How Much Does a Trip to Antarctica Cost?

Is Antarctica on your bucket list but you’ve put it off thinking it would be too expensive? This post will cover ways to travel to Antarctica as well as how much a trip to Antarctica costs. My hope is that you will find a way (and budget) that works for you so you can finally check this continent off your bucket list.

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Summary of What a Trip to Antarctica Costs

Here’s a quick breakdown of what a trip to Antarctica Costs but keep reading for more details on the budget and what to expect. Prices below are per person.

Fly Over

Some airlines offer scenic flights over the continent, providing passengers with stunning views of the ice and snow-covered landscape. These flights typically depart from cities such as Sydney, Melbourne, Punta Arenas, and Cape Town.

Be aware that flying over Antarctica can be subject to weather conditions, and the flight paths may be limited to avoid sensitive areas or wildlife. Also, it is essential to follow environmental regulations and guidelines to protect the fragile ecosystem of the continent.

The cost for flying over Antarctica ranges from $1,200 -$8,000 per person. Price depends on the airline and the class of service you book (i.e. economy vs business) as well as whether your view may be partially obstructed. You will also have to switch seats half-way through the flight so that everyone has the opportunity to look out the window.

Fly/Land on Antarctica

There are several options to fly and land in Antarctica. You can fly both ways to the continent for a multi-day trip, combine flights with a cruise, and fly to the South Pole. Each type of trip will have different pricing and inclusions. Keep reading for more information.

Day Trip to Antarctica

Flying to Antarctica for the day can be an unforgettable experience. However, it is important to weigh the pros and cons and consider your priorities and budget before deciding whether it is the right choice for you.

Yes, you will get to experience the white continent and experience some of its incredible wildlife, but only for a few hours. Additionally, flights are weather dependent and can often get delayed or cancelled.

On the other hand, if you’re short of time, this can be a good option. Expect to pay for the privilege as flights start at $6,000 per person.

Fly and Cruise

If you are worried about getting seasick while crossing Drake’s Passage, then flying to Antarctica and then cruising around the continent could be a fantastic option. It combines a 2-hour flight with the comforts of a cruise ship.

Your flight will land on King George Island (part of the Shetland Islands) where you will then board the cruise. During your cruise, you will have the opportunity to take zodiac boats ashore twice a day to explore more of Antarctica. Hotel, excursions, lectures, and rubber boots are included in the price.

This option is available from December-February and usually lasts for 8 days. Prices start at $10,000 per person.

Flights to the South Pole

For the adventurous traveler, you may consider a flight to the South Pole. This trip combines camping in Antarctica at the Union Glacier Camp with a flight (and landing at the South Pole). You will have time to explore areas such as Elephant’s Head, Buchanan Hills, Drake Icefall, Charles Peak Windscoop, and The Beach at Rossman Cove.

This type of trip starts at $59,900 per person and includes a certificate of achievement, access to a mountain guide and naturalist, flights to/from Antarctica, flight to the South Pole, meals and accommodation.

Clothing/gear, travel insurance, hotels and meals in South America, and flights to South America are not included in the price.

How Much Does a Trip to Antarctica Cost When You Cruise There?

Cruising to Antarctica is a unique and unforgettable experience. Sailing by enormous glaciers, penguins playing, and whales gliding through the waters is so incredible it will leave you speechless. Listed below are some of your options for cruising to Antarctica.

South American Ports

Many travelers who want to visit Antarctica choose to embark on a cruise from a South American port, such as Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile), or Montevideo (Uruguay). These ports offer convenient starting points for voyages to the White Continent, which can range from a few days to several weeks.

When planning a cruise to Antarctica from South American, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to choose a reputable cruise operator that specializes in Antarctic travel. Look for companies with a strong safety record, experienced staff, and a commitment to sustainable tourism practices.

Once you’ve chosen your cruise operator, you’ll need to decide on the length and itinerary of your trip. Most cruises to Antarctica from South America last between 10 and 20 days and include stops at the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia Island en route to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Some cruises also include stops at other destinations in the Southern Ocean, such as the South Shetland Islands or the Weddell Sea.

Average Cost to Cruise to Antarctica from South America

The cost of a cruise to Antarctica from a South American port can vary greatly depending on factors such as the cruise line, itinerary, length of the cruise, type of cabin, and time of year.

