarm function (many hotels do not have clocks in the rooms)
  • Reusable zipper lock bags or other waterproof bags
  • A personal medical kit with medication for possible upset stomach or motion sickness; aspirin and allergy medicine may also be useful
  • Electrical converter, with adapter plug set for the hotel in Argentina, the ship has both 220V and 110V
  • In your carry-on bag, pack any medication you might need during the trip and an extra pair of prescription glasses or contact lenses
  • Don't forget toiletries, address book, travel alarm clock, and a pocket calculator for converting foreign prices into U.S. dollar amounts
  • During the land portion, lightweight casual clothing is appropriate. For women, skirts, shorts or slacks with short-sleeve blouses are recommended; for men, shorts, slacks and polo-style shirts. It will be warm in Argentina.

The Tauck Experience

Uncommon Access

Travel in good company, sophisticated, intimate ambiance onboard ship, all inclusive.

  • {{ forumDate }} {{ forumTopic }} ({{ totalForumComments }})

From the Forum

Book Today... And Travel Dreams Begin

Discover The World

Call us, or call your travel advisor, to book your preferred departure date today – and explore our beautiful brochures to find your inspiration for your next journey.

trip to antarctica from germany

Related Journeys

Other Journeys You May Enjoy

From $9,490

Small Ship Cruising

Alaska's Inside Passage

From $7,290

  • Destinations
  • Antarctica & the Arctic
  • Australia & New Zealand
  • Israel & Jordan
  • Latin America
  • United States
  • Tours & Cruises
  • Exclusive Partnership
  • Family Journeys
  • Guest Favorites
  • River Cruises
  • Small Groups
  • Small Ship Cruises
  • Awards and Accolades
  • Our History
  • Tauck Impact
  • The Tauck Difference
  • The Taucker Blog
  • About Tauck
  • Media Center
  • Tutorial Video
  • Agent Connect
  • Register Your Agency
  • General Information
  • Travel Protection
  • Newsletter Sign Up
  • Order an eGift Card
  • Request a Brochure
  • Tauck Forums
  • Travel and Health
  • Travel Updates

Sign Up to Subscribe to Our Emails

 alt=

  • Meet the Team
  • Work with Us
  • Czech Republic
  • Netherlands
  • Switzerland
  • Scandinavia
  • Philippines
  • South Korea
  • New Zealand
  • South Africa
  • Budget Travel
  • Work & Travel
  • The Broke Backpacker Manifesto
  • Travel Resources
  • How to Travel on $10/day

Home » South America » Best Trips to Antarctica – EPIC Holidays for 2024

Best Trips to Antarctica – EPIC Holidays for 2024

Dreaming of waddling alongside penguins under the midnight sun in one of the remotest parts of the planet? In that case, you need to dig deep into your pockets and get yourself down to Antarctica. The ultimate bucket list destination, this sprawling frozen desert is also home to seals, whales, and unique seabirds – and let’s not forget icebergs the size of villages.

The best way to explore Antartica is by booking yourself onto a marine expedition. Trips to Antarctica generally depart from the southernmost tip of South America in Chile. By the time you’ve found your sea-legs, you’ll be ready to place your own feet on the frosty wilderness.

We know research for a trip as wild as this is overwhelming. So, to give you a headstart on your planning, we’ve rounded up the best Antarctica tours. Amass your thermals and zip up your parka – you’re setting sail for the planet’s last frontier.

Best Trip to Antarctica

Best Trips to Antarctica

  • Best Overall Trip to Antarctica – Quest for the Antarctic Circle 

Best Winter Trip to Antarctica – Christmas in Antarctica

Best whale watching trip to antarctica – wwf giants of antarctica .

  • Best Budget Trip to Antarctica – Best of Antarctica from Punta Arenas 
  • Best Trip to Antarctica for Photographers – Spirit of Shackleton 
  • Most Unique Trip to Antarctica – Antarctic Eclipse 

Best Short Trip to Antarctica – Antarctic Express

  • Best Camping Trip to Antarctica – Antarctica Classic 

Quick Guide to Visiting Antarctica 

Final thoughts on the best antarctica trips.

All the trips to Antarctica that we’ve rounded up are marine expeditions. That means long, sunny days exploring the icy formations and spying on wildlife, and nippy evenings snuggled up in your toasty cabin. But, rather than a traditional cruise, these adventures feel more like a private expedition.     

Bear in mind that the tourist season for Antarctica holidays is limited to November – March (summer in the South Hemisphere). All the trips we’ve curated sail during these five months. Outside of the summer season, the tourist cruises are halted as the temperatures plummet. Plus, to access this isolated corner, it’s going to cost you. But a trip to Antarctica is an adventure of a lifetime and it’s worth every last penny to see these heartstopping sights. 

Let’s find the best Antarctica tour package for you…

trip to antarctica from germany

Unlock Our GREATEST Travel Secrets!

Sign up for our newsletter and get the best travel tips delivered right to your inbox.

Best Overall Trip to Antarctica – Quest for the Antarctic Circle  

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Number of days: 14
  • Price: $9,682 USD
  • Group Size: Max 134
  • Fitness Required: Light
  • Accommodation type: Comfortable expedition cruise ship / 1 night hotel
  • How many meals included: 13 breakfasts, 11 lunches, 12 dinners
  • Service Level: Marine comfort / high standard

This fortnight-long expedition starts and finishes at Ushuaia, Argentina. Brace yourself for the turbulent Drake Passage , known as one of the world’s most dangerous stretches of sea. Assuming the conditions are favourable, your voyage then takes you over the Antarctic Polar Circle. Few travellers have the opportunity to venture this far south; in fact, this is the only trip we’ve found that makes the crossing, making this one of the most unique trips to Antarctica.

The rest of the trip takes you to the South Shetland Islands and down along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula . Once here, you’ll be in and out of the Zodiac boats. Keep your eyes peeled for a massive rookery of penguins and pod of whales gliding through the frigid waters. All in all, a terrific overview of the Great White Continenent.

If you want a slightly shorter and cheaper option, check out the Antarctica Classic expedition . This one skips crossing the Polar Circle and is one of the most budget trips to Antarctica we’ve seen. 

Quest for the Antarctic Circle

Who is this tour best for?

Bucketlisters, couples, families with children over 10. 

  • It’s not cheap
  • Antarctic kayaking is not included in the cost and must be purchased separately at the time of booking 

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Number of days: 11
  • Price: $9,525 USD
  • Group Size: Max 200
  • How many meals included: 10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Treat yourself to a truly magical Christmas this year and join this festive winter trip to Antarctica. Not to confuse you if you already live in the South Hemisphere – when we say the best winter trip to Antarctica, we’re talking to your Northern neighbours with a lust for a snowy Christmas. 

The festive season is one of the most active times for Antarctic wildlife. That means there are plenty of opportunities to see penguins, seals and whales under the midnight sun. In between Zodiac excursions, you can wind down in the onboard wellness spa and saunas, or take a yoga class . Christmas Day will be spent along the Antarctic Peninsula – providing the weather conditions cooperate, you’ll have two landings to look forward to. It’s as white a Christmas as you’ll ever get.

Christmas in Antarctica

Couples, families, solo travellers (single cabins are available at the same price as some twins). Travellers who prefer to get away over the Christmas holiday. 

  • Prices for flights this close to Christmas may be inflated 
  • While all meals onboard are included, drinks are not. Over Christmas, this might rack up your bill if you’re not mindful of your spending 
  • Price: $10,599 USD

Intrepid has teamed up with the World Wildlife Fund Australia to curate the best Antarctica tour package for wildlife enthusiasts. Joining you onboard this voyage is the marine ecologist Dr Ari Friedlaender and his team of scientists. During the course of the trip, Ari will provide a series of comprehensive talks about the history, geology, and biology of Antarctica. Additionally, Ari will accompany you on your daily excursions, providing a rich insight onto Antarctica’s wildlife. 

To optimise your chances of sightings, this tour is scheduled right in the midst of peak humpback whale season. You stand an excellent chance of seeing these majestic creatures slicing through the water with your own eyes. What else can we say other than you’ll have a whale of a time. 

WWF Giants of Antarctica

Anyone eager to learn more about the biology of Antarctica – particularly marine wildlife enthusiasts. Photographers. 

  • There is only one set of dates available for this tour: 16 – 26 February 
  • One of the more expensive tours 

trip to antarctica from germany

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

Best Budget Trip to Antarctica – Best of Antarctica from Punta Arenas  

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Price: $6,148 USD

Alright, you need to take a ‘budget’ trip to Antarctica with a tiny pinch of salt. This isn’t going to be your standard ten bucks a day set-up – it’s still an Antarctic expedition at the end of the day. However, this trip does come at a much more wallet-friendly price than other trips. Plus, with ten nights at sea, you’re still getting ample time to explore and seeing similar sites to other trips on the list. 

