Antarctica Itineraries Compared
With 280 unique itineraries from 21 operators, choosing the right Antarctica expedition can feel overwhelming. This guide compares every available route — from quick 6-day fly-cruises to epic 34-day circumnavigations — so you can find the perfect match for your budget, timeframe, and adventure style.
The key decisions: Peninsula-only vs. multi-destination. Fly-cruise vs. Drake Passage crossing. Short sprint vs. extended expedition. Prices start from $2,250 for the most affordable options.
All Antarctica Itineraries Compared
Browse and filter all 280 itineraries. Click any itinerary name for full details, day-by-day breakdown, and available departures.
Showing 25 of 280 itineraries
| Itinerary | Operator | Duration | From | Destinations | Next Departure |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10-night ushuaia roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 11 days | Price on request | 1 | Nov 21, 2027 |
| 11-Day The Great White Continent | Seabourn Expedition Cruises | 11 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 11-night ushuaia roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 12 days | Price on request | 1 | Nov 10, 2027 |
| 12-night ushuaia roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | — | Price on request | — | Oct 29, 2027 |
| 13-Day Antarctica Exploration | Seabourn Expedition Cruises | 13 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 13-night buenos aires to ushuaia | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 14 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 13-night ushuaia roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 14 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 13-night ushuaia to buenos aires | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 14 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 14-night ushuaia roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 15 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 15-Day Chilean Fjord & Patagonia Explorer | Seabourn Expedition Cruises | 15 days | Price on request | 2 | — |
| 15-Wild South Atlantic & Falkland Islands | Seabourn Expedition Cruises | 15 days | Price on request | 3 | — |
| 16-night ushuaia roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 17 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 18-night ushuaia roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 19 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 21-Day Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland | Seabourn Expedition Cruises | 21 days | Price on request | 4 | — |
| 25-Day The Great White Continent & South Atlantic | Seabourn Expedition Cruises | 25 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 35-Day Chilean Fjords & Antarctica | Seabourn Expedition Cruises | 35 days | Price on request | 2 | — |
| 7-night king george island roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 8 days | Price on request | 1 | Nov 28, 2027 |
| 7-night ushuaia to king george island | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 8 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| 9-night ushuaia roundtrip | Atlas Ocean Voyages | 10 days | Price on request | 1 | Nov 10, 2027 |
| 9-night ushuaia to king george island | Atlas Ocean Voyages | — | Price on request | — | Nov 19, 2027 |
| Across the Antarctic Circle | Aurora Expeditions | 13 days | $13,061.75 | 2 | Nov 13, 2026 |
| Across the Antarctic Circle: Fly the Drake | Aurora Expeditions | 12 days | $24,156 | 2 | Feb 7, 2028 |
| Adventures in Antarctica | Polar Latitudes Expeditions | 11 days | Price on request | 1 | — |
| Antarctic Circle | Poseidon Expeditions | 15 days | Price on request | 2 | Jan 26, 2027 |
| Antarctic Circle Expedition | Hurtigruten Expeditions | 16 days | Price on request | 2 | — |
Itineraries by Route Type
Antarctic Peninsula Only
The classic and most popular route. Over 70% of all Antarctica expeditions focus on the Peninsula, offering penguin colonies (gentoo, chinstrap, Adélie), whale watching, dramatic icebergs, and Zodiac landings at historic research stations. This is the best choice for first-time visitors who want the quintessential Antarctic experience in a manageable timeframe.
Popular options: Most operators offer Peninsula-focused itineraries, including Quark Expeditions, Hurtigruten, and Ponant.
Peninsula + South Georgia
Add the wildlife paradise of South Georgia Island to your Peninsula expedition. Home to the largest king penguin colonies on Earth (hundreds of thousands of birds), elephant seals, fur seals, and Shackleton's grave at Grytviken. This is widely considered the ultimate Antarctic wildlife experience.