On average, a 10–12-day cruise to Antarctica from South American can cost anywhere from $1,700 to $15,000 per person, with some luxury cruises costing even more. However, it’s important to note that these are rough estimates and prices can fluctuate depending on many variables.

For example, it’s worth noting that the cost of a cruise to Antarctica can vary depending on the departure port in South America. For instance, cruises departing from Ushuaia, Argentina may be less expensive than those departing from Punta Arenas, Chile due to differences in distance and logistics.

Australia/New Zealand Ports

Cruises departing from either Australia or New Zealand offer a chance to see portion of Antarctica that the South American cruises don’t offer (for example the Ross Sea). These itineraries tend to be longer in length (although some shorter ones are available to visit the outer islands) and come at a premium price.

Average Cost to Cruise to Antarctica from Australia/New Zealand

Prices for shorter cruises start at around $5,000 per person with longer trips going up to $45,000 per person. Luxury cruise options are also available for a premium price.

For the ultimate experience, consider a cruise that circumnavigates Antarctica! This voyage would start in New Zealand and end in Buenos Aires, and you would spend the majority of this 33-day trip in the White Continent. Expect to pay premium fares per person for this trip ($50,000 or more).

Antarctica Cruise Budget

Previously I spoke about general Antarctica cruise budgets. In this section, I’ll break down costs according to type of cruise and go over other factors that will add to your expenses.

Price of the Cruise

Expedition

Expedition and luxury ships will be the most expensive way to cruise to Antarctica. Determining the cost of this type of voyage will depend on length, cruise line, type of ship, and the cabin that you book. Costs will average between $10,000 to $50,000 per person.

The benefit of doing this type of cruise is that you will be able to set foot on Antarctica with a guide to lead hikes and discuss wildlife. Make sure to look at what is included and what isn’t so there aren’t any surprises.

Larger Cruise Ships

Larger cruise ships sailing to Antarctica will have more affordable prices, however, you will just be sailing by the continent. If this is the only way you can afford to take the trip, by all means go for it! It is still an amazing experience. Cost per person will range from $1,700 (for a 16-day cruise) to $3,500 for a 22-day cruise.

This is also the best option if you are a wheelchair user or someone with limited mobility. In fact, this is how I visited Antarctica and it was truly an unforgettable experience.

Cruising in Shoulder Seasons to Save on Your Antarctica Cruise Budget

If you are looking to save some money on your trip, you may find slightly better prices by sailing to Antarctica in either November or March. This is considered to be the shoulder season (which is slightly less popular) and may offer discounts or cheaper prices. Make sure to check sailing dates as not all ships will venture to Antarctica during these months.

Airfare

The price of airfare for your trip will depend on where you are starting from and where the ship is departing from. You will need to factor in the cost of international airfare as well as domestic (if flights within South America are required). Sometimes, expedition ships will offer sails that include international airfare, so look for these opportunities to save some money.

On average, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 – $2,000 for international roundtrip flights in economy.

Excursions

If you are sailing on an expedition ship, most excursions and Antarctica landings will be included in the price of your cruise (with a few exceptions). However, if you are sailing on a larger cruise ship, there will be no opportunities for excursions while in Antarctica.

Instead, the only excursion prices you’ll need to factor in are those that you choose to take in South America. Many people will choose penguin tours so that they can get up-close to these adorable creatures. Prices for these tours will range from $150 – $250 per person depending on where you book them (with the cruise lines offering the more expensive tours).

Book penguin tours EARLY as they sell out quickly, sometimes up to a year in advance.

Required Clothing

The clothing you will need for your trip will depend on whether you will be landing in Antarctica or just staying on the ship. When stepping foot on the White Continent, you will want rubber boots, special pants, a special coat, and possibly trekking poles.

Depending on the cruise line you choose, they may provide some of these items either for free or to rent. You can also rent items from local companies in South America. The cost will vary depending on the item and can range from $48 -$90 per item.

If you plan to just sail by Antarctica, you will need to be prepared with layers and a warm coat, but no specialized items are needed. If you already live in an area that sees cold winters, you will most likely have any clothing items needed for the trip at home.

Comparison of What a Trip to Antarctica Costs if Cruising

Prices listed below are averages for each category. Under the excursions section, I only factored in tours specifically in Antarctica. If you wish to do excursions in South America (which I highly recommend) that will add additional costs for both types of cruises.