Your route follows the dramatic Drake Passage before sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula and giving you a chance to explore the South Shetland Islands. While aboard, you will learn a thing or two about your upcoming explorations. There is a series of lectures and workshops presented by photographers, marine biologists, and glaciologists to keep you occupied. 

Best of Antarctica from Punta Arenas

Travellers on a (slightly) smaller budget. Those who want to see a bit of Chile as well as Argentina onto the trip. 

  • The trip departs from Chile and ends in Argentina so depending on your nationality, you may require two visas. It might also impact your inbound/outbound travel costs
  • The cheapest cabins do not have a window/porthole. Bear that in mind if you suffer from claustrophobia (or simply enjoy an ocean view)

Best Trip to Antarctica for Photographers – Spirit of Shackleton  

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Number of days: 21
  • Price: $15,515 USD
  • How many meals included: 20 breakfasts, 18 lunches, 19 dinners

Antarctica Spirit of Shackleton

Photographers, film-makers, couples, older travellers . Those taking a gap year/sabbatical.

  • This is the most expensive trip on our list (but on the plus side, it’s also the longest)
  • As sensational as the midnight sun is, some passengers struggle to sleep. Don’t forget to take a quality eye mask to ensure your beauty sleep on the lengthy trip

Most Unique Trip to Antarctica – Antarctic Eclipse  

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Price: $12,722 USD

Just try and eclipse this tour. Aside from the rugged glacial landscapes, once-in-a-lifetime wildlife spotting, and immersive Zodiac explorations, you get to witness a total solar eclipse. As you cruise towards Eclipse Point, look out for Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, and whales.

Overnight, the ship will travel into what’s called “the zone of 100% obscuration.” Not to get too technical, but this is a specific region of coordinates where the eclipse will last the longest possible time. Very early in the morning, you’ll be invited on deck to experience the eclipse in all its glory through specialised goggles (provided). 

You’ll have an onboard astrophysicist and meteorologist on hand to explain this natural phenomenon. Plus, they’ll help you snap a professional shot – that way, you can take home the perfect souvenir from the most unique trip to Antarctica.

Antarctic Eclipse

Photographers, bucket listers, older travellers, astrology hobbyists. Couples – this is the best tour in Antarctica for a honeymoon!

  • Very expensive 
  • You’ll need to pack carefully for this long trip – domestic flights within Argentina aren’t generous with their hold luggage

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Number of days: 8
  • Price: $11,315 USD
  • Group Size: Max 132
  • How many meals included: 7 breakfasts, 4 lunches, 6 dinners

If your heart is set on Antarctica but your annual leave allowance is holding you back, take the fast track. From Punta Arenas (Chile), you’ll fly over the infamously choppy waters of the Drake Passage to King George Island. Once at your dramatic embankment point, you can hop aboard your ship bound for the frozen wonderland. Cruise between towering icebergs floating in iridescent blue seas, and feel the thrill of catching the first glimpses of Antarctica’s icy shoreline.

Over the next four days, you’ll explore a number of islands and landings by Zodiac before flying back to Punta Arenas . This trip means you spend less time at sea but don’t miss out on the glacial sights of the Antarctic Peninsula or the islands. 

Antarctic Express

Travellers with a time limit. You still get a decent chunk of time to explore the continent, but flying over the Drake Passage saves you a few days of travel time.

  • A walk of approximately 1.5km is required between the runway on King George Island and the zodiac landing point. Your luggage is transferred for you
  • Flights to King George Island from Punta Arenas can be disrupted by adverse weather conditions. Travel insurance is a must, in case you encounter a delay

Best Camping Trip to Antarctica – Antarctica Classic  

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Price: $6,882 USD
  • Accommodation type: Comfortable expedition cruise ship / 1 night hotel. 1 night camping on the Antarctic Peninsula (if selected at purchase)

If you didn’t think it was possible to camp on the Great White Continent, think again. With this trip, it is possible to add one night of sleeping on an iceberg under the midnight sun. Just try and get more adventurous than that. 

Now, one downside to this trip is that the camping element is an added-extra, so you’ll need to factor in the extra cost. However, this trip is slightly cheaper than other itineraries that offer camping. Plus, the scheduled dates align perfectly with the warmest months in Antarctica. If there’s ever an occasion to tick camping in the South Pole off your list, this is it. 

Antarctica Classic

Bucketlisters, couples, photographers. Anyone adventurous enough to camp on the South Pole. 

  • You must book your camping slot at the time you book this vacation in Antarctica – spaces are capped at 60 people
  • If you want to add kayaking to your trip, that’s an extra in addition to the cost of the camping excursion

Best Time to Visit Antarctica 

Quick Guide to Visiting Antarctica

The best time to book your vacation in Antarctica is during the five months of Southern Hemisphere summer – November to March. At this time of year, the sea ice melts enough for expedition vessels to power their way through the giant slabs of ice.

Visit early in the season (November to mid-December) for a chance to see the courting rituals of penguins and seabirds. You’ll also see the summer wildflowers come into bloom on the Falkland and South Georgia Islands. 

On the other hand, if you’ve got your heart set on camping, the milder weather of mid-December and January makes this more likely. Generally, this is also an excellent time for photography, thanks to the midnight sun. Look out for seal pups, too. Deeper into January as the temperatures peak, you may be lucky enough to catch a glimpse of hatching baby penguins.

Towards the end of the season, temperatures cool, but you can experience sensational Antarctic sunrises and sunsets over the snow algae. This is also the climax for whale sightings, fledgeling penguin chicks, and moulting elephant seals. Come late March, the season for tours in Antarctica wraps up for the year. 

Travel Insurance for your Antarctica trip

It doesn’t matter where in the world you’re going – one thing you should always consider is some trusty travel insurance. Yeah, we know you’d much rather put that cash towards some new lenses for your camera, but if you get into a pickle, it’s that travel insurance that’s going to have your back. 

Also, don’t forget that all trips to Antarctica require travellers to have a valid policy. If you turn up at the harbour without proof of travel insurance, the CEO is obligated to turn you away. 

Cruising around the South Pole might not sound dangerous, but there is a high risk of travel disruption. You need that cover in case a flight is delayed or cancelled. And while we really hope you don’t need to use it, you will also need evidence of medical, repatriation and emergency rescue cover. If you’re taking fancy tech with you, don’t forget to add protection to your policy.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

trip to antarctica from germany

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

What to Pack for Antarctica

What to Pack Antarctica

Packing for your Antarctica vacation demands more thought than your classic beach vacation. You need to prepare for both near-freezing temperatures and intense sunlight. Plus, remember that you may be clambering in and out of Zodiacs several times a day. You’ll need to deck yourself out in clothing that’s waterproof, warm, and doesn’t hinder your mobility. 

Bear in mind that all tours in Antarctica do require some mandatory gear, which we’ve listed below. 

  • Camera 
  • Binoculars (highly recommended)
  • Waterproof day pack and/or drybag (mandatory for daily Zodiac excursions)
  • First-aid kit
  • Fleece / down jacket 
  • Waterproof trousers (mandatory for all Zodiac landings)
  • Thermal base layers
  • Polarised sunglasses
  • Footwear with excellent grip – open-toed shoes are not allowed in public spaces on any expedition ship
  • Hat, scarves and warm gloves or mittens .
  • Sunscreen and SPF lip balm 
  • Seasickness tablets
  • Outlet adapter 
  • Swimwear for the Polar Plunge (some expedition ships also have heated pools onboard, if that sounds more appealing)
  • Face masks and hand sanitiser (mandatory)

packable travel medical kit

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

There you have it – the eight best trips to Antarctica, plus all you need to know about visiting this breathtaking place. All the tours we’ve shared offer a comparable level of comfort and the chance to spot wildlife and plant your feet on the continent. Ultimately, the decision comes down to what wildlife you are most eager to see and how cold you’re prepared to get – and, of course, how much you want to spend on your vacation in Antarctica,

If we have to pick just one, our favourite tour is the Quest for the Antarctic Circle . This one gives you a thorough sweep across the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula, and even takes you beyond the Antarctic Polar Circle. Considering the length of the trip, the price isn’t unreasonable, either. 

Whichever one you go with, Antarctica holidays are the adventure of a lifetime.  

Final Thoughts on the Best Antarctica Trip

And for transparency’s sake, please know that some of the links in our content are affiliate links . That means that if you book your accommodation, buy your gear, or sort your insurance through our link, we earn a small commission (at no extra cost to you). That said, we only link to the gear we trust and never recommend services we don’t believe are up to scratch. Again, thank you!

