Antarctica Cruise Tours

No. Antarctica has no immigration authority, but many Antarctica guided tours offer a commemorative landing stamp aboard the vessel.

Most trips to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia (Argentina) or Punta Arenas (Chile) by plane or cruise. For exclusive our South Pole expedition, flight departures operate from Cape Town (South Africa).

→ Learn more about our tour options.

Travelers can cruise in, fly in, or combine both. Cruising crosses the legendary Drake Passage and offers more time aboard an expedition vessel. Flying avoids sea crossings and lands on King George Island, where you begin your Antarctica Expedition immediately.

→ See our guide to fly-in/fly-out options.

The best time of year for Antarctica trips is November-March, during the austral summer when conditions are safest and wildlife is most active.

• Nov-Dec: penguin courtship and pristine ice formations

• Jan-Feb: whale activity and newborn chicks

• Mar: fewer travelers and dramatic sunsets

→ Learn more about the Best time to visit Antarctica.

Regulations enforced by IAATO limit visitor impact. These include restricted landing numbers, wildlife distance rules, boot-washing sanitation stations, and strict waste protocols. SA Expeditions partners only with operators committed to sustainability.

Yes – when done responsibly. Regulated Antarctica guided tours follow strict environmental guidelines backed by IAATO to protect fragile ecosystems. As a B Corp, SA Expeditions partners only with operators who prioritize scientific research support, waste reduction, and wildlife protection. Responsible tourism in Antarctica also helps fund conservation programs, monitoring stations, and local environmental initiatives, contributing to long-term preservation.

→ Learn more about how ecotourism and science research collide in Antarctica.

Modern Antarctica cruise tours operate under some of the strictest safety standards in the world. Expedition ships are ice-strengthened, feature state-of-the-art navigation systems, and are staffed by highly trained polar crews and onboard medical professionals. Daily conditions are monitored by weather and ice-tracking teams, and landings are supported by expert guides for controlled, low-impact access. While the Drake Passage can be rough, ships are engineered to handle challenging seas and offer stabilization technology and medication assistance for comfort. Travelers can feel confident knowing every voyage is planned with safety and risk-mitigation at the forefront.

Expedition vessels offer high-quality dining, with international menus, vegetarian options, and warm meals between landings. Some luxury ships offer wine pairings and specialty cuisine.

Most ships provide waterproof boots and expedition jackets. Travelers should pack thermal layers, windproof outerwear, gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, and moisture-wicking base layers. Your Destination Expert will provide you with an extensive document, along with firsthand advice and support, that will help you prepare for your once-in-a-lifetime trip to Antarctica.

→ Learn more by reading one of our Destination Expert’s Antarctica travel story.

Wildlife viewing varies by month, but highlights include:

• Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguins

• Humpback and minke whales

• Leopard, crabeater, and Weddell seals

• Albatross around the South Georgia Island region Cruises may also visit South Shetland Islands, Deception Island, and Falkland Islands for expanded sightings.

→ Check out our blog article on Antarctica wildlife.

Our Antarctica tour packages include accommodations, meals, landings, guided zodiac excursions, safety gear, and educational programming. Luxury ships may include alcoholic beverages and wellness amenities.

Depending on your route, itineraries may include:

• Antarctic Peninsula

• South Shetland Islands

• King George Island

• Deception Island

• Falkland Islands

• South Georgia Island

For ultra-premium adventure, we offer exclusive South Pole luxury camping experiences from Cape Town.

The Drake Crossing can be calm (“Drake Lake”) or choppy (“Drake Shake”). Expedition ships are built to withstand ice and rough conditions, and stabilization technology continues improving.

→ Read our firsthand Drake Passage travel story by one of our Destination Experts.

Yes. Ages vary by cruise vessel, but many offer slower-paced excursions, educational programming, and accessibility accommodations. Tailor-made planning ensures a comfortable experience for all ages.

Absolutely! Many travelers pair an Antarctica cruise with Patagonia, Buenos Aires, Santiago, or Torres del Paine, depending on routing and interests. One of our Destination Experts would be happy to help you customize your adventure.

• Private, tailor-made planning

• Sustainability-aligned partnerships (B Corp)

• Expert local expedition guides

• 24/7 on-ground support

• Fully organized logistics from hotels to charter flights

Speak with a Destination Expert to design your Antarctica itinerary.