South America Ocean Cruises
Find the right ocean cruise tour for you in South America. There are 106 trips to choose from, that range from 4 days in length, up to 34 days. The month with the most departures is November, making it the most popular time to visit South America.
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Jacqueline • traveled in June
The Crew was amazing and we had a wonderful time!
Galapagos Cruise - Discover Central, East & South Islands in 8 Days aboard the Monserrat - M
Markus • traveled in July
Tour was excellent, crew and guides well qualified and friendly. On-board safety and environmental management of high standard. Real value for money.
Galapagos Cruise - Central, West, East & South Islands in 12 Days aboard the Monserrat - M
Mark • traveled in March, 2026
Exceptional experience! Extremely well organized, safety conscious, and the guides/naturalists had infectious enthusiasm. Highly recommend!
Antarctica Classic
106 South America cruises with 100 reviews
Compiled by

NinaSouth America travel expert at TourRadar
- Ancient Kingdoms and Natural Treasures: Chile to Panama
- Ultimate Brazil, Patagonia & the Chilean Fjords
- The Highlights of Antarctica
- Galapagos Cruise - Discover Central, East & South Islands in 8 Days aboard the Monserrat
- Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)
- Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
- Galapagos Cruise - Central, West, East & South Islands in 12 Days aboard the Monserrat
- Galapagos Discovered - 6 days
- Galapagos Explorer: Southern Islands (Grand Queen Beatriz)
- New Year in Antarctica
Scenic Eclipse II takes 228 guests from Valparaíso to Panama City over 14 days along South America's Pacific coast. You'll take Zodiacs through Humboldt Penguin National Reserve to see penguins and dolphins, then kayak around Utría National Park's mangroves and check out tropical forests in Darién.
Duration 14 days Destinations Chile, Peru, Ecuador, Colombia, Panama Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $11,545
26% Off- US$8,536You save $3,009
Duration 28 days Destinations Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Chile Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours From $39,050
24% Off- US$29,770You save $9,281
MV Hondius charts South America's southernmost waters, featuring stops at Saunders Island and Elephant Island. The 23-day voyage includes expert-led excursions, wildlife viewing, and comfortable cabin options from standard rooms to the Grand Suite.
Duration 23 days Destinations Argentina, Falkland Islands, Chile, Antarctica Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
24% Off- US$21,293
Galapagos Cruise - Discover Central, East & South Islands in 8 Days aboard the Monserrat
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“Tourradar is very organized. I especially appreciated the quick response to my questions.”
Sherlyn, traveled in March
The Monserrat's eight-day voyage covers 11 Galapagos islands. Featured stops include Champion Islet's snorkeling sites, Punta Suárez's bird colonies, and Post Office Bay, with comfortable cabins and all meals included.
Duration 8 days Destinations Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Santiago Island, Seymour Norte, Santa Fé Island, San Cristóbal Island, Lobos Island, Española Island, Punta Suarez, Floreana Island Age Range Ages 18+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Via Natura Ecuador From
24% Off- US$5,695+$550 upfront costs
Galapagos at a Glance: Southern Islands (Grand Daphne)
1 Review by TourRadar travelers“The boat lacks nothing. The rooms are enough, with the bottom bunks being able to fit 2 people.”
brooks, traveled in February
Le Grande Daphne glides through the Galapagos on a 6-day voyage. The route stretches from Baltra to San Cristóbal, with stops at Post Office Bay and Gardner Beach. Air-conditioned cabins and expert naturalist guidance complement the volcanic seascape.
Duration 6 days Destinations Quito, Baltra Island, Santa Cruz Island, Puerto Ayora, Floreana Island, Española Island, Punta Suarez, Gardner Island, Leon Dormido, San Cristóbal IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 12+ Operator Intrepid Travel From
24% Off- US$4,340+$220 local payments
Duration 19 days Destinations Argentina, Chile, Antarctica Age Range All Ages Welcome Operator Inventia From
24% Off- US$16,536
Galapagos Cruise - Central, West, East & South Islands in 12 Days aboard the Monserrat
2 Reviews by TourRadar travelers“The crew and the guides are outstanding! There is a family feeling on the boat and we could just focus on the beauty of Galapagos.”
