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Antarctic snowy and icy landscape

Antarctica Cruises from South America

Book your unforgettable trip to Antarctica from South America

If you've ever itched to go where only a few have been, the unspoiled vastness of Antarctica is the destination for you. Whale watching, spotting penguins sliding into the water, and exploring the Great White Continent. Book a tour with one of our many seasoned Antarctica operators.

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Highlights

  • Visit Ushuaia

    It's the southernmost city in Argentina and is considered to be the Gateway to Antarctica!

  • Cross the Drake Passage

    Fly from Ushuaia, or cruise over by ship and watch whales and albatrosses.

  • Onboard lectures

    Get ready to step foot on land and learn all about Antarctica from your expedition crew.

  • Spot wildlife

    Keep your eyes peeled for whales, penguin rookeries, and seal colonies.

  • Trek, ski or kayak

    Yep, we're not kidding! There's no shortage of fun and activities to be had at the bottom of the world.

  • Record everything!

    Trust us on this! The grandeur of the Great White Continent will take your breath away.

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Places to see

No Antarctica tour is like another, so you're bound to have a unique experience. Here's a glimpse of what might await you!

  • The port town of Ushuaia with mountains in the background

    Ushuaia

    Ushuaia is the southernmost city in South America and Argentina's gateway to Antarctica. It boasts stunning landscapes, a large museum complex, and the southernmost railway in the world.

  • A colony of Gentoo penguins

    King George Island

    75 miles off the coast of Antarctica, King George Island is home to many species of penguins and seals. Due to its many research stations, it has become known as the 'unofficial' capital of Antarctica.

  • The shore of Antarctic Peninsula with penguins

    The Antarctic Peninsula

    The Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost point of Antarctica, is the most visited part of the continent. It's home to many research stations and various marine mammals.

  • Punta Arenas, Chile, with the sea in the background

    Punta Arenas, Chile

    The colorful city of Punta Arenas is Chile's gateway to Antarctica and lies near beautiful national reserves, such as Parrillar Laguna National Reserve and the Magallanes National Reserve.

  • A penguin trotting around

    The Falkland Islands

    Off the coast of Patagonia, The Falkland Islands is a cluster of islands home to around 3,000 people. Spot penguin rookeries, go whale watching, and walk around the quaint capital of Stanley.

    Activities

    Every Antarctica tour is unique when it comes to activities. We have listed the top things to do in Antarctica below! But please remember: activities are weather dependent.

    • A whale jumping out of the water

      Whale watching

      It comes as no surprise why whale watching is a bucket list item for so many - seeing these magnificent animals jump out of the water and dive in again is a proper spectacle.

    • People kayaking past an snowy and icy landscape

      Kayaking

      Kayak among glistening icebergs and towering mountains and take in the grandeur of the Great White Continent from the water. You might even see whales swimming alongside you!

    • People marveling at a snowy landscape with the sea in the back

      Trekking

      Traverse glaciated and mountainous terrain and marvel at the grandeur of the world's least-visited continent. Time to get in shape for an unforgettable trek!

    • People sailing on a zodiac boat

      Zodiac cruising

      Guides use zodiacs (inflatable boats) to transport travellers from the ship for excursions on land and around the shores of Antarctica. Keep an eye out for whales, penguins, and seals!

    • A tent set up on a snowy landscape

      Camping

      Camp in the white vastness of Antarctica under a sky like no other, with more stars twinkling than you've ever seen before. Such a spectacle of ice, snow, and sky is an absolute must!

    • Two people skiing downhill

      Skiing

      Antarctica is a top destination for backcountry skiing. Ski a range of untouched, pristine slopes while admiring stunning views of the vast Great White Continent. 

    • Penguins jumping out of and into the water

      Snorkeling

      Explore Antarctica's underworld in an unparalleled snorkeling experience - dive into cold waters (with the right equipment, of course!) and explore beautiful icebergs and rich marine life!

    • A pile of books

      Lectures

      Learn about Antarctica’s extraordinary history, wildlife, and environment. Always listen closely to all safety guidelines as Antarctica, though a place of dreams, can be a handful.

    • A penguin looking at the camera

      Penguin watching

      Watch penguins slide downhill and jump into the water. See if you capture those moments on camera!

      Guide to Antarctica

      Want to know more about Antarctic wildlife, when to visit Antarctica, and how to prepare for your adventure? Then head over to our

      Guide to Antarctica

      Frequently asked questions

      • Where do tours from South America to Antarctica start?

        Most Antarctica tours start in the port cities of Ushuaia in the south of Argentina or in Punta Arenas in the south of Chile. Some tours begin in other cities such as Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Rio de Janeiro. Please check the tour’s itinerary to find out where the tour starts!

      • Where should I start the tour?

        This depends on your budget and the time available.

        The airports in Buenos Aires, Montevideo, and Rio de Janeiro are well-connected so it's easier to join a tour starting in any of them. But since these tours might include more traveling, they can be longer (15 - 30 days) and pricer (4,000 - 45,000 USD).

        Tours starting in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas can be less pricy (many are between 4,000 - 10,000 USD) but more inconvenient as you'll have to fly there from Santiago and Buenos Aires, respectively. 
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      Contact our Travel Experts

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      • Contact our Travel Experts
      • Contact our Travel Experts

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      24/7 Support

      Our team of experienced tour specialists have travelled to hundreds of countries around the globe and have decades of first-hand travel experience to share. Contact us now to have all of your tour-related questions answered!

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