Right here is our overview of an Antarctica journey value that can assist you plan and funds your journey to the top of the Earth!
How a lot does it value to go to Antarctica? We’re right here that can assist you determine it out! Though, it’s not a simple subject to cowl as a result of a journey to Antarctica requires various planning and can fluctuate individual to individual.
However we’ll break down the various factors that have an effect on the full Antarctica journey value for common solo vacationers.
Many of the general Antarctica value will rely in your Antarctica cruise value, because the cruise covers your main bills like transport, meals, and actions.
However there are different bills to consider as effectively, comparable to flights to and from the departure location, gear, garments, and journey insurance coverage.
You actually must be ready for a visit to Antarctica, because it’s mainly essentially the most distant place on Earth to journey. So take your time to analysis and plan in your Antarctic cruise. The higher ready you might be, the higher expertise you’ll have in your Antarctic expedition!
Learn extra with our full TRAVEL GUIDE to Antarctica.
Antarctica Journey Price
Adventures to Antarctica value greater than your common vacation in most different nations. Nevertheless, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime expertise to discover the White Continent, and the journey prices are all price it.
As a result of Antarctica is such a wild place, tour operators put security and safety above all else. Cruise ships present the highest-quality experiences for friends, so that you really get what you pay for.
And there are methods to decrease your cruise prices when you journey off season, select funds cabins, or e book a shorter cruise.
We’re going to interrupt down how a lot it prices to go to Antarctica, from a mean cruise value vary to different extra bills.


Selecting your Antarctica Cruise
All travellers visiting Antarctica can be becoming a member of an organized Antarctica cruise! Except you’re a licensed information or researcher, there isn’t any technique to go to Antarctica as a civilian with out a tour.
The continent is simply too wild and unpredictable to go to by yourself, and there aren’t any services there for solo vacationers. So take your time to flick through the various tour operators so you’ll be able to choose your good Antarctica cruise.
Your Antarctica cruise value will rely upon just a few elements, together with the tour firm, the kind of cabin you need, the size of the cruise, the itinerary, and the time of 12 months.
Right here is an summary of what an Antarctica cruise may cost, and the alternative ways you’ll be able to customise your journey to Antarctica.
Antarctica cruise prices
- Finances cruises: $5,000–$10,000
- Mid-range cruises: $10,000–$25,000
- Luxurious cruises: $25,000+
- Common Antarctica cruise value: $10,000 USD
Let’s take a better take a look at some completely different cruise operators and what kinds of excursions they provide. Most operators have a spread of expeditions the place you could find funds cruises for underneath $10,000 and longer, extra luxurious cruises for over $20,000.
You’ll see that almost all cruises vary between 10 and 25 days, with the longer cruises being dearer. Cruises of 15+ days typically enterprise to different areas in addition to the Antarctic Peninsula, comparable to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. This offers you might be extra well-rounded expertise, therefore the upper costs and longer time frames.
However most costs are throughout the $10,000 – $20,000 vary. All the costs listed beneath are topic to alter, and all costs are in USD.
Most of those costs listed are additionally the “from” value, which means costs begin there and enhance when you select further facilities or nicer rooms.
Finances Antarctica Cruise Operators
Intrepid
- 11-Day Better of Antarctica Wildlife Explorer for round $8,000
- 13-Day Better of Antarctica In Depth for round $9,300
- 14-Day Journey to the Antarctic Circle for round $10,000
- 18-Day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula for round $24,000
- 24-Day Final Antarctica with Falkland Islands & South Georgia for round $21,000
G Adventures
- 11-Day Antarctica Traditional for round $11,000
- 13-Day Antarctica Traditional in Depth for round $13,500
- 14-Day Quest for the Antarctic Circle for round $15,000
- 21-Day Spirit of Shackleton with Falklands, Drake Passage and South Georgia for round $28,400
- 22-Day Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica for round $22,300
Mid-Vary Antarctica Cruise Operators
Quark Expeditions
- 8-Day Antarctic Categorical Fly The Drake Passage for round $13,000
- 11-Day Antarctic Explorer for round $8,500
- 12-Day Antarctica by Helicopter for round $13,000
- 14-Day Crossing the Antarctic Circle for round $15,000
- 18-Day South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula Penguin Safar for round $18,000
Aurora Expeditions
- 10-Day Style of Antarctica Expedition for round $10,000
- 12-Day Antarctic Explorer for round $15,000
- 13-Day Wild Antarctica & the Weddell Sea for round $18,000
- 22-Day Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Peninsula for round $24,000
- 24-Day Mawson’s East Antarctica & Ross Sea for round $27,000
Luxurious Antarctica Cruise Operators
Scenic
- 24-Day Antarctica’s Ross Sea: Majestic Ice & Wildlife for round $28,000
- 24-Day Antarctica’s Ross Sea from Australia for round $28,000
- 25-Day Mawson’s Antarctica: Alongside the East Coast for round $29,000
Ponant
- 12-Day Antarctica: The White Continent with Smithsonian Journeys for round $14,500
- 12-Day Emperor Penguins of the Weddell Sea for round $30,000
- 17-Day Nice Austral Loop for round $22,500
- 20-Day Falklands, South Georgia & Valdes Peninsula for round $14,000
Unsure which cruise to choose? Learn our information to the Finest Antarctica Cruises, primarily based on our private experiences!
