Here is our overview of an Antarctica trip cost to help you plan and budget your adventure to the end of the Earth!

How much does it cost to go to Antarctica? We’re here to help you figure it out! Although, it’s not an easy topic to cover because a trip to Antarctica requires quite a lot of planning and will vary person to person.

But we’ll break down the different factors that affect the total Antarctica travel cost for average solo travelers.

Most of the overall Antarctica price will depend on your Antarctica cruise cost, as the cruise covers your major expenses like transport, food, and activities.

But there are other expenses to think about as well, such as flights to and from the departure location, gear, clothes, and travel insurance.

You really have to be prepared for a trip to Antarctica, as it’s basically the most remote place on Earth to travel. So take your time to research and plan for your Antarctic cruise. The better prepared you are, the better experience you’ll have on your Antarctic expedition!

Read more with our complete TRAVEL GUIDE to Antarctica.

Antarctica Trip Cost

Adventures to Antarctica cost more than your average holiday in most other countries. However, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience to explore the White Continent, and the trip costs are all worth it.

Because Antarctica is such a wild place, tour operators put safety and security above all else. Cruise ships provide the highest-quality experiences for guests, so you truly get what you pay for.

And there are ways to lower your cruise costs if you travel off season, choose budget cabins, or book a shorter cruise.

We’re going to break down how much it costs to go to Antarctica, from an average cruise price range to other additional expenses.

Cruising around Antarctica.

Choosing your Antarctica Cruise

All travellers visiting Antarctica will be joining an organized Antarctica cruise! Unless you are a certified guide or researcher, there is no way to visit Antarctica as a civilian without a tour.

The continent is just too wild and unpredictable to visit on your own, and there are no facilities there for solo travelers. So take your time to browse through the many tour operators so you can select your perfect Antarctica cruise.

Your Antarctica cruise cost will depend on a few factors, including the tour company, the type of cabin you want, the length of the cruise, the itinerary, and the time of year.

Here is an overview of what an Antarctica cruise might cost, and the different ways you can customise your trip to Antarctica.

Antarctica cruise costs

• Budget cruises: $5,000–$10,000
• Mid-range cruises: $10,000–$25,000
• Luxury cruises: $25,000+
• Average Antarctica cruise cost: $10,000 USD

Let’s take a closer look at some different cruise operators and what types of tours they offer. Most operators have a range of expeditions where you can find budget cruises for under $10,000 and longer, more luxury cruises for over $20,000.

You’ll see that most cruises range between 10 and 25 days, with the longer cruises being more expensive. Cruises of 15+ days often venture to other locations besides the Antarctic Peninsula, such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. This gives you are more well-rounded experience, hence the higher prices and longer time frames.

But most prices are within the $10,000 – $20,000 range. All the prices listed below are subject to change, and all prices are in USD.

Most of these prices listed are also the “from” price, meaning prices start there and increase if you choose extra amenities or nicer rooms.

Budget Antarctica Cruise Operators

Intrepid

• 11-Day Best of Antarctica Wildlife Explorer for around $8,000
• 13-Day Best of Antarctica In Depth for around $9,300
• 14-Day Journey to the Antarctic Circle for around $10,000
• 18-Day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula for around $24,000
• 24-Day Ultimate Antarctica with Falkland Islands & South Georgia for around $21,000

G Adventures

• 11-Day Antarctica Classic for around $11,000
• 13-Day Antarctica Classic in Depth for around $13,500
• 14-Day Quest for the Antarctic Circle for around $15,000
• 21-Day Spirit of Shackleton with Falklands, Drake Passage and South Georgia for around $28,400
• 22-Day Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica for around $22,300

Mid-Range Antarctica Cruise Operators

Quark Expeditions

• 8-Day Antarctic Express Fly The Drake Passage for around $13,000
• 11-Day Antarctic Explorer for around $8,500
• 12-Day Antarctica by Helicopter for around $13,000
• 14-Day Crossing the Antarctic Circle for around $15,000
• 18-Day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula Penguin Safar for around $18,000

