Antarctica was the most expensive trip I’ve ever booked. No joke, I spent months comparing ships, reading forums, watching YouTube videos and wondering whether it would actually live up to the hype. Now that I’ve been there, there are dozens of things I wish someone had told me before I boarded the ship in Ushuaia. Some would’ve saved me money, others might’ve changed the cruise I booked and a few would’ve simply made the whole experience less stressful.
This guide breaks down everything I learnt or wished I knew about visiting Antarctica beforehand.
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- Antarctic expedition cruise costs and all the extra costs
- What to pack for an Antarctica cruise
- How many landings per day do you actually get
- What size ships are best in Antarctica
- Drake Passage sea conditions
Let’s get into it – from planning and budgeting to packing, wildlife, sustainability and what the experience is truly like. We are covering it all!
Disclaimer: Some links earn me a small commission – same price for you, slightly less tragic bank balance for me.
Why visit Antarctica? The real draw of the White Continent
I think for many, it is part of completing visiting all the continents on the planet. For others, the appeal in Antarctica is because of how unique it is… I truly can say it’s unlike anywhere I’ve been. Of all the continents, it’s the only with no permanent residents, cities, light pollution. It’s just wild – ice, wildlife, silence and a scale that is hard to capture in a photograph. It’s hard to describe the feeling you get from visiting, however the scenery and wildlife simply feels like you’re in an episode of David Attenborough.
For several photographers, the appeal is the unique wildlife you get on the continent. Penguins are very curious creatures and will come quite close, migratory whales and the occasional leopard seal on a floating piece of ice is quite a sight! If your dream is a meaningful adventure, a wildlife-focused journey and a chance to witness a landscape changing in real time due to climate – hands down, an Antarctic cruise delivers exactly that.
Budget beyond the expedition cruise fare!
Considering how much money an expedition cruise might cost, you want to be sure that you don’t have any other hidden costs. There are several factors that will impact the pricing on your cruise. Being an engineer, I made a detailed spreadsheet outlining where all my money went! I’ve broken down my exact costs in this post, so if you are curious or planning how much to save, head there for a full breakdown.
Here’s a high level overview of what to definitely budget for:
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- Insurance – specific Antarctic expeditions insurance that covers emergency evacuations and rescues.
- Tips – some cruises include this as part of what you pay, others don’t. It’ll be worth checking.
- Pre and post cruise trip extras.
- Onboard activities (kayaking, camping, shoeshoeing – if offered)
- Flights to/from Ushuaia (or Punta Arenas)
- Gear rentals for any equipment you don’t have/want to purchase
Budget Expedition Cruise
Sat on the lower end, these cruises only go to the Antarctic Peninsula for between 9 – 11 days journey. Prices often range USD $5000 – $11000 per person for a shared basic cabin. This is ideal for the adventurer that wants to just visit Antarctica but don’t necessarily need luxury. This would include all your landings but for some companies, activities such as kayaking and camping come at an extra cost. These cruises can vary in size.
Mid-Range Expedition Ship
Mid range expedition ships can go between $12000 – $17000 per person and often include Falkland Islands (Isla Malvinas) and South Georgia, although not necessarily, depending on the itinerary. You will be getting more comfortable cabins and ships with more amenities and facilities. There are generally the most popular option as you balance luxury with expedition.
Luxury Antarctic Cruise
These are your high end experience. Some of these ships are exclusively luxury but some are also on the same expedition ships as your mid range options. Although, you get the bells and whistles of balcony suites and fine dining options. There’s spa and wellness facilities onboard. Often giving you the highest comfort level. For some of these as well, you’ll be able to get the extended itineraries including South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Getting a last minute cruise
These can be a hit or miss. We met many people on our expedition ship who managed to score a last minute cruise! This is a great option if you’re able to stay in Ushuaia for an extended period of time and are not too attached to the itinerary. Some third party companies work with cruise companies to match passengers to their desired itineraries. Our friends used Freestyle Adventure and WayFinder Adventure to score their deals! There are also Facebook groups like Antarctica Travel Group that share last minute cruises.
This works best if you have the flexibility, are open to any itinerary or ship and are a solo traveller. Whilst the Antarctic season is very short (mid October – end March), going at the tail end may have no availabilities.
Small expedition ships are the way to go
How many passengers your ship can hold can greatly impact your experience. I’ve seen great deals with large (>500 passengers) cruise liners, which feel too good to be true… well, they are because you can’t set foot on Antarctica. Another I’ve seen are ships that can take <500 passengers but your time on the White Continent is extremely limited. Let’s break down why ship size matters!
Small Expedition Ships (Recommended)
Ships like MV Ushuaia (Antarpply Expeditions) are great because it takes <200 passengers. Per person, you can have more landings per day if you want to spend more time on the continent! As there’s a smaller group, wildlife encounters can feel more intimate and there’s a strong expedition feel. However, you may also trade creature comforts for a smaller vessel.