Sail-By Cruises On A Finances
Another choice for vacationers hoping to chop prices is to e book a sail-by cruise. These are simply massive cruise ships that sail across the border of Antarctica however don’t truly land on the continent itself.
Superstar Cruises, Princess Cruises, Norwegian Cruises, and Holland America Cruises are a number of the hottest bigger ships that sail previous the White Continent.
Although you don’t bodily discover the Antarctic Peninsula on foot, you’ll be able to nonetheless admire its magnificence from the ship in Antarctic waters! You possibly can spot wildlife comparable to whales, seals, seabirds, and varied penguin species as they frolic on land or within the ocean.
These sail-by cruises typically value lower than $5,000 per particular person. So when you’re in search of economical cruises, these are really the most affordable choices.
Different elements that will have an effect on your Antarctica cruise prices
Whenever you e book a cruise aboard any of the operators that go to Antarctica, the value listed is often the bottom value. Sure issues like cabin kind and the excursions included will have an effect on the price of your cruise.
It’s also possible to take a look at the itinerary and the size of the cruise to search out the most affordable or most in-depth cruises.
Listed below are some elements that may have an effect on the value of your cruise. Understanding these may help you choose what kind of cruise you need and what kind of value vary you’re prepared to pay for.
Cabin kind
An Antarctic cruise value largely will depend on the kind of cabin you e book in your journey. Most cruise ships have a spread of lodging choices, from funds to luxurious.
Some luxurious cruises provide solely one of the best, whereas others have a wider vary of facilities so vacationers can choose a cabin to go well with their funds.
Finances cabins typically have dormitory-style or twin-share cabins. There could also be bunk beds, shared loos, and primary facilities.
You’ll possible have restricted area within the cabin and no non-public balcony or window. The rooms are mainly bare-bones, which makes them budget-friendly! These hoping to decrease their Antarctica cruise value can go for a primary shared cabin.
Mid-Vary Cabins ($10,000–$20,000 per particular person)
Mid-range cabins normally have twin or double beds with non-public loos. Typically they’ve home windows, area for rest, a TV, or different facilities.
These kinds of rooms provide extra privateness and luxury than a funds dorm, and they’re widespread on mid-range expedition ships.
Luxurious Suites ($20,000+ per particular person)
These hoping to splurge on their polar cruising expertise can e book luxurious suites. Rooms fluctuate primarily based on the cruise operator, however you’ll be able to typically discover king-size beds, non-public balconies or panoramic home windows, and personal loos within the room.
Whenever you e book the top-tier cabins, you additionally typically get extra perks like particular excursions, non-public eating experiences, butler providers, and extra.
Size of cruise
Some Antarctica expedition cruises are brief at round 7-10 days. Others are a few weeks or extra!
The longer your journey, the dearer the associated fee. However the longer cruises offer you extra bang in your buck, as you get to enterprise to extra locations round Antarctica.
Longer cruises could embody visits to close by islands just like the South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands, and South Georgia Island. Longer Antarctic cruises even have extra time for shore excursions and water actions like mountaineering, sea kayaking, wildlife recognizing, scuba diving, and extra.
Some would possibly argue that when you’re going to go to the White Continent, you would possibly as effectively benefit from it and e book the longest and most enjoyable luxurious voyages. However everybody has their very own journey funds and preferences, so it’s completely as much as you. A shorter cruise will certainly be cheaper!
