How To Go To Antarctica

How To Visit Antarctica

A surprisingly common question is, ‘Can you visit Antarctica?’ The answer is most definitely yes! And the good news is that it has never been easier with the largest selection of cruises and tours than ever before.

One hundred years ago, reaching Antarctica was a serious undertaking reserved only for a handful of seasoned polar explorers. But today, over 80,000 travellers like you see the austere beauty of the white continent every year.

I can tell you nothing beats the thrill of standing on the 7th continent and breathing in the crisp air for yourself. Here is how:

There are 3 ways to get to Antarctica:

1. Join an Expedition cruise departing from South America, New Zealand or Australia.
2. A Fly and cruise expedition flying from Punta Arenas in Chile and joining a cruise in Antarctica
3. Flying to Antarctica and joining an expedition to the interior or the South Pole.

At Polar Escapes, we specialise in travelling to Antarctica. Here, you can search the largest selection of Antarctic cruises and tours.

How To Get To Antarctica

• Most Antarctica cruises depart from Ushuaia in Argentina. These cruises sail across the Drake Passage and explore the Antarctic Peninsula on 10 to 12-day voyages. They are also the most affordable option for an Antarctica cruise.
• You can visit South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, and the Antarctic Peninsula or take a longer expedition cruise from Ushuaia or Porto Williams in Chile.
• Expedition cruises to the remote Ross Sea region depart from New Zealand or Australia. These longer voyages last 19- 21 days and visit Macquarie Island.  
• It’s possible to fly the Drake Passage and join a fly-cruise expedition to Antarctica. Flights depart from Punta Arenas in Chile and arrive at King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, where you embark the ship.
• You can fly to Antarctica, join an expedition to the South Pole, or stay in a remote luxury camp. Flights depart from South Africa and Punta Arenas.

Why Visit Antarctica?

Every traveller has different reasons for wanting to travel to Antarctica. For me, travelling to Antarctica for the first time was about my curiosity about the polar regions, and I was overcome with a desire to know what it felt like to visit in person.

Here are some common reasons why people choose to visit Antarctica:

• Step foot on the Antarctic continent (the Earth’s least visited), and for some go the extra length, and cross the Antarctic circle.
• See Antarctic wildlife in its natural setting. Antarctica is home to an estimated 44 million penguins, not to mention countless other species, including fur, elephant and leopard seals, whales, orcas, and albatrosses.
• Follow the route of famous explorers such as Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott. In East Antarctica, you can visit their huts.
• See dramatic polar scenery, sea ice, glaciers and icebergs (there are many!)
• To learn about Antarctica and participate in citizen science programs.
• For the adventure of it. Some great activities include sea kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, and camping, available on certain expedition cruises.
• Visit the Antarctic as part of a longer voyage to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island for total wildlife immersion.
• Take a polar plunge in one of the coldest seas on the planet.

So now you have reasons for travelling to Antarctica, the next choice is deciding when to visit.  

When Can I visit Antarctica?

Due to the harsh weather at other times of the year, it is only possible to visit Antarctica during the austral summer between late October and March. Each month offers a different experience, and no two months are alike.

I visited in November at the start of the season, when there was plenty of sea ice. After the winter, the landscapes are covered in heavy snow. In my experience, it’s the most beautiful time of year, and the wildlife begins to return throughout the month.

December to February are the warmest (and busiest) months on the Antarctic Peninsula. There are up to 20 hours of daylight, and the temperature is between a balmy -2°C and 10°C (28°F to 50°F). The penguin rookeries come alive with a hive of life, and wildlife is at its most active.

I also travelled to Antarctica in March, which is the start of the autumn season. You can feel the winter approaching, and the weather begins to deteriorate. It’s an excellent month for whale watching; we encountered a pod of over 100 fin whales off the coast of Elephant Island. March is also a month that is less expensive to travel to Antarctica if you are on a budget.

Please see our guide to find out the best month to visit Antarctica.

So, now that you have decided when you want to travel to Antarctica let’s move on to the next section, where I will explore the different ways to travel there.