Ana Pereira

Ana Pereira

Best Trips to Antartica Pinterest Image

Share or save this post

promotional sidebar image for booking.com

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Notify me of followup comments via e-mail.

Winter is here! Check out the winter wonderlands at these 5 amazing winter destinations in Montana

  • Travel Guide

How To Book A Trip To Antarctica

Published: December 6, 2023

Modified: December 28, 2023

by Eran Batson

  • Travel Tips

how-to-book-a-trip-to-antarctica

Introduction

Antarctica, a land of pristine beauty and untouched wilderness, is a dream destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts alike. Located at the southernmost part of the Earth, this icy continent offers breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and an unforgettable experience for those brave enough to venture there. Booking a trip to Antarctica may seem like a daunting task, but with the right guidance and preparation, it can become a reality.

In this article, we will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to book a trip to Antarctica. From research and planning to making necessary travel arrangements, we’ll cover all the essential aspects to ensure a smooth and memorable journey to the white continent.

Before we delve into the details, it’s important to emphasize the significance of responsible tourism in Antarctica. The fragile ecosystem of this pristine wilderness needs to be protected, and travelers are expected to follow strict guidelines to minimize their impact on the environment. Keep in mind that travel to Antarctica is regulated and can only be done through authorized tour operators who adhere to the rules set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

Now, let’s embark on a virtual journey to Antarctica and discover how you can turn your dream of visiting this extraordinary continent into a reality.

Step 1: Research and Planning

The first step in booking a trip to Antarctica is conducting thorough research and planning. Take the time to gather information about the different options available, such as cruises, expeditions, or fly-in programs. Consider factors such as budget, preferred travel dates, and desired level of comfort and adventure.

Start by researching reputable travel agencies and cruise operators that specialize in Antarctica expeditions. Look for companies with experience and positive customer reviews. Visit their websites, read testimonials, and compare the itineraries and services they offer.

Pay close attention to the cruise ships or expedition vessels they use. Look for accommodations, amenities, and safety protocols that meet your expectations. Some ships may have specific activities or features that align with your interests, such as kayaking, wildlife photography, or educational lectures.

Another important aspect of the research phase is understanding the different seasons in Antarctica. The peak season runs from November to March when temperatures are relatively milder, and wildlife is more active. However, if you’re seeking a more adventurous experience, consider traveling during the shoulder seasons of October or April, when fewer tourists visit, and the landscape is covered in pristine snow.

Budget is also a crucial factor to consider. Antarctica trips can vary widely in price depending on the duration, type of vessel, and level of comfort. Setting a budget in advance will help narrow down your options and prevent any surprises later on.

Finally, take the time to educate yourself about Antarctica’s unique features, wildlife, and history. Read books, watch documentaries, and explore online resources to deepen your knowledge and appreciation for the white continent. Understanding the environment you’ll be visiting will enhance your overall experience.

By conducting thorough research and planning, you’ll be equipped with the knowledge needed to make informed decisions and choose the most suitable trip for your preferences and budget. Next, we’ll explore how to select a travel agency or cruise operator.

Step 2: Choose a Travel Agency or Cruise Operator

Choosing the right travel agency or cruise operator is crucial when booking a trip to Antarctica. These organizations play a vital role in ensuring a safe, enjoyable, and responsible expedition to the white continent. Here are some key factors to consider in the selection process.

First and foremost, look for travel agencies or cruise operators that are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). IAATO member organizations abide by strict guidelines and regulations to protect the pristine environment of Antarctica. By choosing an IAATO member, you can be confident that your trip will be conducted responsibly and in compliance with the highest industry standards.

Consider the experience and reputation of the travel agency or cruise operator. Look for well-established companies with a proven track record in organizing Antarctica expeditions. Explore their websites, read customer reviews and testimonials, and gather as much information as possible to gauge their credibility and reliability.

Take into account the type of vessel or cruise ship used by the travel agency. Look for ships that are built for polar expeditions, with ice-strengthened hulls and advanced safety features. Consider the comfort and amenities offered onboard, including accommodation options, dining facilities, and common areas for relaxation and socializing.

Pay attention to the expertise and qualifications of the expedition staff and guides. Skilled and knowledgeable guides can greatly enhance your experience by providing educational insights and ensuring your safety during excursions. Look for agencies that employ experienced naturalists, marine biologists, and historians who can offer a deeper understanding of Antarctica’s unique ecosystem and history.

Consider the itineraries and activities offered by the travel agency. Some expeditions may focus more on wildlife encounters, while others offer opportunities for adventurous activities like kayaking, camping on ice, or even scuba diving. Choose an itinerary that aligns with your interests and desired level of adventure.

Lastly, compare the prices and value for money offered by different travel agencies. While price is an important factor, it should not be the sole determining factor. Consider the overall value of the package, including the quality of accommodations, services, and the experience provided. Remember, a trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience for many, so it’s worth investing in a reputable agency that can offer a memorable and rewarding journey.

By choosing a reliable and responsible travel agency or cruise operator, you can embark on your Antarctic adventure with peace of mind, knowing that you’re in capable hands. In the next step, we’ll discuss how to select the type of trip and duration that suits your preferences.

Step 3: Select the Type of Trip and Duration

When booking a trip to Antarctica, it’s important to consider the type of trip and duration that best suits your preferences and interests. Whether you prefer a luxurious cruise experience or a more adventurous expedition, there are various options to choose from. Here are some factors to consider when selecting the type of trip and duration:

1. Cruise vs. Expedition: Determine whether you prefer a traditional cruise experience or an expedition-style journey. Cruises typically offer more comfort and amenities, with larger ships that provide a range of onboard activities and entertainment options. On the other hand, expeditions focus more on adventure and exploration, with smaller vessels that can access remote and less-visited locations. Consider your comfort level, thirst for adventure, and desired activities when making this choice.

2. Trip Duration: Antarctica trips can vary in duration, ranging from a few days to several weeks. Shorter trips are ideal for those with limited time or those looking for a taste of Antarctica. Longer trips allow for more in-depth exploration and provide opportunities to visit different regions, engage in a greater variety of activities, and experience the changing dynamics of the polar environment. Consider your availability, budget, and level of interest in Antarctic exploration when determining the duration of your trip.

3. Specialty Trips: Some travel agencies offer specialty trips tailored to specific interests or themes. These may include photography-focused expeditions, wildlife-centric trips, or educational voyages with expert-led lectures and workshops. If you have a particular area of interest, such as wildlife photography or marine biology, consider choosing a trip that aligns with your passion.

4. Seasonal Considerations: Different times of the year offer unique experiences in Antarctica. The peak season, from November to March, provides relatively milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and opportunities to witness wildlife activity, including penguin chicks and seal pups. The shoulder seasons of October and April offer pristine snowscapes, fewer tourists, and the chance to witness the change of seasons. Consider the type of experience you desire and the activities that interest you when selecting your travel dates.

By carefully considering the type of trip and duration that best align with your preferences, you can ensure a fulfilling and tailored experience in Antarctica. In the next step, we’ll discuss how to determine the departure location for your journey to the white continent.

Step 4: Determine the Departure Location

When booking a trip to Antarctica, one important aspect to consider is the departure location. The departure point will depend on the type of trip you choose and the travel agency or cruise operator you book with. Here are some factors to consider in determining the departure location:

1. Ushuaia, Argentina: Ushuaia is the most common departure point for Antarctica expeditions. Located in southern Argentina, it is known as the “Gateway to Antarctica.” Many cruises and expeditions depart from Ushuaia’s harbor, offering convenient access to the Antarctic Peninsula. Ushuaia also offers various amenities, accommodations, and opportunities for exploration in the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park.

2. Punta Arenas, Chile: Some trips to Antarctica also depart from Punta Arenas, a city in the southernmost part of Chile. Punta Arenas offers access to the Magellan Strait and the southern tip of South America, making it a starting point for voyages to the Antarctic Peninsula. It is recommended to check with your travel agency or cruise operator to see if they offer departures from Punta Arenas.

3. Other Departure Points: Depending on the type of trip and the travel agency you choose, there may be other departure points available, such as Cape Town in South Africa or Hobart in Australia. These departure points are usually associated with longer expedition voyages that include a Southern Ocean crossing, offering a unique and adventurous approach to reaching Antarctica.

When selecting a departure location, consider factors such as travel logistics, accessibility, and convenience. Research the transportation options available to reach the departure point, including flights and ground transportation. Ensure that you have sufficient time to arrive at the departure location before the designated embarkation date.

It’s also important to consider any visa or entry requirements for the departure country. Check with the appropriate authorities and ensure that you have the necessary documentation in order to legally enter and depart from the country. Keep in mind that additional permits and paperwork may be required for travel to Antarctica, and your travel agency or cruise operator will provide guidance on obtaining them.

