November – March
Peak Season
-5°C to 3°C
Temperature Range
50–200 Guests
Expedition Vessels
From $6,390 USD
Starting Price
THE ULTIMATE ADVENTURE
What Is an Antarctic Expedition Cruise?
An Antarctic expedition cruise combines adventure travel with wildlife encounters aboard specialised ice-strengthened vessels carrying 50-200 passengers, offering zodiac landings, expert naturalist guides, and intimate exploration of the world’s last untouched wilderness.
Unlike traditional cruises, Antarctic expeditions prioritise discovery over entertainment, with daily landings at penguin colonies, research stations, and glaciated coastlines across the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, and Falkland Islands.
PLANNING YOUR EXPEDITION
When Should Australians Book Antarctica Cruises?
CHOOSE YOUR ADVENTURE
Which Antarctic Itinerary Matches Your Travel Style?
| Itinerary Type | Duration | Highlights | Price Range (USD) | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Classic Antarctica | 10-12 days | Peninsula, Deception Island, Lemaire Channel | $6,390-$12,000 | First-timers, photography |
| Antarctica & South Georgia | 18-21 days | King penguins, Shackleton sites, elephant seals | $15,000-$25,000 | Wildlife enthusiasts |
| Antarctic Circle | 14-16 days | Cross 66°33’S, remote landing sites | $12,000-$18,000 | Adventure seekers |
| Fly-Cruise | 8 days | Skip Drake Passage, maximise Antarctica time | $18,000-$30,000 | Time-limited travellers |
| Complete Antarctic | 23-24 days | Peninsula, South Georgia, Falklands | $22,000-$31,377 | Comprehensive exploration |
WILDLIFE ENCOUNTERS
What Wildlife Will You Encounter in Antarctica?
GETTING THERE
How Do You Reach Antarctica from Australia?
Primary Routing via Buenos Aires
Most Australian travellers fly Sydney/Melbourne to Buenos Aires (14 hours), overnight at included pre-cruise hotels, then connect to Ushuaia (3.5 hours) for embarkation. Total journey time averages 28-32 hours including connections, with major airlines offering daily departures during cruise season.
Alternative Routes
Perth travellers may route through Santiago, Chile, offering shorter flight times but requiring additional visa arrangements. Fly-cruise programmes eliminate the Drake Passage crossing, flying directly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in 2 hours, though weather delays affect 15% of departures.
THE LEGENDARY CROSSING
What’s the Drake Passage Really Like?
Understanding the Crossing
The 600-mile Drake Passage separating Cape Horn from Antarctica takes 48 hours each direction, with conditions varying from glassy “Drake Lake” to 10-metre swells during “Drake Shake” storms. Modern stabilisation systems reduce ship movement by 80%, while seasickness medications and acupressure bands effectively manage symptoms for most passengers.
Preparation Strategies
Experienced expedition leaders recommend securing midship cabins on lower decks for minimal movement, staying hydrated, avoiding alcohol before crossings, and maintaining fresh air circulation. The crossing provides valuable acclimatisation time with wildlife presentations, photography workshops, and biosecurity briefings.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