How To Travel In Antarctica 

The best way to travel to Antarctica is with a specialist tour operator. Due to its exceptionally remote location, visiting Antarctica alone is impossible. At Polar Escapes, we partner with the best expedition cruise lines and operators, so you are in safe hands.

Here are the types of tours to Antarctica:

Antarctica Expedition Cruises 

The majority of visitors to Antarctica choose an expedition cruise. The benefits are:

• Expedition cruises are ideal for exploring hard to get to places that would otherwise be inaccessible.
• Expedition ships are equipped with inflatable Zodiac landing crafts and a team of guides for shore landings on remote coasts.
• They offer the most affordable prices and the best selection of dates and options.
• They are ideal for viewing wildlife, as most animals in Antarctica are seen on the coast or in the sea.

Here are the top Antarctica cruise routes:  

Antarctic Peninsula & The Weddell Sea

The most popular route for exploring Antarctica is sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina and crossing the infamous Drake Passage. Choose a cruise to explore the west Antarctic peninsula, venture into the Weddell Sea, or take a longer cruise to cross the polar circle.

Top Tip: The Drake Passage takes two days each way to cross. On a ten-day Antarctica cruise, you’ll spend six days in Antarctica and four at sea. Crossing the Drake Passage can be rough sometimes, but it’s all part of the adventure, and you’ll have wildlife-watching opportunities. There’s nothing quite like seeing the snowy land of Antarctica for the first time.

Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and the Falkland Islands

For wildlife enthusiasts and explorers looking for a more extended voyage, an expedition cruise that visits the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia Island, and The Falkland Islands on the same journey is a good option.

Top Tip: To spend more time in each place, we recommend a longer 21-day voyage to visit each destination. We recommend a ship with good amenities so you can relax during the extra sea days of these voyages.

Ross Sea

Explore East Antarctica on a Ross Sea expedition from New Zealand. The journey involves navigating the Southern Ocean, a famous passage in the history of exploration. The Ross Sea is known for its giant icebergs, Emperor Penguins, and the huts of famous explorers Scott and Shackleton.

Top Tip for wildlife enthusiasts: choose an itinerary that includes a stop at Macquarie Island, a remote and rarely visited island between New Zealand and Antarctica known for its penguin colonies.

To find out more please see our Antarctica cruises from New Zealand.

What’s the difference between an expedition and a traditional cruise to Antarctica?

Traditional cruise ships that visit the Antarctic often take over 2000 guests and do not make any shore landings. They merely sail past the landscape and icy seas and then turn around. There are better ways to experience Antarctica! At Polar Escapes, we only offer expedition cruises with landings included.

The best way to truly experience Antarctica’s raw nature is on an expedition cruise. Expedition cruises to Antarctica occur on small ships with often under 200 guests. A huge part of the experience of travelling to Antarctica is undertaking Zodiac excursions and shore visits with a team of expert guides. They allow you to step on the 7th continent and immerse yourself in the wildlife and nature.

Departure Ports For Antarctica Cruises

Antarctica cruises depart from South America, New Zealand, or Australia. Airports service all departure ports for connecting flights. Many operators will include a flight to and from the embarkation port as part of the expedition.

Ushuaia

Known as the most southerly town on Earth, Ushuaia is the main departure port for Antarctic Peninsula cruises. Located in southern Patagonia, Argentina, Ushuaia has an airport that connects to Buenos Aires.

Buenos Aires

Buenos Aires, Argentina’s capital, is a departure port for a smaller number of Antarctica cruises. These cruises sail south through Patagonia and around the southern tip of Cape horn before reaching Antarctica, usually at the start and end of each season.

Puerto Williams

A secondary port in South America, Puerto Williams is the departure point for a smaller selection of cruises. Puerto Williams has an airport where charter flights land for embarkation.

Falkland Islands

A few cruises visiting South Georgia depart from Stanley on the Falkland Islands.

Hobart

Hobart, Tasmania, is the main departure port for cruises to the Ross Sea. Hobart Airport offers connecting flights to the Australian mainland.

Queenstown

Queenstown in New Zealand is the main port for expedition cruises visiting Macquarie Island and East Antarctica.