By determining the most suitable departure location, you can plan your travel logistics effectively and ensure a smooth start to your Antarctic adventure. In the next step, we’ll discuss the visa and passport requirements for traveling to Antarctica.

Step 5: Check Visa and Passport Requirements

Before booking a trip to Antarctica, it is essential to check the visa and passport requirements for your chosen departure location and any additional countries you may need to transit through. Here are some factors to consider in relation to visa and passport requirements:

1. Passport Validity: Ensure that your passport is valid for at least six months beyond your planned departure date from Antarctica. This requirement is common for most international travel destinations and is necessary to enter many countries.

2. Visa Exemptions: Check if you are eligible for any visa exemptions or visa-free entry to the departure country. Some nationalities may have visa exemptions, while others may require a visa to enter. Visit the official website of the embassy or consulate of the departure country to obtain accurate and up-to-date information.

3. Transit Visas: If you have connecting flights or stopovers in other countries during your journey to Antarctica, determine whether you need a transit visa. Some countries require transit visas, even if you are only passing through the airport. Verify the visa requirements of the transit countries to ensure a smooth and hassle-free journey.

4. Antarctic Visitor Permit: Traveling to Antarctica requires obtaining an Antarctic Visitor Permit, which is facilitated by your travel agency or cruise operator. This permit is necessary to ensure that visitors adhere to the regulations and guidelines set by the Antarctic Treaty System. Your travel agency will provide assistance in obtaining this permit.

5. Additional Travel Documentation: In addition to passports and visas, you may need to provide additional travel documentation, such as proof of travel insurance, health certificates, or waivers. Check with your travel agency or cruise operator to understand any specific requirements or recommendations they may have.

It is crucial to start the visa and passport application process well in advance to allow sufficient time for processing. Some visas may require supporting documents or an interview at the embassy or consulate, which can take time to arrange. Be proactive and ensure that you have all the required documents in order to avoid any last-minute complications.

Remember, visa and passport requirements can vary depending on your nationality and destination, so it is essential to research and obtain accurate information from official sources. Consulting with your travel agency or cruise operator can also provide valuable guidance in understanding the specific requirements and procedures for your journey.

By checking and fulfilling the visa and passport requirements, you can ensure smooth travel logistics and embark on your Antarctic adventure with peace of mind. In the next step, we’ll explore the safety guidelines and health precautions you should be aware of before traveling to Antarctica.

Step 6: Learn about Safety Guidelines and Health Precautions

Prior to embarking on a trip to Antarctica, it is crucial to familiarize yourself with the safety guidelines and health precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey. Antarctica is a unique and remote environment, and being prepared is essential. Here are some important factors to consider:

1. Awareness and Preparation: Educate yourself about the unique challenges and risks associated with traveling to Antarctica. Learn about the extreme weather conditions, potential hazards, and safety protocols. Familiarize yourself with evacuation procedures, emergency communication systems, and the importance of following the instructions of your guides and expedition staff.

2. Health Considerations: Consult with your healthcare provider or a travel medicine specialist to understand any vaccinations or medications you may need before traveling to Antarctica. Ensure that routine vaccinations, such as tetanus and influenza, are up to date. You may also require specific vaccinations or medications based on your individual health status and the areas you plan to visit.

3. Medical Facilities: Keep in mind that medical facilities in Antarctica are limited and may only provide basic emergency care. Any pre-existing medical conditions should be well-managed before your trip. Carry an adequate supply of prescription medications, as well as a first aid kit with essentials like bandages, pain relievers, and motion sickness medication.

4. Staying Safe on Land and at Sea: Follow safety guidelines and regulations set by your travel agency or cruise operator. Respect wildlife and maintain a safe distance to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the animals. When on land, be aware of potential hazards like uneven terrain, icy surfaces, and unpredictable weather conditions. While at sea, familiarize yourself with safety protocols, such as wearing a life jacket and attending mandatory safety drills.

5. Environmental Protection: Antarctica is a pristine and fragile environment, and it is crucial to follow sustainable and responsible travel practices. Adhere to guidelines set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and minimize your impact on the ecosystem. Respect protected areas, dispose of waste properly, and avoid introducing non-native species to the region.

6. Personal Safety Equipment: Depending on the activities and excursions you plan to undertake, you may need specific safety equipment such as sturdy footwear, waterproof clothing, gloves, and hats. Consult with your travel agency or cruise operator regarding the recommended gear and ensure that you are adequately prepared.

By familiarizing yourself with the safety guidelines and health precautions before your trip, you can minimize potential risks and enjoy a safe and responsible exploration of Antarctica. In the next step, we’ll discuss the essential gear and clothing you should pack for your Antarctic adventure.

Step 7: Pack Essential Gear and Clothing

When preparing for a trip to Antarctica, packing the right gear and clothing is crucial to ensure your comfort and safety in the extreme conditions of the white continent. Here are some essential items to consider packing:

1. Layered Clothing: Antarctica’s weather can be unpredictable, so it’s important to dress in layers. Start with a base layer of moisture-wicking and insulating materials, such as merino wool or synthetic fabrics. Add a middle layer for insulation, such as a fleece or down jacket, and top it off with a waterproof and windproof outer shell to protect against the harsh elements.

2. Footwear: Bring sturdy waterproof boots for excursions on land. These should provide good ankle support and have a rugged sole for traction on icy terrain. Additionally, pack comfortable shoes for wearing on board the ship or during leisure time.

3. Accessories: Don’t forget to pack a warm hat, gloves, and a scarf or neck gaiter to protect your extremities from the cold. Sunglasses with UV protection and sunscreen are essential to shield your eyes and skin from the sun’s glare, even on cloudy days.

4. Base Layers: Pack enough base layers – tops, bottoms, and socks – to last throughout your trip. These should be made of moisture-wicking materials to keep you dry and comfortable. Avoid cotton as it retains moisture and can make you feel cold and damp.

5. Insulating Layers: Include insulating layers, such as fleece jackets or down vests, to provide additional warmth when needed. These can be easily layered over your base layers and under your outer shell.

6. Waterproof and Windproof Outerwear: Invest in a high-quality waterproof and windproof jacket and pants to protect you from the harsh weather conditions in Antarctica. Look for garments that are breathable and feature sealed seams for added water resistance.

7. Backpack: A sturdy and waterproof backpack is essential for carrying your essentials during excursions ashore. Make sure it’s large enough to accommodate your camera, extra layers, water bottle, snacks, and any other personal items you may need during the day.

8. Binoculars and Camera: Capture the mesmerizing beauty of Antarctica and get up close to the wildlife with a good pair of binoculars and a camera. Don’t forget to bring extra memory cards and batteries, as the cold weather can drain battery life more quickly.

9. Personal Items: Pack personal items such as toiletries, medication, and any necessary travel documents in a waterproof and easy-to-access bag. It’s advisable to have a backup set of essential items in case of loss or damage.

Remember to check with your travel agency or cruise operator for any specific gear requirements or recommendations. Some trips may require additional gear, such as specialized equipment for activities like kayaking or camping on ice.

By packing the right gear and clothing for your Antarctic adventure, you’ll stay comfortable, protected, and prepared to fully enjoy the breathtaking landscapes and unique experiences that await you. In the next step, we’ll explore how to make necessary travel arrangements for your trip.

Step 8: Make Necessary Travel Arrangements

In order to ensure a smooth and hassle-free trip to Antarctica, it’s important to make necessary travel arrangements well in advance. Here are some key aspects to consider:

1. Flights: Book your flights to the departure location with ample time before your embarkation date. Consider any visa or transit requirements for the countries you will be traveling through, and allow enough time for connecting flights or layovers.

2. Accommodations: If you plan on staying overnight in the departure city before or after your Antarctic adventure, book your accommodations in advance. Many travel agencies can assist you in arranging pre and post-trip accommodations.

3. Travel Insurance: Purchase comprehensive travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations or interruptions, and loss or damage to personal belongings. Check with your insurance provider to ensure that your policy includes coverage for travel to remote regions and activities such as kayaking or camping on ice.

4. Currency and Finances: Check the currency of the countries you will be visiting and ensure you have the necessary funds in the local currency. Notify your bank or credit card company of your travel plans to avoid any issues with transactions while abroad.

5. Travel Documents: Gather all necessary travel documents, including passports, visas, the Antarctic Visitor Permit, and any additional permits required for specific activities. Keep physical and digital copies of these documents in a safe and accessible place.

6. Informing Family and Friends: Share your travel itinerary and contact details with a trusted family member or friend. Provide them with the contact information of your travel agency or cruise operator, as well as any emergency helpline numbers that may be provided by your travel insurance provider.

7. Special Requirements: If you have any specific dietary restrictions or medical conditions, inform your travel agency or cruise operator in advance. They will work to accommodate your needs and ensure you have a comfortable journey.

