Antarctica & Falkland Expedition
Buenos Aires - Ushuaia
- Dec 08 - Dec 23 2025
- 16 Days
- MS Roald Amundsen
Price from£8,392/person
Antarctica Cruises from Ushuaia & Argentina (Antarctic Peninsula Cruises)
Search and book 650+ expedition cruises to Antarctica from Ushuaia & Argentina with Polar Escapes.
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Talk to a polar pro
Free advice from people that have been there
We partner with the world’s top expedition operators
Best Antarctica Cruises from Ushuaia
Reach the seventh continent on our range of cruises departing Ushuaia, chosen by a team with over 35 years of polar expertise.
Why Travel To The Antarctic Peninsula With Polar Escapes?
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35 years of Antarctica Experience
Free advice from people who have been there.
35 years of Antarctica Experience
Free advice from people who have been there.
Travel with confidence.
100% financial protection & travel support.
Travel with confidence.
100% financial protection & travel support.
Antarctic Peninsula Cruise Destinations
Journey south to explore the 7th continent from Ushuaia, known as the city at the end of the earth. Discover a raw, natural wilderness like nowhere else on the planet.
Drake Passage
A part of the adventure is sailing across the Drake Passage, which takes 2 days in each direction. This sometimes turbulent stretch of water is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including wandering albatrosses, which swoop over the ship and humpback whales, which migrate south to feed in the nutrient-rich waters.
South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are the first landfall after the Drake Passage. Do a shore landing by Zodiac and explore King George Island, Penguin Island or Cuverville Island, known for their dramatic beauty and chinstrap penguins. The South Shetland Islands are rich in wildlife with large colonies of gentoo penguins.
Lemaire Channel
One of the most scenic spots on the Antarctic Peninsula, the Lemaire Channel is nicknamed the Kodak Gap due to its breathtaking scenery. It's the perfect place to experience on an expedition cruise as you sail through the narrow ice-filled channel.  albatrosses and biodiversity. See the endangered yellow-crested penguin on the Auckland Islands and explore the Snares Islands on a zodiac cruise around their rocky coastline.
Deception Island
Deception Island is a volcanically active island in the South Shetland Archipelago. It takes its name from a unique natural harbour that can not be seen from the sea due to the narrow entrance known as Neptune's bellows.Â
Port Lockroy
One of the highlights of any cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula is visiting the penguin post office at Port Lockroy. Situated on Goudier Island, Port Lockroy is managed by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust during the summer months and is a favourite stopping-off place for cruise ships.
Geirlache Strait
One of the most picturesque channels in Antarctica, the Gerlache Strait, is over 100 miles long. The waterway is often filled with icebergs that calve off the surrounding glaciers and drift with the wind and the tide. Whales are a common sight feeding on the Krill that congregate in the channel.
When To Go
November - March
5°c - 0°c (28°F - 40°F)
(average summer temperature)
20 Hours Of Sunlight
(at height of summer)
Need advice?
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And Penguins.
What Will I See?
Wildlife Of The Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands are rich in wildlife. Meet large rookeries of gentoo and Adélie penguins on land. Leopard seals haul out on icebergs, and elephant seals haul out on the desolate shores. Orcas and whales swim in the icy water, making for some perfect viewing from a Zodiac ride. Â
Polar History
Discover the history of Antarctica through visits to historical sights. Learn about the discovery of the white continent and the escapades of the first explorers. At every turn, the Antarctic Peninsula is steeped in history. Â
Polar Landscapes and Wilderness
Immerse yourself in the raw nature and stunning landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore remote glaciers, hike in pristine landscapes and experience icebergs and natural wonders from the ship, shore and on the Zodiac.
Expert Advice From Polar Escapes
‘Antarctica cruises departing from Ushuaia are the most common way to explore the white continent and offer the greatest selection of dates and prices. Shorter itineraries start at 9 days, but we always recommend a longer voyage as it allows you to spend more time exploring.’