Flying to Antarctica 

Another option for reaching Antarctica is to fly there. Here are the benefits:

• Fly cruises allow the chance to skip sailing the Drake Passage and spend more time exploring Antarctica.
• Explore Antarctica’s interior on an expedition to the South Pole.
• Visit remote camps in the Antartic interior that are not accessible in any other way.

Fly and Cruise Expeditions

Fly across the Drake Passage and join an expedition cruise on King George Island in Antarctica. A private charter flight from Punta Arenas in Chile is also included.

Top Tip: Fly and cruise expeditions to Antarctica are ideal for guests with a short time frame or who want to avoid crossing the Drake Passage. However, they carry a higher risk of delays due to unpredictable weather.

Fly To The South Pole

Only a few people reach the South Pole yearly. However, flying to the South Pole on a specialist expedition in to the Antarctic interior on a small Basler 12-seater aircraft is possible. Expeditions involve flying to a remote camp for a few days while waiting for the weather window to fly to the South Pole.  

Should I Cruise or Fly to Antarctica? 

Cruising in Antarctica has many advantages. Nothing beats seeing the mountains of Antarctica appear on the horizon after crossing the Drake Passage. For me, it’s part of the adventure. If you are prone to seasickness or short on time, then a fly-cruise expedition could be better for you.

In the next section, I give a detailed overview of how to get to Antarctica from anywhere in the world.

How to get to Antarctica from anywhere in the world

The first step in your journey to Antarctica is to reach the embarkation port in Argentina, Chile, New Zealand, or Australia.

Ushuaia (USH) and Puerto Williams (WPU) airports do not have international connections. To reach Ushuaia, you must first fly to Buenos Aires in Argentina. If your Antarctica trip departs from Puerto Williams, you must first fly to Santiago, Chile.

Select operators include charter flights for these legs, but others don’t.

Please note that in Buenos Aires, some flights depart from the domestic airport (AEP). If you choose this option, you must allow enough time to transfer from the international airport (EZE).

Top Tip: If you book flights yourself, please leave enough time between connecting flights. We recommend spending at least a night in Buenos Aires or Santiago in case of delays.

How to get to Antarctica from the UK

For Ushuaia Departures

You will first fly from the UK to Buenos Aires to Ezeiza International Airport. Direct international flights from London take around 14 hours. Alternatively, you can fly from London via other major European hubs such as Frankfurt, Paris, and Madrid to Buenos Aires. Although this option is longer due to the transfer time, it will give you more date options and can be more cost-effective.

From Buenos Aires, Aerolineas Argentinas offers daily flights to Ushuaia, which take around 3 hours and 40 minutes.

For Punta Arenas Departures

You will first need to fly from the UK to Santiago, Chile. British Airways has direct flights from London that take 14 hours and 45 minutes. You can also fly via Madrid, which takes longer but offers more date options and is more cost-effective.

From Santiago, there are regular flights by LATAM to Punta Arenas, which take 3 hours and 25 minutes.

For New Zealand Departures

You must fly from the UK to Auckland, New Zealand, and then take a connecting flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Air New Zealand and British Airways have flights to New Zealand with stopovers in Southeast Asia.

How to get to Antarctica from the USA

For Ushuaia Departures

You will first fly to Buenos Aires from the USA. You can fly directly from major US hubs, New York, Miami, Dallas, Atlanta, and Houston. Delta and American Airlines have daily direct flights.

From Buenos Aires, Aerolineas Argentinas offers daily flights to Ushuaia, which take around 3 hours and 40 minutes. Please note that some flights depart from the domestic airport (AEP).

For Punta Arenas Departures

You will first need to fly from the USA to Santiago, Chile. Santiago has daily direct flights from Atlanta, New York, Miami, and Houston and connecting flights from all other major US cities, including Los Angeles.

From Santiago, there are regular flights by LATAM to Punta Arenas, which take 3 hours and 25 minutes.

For New Zealand Departures

You must fly from the USA to Auckland, New Zealand, and then take a connecting flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Air New Zealand and Delta Airlines offer direct flights from the USA to Auckland from Los Angeles, San Francisco, New York, and Dallas.