8. Arrival Procedures: Familiarize yourself with the arrival procedures at the departure location. Be aware of where and when to meet your travel agency or cruise operator’s representatives. They will provide you with further instructions and guidance upon your arrival.

Throughout the travel arrangements process, maintain open communication with your travel agency or cruise operator. They can provide essential information and answer any questions you may have in order to ensure a seamless travel experience.

By making necessary travel arrangements ahead of time, you can minimize any last-minute stress and focus on the excitement and anticipation of your upcoming Antarctic adventure. In the next step, we’ll discuss the importance of confirming trip details and itinerary.

Step 9: Confirm Trip Details and Itinerary

As your departure date approaches, it’s important to confirm and double-check all the trip details and itinerary to ensure a smooth and organized journey to Antarctica. Here are some actions to take in this step:

1. Contact Your Travel Agency or Cruise Operator: Reach out to your travel agency or cruise operator to confirm all the details of your trip. This includes the embarkation and disembarkation dates, the departure location, and any specific instructions or requirements for boarding the ship.

2. Review the Itinerary: Go through the detailed itinerary provided by your travel agency or cruise operator. Verify the planned activities, landings, and excursions included in the trip. This will help you prepare mentally and physically for each day’s adventures.

3. Double-Check Accommodations: Ensure that you have a clear understanding of the accommodations provided during the trip. If you have any specific preferences or requirements, communicate them to your travel agency or cruise operator in advance.

4. Confirm Included Services: Check the services and amenities included in your trip. This may include meals, guided excursions, lectures, and any additional activities that are part of the itinerary. If there are any optional activities that require pre-booking, ensure that they are included or arrange for them separately.

5. Special Requests: If you have any special requests or considerations, such as dietary restrictions, medical conditions, or accessibility needs, inform your travel agency or cruise operator. They will make every effort to accommodate your needs and make your journey comfortable.

6. Packing Checklist: Review your packing checklist to ensure that you have all the necessary gear, clothing, and personal items needed for your trip. Consider the specific recommendations provided by your travel agency or cruise operator for the Antarctic environment.

7. Communicate with Fellow Travelers: If there are any communication channels or platforms available to connect with fellow travelers, take advantage of them. This will allow you to share information, ask questions, and build a sense of camaraderie before setting foot on Antarctica.

8. Travel Documents: Double-check that you have all the required travel documents, including passports, visas, the Antarctic Visitor Permit, and any additional permits or certificates. Ensure that they are accessible and in good condition.

It’s crucial to take the time to confirm all the trip details and clarify any uncertainties before embarking on your journey to Antarctica. This will give you peace of mind and allow you to fully immerse yourself in the experiences that await you on the white continent. In the final step, we’ll discuss the importance of preparing for the journey.

Step 10: Prepare for the Journey

The final step in booking a trip to Antarctica is to adequately prepare yourself for the journey. Taking the time to properly prepare will ensure that you make the most of your adventure and have a smooth and memorable experience. Here are some important aspects to consider:

1. Physical Fitness: Antarctica expeditions can involve physical activities like walking on uneven terrain and climbing in and out of Zodiac boats. It’s beneficial to assess your physical fitness and, if necessary, take steps to improve it before your trip. Regular exercise, including cardiovascular training and strength-building exercises, can help prepare your body for the demands of the expedition.

2. Mental Preparation: Antarctica’s breathtaking landscapes and unique environment can be awe-inspiring, but they can also be challenging. Prepare yourself mentally for the remoteness, harsh weather conditions, and the possibility of experiencing seasickness. Maintain a positive mindset, be adaptable, and embrace the journey with an open heart and mind.

3. Photography Tips: If you enjoy photography, consider researching tips and techniques specific to capturing the beauty of Antarctica. Familiarize yourself with your camera equipment and practice taking photos in different lighting conditions to ensure you capture stunning images during your trip.

4. Stay Informed: Keep yourself updated with the latest information about your destination and any travel advisories or guidelines issued by your travel agency or cruise operator. Stay informed about changes in weather conditions or any other factors that may affect your trip. Check your emails or other communication channels regularly for any last-minute updates or notifications.

5. Immerse Yourself in Learning: Enhance your overall experience by immersing yourself in learning about Antarctica’s history, wildlife, and ecology. Read books, watch documentaries, and engage in conversations with fellow travelers or your travel agency. The more you know, the greater your appreciation will be for the wonders you’ll witness during your trip.

6. Expect the Unexpected: Antarctica is known for its unpredictable weather and changing conditions. Be prepared for itinerary changes due to weather or other unforeseen circumstances. Maintain a flexible attitude and embrace any surprises or opportunities that arise along the way.

7. Be Respectful and Responsible: Remember that you are a guest in this pristine environment. Follow the guidelines set by your travel agency, respect wildlife and their habitats, and practice environmentally responsible behavior throughout your journey. Leave only footprints and take back cherished memories.

By taking the time to prepare yourself mentally, physically, and emotionally for the journey ahead, you can maximize your enjoyment and ensure a remarkable experience in Antarctica. Embrace the adventure, stay curious, and savor every moment of this once-in-a-lifetime expedition.

As you embark on your trip to Antarctica, remember to cherish every moment, embrace the unique experiences that await you, and leave a positive impact on this extraordinary environment. Have a safe and unforgettable journey!

Congratulations on reaching the end of this comprehensive guide on booking a trip to Antarctica! By following the steps outlined, from research and planning to preparing for the journey, you have gained valuable knowledge and insights to make your Antarctic adventure a reality.

Antarctica, with its breathtaking landscapes, unique wildlife, and untouched wilderness, offers a truly extraordinary travel experience. It is important to approach your journey with a sense of responsibility, respecting the environment and adhering to the guidelines set by authorized tour operators and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

Remember to conduct thorough research and select a reputable travel agency or cruise operator that aligns with your preferences and values. Consider the type of trip, duration, departure location, and the various activities available to create a personalized itinerary that suits your interests.

Pay attention to visa and passport requirements, ensuring that you have the necessary documentation in order. Take the time to familiarize yourself with safety guidelines and health precautions to make your trip safe and enjoyable.

Packing the essential gear and clothing, confirming trip details and itinerary, and preparing yourself both physically and mentally will set you up for a smooth and memorable journey to Antarctica. Keep an open mind, embrace the unpredictable nature of the continent, and be prepared to create lifelong memories.

As you embark on your Antarctic adventure, remember to be respectful of the environment, wildlife, and fellow travelers. Enjoy the pristine beauty of Antarctica, capture unforgettable moments through your lens, and immerse yourself in learning about this unique ecosystem.

We hope this guide has provided you with the necessary information and inspiration to book your trip to Antarctica. Explore the options available, consult with travel experts, and embark on an adventure that will leave you with a deep appreciation for the wonders of this remote and captivating continent.

Safe travels and cherish every moment as you embark on this once-in-a-lifetime journey to Antarctica!

TouristSecrets

  • Privacy Overview
  • Strictly Necessary Cookies

This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Cookie information is stored in your browser and performs functions such as recognising you when you return to our website and helping our team to understand which sections of the website you find most interesting and useful.

Strictly Necessary Cookie should be enabled at all times so that we can save your preferences for cookie settings.

If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. This means that every time you visit this website you will need to enable or disable cookies again.

Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (Ocean Endeavour)

11 days | witness the icy wilderness of antarctica at its most impressive.

Intrepid Travel Antarctica group shot in the snow

Experience the raw and pure beauty of the Great White Continent on an 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. During this magical time, landscapes are at their most pristine as the thawing of sea ice draws you into an unspoiled polar wilderness. Icebergs are at their greatest mass, penguins are busy courting, nest building and squabbling over pebbles. As the Ocean Endeavour edges its way through the fractured ice, maybe entering the narrow, sheer-sided Lemaire Channel, you’re invited onto the bow of the Ocean Endeavour. Scan for Leopard seals on ice floes as you follow the continent’s inhabitants further south into the untouched snowscapes of pristine Antarctica.