Popular penguin tours start at around $200 per person. Sometimes, you can find cheaper prices by booking your tours outside of the cruise line and with a local company. Viator is also an excellent place to find cheaper prices and excellent options.

Check Viator for South American Excursions

	Expedition Ships	Larger Cruise Ships
Cruise Price	$20-50,000 per person	$1,700- $3,500 per person
Airfare (Economy)	Not included and depends on where you are flying from. ~$2,000 per person May need to pay for internal flights in South America as well.	~$1,000 per person (from United States)
Excursions	Most excursions such as kayaking, hikes and snorkeling are included. Some require an additional fee.	No excursions in Antarctica available
Clothing	Special warmer clothing and boots are required for stepping foot on Antarctica. These items may or may not be included. Rentals cost ~$48 – 90 per item.	No special clothing needed. For comfort, it depends on what you have at home.
Total Costs in USD	$22,150 – $52,150	$2,700 – $4,500 per person

Choosing the Right Antarctica Cruise

Compare itineraries and find the right price and voyage for you now

Other Antarctica Trip Costs

Lastly, I want to review any other possible expenses for your trip. Not all of the following categories may apply to you or are optional, which is why they weren’t previously discussed.

VISAS

Depending on what country you’re a legal citizen of will indicate whether or not you will need a VISA to visit South America (specifically the countries of Chile and Argentina). Similarly, if your cruise departs from Australia or New Zealand, you will want to check the requirements for those countries. There is no VISA requirement for Antarctica itself.

Insurance

While in many cases insurance is not compulsory, it’s always a wonderful idea to insure such an expensive trip. You can purchase plans through the cruise lines or independently. Costs will vary based on the coverage and provider you choose.

Hotels

Expedition cruises will usually provide one night hotel accommodation prior to your ships departure (but not always). Any additional nights before or after the cruise will be at your own expense. Rates will vary by the hotel and room you choose.

Larger cruise ships do not provide hotel stays unless you purchase them as part of a transfer package through the cruise line.

It is HIGHLY recommended that you arrive at least a day earlier than your ship is scheduled to leave to allow room for any flight delays or cancellations.

Wi-Fi

First, let’s start by saying that there is no Wi-Fi on Antarctica. If you are camping there, plan to be out of contact with the internet. Some tour companies will have a satellite phone that you can use for an additional fee.

Okay, now if you are cruising to Antarctica you may want to purchase a Wi-Fi plan to stay in contact with loved ones back home. Larger cruise lines offer this service and expedition ships may as well. Costs will vary according to the length of your cruise but can start at $30 per day.

Questions About Antarctica

Is Antarctica Wheelchair Accessible?

Believe it or not, Antarctica is wheelchair accessible! While putting a wheel on the continent may be difficult due to the snowy and rocky terrain, wheelchair users can still experience the seventh continent on a sail by cruise. Read more about my experience cruising to Antarctica as a wheelchair user in my Antarctica Trip Review.

Worried about how to stay warm in Antarctica? Check out my post on the wheelchair cozy I used!

Why Should I Visit Antarctica?

If you are reading this post, you probably already have an interest in visiting Antarctica. However, if you’re still on the fence on whether it’s worth traveling there, make sure to check out my top 10 reasons to visit Antarctica.

In short, there are beautiful landscapes, incredible wildlife, and lots of history that make Antarctica worth the trip.

Why is it So Expensive to Visit Antarctica?

Overall, visiting Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that requires significant resources. The combination of its remote location, harsh climate, limited infrastructure, environmental regulations, and high demand contribute to the high cost of visiting the continent.

Antarctica has an extremely harsh climate, with temperatures that can drop to -80°C (-112°F) and winds that can reach over 200 km/h (124 mph). The harsh climate makes it challenging to operate and maintain infrastructure, and it also requires specialized equipment and clothing, which can add to the overall cost of the trip.

Furthermore, there are also strict regulations in place to protect the fragile environment, which limit the number of visitors and the types of activities that can be conducted. Visitors are required to adhere to strict environmental guidelines. This can add to the cost of the trip, as specialized equipment and procedures are required to minimize the impact on the environment.

Finally, despite the high cost, there is a high demand for trips to Antarctica, particularly during the peak season from November to February. This can drive up the cost of the trip, as tour operators can charge a premium for their services.