Maria, traveled in August
The Monserrat showcases South America's marine diversity. The route extends from Baltra through 16 iconic Galapagos locations, featuring snorkeling at Champion Islet and wildlife watching at Gardner Bay. Professional guides lead daily excursions to observe unique species.
Duration 12 days Destinations Baltra Island, Isabela Island, Fernandina Island, Santiago Island, Seymour Norte, Santa Cruz Island, Rabida Island, Bartolomé Island, South Plaza Island, Santa Fé IslandSee all destinations Age Range Ages 6+ Operated in English, Spanish Operator Via Natura Ecuador From
24% Off- US$7,895
What our customers ask about South America Ocean Cruises
When is the best time to take an Ocean Cruise to Antarctica and South Georgia from South America?
Antarctic Ocean Cruises from South America operate between November and March when the weather is mild and days are long. Wildlife enthusiasts find late February and March best for whale spotting near the Antarctic Peninsula while December and January offer prime penguin viewing in South Georgia and the Falklands. The spring months bring warmer temperatures reaching up to 8°C (46°F). One TourRadar traveler on a February Hurtigruten cruise noted: "Weather was very good for us and the expedition team were excellent at finding optimal wildlife viewing opportunities."
What's the difference between various Antarctic cruise routes from South America?
Antarctic cruise routes range from focused Peninsula explorations to longer journeys that include South Georgia and the Falklands. The 24-day Hurtigruten voyage covers extensive territory including the Weddell Sea while Poseidon Expeditions specializes in wildlife-focused Peninsula routes. Some itineraries venture beyond the Antarctic Circle. A TourRadar traveler shared: "The comprehensive route gave us amazing diversity - from the Falklands' green landscapes to Antarctica's massive icebergs."
What's the best cruise length for exploring Antarctica from South America?
For a complete Antarctic experience including South Georgia and the Falklands 18-24 days is recommended. The Hurtigruten 24-day voyage allows time to explore each region while the M/V Sea Spirit's 21-day journey offers detailed exploration of key sites. Shorter 11-12 day trips focus on the Antarctic Peninsula. According to a TourRadar traveler: "The 3-week itinerary gave us plenty of time to really experience each unique location."
What weather conditions should I prepare for on an Antarctic Ocean Cruise?
Antarctic weather changes quickly with summer temperatures ranging from -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F). The Drake Passage can be rough though vessels like the M/V Sea Spirit use stabilizers for smoother sailing. Waterproof gear and warm layers are essential with most ships providing expedition parkas. Ice can persist in the Weddell Sea even during summer. A TourRadar traveler noted: "The weather changed constantly but the ship's crew was excellent at adapting the schedule accordingly."
What are the typical accommodation options on South American Antarctic cruise ships?
Antarctic cruise ships offer varied cabin choices from standard rooms to premium suites. The M/V Sea Spirit provides Classic Suites and Owner's Suites each with private bathrooms and ocean views. Before departure the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa offers mountain-view rooms with hot tubs. The MV Hondius features six cabin types including Deluxe Rooms and Grand Suites. TourRadar travelers report: "The expedition staff hotel accommodations and food were all excellent quality."
How many passengers are typically on South American Antarctic cruise ships?
Antarctic vessels typically carry 100-200 passengers aligning with landing regulations and ensuring personal experiences. The MV Hondius hosts 170 guests while the M/V Sea Spirit limits capacity to 120 passengers. These smaller numbers allow better access to landing sites and more interaction with naturalist guides. A TourRadar traveler confirmed: "The smaller ship size meant we could access more landing sites and had more time with the naturalist guides."
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