Antarctic Cruise Costs Explained
Month of travel, length of trip, whether you fly or sail, and the level of comfort will have an influence on the end price. Let Swoop's deep knowledge guide you.
Getting to Antarctica
Most people start their Antarctic research by answering the question; can you go to Antartica? Which the answer is of course, yes! The next question to answer is how?
- Which route to take: While 98% of visitors approach Antarctica via the tip of South America, as this is the quickest and most accessible route, there are other ways to reach the white continent. Discover the main routes to Antarctica.
- Cruise or fly? Traditionally, sailing was the only way to reach Antarctica, and it still remains the most common route, but it's now also possible via a short 2-hour flight, for those for whom time is a luxury. Read our guide on sailing vs flying.
- How do I get to the start point for my trip? Discover flight routes and international airports so that you can plan your international travel.
Boarding the plane for King George Island
Expedition ship pushing through pack ice
Flying past the Pirrit Hills
Your vessel among icebergs
Taking off from King George Island, Antarctica
- Sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina - The most popular gateway to Antarctica for 90% of visitors with the widest choice of voyages. This is one of the most common Antarctica cruise routes.
- Flying by charter plane from Punta Arenas, Chile - Reach the Antarctic Peninsula in just 2 hours, instead of 2 days at sea. Perfect for time sensitive or anxious travellers.
- Sailing from South Island, New Zealand - Only four voyages each season depart from here to Antarctica's remote Ross Sea, home to emperor penguins.
- Flying into Antarctica's interior from Punta Arenas, Chile - Land on a blue ice runway in the heart of the white continent. Limited departures each season.
- & 6. Flying to the South Pole - For a lucky handful each season, you can fly to the South Pole from either Punta Arenas, Chile or Cape Town, South Africa, and spend some time in Union Glacier Camp.
You can get to Antarctica by boat or plane. Sailing the Drake Passage from the tip of South America to the Antarctic Peninsula takes 48 hours. Flying to Antarctica takes 2 hours. Approximately 54,000 visitors make the journey each year, with around 50 expedition vessels sailing Antarctic waters each season.
Our Top Antarctic Cruises
Listen to Molly's expert advice
Can I cruise or fly to Antarctica?
Cruising to Antarctica
Sailing remains the most popular way to get to Antarctica, and for good reason. For purists following in Scott and Shackleton's footsteps, or for those looking to enjoy every minute of the adventure, sailing to Antarctica is all part of the experience. Cruise ships depart from Ushuaia, commonly regarded as the southernmost city in the world, before leaving South America behind to reach Antarctica.
Pragmatically, an Antarctic cruise offers the widest choice of voyage types, ships, departure dates and prices, and has the advantage of departures in November and March when flights to Antarctica don't operate. The following Antarctic cruises are available:
- Antarctic Peninsula & South Shetland Islands
- South Georgia, The Falkland Islands & Antarctica
- Polar Circle
- Weddell Sea
- Ross Sea
Cruising to Antarctica involves crossing The Drake Passage, a fairly notorious stretch of water. Approximately 30% of voyages experience rough weather, however it can also be surprisingly placid too, at which time it's euphemistically called 'The Drake Lake'. The reality for the majority of our customers is that it's rarely as bad as it sounds, and it's certainly a 'price' well worth paying.
Entering the Lemaire Channel
Getting to Antarctica by ship
Flying to Antarctica
There is an option to fly to Antarctica from Southern Chile before embarking your ship, which is becoming increasingly popular. The benefits in terms of time saved and the assurance of avoiding crossing the Drake Passage are undoubtedly compelling.
This fly cruise option means you can spend your time experiencing rather than travelling. A flight to King George Island sets you down right in the heart of the action. In just 2 hours you can step off your plane on the Antarctic Peninsula, feeling the nip of the air and ready to spot your first iceberg.
Fly to Antarctica on a BAE146 whisper jet
Before you book in your Fly & Cruise voyage it's worth noting that your choice of ships, itinerary and departures dates is more limited than when cruising to Antarctica. You should also expect to pay approximately 20% more than if you were to sail.
Although the majority of flights each season run on schedule, flying also carries a higher risk of delays due to the rapidly changing conditions that make accurate forecasting a challenge. However, delays are often no longer than a few hours, and for many, the modest risk in opting to fly is more than outweighed by the significant gains.
Emperor penguins and your plane, Weddell sea
What's it like to fly to Antarctica?
Our Best Fly & Cruise Trips
How to get to Antarctica from your front door
The majority of cruises leave from Ushuaia (Argentina), whereas Fly & Cruise trips leave from Punta Arenas (Chile). These two port cities don't offer international flights, so to get to the start of your trip you're likely to have to fly via Buenos Aires (Argentina), or Santiago (Chile).
Most trips depart from and return to the same location, but occasionally you may fly out from Punta Arenas and sail back to Ushuaia, or vice versa. Luckily, flying into one country and out of the other is not only do-able but often no more expensive than returning the same way.
Our customer service team can provide advice and assistance in finding the right flight option for your Antarctic adventure.
