What is the average length of Antarctica tours starting from Ushuaia?

Most Antarctica expeditions from Ushuaia take between 11 and 20 days with popular routes to the Antarctic Peninsula lasting 11-14 days. Ships like the Ocean Explorer and Ocean Victory take travelers to key spots such as Paradise Bay Neko Harbour and the Lemaire Channel. A recent TourRadar traveler noted: "The 14-day Quest for the Antarctic Circle trip was life changing and sooo worth it."

What are the key departure points in Ushuaia for Antarctic cruises?

Ushuaia offers three main departure points for Antarctic bound vessels. Large ships like the Ocean Endeavour leave from the Main Maritime Terminal while smaller expedition vessels use the Tourist Pier. Some adventure ships depart from the Commercial Pier. Many tours begin with briefings at local hotels like the Arakur Ushuaia Resort & Spa or Los Cauquenes Resort where travelers report "the embarkation process from the port was very smooth and well-organized."

What should I explore in Ushuaia before departing for Antarctica?

The gateway city to Antarctica offers several worthy stops before departure. The Museo del Fin del Mundo provides context about regional history while Tierra del Fuego National Park presents hiking trails and local wildlife. The main street Avenida San Martín features shops and restaurants serving local specialties like Patagonian lamb and Fuegian seafood. One traveler notes: "I had some time before departure and the Tierra del Fuego National Park visit was absolutely worth it for experiencing the southernmost national park in the world."

What types of vessels depart from Ushuaia for Antarctica?

Ushuaia's Antarctic fleet includes ice-strengthened expedition ships that accommodate various group sizes. The G Expedition carries 116 passengers while larger vessels like the MV Sea Spirit and MV Hondius take up to 170 guests. Accommodation ranges from shared quad cabins to private suites. According to one guest: "The G Expedition was comfortable and nicely maintained with plenty of viewing areas and great facilities including a library and lecture room."

What kind of wildlife can I expect to see departing from Ushuaia?

The journey begins with seabirds like albatross and petrels in the Beagle Channel. Antarctic waters bring sightings of multiple penguin species including Gentoo Adelie and Chinstrap varieties. Seals (Weddell crabeater leopard) and whales (humpback minke orca) frequently appear. One traveler reports: "We had a 'whale' of a time watching six whales doing a synchronized performance plus countless penguin encounters!"

What is the best time to visit Antarctica on tours from Ushuaia?

Antarctic expedition season runs November through March. December and January offer up to 20 hours of daylight and the warmest temperatures. February and March excel for whale watching while November showcases dramatic ice formations and penguin courtship rituals. A TourRadar traveler confirms: "The crew expertly timed our February voyage for optimal whale sightings and calmer Drake Passage crossings."

Antarctica / South Pole Tours from Ushuaia

Antarctica is genuinely life-changing – no exaggeration. Picture exploring Ushuaia (the world's southernmost city), embarking on the G Expedition through Beagle Channel, crossing the Drake Passage with expert lectures, witnessing Antarctic wildlife on multiple shore landings, and recapping your journey crossing back. Nothing prepares you for Antarctica.

10 best Antarctica / South Pole tours from Ushuaia

$Celebrating New Year\'s in Antarctica (Ocean Albatros) Tour$
$Celebrating New Year\'s in Antarctica (Ocean Albatros) - 6 destinations$
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Polar
Celebrating New Year's in Antarctica (Ocean Albatros)
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"Good ship, knowledgable guides, snow penguins. I am still en route home, but I am ready to go again."
Dennis, traveled in November
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula,South Shetland Islands+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $13,995
US$11,196per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Extraordinary Antarctic route: Weddell Sea Explorer Intensive incl. Helicopter Panorama Flight
Duration
28 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Chile
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
20% Off
From
US$30,810per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Sportliches Basecamp In Der Antarktis
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MV Hondius MV Ortelius MV Plancius+2 ships
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
20% Off
From
US$11,900per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"Antarctica was way more awesome than I could ever have imagined. The Expedition Crew were amazing!"
Jan, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
20% Off
From
US$13,099per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Ocean Cruise
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
25% Off
From $15,095
US$11,321per person
Price based on Shared Room
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$Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer\'s Expedition (Ocean Victory) Tour$
$Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer\'s Expedition (Ocean Victory) - 6 destinations$
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Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition (Ocean Victory)
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"Great trip. One of best ones ever."
Sam, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $10,075
US$8,060per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey (Ocean Nova)
2.0 (1 traveler review)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
20% Off
From $11,695
US$9,356per 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
20% Off
From
US$11,395per 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 $27,795
US$23,626per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
THE GREAT ROUND WITH 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
15% Off
From
US$16,790per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.7 (34 traveler reviews)
"Staff and overall experience were excellent. Would definitely recommend to anyone who wants a trip to Antarctica."
Matthew, traveled in March
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From
US$9,399per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Antarctica Classic in Depth
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"This expedition to Antarctica was brilliant and so special. A chance to see the last frontier and the unique flora and fauna of this amazing place."
Elizabeth, traveled in November
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
15% Off
From
US$10,899per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Antarctica is a breathtaking experience we would recommend it to everyone. The penguins are super cool and elephant seals were hilarious."
Clarence, traveled in March
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Deception Island,King George Island,Livingston Island,Paradise Harbor,Paulet Island,Melchior Islands,Cuverville Island,Neko Harbor,Pléneau Island,Petermann Island,Antarctic Peninsula+10 more
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% Off
From
US$8,505per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Antarctic Explorer, Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 traveler reviews)
"The glaciers and the thickness of the snow cover was simply mind boggling. Listening to the occasional 'calving' glacier making a noise like 'gun fire' sometimes startled you."
Elfyn, traveled in February
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
Crossing 66º South Latitude
5.0 (1 traveler review)
"The best adventure ever."
Nataly, traveled in January
Duration
15 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula,Crystal Sound+1 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
15% Off
From $18,395
US$15,636per person
Price based on Shared Room
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