Most Antarctica cruises sail from Ushuaia, at the tip of Argentina, across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. The crossing takes about two days each way, and once there you spend several days among glaciers, icebergs and penguin colonies, going ashore by Zodiac boat when conditions allow.
There are two kinds of trips. Expedition ships with a few hundred guests or fewer make daily landings and Zodiac cruises with naturalist guides. Under guidelines from IAATO, the international association of Antarctic tour operators, ships carrying more than 500 passengers do not land guests, and no more than 100 people may be ashore at one site at a time. Larger ships offer scenic cruising only, usually as part of a two to three week South America itinerary.
Longer voyages add the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, where king penguin colonies and Shackleton's grave at Grytviken are highlights. Some trips skip the Drake by flying from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island. The season is short, from November to March, and every day is weather-dependent.
- January: Best time, average high 40 degrees F
- February: Best time, average high 39 degrees F
- March: Shoulder season, average high 35 degrees F
- April: Few or no cruises, average high 29 degrees F
- May: Few or no cruises, average high 26 degrees F
- June: Few or no cruises, average high 21 degrees F
- July: Few or no cruises, average high 20 degrees F
- August: Few or no cruises, average high 23 degrees F
- September: Few or no cruises, average high 27 degrees F
- October: Few or no cruises, average high 32 degrees F
- November: Shoulder season, average high 36 degrees F
- December: Best time, average high 39 degrees F
- Best time
- Shoulder season
- Cruises run
- Few or none
Temperatures in Fahrenheit, long-term averages. Climate source.
The season runs from about November to March, the southern summer. November brings pristine snow and penguin courtship; December and January have the longest daylight and penguin chicks; February and March are the best months for whale sightings.
Weather to plan around: The Drake Passage between South America and Antarctica is known for heavy seas, and a rough crossing can mean two days of strong motion each way. Wind, ice and fog regularly change landing plans, and some planned stops will not happen. Temperatures on the peninsula hover around freezing in summer, but wind chill and wet Zodiac rides make it feel colder.
Ports you'll likely visit
- Ushuaia, Argentina
The main embarkation port, beside Tierra del Fuego National Park and the Beagle Channel. - South Shetland Islands, Antarctica
Often the first landings, including Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera. - Antarctic Peninsula (Paradise Bay, Neko Harbour), Antarctica
Continental landings among gentoo penguins, with glaciers calving into the bay. - Lemaire Channel, Antarctica
A narrow, cliff-lined channel known for scenic cruising when ice allows passage. - Stanley, Falkland Islands, Falkland Islands (UK)
A small British town with penguin colonies nearby, on longer voyages. - Grytviken, South Georgia, South Georgia (UK)
King penguin colonies, elephant seals and Shackleton's grave.
Highlights
Penguin colonies
Gentoo, chinstrap and Adelie penguins nest close to landing sites.
Zodiac landings
Expedition ships put you ashore on the seventh continent.
Ice and glaciers
Tabular icebergs, blue ice and calving glaciers on every scenic day.
Whales
Humpback and minke whales are common, especially late in the season.
South Georgia
Huge king penguin colonies on longer voyages.
How long, and what documents
10-12 nights round trip from Ushuaia for the Antarctic Peninsula; 18-23 nights when the Falkland Islands and South Georgia are added; 14-21 night South America cruises on larger ships include a few days of Antarctic scenic cruising.
You need a valid passport book. Most Antarctica voyages start in Argentina (Ushuaia or Buenos Aires) or Chile (Punta Arenas), and US citizens do not currently need a visa for short tourist stays in either country. You do not need a personal permit for Antarctica; tour operators handle the required approvals. Expedition lines typically require a medical form signed by your doctor and emergency medical evacuation insurance with high coverage limits. Check current requirements with your line and the State Department before you travel.
Specialist tips
- Decide first whether you want to land; only expedition-sized ships put guests ashore.
- If the Drake Passage worries you, look at fly-cruise options from Punta Arenas or bring strong seasickness remedies.
- Most expedition lines lend or give you a parka and waterproof boots; check before you buy gear.
- Bring waterproof pants, warm layers, gloves, sunglasses and high-SPF sunscreen for the bright, reflective light.
- Allow a buffer day in Ushuaia or Buenos Aires; flights to the tip of South America can be delayed.
