How to Travel to Antarctica
Cruise options, planning tips, and how to make your polar adventure unforgettable
t’s not every day someone casually mentions they’re planning a trip to Antarctica. When someone mentioned it to me recently, I lit up. Not just because Antarctica is one of the most awe-inspiring places on the planet (it is), but because I’ve researched it extensively for clients and know just how many decisions go into making it extraordinary.
This is not your average trip. It’s an expedition, one that rewards thoughtful planning. The good news? You don’t need to be a polar explorer to go. You just need the right guidance, the right ship, and a deep sense of curiosity.
So, Why Antarctica?
Because it’s like nowhere else. Towering blue icebergs. Penguins waddling inches from your boots. Seals lazing around. Whales surfacing in crystalline water. It’s the kind of place that forces you to look up, pause, and remember just how wild and beautiful our planet really is.
This isn’t a sightseeing trip, it’s an expedition. Whether you’re kayaking through iceberg-studded bays or listening to the thunderous crack of a calving glacier, Antarctica makes you feel very small, in the best way. It’s emotional. It’s invigorating. And it’s deeply, deeply special.
How You Get There
Most travelers reach Antarctica from the tip of South America, usually flying into Buenos Aires or Santiago, then connecting onward to Ushuaia, Argentina (the “end of the world”) or Punta Arenas, Chile, where the journey really begins.
From there, you either:
Sail across the Drake Passage (two days of open sea, famously rough, or famously smooth, depending on your luck)
Fly over it and board your ship directly on the Antarctic Peninsula (a time-saving, Drake-skipping option that’s grown in popularity)
Ships range from small, adventure-forward expedition vessels to ultra-luxury ships with spas and suites, and everything in between.
Ideally, plan at least a year ahead for the best itineraries and cabins, especially for peak season.
If you're wondering how to choose the best Antarctica cruise from Argentina or Chile, that's exactly where I can help.
When to Go
Antarctica has one brief travel season: November to March, which is the Southern Hemisphere’s summer. Each month offers something different:
November: Pristine, dramatic landscapes, mating season for penguins.
December and January: Peak wildlife, 24-hour daylight, the “sweet spot” for most.
February and early March: Whale sightings ramp up, chicks hatch, fewer crowds.
If you're hoping for optimal wildlife sightings and longer days, the best time to go to Antarctica is mid-December through early February.
Choosing the Right Ship
There are a lot of options out there. The right one depends on your style, your goals, and your appetite for adventure.
Some of my favorites (and yes, I can unlock perks on many of them, and I’ll make sure you’re treated like a VIP, because you are):
Quark Expeditions
For true adventurers, think ice camping, mountaineering, and stand-up paddleboarding. Their helicopter-accessible trips to emperor penguin colonies are legendary. Quark’s small ships and specialized guides make this the choice for bold explorers.
National Geographic x Lindblad
If you’re curious, creative, and a sucker for learning, this is your ship. Each voyage includes expert-led lectures and hands-on photography workshops. Naturalists and glaciologists lead daily excursions, and the vibe is highly educational, in the best way.
HX (Hurtigruten Expeditions)
Eco-conscious, innovative, and deeply connected to the environment. Their hybrid-powered ships are designed with sustainability in mind, and guests can join Citizen Science programs during the voyage.
Seabourn, Silversea, Viking, Ponant
For those who want a softer landing after a day on the ice. These luxury expedition lines offer butler service, wine pairings, and spa time, alongside Zodiac excursions and wildlife viewing. No compromise required.
Antarctica21
Perfect for travelers short on time or hesitant about the Drake. These fly-cruise itineraries take you straight to the peninsula and focus on maximizing landings, not time at sea.
Looking for the best Antarctica expedition cruise? Each of these offers something different, and that’s where having an expert in your corner helps.
What It’s Really Like
Days begin early. Weather changes fast. You dress in layers (lots of them). Landings are done by Zodiac, small inflatable boats that get you up close to penguin colonies, glaciers, and ice floes. Only 100 people can go ashore at once, which is why smaller ships offer more opportunities to actually set foot on the continent.
You’ll hike, take photos, learn from experts, and, if you’re feeling brave, maybe do the Polar Plunge (yes, that’s a real thing).
And the Drake Passage? Some people dread it, but others find it strangely soothing. Either way, there’s always the fly option if that’s more your style.
When you're not off the ship, you're likely listening to fascinating talks from naturalists, enjoying hot drinks with glacier views, and swapping stories with fellow travelers who have already done the Galápagos, the Arctic, and Bhutan.
Whether you want a scenic cruise or a full-on Antarctica travel adventure, there’s an itinerary out there with your name on it.
What to Pack
Your ship will provide a gear list, and many supply waterproof boots and parkas. But in general, plan for:
Thermal base layers (avoid cotton)
Fleece or down mid-layers
Waterproof jacket and pants
Warm hat and gloves (liners + mittens)
Polarized sunglasses & sunscreen
Waterproof backpack or dry bag
Camera gear (and extra batteries)
Comfortable shoes/slippers for onboard
Pro tip: rent boots and waterproof pants if your ship offers it, they’re bulky to pack and expensive to buy.
Wondering what to wear in Antarctica? I’ll help you pack smart, and stay warm.
Add-On Destinations: Make the Most of the Journey
If you’re already making the trek south, why not make the most of it? Here are some favorites to pair with your Antarctic adventure:
Patagonia: Epic hikes, glaciers, and postcard-perfect peaks in Torres del Paine or El Chaltén.
Mendoza: Malbec tastings and Andes views.
Iguazú Falls: One of the largest and most impressive waterfall systems in the world.
Buenos Aires or Santiago: Urban energy, tango, and really good empanadas.
What It Costs
Antarctica is a splurge. While a few trips start around $10,000, most travelers should expect to spend $15,000–$25,000+ depending on the ship, cabin, and time of year. Flights, pre-cruise hotels, gear rentals, and excursions can add to the total.
That said, this is one of those trips where cost really does reflect experience. I’ll help you understand what you’re getting, what matters, and how to make the most of your investment.
Is It For You?
You don’t need to be a hardcore adventurer. You don’t need to rough it. You just need to be curious, open to unpredictability, and ready to be moved by nature in ways you didn’t expect.
If you’ve ever dreamed of seeing penguins in the wild, photographing glowing-blue icebergs, or standing in a place where time feels suspended: Antarctica is waiting.
Let’s talk ships, dates, and logistics. And let's make it happen.
