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.

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10 best Antarctica / South Pole tours from Ushuaia

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Polar
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 $11,795
US$8,846per person
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Polar
Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica, Operated by Quark
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 16+
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
15% off
From $28,595
US$24,305per person
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Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer - 20 days
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 15+
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland Islands+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
15% off
From
US$28,510per person
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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
Ushuaia, Prion Island, Stromness, Drake Passage
Age Range
Ages 18+
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleSouth Georgia Island+1 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Inventia
15% off
From
US$29,313per person
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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
15% off
From
US$15,974per person
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Polar
The Antarctic Peninsula and Weddell Sea - M/V Ushuaia
Duration
12 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 16+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Explore!
15% off
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US$10,450per person
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Polar
Crossing 66º South Latitude
5.0 (1 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
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US$18,395per person
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$Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer\'s Expedition (Ocean Nova) Tour$
$Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer\'s Expedition (Ocean Nova) - 7 destinations$
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Polar
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
15% off
From $10,580
US$8,993per person
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Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $450
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Polar
Falkland Islands, South Georgia & Antarctica (Ocean Victory)
Duration
20 days
Destinations
Argentina Falkland Islands Antarctica
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Ocean Victory
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
15% off
From
US$22,995per person
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Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $1,150
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Polar
Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey (Ocean Nova)
2.0 (1 review)
Duration
13 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands
Age Range
Ages 8+
Ship
Ocean Endeavour
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
25% off
From $12,995
US$9,746per person
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent (Ocean Explorer), Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 reviews)
"For me, the most awe-inspiring moment was when the captain of the ship announced land ahoy, my first sight of Antarctica made my heart race."
Mark, traveled in January
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands
Age Range
Ages 18+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Exodus Adventure Travels
10% off
From $13,495
US$12,145per person
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Polar
Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Nova)
5.0 (2 reviews)
"The trip crossed the Antarctic circle. We saw many glaciers and wildlife."
Walter, traveled in February
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
15% off
From $13,395
US$11,386per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $569
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Polar
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 reviews)
"Go! Mind blowing scenery in an amazing place. G Adventures were fantastic in all regards."
Isabelle, traveled in February
Duration
14 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego National Park,South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+2 more
Age Range
Ages 12+
Ship
G Expedition
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
G Adventures
35% off
From $17,899
US$11,634per person
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Price based on Shared Room
G Adventures offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $582
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Polar
Christmas Season in Antarctica (Ocean Victory)
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, South Shetland Islands, Deception Island
Age Range
Ages 8+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
Intrepid Travel
35% off
From
US$11,895per person
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Price based on Shared Room
Intrepid Travel offers 5% discount for past passengers, saving $595
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Polar
Christmas in Antarctica
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
35% off
From
US$16,595per person
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