Larger Ships
While ships that carry between 200 – 500 passengers aren’t inherently bad as you’ll have more access to amenities, a better ship and facilities, the trade off is that there’s less land time, slow zodiac operations and in some cases, only one landing per day.
If your priority is wildlife, photography and meaningful time on land, choose a small ship… My advice is that anything <200 passengers is a great starting point.
How many landings per day on an Antarctica Cruise?
It is worth noting that landings aren’t guaranteed. There are no landings whilst your cruising through Drake’s Passage. Weather and landing conditions are the two main factors of deciding if you can land. As covered in the above section (Small vs Large Ship), this also depends on how many passengers are on your ship.
Majority of expedition ships aim for:
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- Two excursions per day (either landings or Zodiac cruises)
- Roughly 2 – 3 hours each
- Weather dependent (locally and at the site)
- IAATO regulations strictly limit passenger numbers at each site (max 100 people from each cruise ship can step on the Peninsula at any one time).
On small ships with fewer guests, you get MORE time on land because passengers don’t rotate in large groups. Which is one of the main reasons we went to Antarpply Expeditions. Curious what it’s like onboard? Read Antarpply Expeditions Review to find out more.
Drake Passage: What are the sea conditions really like?
The Drake Passage is as infamous as it is famous. It’s extremely unpredictable. You might be lucky to experience the Drake Lake – super calm seas and smooth sailing. Or, unlucky to experience the Drake Shake – huge swells and you’ll feel like you’re in a movie, if you’re able to get out of bed that is… I kept walking into the hallways and at one point, our chair went flying!
We were fortunate to have some calm days at sea but on the way back, I was down for 24 hours with what felt like horrific swells. Although, I was told the crew had seen worse! Most ships can handle the swells, but on smaller expedition ships you will feel it a lot more. The crew members are truly amazing and able to handle the Drake Shake. If you’re like me and get seasick, it’s worth packing seasickness tablets, pressure bands and patches. Sickness tablets are available onboard but supply can run short.
If you truly want to avoid it? There is an option of a fly-cruise Antarctica from Punta Arenas (Chile) so you completely skip it! A bit pricier but it truly might be worth it.
What to pack for an Antarctica Expedition?
I’ve completely broken down what you should What to Pack for an Expedition Cruise to Antarctica.
Absolute Essentials
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- Waterproof gloves (bring two!)
- Thermal base layers – two was enough for our 3 week expedition
- Wool Socks
- Dry bag for camera gear – the weather is so turbulent. Protect your expensive gear
- Extra memory cards
- Polarised sunglasses
Photography Gear
My humble recommendations:
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- 70 – 500mm lens (detail wildlife shots)
- 24 – 70mm (landscapes)
- Waterproof camera cover
- Spare batteries (cold drains it fast)
- Quick charger
Wildlife you’ll see on an Antarctic Cruise
It should be noted that wildlife isn’t a guarantee… but you are giving yourself the best chance to see some amazing animals. This also heavily depends on the time of year you visit. During peak season, you’ll see a lot more wildlife and penguin chicks. As Antarctica is such a fragile ecosystem and environment, always maintain your distance, follow the instructions of your guides and extremely importantly: stick with IAATO rules!
Sightings are never guaranteed. The general wildlife you can expect (and hopefully) get to see are:
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- Penguin species: Gentoo, Chinstrap, Adelie
- King Penguins (on South Georgia)
- Emperor Penguins (rare but you get lucky!)
- Humpback whales
- Minke whales
- Orcas (if you’re super lucky!)
- Crabeater, Elephant, Weddell & Leopard seals
- Various birdlife! The Wandering Albatrosses & petrels
Sustainable Antarctic Travel
Is Antarctic travel sustainable? This is such a tricky topic. Like many places in the world, overtourism is happening everywhere. Unfortunatley, Antarctica is not immune to this, despite its high price point. Cruise travel is infamously not sustainable however, there are some ways that you can ensure it’s as sustainable as possible. Choosing responsible tourism protects the continent, especially because it has such a fragile ecosystem. Look for operators that:
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- Follow IAATO protocols
- Offer carbon-offset programs
- Use low-emission engines
- Limit passenger numbers
- Follow strict wildlife viewing guidelines
Planning a trip of a lifetime
Even after all the research that I did, nothing really prepares you for seeing it with your own eyes. It’s one of those places that’s impossible to fully explain until you’re standing there. Of course there was the major moments, standing at the ice wall, seeing the penguins interact with each other and whales making an appearance! But it was also all the smaller things inbetween that made the trip so memorable. Yes, I agree – it’s expensive, unpredictable and definitely not the most comfortable holiday you’ll ever take, but if Antarctica is somewhere you’ve dreamed about visiting, I’d tell you to go. I genuinely think it’s one of the most extraordinary places left on Earth.