How to get to Antarctica from Europe

For Ushuaia Departures

From Europe, you will first fly to Buenos Aires. There are several options to fly directly to Buenos Aires from major European hubs, Madrid which has the most frequent connections and has direct flights to Buenos Aires with Air Europa, Iberia and Aerolíneas Argentinas, Frankfurt in Germany with Lufthansa, Amsterdam with KLM and Paris with Air France.

From Buenos Aires, Aerolineas Argentinas offers daily flights to Ushuaia, which take around 3 hours and 40 minutes.

For Punta Arenas Departures

From Europe, you will first need to fly to Santiago, Chile. LATAM and Iberia have direct flights to Santiago from Madrid, and Air France has direct flights from Paris to Santiago.

From Santiago, there are regular flights by LATAM to Punta Arenas, which take 3 hours and 25 minutes.

For New Zealand Departures

From Europe, you must fly to Auckland in New Zealand and then take a connecting flight to Christchurch on the South Island.

How to get to Antarctica from Canada

For Ushuaia Departures

From Canada, you will first fly to Buenos Aires. There are no direct flights between Canada and Buenos Aires. The fastest option is with Air Canada from Toronto to Buenos Aires, with a short stopover in Sao Paulo. Alternatively, United Airlines has a flight from Montreal with a stopover in Houston.

From Buenos Aires, Aerolineas Argentinas offers daily flights to Ushuaia, which take around 3 hours and 40 minutes.

For Punta Arenas Departures

From Canada, you will first need to fly to Santiago, Chile. Santiago has direct flights from Toronto by Air Canada, the fastest option. A cheaper option is to fly via the USA, as there are more frequent connections.

From Santiago, there are regular flights by LATAM to Punta Arenas, which take 3 hours and 25 minutes.

For New Zealand Departures

From Canada, you must fly to Auckland in New Zealand and then take a connecting flight to Christchurch on the South Island. Air Canada has a nonstop 14-hour flight from Vancouver to Auckland. You can also travel to New Zealand from Toronto and Montreal via the USA.

How to get to Antarctica from Australia

The easiest and quickest way to get to Antarctica from Australia is on an expedition cruise from New Zealand. Other options are to get to Antarctica from Ushuaia in Argentina or Puerto Williams in Chile for Antarctica Peninsula Cruises and fly cruise expeditions.

For New Zealand Departures

You need to fly to Christchurch, New Zealand, from Australia. Qantas has direct flights from Sydney, Brisbane, Melbourne, Perth, and the Gold Coast.

For Ushuaia Departures

From Australia, you will first fly to Buenos Aires. There are no direct flights between Australia and Buenos Aires. The fastest option is to fly to Santiago, Chile, directly from Sydney with LATAM. From Santiago, there are regular flights to Buenos Aires.

From Buenos Aires, Aerolineas Argentinas offers daily flights to Ushuaia, which take around 3 hours and 40 minutes. Please note that some flights depart from the domestic airport (AEP). If you choose this option, you must allow enough time to transfer from the international airport (EZE).

For Punta Arenas Departures

From Australia, you will first need to fly to Santiago, Chile. Santiago has direct flights from Sydney by LATAM, the fastest option. A cheaper option is to fly via New Zealand, as there are more frequent connections.

From Santiago, there are regular flights by LATAM to Punta Arenas, which take 3 hours and 25 minutes.

Antarctica Passport and Visa Requirements

Antarctica is not a country, so no visa or passport is required to walk on it.

You will need a valid passport to join an expedition cruise and enter the country of embarkation and disembarkation.