Trip overview

  • Antarctica awakens after the harsh winter and extensive snow cloaks the continent in a pristine whiteness. Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs and glaciated mountains.
  • Penguin populations in the rookeries are thriving and the birds are busy nest-building and courting. Albatross, fulmars and petrels fly the Drake Passage and blue-eyed shags reappear in Antarctica.
  • This is an incredible time for photographers – the lengthening days are concluded with fantastic evening light, noctilucent clouds and beautiful rose-coloured sunsets.
  • Experience daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings, and take advantage of a range of paid adventure options during your voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology and participate in our citizen science program, all led by our expert expedition team.
  • The Ocean Endeavour is an ice-strengthened ship – large, sturdy and suited to the unpredictable Antarctic waters. Some people may experience seasickness in occasional rough seas however, we do have a doctor on board should you need assistance. Over-the-counter seasickness medication is usually an easy fix.  
  • Temperatures in the Antarctic can get very cold, but it also can get surprisingly warm when the sun comes out. We recommend dressing in layers when you journey outside. We’ll provide you with waterproof boots on loan that are sturdy and warm, as well as an inner jacket that is yours to keep. Please see the Essential Trip Information for notes on what to pack. 
  • Depending on the weather, you’ll be travelling around in a Zodiac boat quite regularly to explore the area and search for wildlife. It can get cold and wet on the Zodiac, so make sure you dress appropriately and keep your camera safe and dry. A fair level of mobility is needed for wet and dry landings from the boat, as well as on steep terrain, snow and other uneven surfaces. The Ocean Endeavour has a lift, but you’ll need to take the stairs to get to the gangway and some other parts of the ship that the lift does not provide access to. 
  • The weather plays a pivotal part in this adventure and, although there’s an itinerary in place, there are no guarantees that you’ll be able to do everything that is planned. A level of flexibility and openness to embracing the unexpected are important in expedition travel, especially in such a remote area like the Antarctic. There are nearly 200 recognised sites in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands and the places mentioned in the itinerary may need to be changed to other locations – which are just as interesting and beautiful! We may also be confined to the ship during rough weather, but there are plenty on onboard resources and activities. The ship’s library and educational lectures are ideal ways to stay entertained, while the wellness spa, saunas, gym and yoga classes will keep you fresh for when the weather clears. 

Your adventure begins in Ushuaia, Argentina. Nestled within the Tierra del Fuego archipelago, Ushuaia boasts many shops, museums, restaurants and cafes that you can enjoy before your voyage. This Argentine town is the ideal gateway for you to explore the southern extent of Patagonia while preparing for your adventure ahead. If you feel adventurous, the nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park offers plenty of outdoor activities.

  • Hotel (1 night)

There are no meals included on this day.

An arrival transfer from the airport on Day 1 is included in your voyage fare. Full details will be sent with your final joining instructions.

Following your embarkation onto the Ocean Endeavour in the late afternoon, begin your Antarctic journey south, passing through the infamous Beagle Channel. Named after the famed ship on which Charles Darwin voyaged, the channel presents great photo opportunities of landscapes and seabirds.

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (1 night)
  • Welcome Briefing

Famed for its wild nature, the Drake Passage is unpredictable and always changing. Be sure to spend some time out on one of the Ocean Endeavour's many outer decks soaking up the fresh sea air and feeling the breeze of the roaring forties and furious fifties – waters not yet tamed even by the most intrepid of explorers. Your expedition team will provide insights into your exciting adventure that lies ahead. During these two days on the sea, you will have plenty of time to gaze out at the Southern Ocean, capture photos of the birds circling the Ocean Endeavour and get to know your fellow travellers and expedition team. There is always great excitement on board when the first sighting of land appears, which with favourable sea and weather conditions will be early evening on day four.

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (2 nights)
  • Breakfast (2)
  • Citizen Science Program
  • Daily Briefings and Recap
  • Onboard Lecture Program
  • Yoga and Meditation Classes - Free
  • Onboard Spa treatments (various prices apply) starting from - USD95
  • Photography Program - USD1099
  • Onboard Gym and Sauna - Free

The Photography, Program, has limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel.

Your Antarctic adventure truly begins once you have left the Drake Passage behind and the South Shetland Islands come into view, a region that has long captured the attention of explorers. Every visit to Antarctica reveals something unexpecting or new, meaning your expedition will be unlike any other – a unique and personal experience. During your time aboard the Ocean Endeavour, your expedition team and captain will scout for whales and seabirds and alert you to any new sightings. Enjoy in-depth explanations and lectures from your expedition team on the glaciology, history and wildlife of the region as you explore.

Even more exciting will be your first land excursion – something you will never forget! Daily Zodiac cruises and shore excursions take you to explore local bays, channels and landing sites with wildlife opportunities always at the forefront of your expedition team's mind. Walk on beaches dotted with penguins, visit penguin rookeries and search for southern seal species, including the fearless penguin eater, the leopard seal. Each day and each landing is different, but every day presents new photo opportunities and sightings, so it won't take long until you know the difference between an Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin.

You might hike to a penguin rookery one day and take a Zodiac cruise among towering icebergs the next. From coming eye to eye with a humpback whale to the sound of a calving glacier, you will wake up excited each day with a desire to explore this icy wilderness. If you can't get enough and find yourself wanting more, treat yourself to an overnight ice camping experience on land, a snowshoeing excursion to explore further afield, or a hit the water for a day paddle excursion.

An average day onboard begins with a wake-up call from your expedition leader around 7 am, giving you time to prepare for the day before joining your fellow expeditioners for breakfast in the Polaris restaurant. You will usually have two excursions per day, one in the morning and one in the afternoon, with a delicious lunch served on the Ocean Endeavour in between excursions.

  • Expedition Cruise Ship (4 nights)
  • Breakfast (4)
  • Guided walking Excursions
  • Zodiac Excursion/Cruising
  • Stand Up Paddleboarding - USD299
  • Kayaking Program - USD1099
  • Polar Plunge - Free
  • Day Paddle - USD299
  • Camping - USD399
  • Snowshoeing - USD150

Optional activities such as Stand-Up Paddle boarding, Kayaking, Day Paddle, Camping and Snowshoeing are very dependent on weather and sea ice conditions. Your experienced expedition team will provide regular updates on which days they are available throughout your voyage.

Kayaking, Photography Program, Day Paddle, Stand Up Paddleboarding and Camping have limited spaces available and must be prebooked via your booking agent prior to travel. Snowshoeing must be booked onboard via your expedition team.

Your journey back across the Drake Passage provides a final opportunity to enjoy the Antarctic air. Be sure to spend some time on the outer decks scouting for whales, watching seabirds, or enjoying a presentation by your expedition team on a wide range of topics. Celebrate the experiences you have shared with your fellow passengers exploring the remarkable world of Antarctica.

You arrive in the port of Ushuaia in the morning and your expedition team will gather on the deck to farewell you as you disembark the Ocean Endeavour after breakfast. Your morning transfer to Ushuaia airport is included.

On the day you disembark in Ushuaia, we recommend scheduling your flights for departure after 12 noon to allow for any potential delays due to weather conditions.

On this day, we've got your transfers covered! Choose between a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia airport for your onward flight or a morning transfer from the port to Ushuaia downtown. Enjoy complimentary luggage storage for the day. If you plan to head to the airport at a later time or to your Ushuaia accommodation, it's entirely up to you and at your own expense.

10 breakfasts, 8 lunches, 9 dinners

Expedition cruise ship, zodiac

1 night comfortable hotel, 9 nights expedition cruise ship

Dates and availability

Important notes.

SPECIAL BOOKING CONDITIONS You are required to pay a non-refundable deposit of AUD1500, USD1000, EUR900, NZD1600, GBP800, CAD1300, CHF900 or ZAR17,000 per person per trip for your booking to be confirmed. Full payment is required 95 days prior to departure. Please refer to our “Booking and Conditions” section on our website including the special conditions that apply to Antarctica Voyages (Ocean Endeavour)

COVID 19 VACCINATION COVID-19 vaccination is a pre-embarkation requirement for all guests, staff, and crew on all Ocean Endeavour voyages. We will request a copy of your COVID-19 vaccination status on Day 1

ADVENTURE OPTIONS Approaching a looming glacier in a sea kayak, strapping on snowshoes to reach the best icy viewpoints, capturing the perfect photo of a seal hunting its prey or camping under an Antarctic perpetual twilight – these are just some of the ways you can enrich your exploration of the great White Continent with our additional activities. A range of Paid Adventure Options is available on the Ocean Endeavour, on selected voyages, subject to availability. Your booking agent can assist with availability and pricing. • Kayaking or Photography Program - Voyage-duration program available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. • Day Paddle or Stand Up Paddleboarding- One-off excursion available on all voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. Additional spaces may be available to book on board via the Expedition Team • Camping - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Pre-book via your booking agent. • Snowshoeing - One-off excursion available on selected voyages. Book on board via the Expedition Team.

Want an in-depth insight into this trip? Essential Trip Information provides a detailed itinerary, visa info, how to get to your hotel, what's included - pretty much everything you need to know about this adventure and more.

Filter by rating

I never had the money or time to travel. But at 64, I'm done only seeing the world through photos and videos.

  • I grew up living paycheck to paycheck and working my whole life, but I always dreamed of travel.
  • At 64, a few years from retirement, I can afford to travel and I built up the courage to go alone.
  • My first trip was to Antarctica, and I plan to keep seeing the world while I can. 