Aurora Expeditions

• 10-Day Taste of Antarctica Expedition for around $10,000
• 12-Day Antarctic Explorer for around $15,000
• 13-Day Wild Antarctica & the Weddell Sea for around $18,000
• 22-Day Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula for around $24,000
• 24-Day Mawson’s East Antarctica & Ross Sea for around $27,000

Luxury Antarctica Cruise Operators

Scenic

• 24-Day Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife for around $28,000
• 24-Day Antarctica’s Ross Sea from Australia for around $28,000
• 25-Day Mawson’s Antarctica: Along the East Coast for around $29,000

Ponant

• 12-Day Antarctica: The White Continent with Smithsonian Journeys for around $14,500
• 12-Day Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea for around $30,000
• 17-Day Great Austral Loop for around $22,500
• 20-Day Falklands, South Georgia & Valdes Peninsula for around $14,000

Not sure which cruise to pick? Read our guide to the Best Antarctica Cruises, based on our personal experiences!

Sail-By Cruises On A Budget

Another option for travelers hoping to cut costs is to book a sail-by cruise. These are just large cruise ships that sail around the border of Antarctica but don’t actually land on the continent itself.

Celebrity Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, and Holland America Cruises are some of the most popular larger ships that sail past the White Continent.

Though you don’t physically explore the Antarctic Peninsula on foot, you can still admire its beauty from the ship in Antarctic waters! You can spot wildlife such as whales, seals, seabirds, and various penguin species as they frolic on land or in the ocean.

These sail-by cruises often cost less than $5,000 per person. So if you’re looking for economical cruises, these are truly the cheapest options.

Other factors that may affect your Antarctica cruise costs

When you book a cruise aboard any of the operators that go to Antarctica, the price listed is normally the base price. Certain things like cabin type and the excursions included will affect the cost of your cruise.

You can also look at the itinerary and the length of the cruise to find the cheapest or most in-depth cruises.

Here are some factors that can affect the price of your cruise. Understanding these can help you select what type of cruise you want and what type of price range you’re willing to pay for.

Cabin type

An Antarctic cruise cost largely depends on the type of cabin you book for your journey. Most cruise ships have a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury.

Some luxury cruises offer only the best, while others have a wider range of amenities so travelers can pick a cabin to suit their budget.

Budget/Shared Cabins ($5,000–$10,000 per person)

Budget cabins often have dormitory-style or twin-share cabins. There may be bunk beds, shared bathrooms, and basic amenities.

You’ll likely have limited space in the cabin and no private balcony or window. The rooms are basically bare-bones, which makes them budget-friendly! Those hoping to lower their Antarctica cruise cost can opt for a basic shared cabin.

Mid-Range Cabins ($10,000–$20,000 per person)

Mid-range cabins usually have twin or double beds with private bathrooms. Sometimes they have windows, space for relaxation, a TV, or other amenities.

These types of rooms offer more privacy and comfort than a budget dorm, and they are common on mid-range expedition ships.

Luxury Suites ($20,000+ per person)

Those hoping to splurge on their polar cruising experience can book luxury suites. Rooms vary based on the cruise operator, but you can often find king-size beds, private balconies or panoramic windows, and private bathrooms in the room.

When you book the top-tier cabins, you also often get additional perks like special excursions, private dining experiences, butler services, and more.

Length of cruise

Some Antarctica expedition cruises are short at around 7-10 days. Others are a couple of weeks or more!

The longer your trip, the more expensive the cost. But the longer cruises give you more bang for your buck, as you get to venture to more destinations around Antarctica.

Longer cruises may include visits to nearby islands like the South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia Island. Longer Antarctic cruises also have more time for shore excursions and water activities like hiking, sea kayaking, wildlife spotting, scuba diving, and more.

Some might argue that if you’re going to visit the White Continent, you might as well make the most of it and book the longest and most exciting luxury voyages. But everyone has their own travel budget and preferences, so it’s totally up to you. A shorter cruise will definitely be cheaper!