Top Antarctica Cruises from Ushuaia & Argentina
10-day Antarctica Expedition Cruise From Ushuaia
The best-selling route with a wide choice of ships is a 10-day sailing from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage to explore the Antarctic Peninsula. This voyage allows 5-6 full days in Antarctica with 2 days spent crossing the Drake Passage in each direction. Â
18-Day Antarctica Peninsula with South Georgia and the Falkland Islands From Ushuaia
Departing from Ushuaia, set sail for the incredible natural beauty of the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands on an immersive journey. Take in the very best wildlife the Southern Ocean region has to offer on this once-in-a-lifetime expedition cruise.
12-Day Polar Circle Cruise
For adventure seekers looking to see more of Antarctica, an extended expedition cruise to cross the Antarctic Circle is an ideal option. After crossing the Drake Passage, sail south to cross the polar circle and explore the Antarctic Peninsula.
Ships
Equipped with twin-engine helicopters, Ultramarine offers scenic flightseeing over some of the most remote parts of the polar regions. Choose from a range of double occupancy, triple cabins and no single supplement cabins for solo travellers.
A perfect choice for crossing the Drake Passage, the Sylvia Earle is equipped with an X-bow to reduce the movement of the ship in heavy seas.
MV Ushuaia
Antarpply Expeditions operates the MV Ushuaia expedition ship, and it has recently undergone refurbishment. The Ushuaia was initially built for the National Oceanic & Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). The Ushuaia cruise ship can accommodate 90 passengers and offers an intimate experience.
Antarctica Cruises from Ushuaia (Antarctic Peninsula Cruises) FAQ
How do you get to Antarctica from Ushuaia?
The only way to get to Antarctica from Ushuaia is on an expedition cruise that crosses the Drake Passage.
- A classic Antarctica expedition cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica and back takes between 9 and 11 days, depending on the chosen itinerary.
- Expedition cruise itineraries focus on exploring the South Shetland Islands and highlights along the Antarctic Peninsula, including the Lemaire Channel, Port Lockroy and Elephant Island.
- It is possible to fly the Drake Passage and join an expedition cruise in Antarctica. Flights depart from Punta Arenas in Chile. There are no flights from Ushuaia to Antarctica.
How do you get to Antarctica from Buenos Aires?
There are two options for travelling to Antarctica from Buenos Aires.
- Fly to Ushuaia and join an expedition cruise to Antarctica from there. Daily flights connect Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, and the flight takes 3 hours and 30 minutes.
- Join an expedition cruise sailing from Buenos Aires to Antarctica. These cruises tend to place early in the season as ships position south for the summer.
How long does it take to cruise from Ushuaia to Antarctica?
A modern expedition cruise ship takes approximately 48 hours or 2 days to sail between Ushuaia and the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. The exact time a crossing takes will vary due to weather conditions in the Drake Passage and the overall speed of the ship.
It is an excellent opportunity to spend time out on deck, wildlife watching, or enjoy a talk from the expedition leader and onboard guide team.
Which ports do Antarctica Cruises depart from?
Cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia, which is the most common port as it is nearest to Antarctica, or Buenos Aires. A limited number of cruises also sail from Puerto Williams and Punta Arenas in Chile. It is also possible to sail to Antarctica from South Africa, New Zealand and via the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
There are no ports in Antarctica. Expedition cruise ships make landings with Zodiac boats in the remote wilderness.
How Far is Ushuaia from Antarctica?
Ushuaia is 682 miles (1100 km) from Antarctica.
Which activities are included?
Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia often include wildlife experiences such as viewing penguins and marine mammals.
Expedition cruises are fully inclusive of shore excursions, lectures and Zodiac rides delivered by a team of international expedition leaders and an expedition team. Optional kayaking excursions and overnight camping are available on select voyages. Please ask us for more information.
Crossing the Drake Passage is part of the journey to Antarctica, and it is known for its rough waters. During sea days, the guide team will carry out lectures on Antarctica for a fully immersive experience.
When is the best time to cruise to Antarctica from Ushuaia?
It is possible to cruise to Antarctica from Ushuaia during the summer months between Late October and March. Each month offers different wildlife highlights and weather. To find out more, please see our guide, Best Time to Visit Antarctica.