How to get to Antarctica from the USA
Travelling from the USA means flying south and then cruising from South America to Antarctica.
Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires: Daily direct flights to Buenos Aires operate from New York, Miami, Dallas and Atlanta (approx 9-10 hours). Once in Buenos Aires, there are regular flights to Ushuaia.
Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are daily, direct flights to Santiago from New York, Miami, Dallas and Atlanta (approx 8-10 hours). Once in Santiago, there are regular flights to Punta Arenas. There is also an indirect flight from Los Angeles to Santiago via Lima (approx 13 hours).
How to get to Antarctica from Australia
Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are direct flights from Sydney to Santiago 4 times a week (approx 12 hours). You may find it's more convenient to go via Auckland, New Zealand, which offers direct daily flights to Santiago. Once there, there are regular flights to Punta Arenas.
Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires and Santiago: There are no direct flights to Buenos Aires, so the most efficient way to get there is via Santiago (see above). Once in Santiago, there are regular flights to Buenos Aires (approx 2 hours), and regular onward flights to Ushuaia (approx 4 hours).
There is also the option to cruise from New Zealand to Antarctica with our Ross Sea Cruises.
Snowshoeing in Antarctica
How to get to Antarctica from the UK
Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires: There are direct flights from London to Buenos Aires (approx 14 hours). Once there, there are regular flights to Ushuaia (approx 4 hours). Another option is to fly via Madrid, where there are daily direct flights to Buenos Aires. While this is often cheaper, it is also often longer.
Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are direct flights from London to Santiago. Once there, there are regular flights to Punta Arenas.
Sculptured ice in Antarctica
How to get to Antarctica from Canada
Getting to Ushuaia via Buenos Aires: There are direct flights from Toronto to Buenos Aires 5 times a week (approx 14 hours). Once in Buenos Aires there are regular flights to Ushuaia.
Getting to Punta Arenas via Santiago: There are direct flights from Toronto to Santiago 5 times a week (approx 11 hours). Once in Santiago there are regular flights to Punta Arenas.
For other areas of Canada it may be more efficient to fly via Toronto or the USA. Ask our specialist for assistance if you're unsure.
What Our Customers Think of How to get to Antarctica
My advice is to review the videos that are out there on a trip to Antarctica. Read the reviews of the different type of cruises and determine what works best for you. Get in touch with Swoop and let them help with narrowing down the choices. Read the full review
Travelled: December 2018
Terrie Mandina - United States Of America
If you have never been, there is no way of preparing for the impact of being there. The untouched, natural beauty, the mighty icebergs, the silliness of the penguins. You will be spending hours just sitting in one spot adoring the view. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2018
Zoltan & Stephen Nemeth - Florida
For ease and efficiency few things beat flying to Antarctica. If I'd have known it was that easy I would have gone years ago!
Travelled: December 2016
Agi - Hungary
Dear Swoop family, we would like to thank you for all the amazing effort you made in getting us to Punta Arenas in time.
Travelled: December 2015
Erik & Natascha - The Netherlands
Review:
How to get to Antarctica: FAQs
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How long does it take to get to Antarctica?
It takes 48 hours to reach the Antarctic Peninsula by boat, and just 2 hours by plane. Sailing to the Falkland Islands from Ushuaia takes approximately 36 hours, and a further day's sailing is required to reach South Georgia Island. It is possible to fly to the South Pole from Punta Arenas in Southern Chile in 10 hours.
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Where do most cruises depart from?
99% of Antarctica trips start from either Ushuaia in Southern Argentina or Punta Arenas in Southern Chile. It provides the most choice in terms of voyages. Explore the route to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.
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Do you need a visa to visit Antarctica?
No, you don't need a visa to visit Antarctica. Antarctica is a non-sovereign nation. However you do need to check whether you need a visa for the country (Argentina/Chile) which you are travelling through to get there. Plus, Argentina and Chile charge some nationals a reciprocity fee. For more information visit our Visa section.
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Can you visit Antarctica alone?
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Are there trips that visit both Antarctica and South America?
Yes, there are many trips which visit both Antarctica and South America. Many Antarctic trips actually depart from the tip of South America, and we recommend taking some extra time to explore Chile and Argentina. Discover more about combining Patagonia and Antarctica.
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Can you travel to Antarctica?
Of course! Deciding which route to take, where you want to visit, and whether to cruise or fly are all the questions you need to answer next. If you get stuck one of our Polar Specialists would love to help find your perfect trip.
More about Antarctica
More helpful insights when researching your perfect Antarctic adventure.
What To Expect On An Antarctic Cruise
From zodiac safaris and continental landings to expert-led lectures, there’s absolutely no risk of boredom.
The Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Choosing the best time to visit Antarctica is an essential part of the planning process. Each month's distinctive weather and wildlife offer a different side of the region.
Antarctic Adventure Activities
Picture a humpback whale silently gliding past your sea kayak or the thrill of sleeping out in the pristine snow of a polar campsite. An adventure activity can take your Antarctic …
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With over 150 years of Antarctic experience between us, we can help guide you to exactly the right trip for you.
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