Itinerary

Similar to the last point, the itinerary may also affect the cost of your cruise. Here are some common itinerary inclusions that can affect the length of the cruise and its price tag.

Antarctic Peninsula

Most cruises include islands around the Antarctic Peninsula including Deception Island, the South Shetland Islands, King George Island, Elephant Island, Portal Point, and more.

You can step foot on the Antarctic Peninsula and see some truly mind-blowing scenery.

Tours to the Antarctic Peninsula are among the cheaper ones because it’s a relatively easy spot to access from Ushuaia in Argentina, South America.

A zodiac being expertly guided around icebergs in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Drake Passage

Many cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula sail from South America across the Drake Passage on the way there or the way back.

Some fly-cruise tours include a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile over the Drake Passage instead. The sea here is notoriously rough, though most large cruise ships can handle it easily.

If you choose to book a tour with a flight, the prices will likely be higher.

Falkland Islands and South Georgia

On tours from South America, many cruises stop at the Falkland Islands and South Georgia on the way to the Antarctic Peninsula.

These remote archipelagos are popular for longer expeditions of around 20 days. There is just so much wildlife to see in the Falklands and South Georgia, so including these will make the trip longer and therefore more expensive.

But many would argue that it’s worth it. For wildlife photography and shore excursions, South Georgia is one of the coolest places in the world!

South Georgia Island is a great place to see penguins.

The Ross Sea

Cruising through the Ross Sea to East Antarctica can be included in itineraries from Australia or New Zealand.

These cruises are less common than the ones from Argentina or Chile, so they are generally more expensive. But though you’re paying more, you’ll get an extremely uncrowded experience and be sailing on a luxury ship!

Time of year

Antarctica’s travel season runs from November to March, during the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

However, prices and experiences vary depending on whether you travel in the peak season (December–February) or the shoulder season (November & March).

You can also get amazing discounts if you book last-minute for the very end of the season in March!

Read more with our guide to the best time to visit Antarctica.

Peak Season (December–February) – Most Expensive

Peak season has the warmest temperatures around the Antarctic Circle (averaging 20–40°F or -6 to 4°C). This makes outdoor excursions and shore landings more comfortable.

This is also the best time for wildlife spotting! Penguin chicks hatch in December, and whales are most active in January and February. Plus you’ll have up to 24 hours of sunlight on the White Continent.

Because peak season has the best conditions, it’s also the most expensive time to go to Antarctica. Cruises and flights sell out fast, and luxury options get booked well in advance.

Expect to pay anywhere from $10,000 to $30,000+ per person, depending on the level of comfort and the itinerary.

Shoulder Season (November & March) – More Affordable

For a cheaper cruise cost, you can book in the shoulder season of either November or March.

November is early in the season. The sea ice is still breaking up, creating spectacular landscapes. Penguins and seals are also beginning their breeding season.

March is the end of the season, with fewer tourists and excellent whale-watching opportunities. Both months have the coldest temperatures and more unpredictable weather.

Cruises and expeditions tend to be cheaper in November or March. Some tours offer discounts of 10–30% compared to peak season rates.

There are also more last-minute deals available for flexible travelers.

Prices can range from $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the tour operator and package.

If you prioritize wildlife and the best weather, peak season is worth the higher cost. But if you’re looking to save money and still experience Antarctica’s beauty, the shoulder season offers better deals with fewer crowds.

Visit Antarctica later in the season to save money.

Other expenses to add to your Antarctica travel cost

Once you’ve chosen your Antarctica cruise, you’ll have to do some extra planning and preparation for your trip to Antarctica.

There may be additional transport, supplies, and travel insurance that isn’t included in your Antarctica cruise price, so it’s important to add in those costs as well.

Here is an overview of some additional expenses that most travellers will need for visiting Antarctica!

Travel Insurance

Travel insurance is absolutely a must for Antarctica. Expedition cruises to Antarctica take you into some gorgeous but very remote places in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Cruise ships are well equipped with expert staff, medics, first aid supplies, and everything you might need in case of an emergency.