Insider Today

I've dreamed of travel ever since my uncle gave me a subscription to National Geographic magazine for my 8th birthday.

I still remember flipping through beautiful photos of Antarctica and dreaming about one day seeing such a wondrous place with my own eyes.

But travel was never really in the cards for me. I grew up living paycheck to paycheck in a large family in a small Long Island town. I've been working since I was a kid, and I never even left North America.

But I decided that, at 64 years old, my dreams have been on hold for long enough.

I finally have the money and time to travel, even though I'm not retired yet (I still have about three more years until then). I started my bucket list, and I'm determined to check things off.

First up was my dream adventure to Antarctica .

I mustered up the courage to book a long solo cruise

A cruise seemed like the best way to visit Antarctica — it's generally more cost-effective than flying — so I booked one that embarked from Santiago, Chile, this past December.

It was my first time leaving North America , and I was petrified of heading to South America, alone, for 16 nights.

But I also knew that if I didn't overcome these fears, I would only see the world through pictures and videos. I'd be depriving myself of my life-long dreams.

Related stories

Fortunately, I summoned the courage and boarded the plane for the long flight to Chile.

Seeing Antarctica was as incredible as I'd dreamed it'd be

The cruise itself was quite the journey.

I bundled up and tried to maintain composure as temperatures dropped, and we sailed through the notoriously rough and rocky Drake Passage .

I felt like I was in a movie as the ship approached Elephant Island, awed by the majestic snow-covered peaks and glaciers and the enormity of where I was swept over me.

As we continued toward the Antarctic Peninsula, we sailed past magnificent icebergs of various colors, shapes, and sizes — some as tall as a 20-story building.

We even passed a research station, where the inhabitants came out and waved to us travelers as we sailed by. From my balcony, I saw penguins, whales, birds, and other sea life.

While stopping at the Falkland Islands, I took an excursion to a penguin rookery and watched thousands of penguins walking on glaciers and diving into the ocean.

It was pure magic.

The experience bolstered my courage and deepened my desire to keep traveling

The trip was everything I thought it would be, and more.

It made me more confident that I could overcome some of my fears of traveling to foreign countries, especially doing so alone.

Next on my bucket list is visiting other places my 8-year-old self dreamed of seeing, like Norway and Iceland. Later this year, I'm flying to England to board another cruise for another long-awaited adventure.

Although it took decades to get here, I'm glad to finally be pursuing my travel dreams — now, there's no turning back.

Watch: This 27-year-old quit her corporate finance job to travel the world

trip to antarctica from germany

  • Main content
  • - K-town Now
  • Asia-Pacific
  • - Storm Tracker
  • Middle East
  • Map of Memorials
  • Entertainment
  • - Video Games
  • Europe Travel
  • - Quick Trips
  • - After Hours
  • Pacific Travel
  • The Meat and Potatoes of Life
  • U.S. Travel
  • Storm Tracker
  • Rewards for readers
  • Get Stripes
  • Stripes Lite
  • Archives/Library
  • Special Publications
  • Mobile Apps
  • Email Newsletters
  • Digital Access
  • Home Delivery
  • Marine Corps
  • Coast Guard
  • Space Force
  • Archive photo of the day
  • - Schedules Europe
  • - Scoreboards Europe
  • - Schedules Pacific
  • - Scoreboards Pacific
  • - Pacific Sports Blog
  • - Military Matters
  • - Force for Hire
  • Out of Uniform
  • Communities
  • Stripes Europe
  • Stripes Guam
  • Stripes Japan
  • Stripes Korea
  • Stripes Okinawa
  • Our Other Websites
  • In Memoriam
  • Month of the Military Child
  • Best of Germany
  • Best of the Pacific
  • Letters to Santa

Austin headed to Germany to talk Ukraine aid in first trip abroad since cancer surgery

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discusses American military support during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting Sept. 19, 2023, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Austin on Tuesday will discuss further military support for Ukraine with allies in Europe, marking his first trip abroad since undergoing surgery for prostate cancer in December.

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin discusses American military support during the Ukraine Defense Contact Group meeting Sept. 19, 2023, at Ramstein Air Base in Germany. Austin on Tuesday will discuss further military support for Ukraine with allies in Europe, marking his first trip abroad since undergoing surgery for prostate cancer in December. (Alexander Riedel/Stars and Stripes)

KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be at Ramstein Air Base on Tuesday to discuss further military support for Ukraine with allies in Europe, his first trip abroad since he underwent surgery for prostate cancer in December.  

Austin and Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff Gen. Charles “CQ” Brown will participate in the latest meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, the Pentagon said in a statement Thursday.

The group consists of nearly 50 countries that have banded together to provide military assistance to Ukrainian troops, who have been battling Russia’s invasion since February 2022.

Austin and Brown will join defense ministers and senior military officials from counterparts in the contact group. The U.S. alone has provided roughly $44 billion in security assistance to Ukraine during the war.

“The United States and this coalition continue to stand with the people of Ukraine,” Pentagon spokeswoman Sabrina Singh said Thursday when describing Austin’s travel plans. “We will not let Ukraine fail in its war to defend themselves against Russian aggression.”

The meeting comes at a pivotal time, as Russian troops are advancing on the battlefield, Ukraine is running out of ammunition and permanent U.S. military aid to the beleaguered country remains stalled in Congress.

On Thursday, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg repeated a call for allies to show “political will” and continue supporting Kyiv.

“We have the capacity to give Ukraine what it needs,” Stoltenberg said in Brussels while presenting the alliance’s annual report. “The Ukrainians are not running out of courage. They are running out of ammunition.”

Austin’s visit to Germany comes days after the Defense Department and the White House announced a new round of security assistance for Ukraine worth up to $300 million.

The package includes Stinger anti-aircraft missiles, ammunition for High Mobility Artillery Rocket Systems, 155 mm artillery rounds, 105 mm artillery rounds and AT-4 anti-armor systems.

It was made possible through presidential drawdown authority, which allows the president to send military supplies and services from the Defense Department to foreign countries in emergency situations.

The latest round of drawdown authority aid is the first this year and was achieved after the Army negotiated a lower price for replacing supplies already in Ukraine, the Pentagon said Tuesday.

The assistance “provides a short-term stopgap, but it is nowhere near enough to meet Ukraine’s battlefield needs,” the Pentagon said.

Austin failed to disclose his prostate cancer surgery in December and a subsequent hospitalization in January to deal with complications. That sparked a barrage of criticism, including calls for his resignation.

In February, Austin was hospitalized again for a bladder issue, which forced him to cancel a trip to Brussels for the previous meeting of the Ukraine Defense Contact Group, at which some members agreed to deliver 1 million drones to Ukraine.

Tuesday’s meeting will be the 20th of the group, which first met in April 2022.

author picture

Sign Up for Daily Headlines

Sign up to receive a daily email of today's top military news stories from Stars and Stripes and top news outlets from around the world.

Sign Up Now

Germany calls for large-scale aid access to Gaza as Scholz heads to Israel

Polish PM Tusk and France's President Macron meet with German Chancellor Scholz in Berlin

The Reuters Daily Briefing newsletter provides all the news you need to start your day. Sign up here.

Reporting by Sarah Marsh and Riham Alkousaa Editing by Frances Kerry

Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. , opens new tab

A volcanic eruption takes place, near Grindavik, Iceland

Freed from jail, Senegal opposition presidential candidate draws hundreds to first event

A day after his release from jail, Senegal opposition leader Bassirou Diomaye Faye drew hundreds of supporters at his first public appearance as a presidential contender on Friday for March 24 elections, promising to tackle corruption.

Palestinians wait to receive food cooked by a charity kitchen amid shortages, in Rafah

We've detected unusual activity from your computer network

To continue, please click the box below to let us know you're not a robot.

Why did this happen?

Please make sure your browser supports JavaScript and cookies and that you are not blocking them from loading. For more information you can review our Terms of Service and Cookie Policy .

For inquiries related to this message please contact our support team and provide the reference ID below.

IMAGES

  1. Travel to Antarctica: Your Guide to Luxury Antarctica Vacations

    trip to antarctica from germany

  2. You Can Travel to Antarctica—and Here’s How

    trip to antarctica from germany

  3. Antarctica Trips, Tours & Vacations

    trip to antarctica from germany

  4. Best Time to Travel to Antarctica

    trip to antarctica from germany

  5. The Ultimate Antarctica Travel Guide

    trip to antarctica from germany

  6. 17 AWESOME Things to Do in Antarctica (2023 Guide)

    trip to antarctica from germany

VIDEO

  1. My Solo Trip to Antarctica

  2. Antarctica Vlog

  3. 2024 Antarctica Trip Quick Video

  4. Antarctica Travel

  5. Trip to Antarctica. Путешествие в Антарктиду 2022 4k

  6. A Trip To Antarctica: Vacation of a lifetime, part 2 #travel #vacation #antarctica #explorer

COMMENTS

  1. Best Antarctica Cruises & Tours 2024 / 2025

    Home; Destinations; Polar; Antarctica Cruises & Tours; Explore Antarctica on an out-of-this-world adventure. With us, it's good trips only. And as far as good old-fashioned adventures go, your journey to the 7 th continent is a big one. Watch as the Antarctic Peninsula unfurls before you, explore ice-dotted bays by Zodiac, take part in a photography workshop onboard the Ocean Endeavour ...

