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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Polar
The Highlights of Antarctica
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Chile Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
MV Hondius
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$21,363per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Ultimate Antarctica & the Fjords of Southern Chile 2027
Duration
29 days
Destinations
Argentina Chile Uruguay
Age Range
Ages 18+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
From
US$39,640per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Ultimate Journey: Patagonia, Argentina, Brazil & Antarctica - Cruise & Land Journey 2028
Duration
29 days
Destinations
Chile Argentina Brazil
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Scenic Eclipse
Regions
PatagoniaAndes Mountains+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
From
US$52,755per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney Islands and Antarctic Peninsula
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Argentina Chile Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MV Hondius MV Ortelius MV Plancius+2 ships
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
From
US$16,590per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Ocean Cruise
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
15% Off
From $23,695
US$20,141per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Ocean Cruise
New Year in Antarctica
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
15% Off
From
US$17,495per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Antarctica: The White Continent (Buenos Aires to Ushuaia)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Collette
4% Off
From $10,449
US$10,049per person
+$1,000 upfront costs
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Highlights of Antarctica, Argentina and Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey 2027
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
4% Off
From
US$31,545per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Explorer
Highlights of Antarctica, Argentina & Brazil - Cruise & Land Journey 2027-2028
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
16% Off
From $30,038
US$25,375per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
South Polar Circle With Falkland Islands and South Georgia
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Argentina Chile Antarctica
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ship
Ultramarine
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
16% Off
From
US$45,748per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
5.0 (1 traveler 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 England Argentina
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
G Expedition
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
16% Off
From
US$16,999per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Spirit of Shackleton
5.0 (1 traveler 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
16% Off
From
US$23,799per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (Ocean Explorer), Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 traveler reviews)
"Antarctica is a very special place. Cannot be compared to any other travel experience."
Janet, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula,Hornos Island+1 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
26% Off
From $13,195
US$9,756per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari, Operated by Quark
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Overall the ship experience was excellent. Prior to the trip communication between Quark, Exodus and Tour Radar was poor."
Douglas, traveled in December
Duration
18 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,South Georgia Island,South Orkney Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+3 more
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleSouth Georgia Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% Off
From $22,895
US$20,605per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Explorer
Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage (Ocean Victory)
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Regions
PatagoniaAntarctica / South PoleAndes MountainsTierra del Fuego National Park+3 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
10% Off
From
US$11,395per person
Price based on Shared Room
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