When is the best time to visit Antarctica from South America?

Antarctica tours from South America operate during the austral summer from November to March. During this window visitors can expect the most favorable conditions with milder temperatures and extended daylight. The peak months of December and January bring temperatures hovering around 32-35°F (0-2°C) and nearly continuous daylight. Late February through March draws whale watchers to the Antarctic Peninsula while November offers pristine snowscapes and active penguin colonies starting their breeding cycle. A TourRadar traveler from a Hurtigruten expedition shared: "We had such fantastic weather during our trip in January which made wildlife viewing incredible."

How rough is the Drake Passage crossing and should I be concerned about seasickness?

The notorious Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica presents two faces: the peaceful "Drake Lake" or the turbulent "Drake Shake" with swells reaching 15-20 feet. The crossing takes about 2 days each way. Vessels like MS Sea Spirit and Ocean Endeavour come equipped with stabilizers to reduce motion. Seasickness medication and medical support are readily available onboard as noted by a TourRadar traveler: "The ship crew and doctors were wonderful and helpful during the Drake Passage crossing providing seasickness medication and support when needed." Consulting with your doctor before departure is recommended particularly for those prone to motion sickness.

How much does an Antarctica tour from South America typically cost?

Expect to invest between USD 10750 and USD 42940 for an Antarctica expedition with daily rates ranging from USD 977 to 3303. Entry-level trips on ships like the Ocean Endeavour start at USD 11000 for 11-day journeys while high-end experiences aboard vessels like Scenic Eclipse can reach USD 40000. These rates typically cover lodging meals guided excursions and transfers. According to a TourRadar traveler: "While expensive the experience was worth every penny given the incredible wildlife encounters expert guides and comfort level onboard."

What are the accommodation options on Antarctica cruises from South America?

Ships crossing to Antarctica offer varied accommodation levels to suit different preferences. The MS Roald Amundsen features luxury suites with private balconies while the Ocean Endeavour provides options from triple-share rooms to owner's suites. Common amenities include observation decks panoramic lounges and wellness centers. Some itineraries include pre-cruise stays at properties like the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa. A TourRadar traveler on Poseidon Expeditions noted: "The accommodations were excellent - my suite was spacious with great views and the ship's facilities including the sauna and gym were top-notch."

What medical facilities are available during Antarctica cruises?

Expedition ships maintain onboard medical clinics staffed by qualified doctors equipped for basic emergency care. The Ocean Endeavour and similar vessels provide essential medical services though serious conditions require evacuation to South America. A TourRadar traveler from Poseidon Expeditions noted: "The onboard doctor was professional and readily available throughout the journey providing peace of mind in such a remote location." All travelers must secure comprehensive travel insurance with emergency evacuation coverage typically minimum USD 200000.

How long are typical Antarctica tours from South America?

Tours range from 11 to 24 days depending on the itinerary. Standard Antarctic Peninsula expeditions like Intrepid Wildlife Explorer run 11 days while extended journeys including the Falklands and South Georgia such as Hurtigruten's Antarctica and Falklands Expedition span 23 days. A TourRadar traveler reflected: "Our 14-day journey felt perfect - enough time to explore different Antarctic locations while also allowing for weather contingencies around the Drake Passage crossing." Routes beyond the Peninsula naturally extend trip duration.

Antarctica Cruises/Tours from South America

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10 best Antarctica South America tour packages

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Polar
Ultimate Chilean Fjords, Glaciers & Antarctic Wildlife Explorer
Duration
31 days
Destinations
Chile Argentina Falkland Islands
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
14% Off
From $54,275
US$46,700per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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$Patagonian Adventure and Antarctica\'s Weddell Sea - Cruise & Land Journey Tour$
$Patagonian Adventure and Antarctica\'s Weddell Sea - Cruise & Land Journey - 13 destinations$
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Polar
Patagonian Adventure and Antarctica's Weddell Sea - Cruise & Land Journey
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Chile Argentina Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Regions
Andes MountainsPatagonia+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
11% Off
From $44,600
US$39,679per person
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Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
The Grand Tour: The Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the South Orkney Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MV Hondius MV Ortelius MV Plancius+2 ships
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
11% Off
From
US$16,456per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Explorers and Kings: Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Argentina Chile Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
11% Off
From
US$29,326per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (21 Days)
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
11% Off
From
US$21,895per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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$Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer\'s Expedition (Ocean Nova) Tour$
$Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer\'s Expedition (Ocean Nova) - 7 destinations$
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Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition (Ocean Nova)
4.3 (3 reviews)
"Great trip. One of best ones ever."
Sam, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Drake Passage,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $12,445
US$9,334per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Highlights of Antarctica, Argentina and Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey 2026-2027 - 22 Days
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Argentina Antarctica Brazil
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Scenic Eclipse Scenic Eclipse II+1 ship
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
15% Off
From $31,545
US$26,840per person
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Polar
Highlights of Antarctica, Argentina & Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey 2028
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Argentina Antarctica Brazil
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ships
Scenic Eclipse Scenic Eclipse II+1 ship
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
13% Off
From $34,776
US$30,136per person
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Polar
South Polar Circle With Falkland Islands and South Georgia
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
Ultramarine
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
13% Off
From
US$45,378per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Highlights of Antarctica, Argentina & Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey 2027-2028 - 21 Days
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Brazil Argentina Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ships
Scenic Eclipse Scenic Eclipse II+1 ship
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
15% Off
From $31,114
US$26,473per person
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
5.0 (1 review)
"Superb staff at every level. The itinerary was always subject to the weather but there was always a plan 'b' or even 'c'."
JackWalton, traveled in October
Duration
22 days
Destinations
Uruguay Falkland Islands Antarctica Argentina
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
G Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
35% Off
From $20,999
US$13,649per person
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Polar
Spirit of Shackleton
5.0 (1 review)
"The zodiac tours were amazing, the crew aboard the Expedition were first class, and the accommodations were very comfortable and well maintained."
Collette, traveled in January
Duration
21 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Chile
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
25% Off
From $23,799
US$17,849per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Epic Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing via Buenos Aires, Operated by Quark
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $40,890
US$36,930per person
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Polar
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (23 Days)
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Argentina Antarctica Falkland Islands
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
10% Off
From
US$17,195per person
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Polar
Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Nova)
5.0 (2 reviews)
"This trip was an 'excursion', not a 'cruise', so do not sign up if you are expecting multiple restaurants, live entertainment, or other such luxuries."
Jana, traveled in December
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park, Drake Passage,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+2 more
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% Off
From $13,825
US$10,369per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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