  2. Best Antarctica Cruises & Tours 2024 / 2025

    View Trip. Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey (Ocean Endeavour) 11 Days From $15,530. Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,... View Trip. Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour) 11 Days From $7,863. Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...

  3. 18 Best Antarctica Cruises, Ships & Tours for 2024-2025

    Call 1.406.541.2677. Adventure Life's Antarctica cruises and tours are the ultimate way to visit the white continent in comfort, safety, and style. Thousands of travelers have trusted Adventure Life's Antarctica cruise experts to help them choose the perfect small ship cruise to Antarctica .

  4. Trips To Antarctica: Antarctica Tour & Vacation Packages

    Experience the splendor of the coldest and oldest continent, Antarctica, on one of many tour & vacation packages with National Geographic Expeditions.

  5. Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

    This trip used to be called "Best of Antarctica". For the 23/24 season we now have 4 "Best of Antarctica" trips as follows: Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (trip code GQMDW) Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (trip code GQMDE) Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (trip code GQMAC) Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey (trip code GQMWJ)

  6. Antarctica Tours, Travel Packages, and Trips

    Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent aboard the National Geographic Resolution. Tour Rating: From $18,099 pp. Embark on a breathtaking Antarctica tour with Collette and travel to the underside of the world! Learn more about our unique trips to the 7th continent.

  7. Ultimate Antarctica Travel Planning Guide (Tips & Advice)

    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 ...

  8. Antarctica: Everything You Must Know to Plan a Trip to the ...

    Antarctica: Everything You Must Know to Plan a Trip to the 7th Continent. By Norbert Figueroa November 10, 2022. By Norbert Figueroa, an experienced architect, travel writer, long-term budget traveler, and photographer with over 13 years of travel experience in over 139 countries and counting. @globotreks. GloboTreks is reader-supported through ...

  9. Travel Guide to Antarctica

    3 things you need to know about cruising with Hurtigruten. 1. Environmentally friendly tourism in Antarctica. Sailing in such pristine surroundings naturally comes with a huge responsibility. Hurtigruten is committed to the highest standards of seamanship and an environmentally friendly operation. Our activities and reputation rest on our long ...

  10. Antarctica Expedition Cruises

    He has also worked in the Amazon, Antarctica, the Arctic, Africa, Central and South America, and Indonesia as a diver, photographer on land and underwater, leading and participating in expeditions and expedition travel. In 2009, he led a dive expedition to explore the undersea world of Antarctica in a 70 ft sailboat.

  11. The 7 Top Antarctica Cruises for 2024 + Tips From an Expert

    Guests will have the option to reserve a spot on the Viking DNV-classed submarine for a thrilling journey into the depths of the frigid waters in Antarctica. The return sailing, by way of the ...

  12. Expedition Travel Guide to Antarctica

    For our expeditions to Antarctica, we sail out of two ports - Ushuaia, Argentina for sailings on MS Fridtjof Nansen and MS Roald Amundsen or Punta Arenas, Chile for sailings on MS Fram. However, depending on the expedition you undertake, we offer return flights between major airports within Argentina and Chile to smaller regional airports.

  13. Antarctica Trips, Tours & Vacations

    40 Cruises. 12 Offers. An Antarctica trip can be the vacation of a lifetime if it is well planned and executed. Travel to Antarctica is a true expedition to one of the most remote destinations on Earth. Explore up close on daily Antarctica tours to view penguins, seals, whales and spectacular glaciers.

  14. German Antarctic Expedition (1938-1939)

    Expedition logo. The German Antarctic Expedition (1938-1939), led by German Navy captain Alfred Ritscher (1879-1963), was the third official Antarctic expedition of the German Reich, by order of the "Commissioner for the Four Year Plan" Hermann Göring.Prussian State Councilor Helmuth Wohlthat was mandated with planning and preparation. The expedition's main objective was of economic ...

  15. How Much Does It Cost To Go To Antarctica?

    When you combine the cost of an Antarctica cruise with any flights and gear you may need, plus the other requisite 'sundries' (visas, insurance, etc.) for visiting this most southerly of continents, your overall Antarctica travel cost may total somewhere between USD$8,000 - USD$29,000, with the average cost of a trip to Antarctica around ...

  16. Antarctica Expedition

    See your travel advisor, or call Tauck at 800-468-2825 to make a reservation. At the time of booking, please have the following information ready for all members of your party: Tour Name and Departure Date. Traveler's Name: First and last names as they appear on your passport or driver's license.

  17. EPIC Trips To Antartica for 2024

    Best Whale Watching Trip to Antarctica - WWF Giants of Antarctica. Best Budget Trip to Antarctica - Best of Antarctica from Punta Arenas. Best Trip to Antarctica for Photographers - Spirit of Shackleton. Most Unique Trip to Antarctica - Antarctic Eclipse. Best Short Trip to Antarctica - Antarctic Express.

  18. Trip to Antarctica

    Journey to the end of the earth, on an adventurous lifetime trip to Antarctica to sweep you away in all its wonders. Experience an environment of isolation, rich wildlife, inspiring history, and impressive topography on an Antarctica cruise that is bucket-list-worthy. Sail past towering glacier-capped mountains rising from the brilliant blue ...

  19. New Swabia

    New Swabia (Norwegian and German: Neuschwabenland) was a disputed Antarctic claim by Nazi Germany within the Norwegian territorial claim of Queen Maud Land and is now a cartographic name sometimes given to an area of Antarctica between 20°E and 10°W in Queen Maud Land. [citation needed] New Swabia was explored by Germany in early 1939 and named after that expedition's ship, Schwabenland ...

  20. 12 Tips for Your First Cruise Trip to Antarctica

    The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO, a member organization founded in 1991) limits such tours to ships that carry 500 or fewer passengers. On larger cruise ships, passengers aren't allowed to make landfall or even tour the waters in Zodiacs.

  21. How To Book A Trip To Antarctica

    Step 3: Select the Type of Trip and Duration. When booking a trip to Antarctica, it's important to consider the type of trip and duration that best suits your preferences and interests. Whether you prefer a luxurious cruise experience or a more adventurous expedition, there are various options to choose from.

  22. Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (Ocean Endeavour)

    Experience the raw and pure beauty of the Great White Continent on an 11-day expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. During this magical time, landscapes are at their most pristine as the thawing of sea ice draws you into an unspoiled polar wilderness. Icebergs are at their greatest mass, penguins are busy courting, nest building and squabbling ...

  23. 15 Day First Class Antarctica Cruise with Buenos Aires

    15 Day Antarctica Cruise with Buenos Aires Ushuaia, Beagle Channel, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands, Cape Horn & more - from $5999 (Land/Cruise Only) with code TZAT1500 Promo Valid for Departures: March 2020 - February 2021 Note: The included cabin category for $5999 sailing has sold out. The applicable promotional reduction may still be applied to upgraded cabin levels available.

  24. It's Never Too Late to Travel: I'm Seeing the World Alone at 64

    I've dreamed of travel ever since my uncle gave me a subscription to National Geographic magazine for my 8th birthday. I still remember flipping through beautiful photos of Antarctica and dreaming ...

  25. Austin headed to Germany to talk Ukraine aid in first trip abroad since

    KAISERSLAUTERN, Germany — Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin will be at Ramstein Air Base on Tuesday to discuss further military support for Ukraine with allies in Europe, his first trip abroad ...

  26. Death from Diseases and Colonization Can Be Measured in Antarctica Ice

    This massive reduction in human population was recorded in Antarctica, says King. Places Indigenous people once lived , worked, and farmed were abandoned, and the fabric of the planet was altered.

  27. Germany calls for large-scale aid access to Gaza as Scholz heads to

    BERLIN, March 16 (Reuters) - German Chancellor Olaf Scholz urged Israel on Saturday to allow humanitarian aid access to Gaza on a larger scale, ahead of a two-day trip to the Middle East.

  28. Germany Faces More Travel Chaos Amid Rail, Airline Staff Strikes

    Germany braced for another wave of travel disruptions after unions representing Deutsche Lufthansa AG's cabin crew and train drivers announced more walkouts, adding to a string of travel chaos ...