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

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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 11 days
Duration
11 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands,Antarctic Peninsula+1 more
Age Range
Ages 15+
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
From
US$7,865per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Quest for the Antarctic Circle
4.3 (13 traveler reviews)
"Excellent trip. Great on shore landings and zodiac cruises."
Andrea, traveled in February
Duration
14 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 $13,099
US$11,134per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Ocean Cruise
Realm of Penguins & Icebergs
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
25% Off
From $16,595
US$12,446per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey
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
25% Off
From
US$11,695per 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 Shared Room
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Ocean Cruise
Antarctic Wildlife Adventure (23 Days)
Duration
23 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, King George Island, Antarctic Peninsula,South Georgia Island,Falkland Islands,Buenos Aires+3 more
Age Range
Ages 6+
Ship
M/V Sea Spirit
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English
Operator
Poseidon Expeditions
15% Off
From $26,795
US$22,776per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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$Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer\'s Expedition Tour$
$Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer\'s Expedition - 6 destinations$
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Polar
Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition
4.3 (3 traveler reviews)
"The ship crew and expedition crew were wonderful and helpful. It was an unforgettable experience."
Aaron, 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
15% Off
No departure dates available
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Explorer
Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage
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
15% Off
From
US$12,115per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Animal Paradises Falkland and South Georgia
Duration
19 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island
Age Range
All Ages Welcome
Ships
MV Plancius M/V Sea Spirit+1 ship
Regions
Antarctica / South PoleFalkland IslandsSouth Georgia Island+2 more
Operated in
English, German
Operator
DIAMIR Erlebnisreisen
15% Off
From
US$17,693per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctica Classic
4.7 (30 traveler reviews)
"The beauty of Antarctica, the utter strangeness - there is nothing anymore to relate to. G Adventure and the amazingly competent crew made the impossible possible."
Michèle, traveled in January
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
30% Off
From $10,999
US$7,699per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Classic Antarctica - 10 days
5.0 (4 traveler reviews)
"Excellent service, great communication and friendly staff."
Inga, traveled in December
Duration
10 days
Destinations
Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island
Age Range
Ages 10+
Ship
MV Ushuaia
Country Region
Antarctica / South Pole
Operated in
English
Operator
On The Go Tours
30% Off
From
US$7,335per person
Price based on Private Double Room
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Polar
Antarctica Classic in Depth
4.0 (5 traveler reviews)
"Everything is exceptionally well-organized, and I truly appreciate their hard work in making this an unforgettable experience."
Naveen, 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
30% Off
From
US$10,899per 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, King George Island, Deception Island,Antarctic Peninsula+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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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
15% Off
From
US$10,352per person
Price based on Shared Room
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Polar
Antarctic Explorer, Operated by Quark
4.8 (20 traveler reviews)
"The most amazing trip, far exceeding the expectations that I had held for a lifetime! Each experience seemed to surpass the last."
Enid, traveled in March
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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