Antarctica Cruise from Ushuaia: Crossing the Drake Passage
From the southernmost city in the world begins a one-of-a-kind experience — an adventure among icebergs, islands, penguins, dolphins, whales, and the edge of the earth.
An Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia is an expedition of 10 to 20 days that crosses the Drake Passage and lands on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Two Days at Sea to Change Your World
You board the ship in Ushuaia and see the dark water, almost black from the depth, and a feeling somewhere between calm and vertigo, the cold and the vastness. You sail through the Beagle Channel — these same waters were navigated for thousands of years by the Yaghan people, the indigenous community who lived in bark canoes with a fire always burning on board. On this first stretch it's common to see sea lions and cormorants following the ship, before the landscape turns grey and the Drake begins.
The Drake Passage and the World's Most Dangerous Maritime Route
The Drake Passage separates South America from Antarctica and is one of the most challenging maritime routes in the world, where ocean currents converge and can produce waves over 20 meters high, icy winds, and storms.
The Essentials
- The cruise departs from Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, and crosses the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula.
- The typical duration is 10 to 12 days on classic itineraries, and up to 18 to 20 days on those that include the Falkland Islands or South Georgia.
- Difficulty is moderate: good general health is required, as you need to climb up and down gangways and stairs to board the zodiacs — the rigid inflatable boats that take you ashore.
- The best time is the austral summer, from November to March, with December and January as peak season due to more daylight hours.
- Essential tip: the Drake Passage can cause seasickness even in calm waters.
How to Get to the Antarctica Cruise from Ushuaia
The starting point is the port of Ushuaia, in Tierra del Fuego, a short walk from the city center. Most passengers arrive a day or two early to explore the city and its surroundings — the Tierra del Fuego National Park, the Beagle Channel, or a hike in the area.
Getting to Ushuaia: there are daily flights from Buenos Aires (Aeroparque and Ezeiza) with Aerolíneas Argentinas and LADE. The flight takes about 3 hours and 30 minutes. From there, the cruise company will provide transfer instructions to the port.
What You'll See on an Antarctica Cruise
Penguins, seals and whales
The Antarctic Peninsula is one of the highest concentrations of wildlife on the planet. During the landings you'll walk among thousands of penguins — mainly chinstrap and gentoo — and observe leopard seals resting on ice floes, southern elephant seals, and orca and humpback whales in the channels.
Icebergs and glaciers
The visual spectacle is overwhelming. Navigating between tabular icebergs — some as large as city blocks — and approaching tidewater glaciers that calve directly into the sea is an experience that's hard to put into words.
Science stations
Some itineraries include visits to research bases, both Argentine and from other countries, where scientists explain their work on climate and polar ecosystems.
The Experience Beyond Nature
Traveling to Antarctica is also an introspective journey. Expeditions like this one, where nature expresses itself in its fullness — environments so hostile to human beings — allow you to witness the immensity of the world, and even discover the southern auroras. Though rare, as they're more visible in winter, at the end of the season you might catch one. It is also a journey to the edges of oneself: time to be a spectator, an adventurer, and to discover a very different world.
Practical Information for the Antarctica Cruise from Ushuaia
Departure point Port of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego. Duration Between 10 and 12 days on classic itineraries. Expeditions that include South Georgia or the Falklands can extend to 18 or 20 days. Difficulty Moderate. No prior experience is needed, but good mobility is required to board and disembark from the zodiac boats. Best time November to March, during the austral summer. What to bring Layered clothing, waterproof outerwear, hat, gloves, and some method to prevent seasickness.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it safe to travel to Antarctica? Yes, expedition cruises are specifically designed for these conditions. The ships are ice-reinforced and the crews are experienced in polar navigation. The Drake Passage can be rough, but ships are built to handle it.
How rough is the Drake Passage? The Drake Passage, which separates Ushuaia from Antarctica, can be calm (what passengers call the "Drake Lake") or very rough ("Drake Shake"), and seasickness is common even in calm waters.
What is the best time to take an Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia? The best time is the austral summer, between November and March, when there are more daylight hours and wildlife is most active. December and January are peak season, with more penguin and whale activity.
How much does an Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia cost? The price varies greatly depending on duration, cabin type, and season. Classic 10 to 12-day itineraries start at around USD 12,000 per person, while extended 18 to 20-day itineraries can exceed USD 20,000.
Is there a minimum age to travel to Antarctica? Yes: most cruise lines require at least 3 years old to board, though they don't recommend traveling with children under 8 due to the conditions of the trip. There is no maximum age limit, but all passengers complete a medical form before departure.
Can you kayak or camp during the Antarctica cruise? Yes, kayaking and camping on the Antarctic snow are usually available as optional activities, as long as the expedition team confirms that ice and weather conditions allow it. Kayaking requires prior experience.
Are you ready for this frozen adventure at the edge of the world?
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