Itinerary
Just like the final level, the itinerary can also have an effect on the price of your cruise. Listed below are some widespread itinerary inclusions that may have an effect on the size of the cruise and its price ticket.
Antarctic Peninsula
Most cruises embody islands across the Antarctic Peninsula together with Deception Island, the South Shetland Islands, King George Island, Elephant Island, Portal Level, and extra.
You possibly can step foot on the Antarctic Peninsula and see some really mind-blowing surroundings.
Excursions to the Antarctic Peninsula are among the many cheaper ones as a result of it’s a comparatively straightforward spot to entry from Ushuaia in Argentina, South America.


Drake Passage
Many cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula sail from South America throughout the Drake Passage on the best way there or the best way again.
Some fly-cruise excursions embody a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile over the Drake Passage as a substitute. The ocean right here is notoriously tough, although most massive cruise ships can deal with it simply.
In case you select to e book a tour with a flight, the costs will possible be larger.
Falkland Islands and South Georgia
On excursions from South America, many cruises cease on the Falkland Islands and South Georgia on the best way to the Antarctic Peninsula.
These distant archipelagos are fashionable for longer expeditions of round 20 days. There may be simply a lot wildlife to see within the Falklands and South Georgia, so together with these will make the journey longer and subsequently dearer.
However many would argue that it’s price it. For wildlife images and shore excursions, South Georgia is likely one of the coolest locations on this planet!


The Ross Sea
Cruising by way of the Ross Sea to East Antarctica might be included in itineraries from Australia or New Zealand.
These cruises are much less widespread than those from Argentina or Chile, so they’re usually dearer. However although you’re paying extra, you’ll get an especially uncrowded expertise and be crusing on a luxurious ship!
Time of 12 months
Antarctica’s journey season runs from November to March, throughout the Southern Hemisphere’s summer time.
Nevertheless, costs and experiences fluctuate relying on whether or not you journey within the peak season (December–February) or the shoulder season (November & March).
It’s also possible to get superb reductions when you e book last-minute for the very finish of the season in March!
Learn extra with our information to one of the best time to go to Antarctica.
Peak Season (December–February) – Most Costly
Peak season has the warmest temperatures across the Antarctic Circle (averaging 20–40°F or -6 to 4°C). This makes outside excursions and shore landings extra snug.
That is additionally one of the best time for wildlife recognizing! Penguin chicks hatch in December, and whales are most energetic in January and February. Plus you’ll have as much as 24 hours of daylight on the White Continent.
As a result of peak season has one of the best circumstances, it’s additionally the most costly time to go to Antarctica. Cruises and flights promote out quick, and luxurious choices get booked effectively prematurely.
Count on to pay wherever from $10,000 to $30,000+ per particular person, relying on the extent of consolation and the itinerary.
Shoulder Season (November & March) – Extra Reasonably priced
For a less expensive cruise value, you’ll be able to e book within the shoulder season of both November or March.
November is early within the season. The ocean ice remains to be breaking apart, creating spectacular landscapes. Penguins and seals are additionally starting their breeding season.
March is the top of the season, with fewer vacationers and wonderful whale-watching alternatives. Each months have the coldest temperatures and extra unpredictable climate.
Cruises and expeditions are typically cheaper in November or March. Some excursions provide reductions of 10–30% in comparison with peak season charges.
There are additionally extra last-minute offers obtainable for versatile vacationers.
Costs can vary from $7,000 to $15,000, relying on the tour operator and bundle.
In case you prioritize wildlife and one of the best climate, peak season is definitely worth the larger value. However when you’re wanting to save cash and nonetheless expertise Antarctica’s magnificence, the shoulder season gives higher offers with fewer crowds.


Different bills so as to add to your Antarctica journey value
When you’ve chosen your Antarctica cruise, you’ll must do some further planning and preparation in your journey to Antarctica.
There could also be extra transport, provides, and journey insurance coverage that isn’t included in your Antarctica cruise value, so it’s essential so as to add in these prices as effectively.
Right here is an summary of some extra bills that almost all travellers will want for visiting Antarctica!
Journey Insurance coverage
Journey insurance coverage is completely a should for Antarctica. Expedition cruises to Antarctica take you into some attractive however very distant locations within the Antarctic Peninsula.