Before your trip, check below to see if you need a visa to enter your country of embarkation:

Argentina visa requirements

Chile visa requirements

New Zealand visa requirements

Australia visa requirements

How To Visit Antarctica Responsibly

Antarctica is one of the most fragile places on Earth. We only work with operators that are members of IAATO and have a continued commitment towards sustainability. Here are some tips to help minimise your impact:

• Before you leave home, check that all your clothing is free of any potential invasive species. Pay particular attention to cleaning Velcro straps and removing any traces of plants or nuts.
• Follow your guide’s instructions at all times. They may advise you not to walk in an area with sensitive vegetation.
• Respect the environment you are visiting. Do not approach wildlife too close or disturb it. Be careful not to drop litter or leave a trace.
• Leave the Antarctic wilderness as you find it. Don’t take any stones or animal bones as souvenirs.
• To minimise your impact, offset your carbon emissions from flights to and from your expedition.
• Get involved with onboard science projects and learn how to become an advocate to help protect the polar regions.

At Polar Escapes, we include environmental giving with every booking made through us to help contribute to conservation at the polar latitudes.

What To Pack for An Antarctica Trip

When travelling to Antarctica, it is important to bring suitable clothing for your expedition, including warm and waterproof layers.

Here are some must-haves:

• Parka Jacket – a windproof and waterproof jacket with insulation.
• Thermal Layers – dressing in layers helps you to regulate body heat.
• Hat, Gloves and a neck warmer – you will be thankful for these on a Zodiac cruise!
• Waterproof backpack – Ideal for keeping your camera and extra layers dry
• Camera – remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards.
• Medication – remember to bring any personal medicines, including extras, in case of delays.
• Water bottle – a reusable water bottle is a great way to stay hydrated and reduce waste.

For a complete packing list for Antarctica, please see our guide.

What’s It Like Visiting Antarctica?

In my personal experience, visiting Antarctica is out of this world, and there is no other place like it. The quantity of wildlife and the way it is not scared of humans are deep experiences. Sitting on a beach and having a curious Gentoo penguin waddle up to you to take a look at this curious visitor is one of my favourite moments.  Whales and marine mammals can be observed around the ship.

The temperature in Antarctica during midsummer is not as cold as people imagine it to be. On days when the sun is shining, it can feel warm and pleasant.

The standard of expedition ships is much higher than a few years ago. There is a great variety of ships to choose from, and Modern expedition ships offer outstanding levels of comfort. There is a ship to fit every traveller’s style, from small ships to luxury or classic.

Top Tip: I always recommend choosing a small ship for the best experience with between 75 and 150 guests. This ensures all guests can fit in the Zodiacs at the same time and be off the ship doing Zodiac rides and shore landings.

It’s important to remember that this is an expedition cruise, and every day will be different, determined by factors such as the sea ice and weather. The expedition leader will conduct a briefing at the start of every day to ensure that guests are informed of the plans.

How To Go To Antarctica Travel FAQ

How Long Does It Take To Get To Antarctica?

• It takes 48 – 50 hours to reach the Antarctic Peninsula from South America by sailing across the Drake Passage on an Antarctic cruise ship.
• It takes 6-7 days to reach East Antarctica sailing from New Zealand via the sub-antarctic islands.
• It takes 2 hours to fly to Antarctica from Punta Arenas in Chile to King George Island in Antarctica.  

Can I travel to Antarctica as a solo Traveller?

Yes, many guests joining our trips are solo travellers. We have a variety of solo cabins available with no single supplement. Please check out our solo travellers page for more details.

Can you Go To Antarctica on Your own?

It is not possible to reach Antarctica on your own unless you are part of a private expedition. If you are part of a private expedition, you must obtain a permit to visit Antarctica.

Do I need permission to get to Antarctica?

If you join an organised tour or expedition cruise, you do not require permission to explore Antarctica.

Is Antarctica off-limits?

The Antarctica Treaty lists 16 areas in Antarctica that have restricted access to help preserve them from human interference. Exploring the rest of Antarctica on an organised tour with the correct permits is possible.

You can visit Antarctica too!

Travelling to Antarctica is an awe-inspiring and memorable experience that will stay with you.

Are you ready to plan your trip to Antarctica? At Polar Escapes, we help travellers explore Antarctica every year. We offer the largest selection of Antarctic cruises and tours to the polar regions that you can search and book online. Coupled with our outstanding firsthand knowledge, there is no better way to explore the polar regions.  

Why not contact our team of polar pros and see how we can help your Antarctic dream become a reality?

Happy Exploring