Peninsula + Falklands + South Georgia
The "Big Three" — the most comprehensive standard expedition covering all three iconic sub-Antarctic destinations. Start with the Falklands' albatross colonies and rockhopper penguins, continue to South Georgia's king penguin mega-colonies, and finish with the dramatic Antarctic Peninsula.
Ross Sea
The most remote and adventurous Antarctic route. Visit the historic huts of Scott and Shackleton, see emperor penguin rookeries, and encounter massive tabular icebergs. Departing from New Zealand or Tasmania, these expeditions are for dedicated explorers willing to invest significant time.
Offered by select operators including Heritage Expeditions and Ponant.
Weddell Sea
Famous for emperor penguins, tabular icebergs, and heavy pack ice. The Weddell Sea offers a more expedition-focused, ice-heavy sailing experience compared to the Peninsula. Best for wildlife enthusiasts specifically seeking emperor penguins and a true polar exploration feel.
Itineraries by Duration
Quick Trips (6–10 days)
17 itineraries
Best fly-cruise options for time-limited travelers. Skip the Drake Passage entirely and maximize your time on the continent. Ideal for those who can't commit to 2+ weeks but still want the Antarctic experience.
Standard (10–16 days)
145 itineraries
The classic Drake crossing itineraries with Peninsula focus. The sweet spot for most travelers — enough time to fully experience Antarctica without requiring an extended vacation. Includes 2 days each way crossing the Drake Passage.
Extended (17–23 days)
74 itineraries
Multi-destination expeditions combining the Peninsula with South Georgia and/or the Falkland Islands. For travelers who want the comprehensive Antarctic experience and have the time to invest in a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Epic (24+ days)
41 itineraries
Ross Sea expeditions, circumnavigations, and multi-continent journeys. These are the ultimate polar adventures for dedicated explorers. Expect remote landings, historic sites, and wildlife encounters that few people on Earth will ever witness.
Drake Passage vs. Fly-Cruise
| Drake Crossing (Sail) | Fly-Cruise | |
|---|---|---|
| Transit Time | 2 days each way (4 days total) | 2 hours each way by plane |
| Cost | Standard pricing | $2,000–$5,000 premium |
| Seasickness Risk | Moderate to high (depends on conditions) | Minimal (no open ocean crossing) |
| Total Trip Length | 10–14 days (Peninsula) | 6–8 days (Peninsula) |
| Wildlife en Route | Albatross, petrels, possible whales | None (direct flight) |
| The Experience | Legendary adventure, builds anticipation | Maximum efficiency, more time on land |
Who Offers Fly-Cruise?
- • Antarctica 21 — Dedicated fly specialist. Offers fly-fly (both ways by air) and fly-cruise options from Punta Arenas.
- • Quark Expeditions — Express options on the Ultramarine, including fly-cruise hybrids.
- • Silversea — Both fly and sail options on Silver Endeavour.
- • Aurora Expeditions — Fly the Drake options on select voyages.
Itineraries by Travel Mode
Sail-Only (Drake Crossing Both Ways)
The most common option, comprising roughly 80% of all Antarctica itineraries. You'll sail from Ushuaia across the Drake Passage — a rite of passage for polar explorers. The crossing takes approximately 2 days each way and offers opportunities to spot albatross, petrels, and other pelagic seabirds. Available from every major operator.
Fly-Cruise (Fly One Way, Sail the Other)
The best of both worlds — experience the Drake crossing in one direction while saving time with a flight in the other. Typically 2-3 days shorter than a full sail itinerary. Offered by Quark, Antarctica 21, and others on select departures.
Fly-Fly (Both Ways by Air)
Maximum time on the Antarctic continent, minimum time in transit. Fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island (about 2 hours), board your ship, and explore. The shortest options are just 6 days total. Primarily offered by Antarctica 21, with select options from other operators.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days do I need for Antarctica?
Is the Drake Passage really that bad?
Which route has the most wildlife?
Can I avoid seasickness with a fly-cruise?
What's the difference between Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia?
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
Route Comparisons
Need Help Choosing?
Our expedition experts can help you find the perfect Antarctic itinerary for your budget and timeframe.
Browse Expeditions by Date