Cruise ships are effectively geared up with professional employees, medics, first help provides, and every thing you would possibly want in case of an emergency.
Nevertheless, you by no means know what would possibly occur on a visit overseas regardless of the place you go. So it’s all the time good to get journey insurance coverage, which is able to cowl you financially in case you might have any extra emergency bills.
Essential Observe! Earlier than you e book any worldwide journey, we truthfully advocate getting journey insurance coverage. You by no means know when issues will go improper, and medical payments can add up rapidly when you get sick or injure your self abroad.
Our private suggestion primarily based on our personal expertise is World Nomads.
Flights to and from the departure metropolis
Most cruise ships to Antarctica depart from South America, both from Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile.
There are another cruise ships that depart from Queenstown in New Zealand, Hobart in Australia or Cape City in South Africa as effectively.
Regardless of which Antarctic cruise you select, you’ll possible must journey out of your hometown to one in all these departure areas.
Typically, when you e book a complete bundle, flights to the departure metropolis could also be included within the Antarctica cruise value. That is referred to as a fly cruise bundle!
However some extra budget-friendly expedition cruises could solely embody the cruise itself. On this case, you’ll must think about your flights to the departure metropolis when you think about your Antarctica journey value.


Clothes
It’s essential to pack correct clothes for an Antarctica journey!
Most cruise ships are well-insulated and cozy, so you should definitely deliver some common everyday garments for hanging out onboard the vessel.
However when it’s time for these excursions outdoor, it’s so essential to remain heat! Learn our complete Antarctica journey packing listing for a extra detailed thought of what to deliver. However here’s a fast abstract of the garments you’ll need to pack:
- Waterproof boots, pants and jackets
- Thermal underwear
- Thermal socks and Merino Wool socks
- Common pants, t-shirts, and long-sleeve shirts
- Hooded jumper
- Down jacket and a wind/rain jacket
- Ski gloves and glove liners
- Neck hotter or buff banana
- Heat hat
- Sun shades
It’s price investing in some good high quality garments in your Antarctic cruise. So don’t be afraid to spend a bit of cash on one of the best garments that can hold you heat and cozy.
Learn our Final Antarctica Packing Checklist to plan your journey!


Gear and different provides
As with all journey overseas, you’ll need to deliver another important objects to make your life simpler.
Along with clothes, listed below are some issues you could need to deliver in your Antarctica journey:
- Digicam
- GoPro
- Laptop computer
- Binoculars
- Journal
- Headphones
- Water bottle
- Spare batteries and SD playing cards
- Digicam baggage and day baggage
A visit to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime expertise, so don’t skimp out on the digital camera gear! You’ll need to seize the breathtaking surroundings and unbelievable wildlife that you simply witness.
Have the means to get some footage throughout your adventures, and probably deliver a laptop computer and a few digital camera gear like baggage or lenses if you wish to make every thing seamless.
Learn subsequent: Our Information to the Finest Journey Cameras
General Antarctica Price
The price to go to Antarctica is mostly round $10,000 – $15,000 per particular person, although there are lots of elements that have an effect on this value.
Let’s summarize these now!
High methods to make your Antarctica journey cheaper:
- E book final minute
- Go to in November or March
- Select a primary or shared cabin
- Select shorter excursions of 10-14 days
- Choose an ordinary itinerary on South American cruises
High methods to make your Antarctica journey dearer:
- E book in peak season (Dec/Jan/Feb)
- Cruise aboard luxurious ships with one of the best rooms
- Select an extended tour of 20+ days
- Fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas as a substitute of crusing
- E book a extra area of interest tour from Australia or New Zealand
Your general Antarctica journey value may even embody insurance coverage, gear, clothes, and journey to your departure location.
Although the prices can simply add up, it’s as much as you to resolve whether or not the cash is price it. Touring to Antarctica is like no different expertise you’ll ever have, so begin saving and resolve what works greatest for you!
DISCLAIMER: Among the hyperlinks on this article are affiliate hyperlinks, which suggests when you e book lodging, excursions or purchase a product, we are going to obtain a small fee at no further value to you. These commissions assist us hold creating extra free journey content material to assist individuals plan their holidays and adventures. We solely advocate one of the best lodging, excursions and merchandise that ourselves or our incredible editorial staff have personally skilled, and commonly evaluation these. Thanks in your assist, sort pal!