- Operators compared
- 8
- Priced products
- 39
- Median price (13 days)
- $18,395
- Range
- $5,995–$59,590
- Prices last verified
- 25 Oct 2026
What drives the price
- 01
Almost all tourist voyages run November to March from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage in about two days each way; fly-cruise options skip the crossing from Punta Arenas, Chile.
- 02
IAATO rules allow a maximum of 100 passengers ashore at any one time; ships carrying more than 500 passengers make no landings at all.
- 03
Cabin category, ship size and included activities (kayaking, camping, polar plunge) explain most of the price range.
- 04
Longer voyages adding the Falklands and South Georgia roughly double the days and the price.
Options compared
| Variant | Days | offers | Min | Median |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Antarctic Peninsula | 10–12 | 9 | $9,274 | $14,195 |
| Fly-cruise (skip the Drake) | 6–8 | 7 | $5,995 | $15,995 |
| Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica | 18–23 | 13 | $12,633 | $21,614 |
| Antarctic Circle crossing | 12–14 | 7 | $12,814 | $18,395 |
| Weddell Sea and emperor penguins | 10–12 | 3 | $17,950 | $17,950 |
Best months
Early season
Pristine snow, penguins courting and nesting, sea ice may limit landings; lower prices in November.
Peak
Longest days, warmest weather, penguin chicks hatching; highest prices.
Late season
Best whale watching, penguin chicks fledging, more open water for the Polar Circle; prices ease in March.
How to choose
- 1
Decide between a classic peninsula voyage, a fly-cruise that avoids the Drake, or the long Falklands and South Georgia route.
- 2
Smaller ships (under 200 passengers) land everyone every day; larger ships rotate groups ashore.
- 3
Compare what is included, especially flights to Ushuaia, hotel nights, parka, boots and paid activities.
- 4
Last-minute berths from Ushuaia can be heavily discounted for flexible travellers.
Lowest price per day right now
See every operator| Trend | Verified | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HX Hurtigruten Expeditions IAATO member | Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica | 18 | Group | $12,633 | $702 | first seen | |
| HX Hurtigruten Expeditions IAATO member | Classic Antarctic Peninsula | 12 | Group | $9,274 | $773 | first seen | |
| HX Hurtigruten Expeditions IAATO member | Antarctic Circle crossing | 16 | Group | $12,814 | $801 | first seen | |
| Poseidon Expeditions IAATO member | Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica | 23 | Group | $20,595 | $895 | +20% | |
| HX Hurtigruten Expeditions IAATO member | Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica | 23 | Group | $21,614 | $940 | first seen | |
| Antarctica21 IAATO member | Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica | 17 | Group | $15,995 | $941 | first seen | |
| Antarctica21 IAATO member | Fly-cruise (skip the Drake) | 6 | Group | $5,995 | $999 | first seen | |
| Antarctica21 IAATO member | Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica | 18 | Group | $17,995 | $1,000 | first seen |
Frequently asked questions
Answers use the live dataset; figures update when prices are re-verified.
How much does an Antarctica cruise cost?
Across the 8 operators we track, the median price for a 13-day voyage is $18,395 per person in the lowest cabin category, observed on 25 Oct 2026. Prices rise steeply with cabin grade and for Falklands and South Georgia itineraries.
When is the best time to go to Antarctica?
November to March. December and January have the longest days and penguin chicks; February and March are best for whales and reaching further south. November and March are cheaper.
How bad is the Drake Passage?
It varies from flat calm to very rough, with two days each way. Fly-cruise itineraries avoid it, at the cost of possible flight delays due to weather at King George Island.
Does ship size matter in Antarctica?
Yes. Only 100 passengers may be ashore at once, so ships under about 200 passengers can land everyone daily while larger ships rotate groups. Ships over 500 passengers do not land at all.
What is IAATO?
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators sets and polices visitor guidelines, landing limits and biosecurity rules. Nearly all reputable operators are members.