
Cruise region
Antarctica
An Antarctica cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime journey to a continent of icebergs, glaciers and vast penguin colonies. Voyages from South America cross the Drake Passage to scenic channels such as the Gerlache Strait and Paradise Bay, with calls in the Falkland Islands and Patagonia. It is a true expedition for keen travellers and wildlife lovers.
Best time to go
Season
Typical daytime highs
- Antarctic Peninsula (November to March). Typical daytime highs around -2 to 5°C in the Antarctic Peninsula (November to March). Cold, with strong wind chill.
- Patagonia and the Falklands (November to March). Typical daytime highs around 9 to 16°C in Patagonia and the Falklands (November to March). Cool and windy.
These are typical ranges, not a forecast.
How long
Fly-cruise airports
- Buenos Aires Ezeiza (EZE). about 13 hours 30 minutes to 14 hours
- Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez (SCL). about 14 to 15 hours
Who it suits
Questions
Is the Drake Passage rough?
It can be, as it is known for strong winds and swell, but conditions vary and some crossings are calm.
When can I cruise to Antarctica?
Only from November to March, during the southern summer.
What should I wear?
Warm layers, waterproofs and sturdy footwear are essential. Check what the cruise line provides, as some supply expedition jackets and boots.
Ports and places
Buenos Aires
Explore La Boca, the Recoleta Cemetery and the tango halls of San Telmo.
View 4 cruises featuring Buenos AiresElephant Island
Scenic cruising past the island where Shackleton's men waited for rescue.
View 4 cruises featuring Elephant IslandMontevideo
Explore Uruguay's old city and the long riverside promenade.
View 4 cruises featuring MontevideoPort Stanley (Falkland Islands)
Explore a very British capital and see penguin colonies nearby.
View 4 cruises featuring Port StanleyPuerto Madryn
The gateway to the Valdés Peninsula's whales, sea lions and penguins.
View 4 cruises featuring Puerto MadrynSchollart Channel, Paradise Bay and Gerlache Straight
Scenic cruising past glaciers, icebergs and penguin colonies on the Antarctic Peninsula.
View 4 cruises featuring Schollart ChannelUshuaia (Tierra del Fuego)
The world's southernmost city, beside the Beagle Channel.
View 4 cruises featuring UshuaiaPuerto Montt
The gateway to Chile's Lake District and the Osorno volcano.
View 3 cruises featuring Puerto MonttSantiago
Chile's capital, beneath the Andes, a short drive from the coast.
View 3 cruises featuring SantiagoCape Horn (Drake Passage)
Scenic cruising round the legendary southern tip of South America.
View 4 cruises featuring Cape HornPunta Arenas
A Patagonian city on the Strait of Magellan, with penguin trips nearby.
View 1 cruise featuring Punta Arenas