If you have questions about planning, packing, cruise options or photography – drop a comment or reach out. I love helping travellers prepare for their own White Continent journey.
Got some questions about cruising to Antarctica?
Is Antarctica worth the money?
Yes! Well, I’m biased of course. However if wildlife, remote landscapes and expedition travel are priorities. You can absolutely find more luxurious options if that’s more inline with your travel style.
How much does an Antarctica cruise really cost?
The cruise itself is only part of your budget. Once you factor in flights to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, travel insurance, gear, tips, hotels and any optional activities like kayaking or camping, the total can add up quickly. I tracked every dollar I spent before, during and after my expedition, so if you’re trying to work out how much to save, I’ve broken down my exact Antarctica budget in a separate guide.
→ Read more here: Complete Antarctica Budget Breakdown
How many times do you actually step foot on Antarctica?
It will all depend on the weather conditions. However, most cruises aim for two excursions each day.
Should you choose a ship with under 200 passengers?
In my opinion, yes. Smaller ships generally mean more time ashore and fewer rotations at landing sites. If I were to redo my trip, I will still stick with a smaller (<200) expedition ship.
What camera should I take to Antarctica?
You definitely don’t need professional camera gear to enjoy Antarctica but if photography is important to you, having the right lenses makes a huge difference. I used two lenses for almost the entire trip and found they covered everything.
What’s the best month to visit Antarctica?
There’s no single “best” month! It really depends on what you want to see. Early season brings snow and dramatic ice, mid season has penguin chicks, while February and March are fantastic for whale watching.
Is South Georgia worth adding to an Antarctica cruise?
If your budget and schedule allow it, I’d say yes without hesitation. South Georgia ended up being one of the highlights of the entire trip. The king penguin colonies are unlike anything I’ve ever seen and the wildlife density is on another level compared to the Antarctic Peninsula. It’s a longer and more expensive itinerary, but one I’d happily do again.
What should you pack for an Antarctica cruise?
Layering is far more important than packing bulky clothes. Waterproof gloves, thermal base layers and warm socks were some of the items I used every single day, while there were plenty of things I packed that never left my suitcase. To save you making the same mistakes I did, I’ve put together my complete Antarctica packing list with everything I’d recommend taking.
→ Check out my packing list here: What to Pack for Antarctica
Which Antarctica cruise company did you choose?
After comparing dozens of expedition companies, I ended up travelling with Antarpply Expeditions aboard the MV Ushuaia. For me, the smaller ship size and expedition focus were exactly what I was looking for. If you’re trying to decide whether it’s the right operator for you, I’ve written a full review covering the ship, cabins, food, landings and what I’d do differently.
→ Curious about what my expedition was like? Read more here: Antarpply Expeditions Review
Should you choose a small ship or a large cruise ship?
If stepping foot on Antarctica is your priority, I’d recommend choosing a smaller expedition ship wherever possible. Ships carrying fewer than 200 passengers generally spend less time rotating guests during landings, which means you often get more time ashore.
Is the Drake Passage really as bad as everyone says?
It can be but it can also be surprisingly calm. Every crossing is different… there’s no way to know whether you’ll get the famous Drake Shake or the much calmer Drake Lake.
How many days should you spend in Antarctica?
For most people, a 10 – 11 day Antarctic Peninsula expedition is enough to experience the continent for the first time. If wildlife is your main reason for going, I’d strongly consider a longer itinerary that includes South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.
Can you go to Antarctica without taking a cruise?
Technically, yes, but for most travellers an expedition cruise is the only realistic option. There are fly-cruise itineraries that avoid sailing across the Drake Passage, but you’ll still spend your time exploring Antarctica from an expedition ship.
Do you actually get to walk on Antarctica?
Yes—but it depends on your itinerary and the weather. Expedition cruises aim for multiple landings throughout the voyage, although nothing is guaranteed. Sea ice, wind and wildlife activity all influence where ships can land.
How cold is Antarctica during cruise season?
Surprisingly, it isn’t as cold as many people expect. During the cruise season, temperatures around the Antarctic Peninsula are often between -2°C and 8°C. The biggest challenge isn’t usually the temperature—it’s staying dry and protected from the wind.
Are Antarctica cruises suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. I met plenty of solo travellers onboard! Expedition cruises are really social environments. Between meals, lectures, zodiac excursions and wildlife sightings, it’s easy to get talking to other passengers.
What happens if bad weather cancels a landing?
The expedition leader will usually replace it with another landing or a zodiac cruise if conditions allow. Flexibility is part of travelling to Antarctica! The itinerary often changes to make the most of the weather.
Do you need travel insurance for Antarctica?
Yes and it’s a requirement. Make sure your policy specifically covers Antarctic expeditions, medical emergencies and evacuation, as standard travel insurance doesn’t always include polar travel.
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