However, you never know what might happen on a trip abroad no matter where you go. So it’s always smart to get travel insurance, which will cover you financially in case you have any additional emergency expenses.

Important Note! Before you book any international trip, we honestly recommend getting travel insurance. You never know when things will go wrong, and medical bills can add up quickly if you get sick or injure yourself overseas.

Our personal recommendation based on our own experience is World Nomads.

Flights to and from the departure city

Most cruise ships to Antarctica depart from South America, either from Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile.

There are some other cruise ships that depart from Queenstown in New Zealand, Hobart in Australia or Cape Town in South Africa as well.

No matter which Antarctic cruise you choose, you’ll likely have to travel from your hometown to one of these departure locations.

Sometimes, if you book a comprehensive package, flights to the departure city may be included in the Antarctica cruise price. This is called a fly cruise package!

But some more budget-friendly expedition cruises may only include the cruise itself. In this case, you’ll have to factor in your flights to the departure city when you consider your Antarctica trip cost.

Soaking in the views of Antarctica

Clothing

It’s important to pack proper clothing for an Antarctica trip!

Most cruise ships are well-insulated and comfortable, so be sure to bring some regular day to day clothes for hanging out onboard the vessel.

But when it’s time for those excursions outdoors, it’s so important to stay warm! Read our comprehensive Antarctica travel packing list for a more detailed idea of what to bring. But here is a quick summary of the clothes you’ll want to pack:

• Waterproof boots, pants and jackets
• Thermal underwear
• Thermal socks and Merino Wool socks
• Regular pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts
• Hooded jumper
• Down jacket and a wind/rain jacket
• Ski gloves and glove liners
• Neck warmer or buff banana
• Warm hat
• Sunglasses

It’s worth investing in some good quality clothes for your Antarctic cruise. So don’t be afraid to spend a bit of money on the best clothes that will keep you warm and comfortable.

Read our Ultimate Antarctica Packing List to plan your trip!

Having the right clothes is essential for Antarctica!

Gear and other supplies

As with any trip abroad, you’ll want to bring some other essential items to make your life easier.

In addition to clothing, here are some things you may want to bring for your Antarctica trip:

• Camera
• GoPro
• Laptop
• Binoculars
• Journal
• Headphones
• Water bottle
• Spare batteries and SD cards
• Camera bags and day bags

A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, so don’t skimp out on the camera gear! You’ll want to capture the breathtaking scenery and incredible wildlife that you witness.

Have the means to get some footage during your adventures, and possibly bring a laptop and some camera gear like bags or lenses if you want to make everything seamless.

Read next: Our Guide to the Best Travel Cameras

Overall Antarctica Cost

The cost to go to Antarctica is generally around $10,000 – $15,000 per person, though there are many factors that affect this cost.

Let’s summarize these now!

Top ways to make your Antarctica trip cheaper:

• Book last minute
• Visit in November or March
• Choose a basic or shared cabin
• Choose shorter tours of 10-14 days
• Pick a standard itinerary on South American cruises

Top ways to make your Antarctica trip more expensive:

• Book in peak season (Dec/Jan/Feb)
• Cruise aboard luxury ships with the best rooms
• Choose a longer tour of 20+ days
• Fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas instead of sailing
• Book a more niche tour from Australia or New Zealand

Your overall Antarctica travel cost will also include insurance, gear, clothing, and travel to your departure location.

Though the costs can easily add up, it’s up to you to decide whether the money is worth it. Traveling to Antarctica is like no other experience you’ll ever have, so start saving and decide what works best for you!

DISCLAIMER: Some of the links in this article are affiliate links, which means if you book accommodation, tours or buy a product, we will receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. These commissions help us keep creating more free travel content to help people plan their holidays and adventures. We only recommend the best accommodations, tours and products that ourselves or our fantastic editorial team have personally experienced, and regularly review these. Thanks for your support, kind friend!

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