Is Visiting Antarctica Worth the Price?

While visiting Antarctica will be one of your more expensive trips, it is absolutely worth the price. To be able to visit one of the places on earth that few people go, to experience a destination where mother earth is still in charge, to see the wildlife, and to feel the peacefulness that Antarctica has to offer is 100% worth the trip.

How Can I Save Money on a Trip to Antarctica?

*Book early

Sometimes the best prices are available as soon as itineraries are released (around 18 months in advance of sailing). Cruise lines often (but not always) have a policy where if the price drops after you’ve put down your deposit (and it is before final payment) you can negotiate for a better price.

*Sail in the Shoulder Season

Ships sail to Antarctica from November to March with the most popular months being December to February. Sailing in either November or March can sometimes mean you’ll find a cheaper price.

*Book Last Minute

In contrast to what I mentioned earlier, you can also sometimes find deals or sales if you book at the last minute. However, these itineraries fill up fast and there is no guarantee that voyages won’t sell out or that there will be a last-minute spot available.

*Choose a Cheaper Cabin

If choosing the lowest grade cabin is what is needed for you to be able to afford a trip to Antarctica, do it! There are plenty of places on the ship that will allow you to enjoy the scenery. Cabins are mainly for sleeping and getting ready for the day.

*Share a Cabin

On expedition ships, you can choose between a private cabin or sharing one with others. Obviously, choosing to share a cabin will help decrease the price. Each option has pros and cons, so decide which is best for you.

Additionally, if you are on a larger cruise ship and not sailing with someone else, there will be a single supplement fee (where you are essentially paying for another person minus taxes and fees). This is the time to convince your family or friends to take the trip of a lifetime with you!

*Look for Deals

There are cruise deals to be had. In fact, during wave season (January – March) cruise lines will often release sales and deals to entice buyers to book. Furthermore, sometimes there are sales around the holidays. Make sure to evaluate each sale to see if it’s truly a deal and within your budget.

What’s the Cheapest Antarctica Cruise?

The cheapest cruises to Antarctica will be the ones that just sail by the continent. Additionally, the shorter the length of the cruise, the cheaper it will be. Currently (at the time of this writing), Celebrity, Norwegian, and Princess Cruise Lines average $1600-1700 per person for a 14–16-day cruise.

Make sure to check itineraries for each line to see how many days are actually spent in Antarctica. Celebrity and Norwegian only have 1-2 days sailing by the continent while Princess averages 4 days in Antarctica. Personally, for similar lengths and prices, I’d choose Princess. For a cruise that is less expensive than an expedition ship but allows you to also see South America, you may also want to consider Holland America.

Look for the latest Antarctica cruise prices now!

For more ways on how to cruise on a budget, check out my other post.

What Type of Cabin Should I Choose for an Antartica Cruise?

If it’s within your budget, I would choose a balcony or ocean view room for an Antarctica cruise. This way you have plenty of opportunities to enjoy the scenery and for wildlife watching.

However, if all your budget allows is an interior room, you’ll still have a fantastic experience. An interior room was all that was available when I booked so that’s what I got. I’m not one to spend a lot of time in the room anyway so I found other areas on the ship to take in the views.

Are Tips Included on My Antarctica Cruise?

Tipping policies on Antarctica cruises can vary depending on the cruise line and the specific package you have booked. Some cruise lines include gratuities in the total cost of the trip, while others do not and expect guests to tip the crew members separately.

It is always a good idea to check with your cruise line to see if gratuities are included in the cost of your trip, and if not, what the recommended tipping amount is. Additionally, some cruise lines may have specific guidelines or policies for tipping, so it is important to review these before embarking on your trip.

When is the Best Time to Visit Antarctica?

Cruises to Antarctica take place from October to March as this is the summer season. Choosing which month to sail will depend on budget and what you want to see or experience. Traveling in November will allow you to do some whale watching excursions in Argentina.

What Do I Need to Pack for My Antarctica Cruise?

Packing layers will be key. Temperatures will be warm in South America but cooler in Antarctica. In addition, these items should be on your Antarctica packing list.

Conclusions on How Much a Trip to Antarctica Costs

I hope that this post shows you that a trip to Antarctica costs less than you may have thought and that it is possible to visit the continent on a budget. No matter how you decide to travel to the continent, I know you’ll have a marvelous time.