About this trip
Fourteen days aboard an ice-strengthened expedition ship, sailing south from Argentina toward the Antarctic Circle itself. This is one of the few voyages that pushes beyond the peninsula's usual limits, so expect more time spent actually exploring the ice rather than just passing through it.
You cross the Drake Passage, thread past the South Shetland Islands, then spend days working along the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula — landing by zodiac where conditions allow, with expedition staff guiding what you see and do each day.
It runs more like a hands-on expedition than a standard cruise. Days are shaped by weather, ice and wildlife rather than a fixed schedule, so flexibility is part of the deal.
What you'll do
- Cross the Drake Passage by ship
- Sail past the South Shetland Islands
- Explore the western Antarctic Peninsula coastline
- Aim to cross the Antarctic Circle
- Watch penguin rookeries on the shoreline
- Spot whales moving through the surrounding waters
- Itinerary is weather and ice-dependent, with expedition staff adjusting the route day to day
- Moderate activity level — includes zodiac landings and time on deck in cold conditions
- Suits travellers who want genuine polar exploration over a fixed sightseeing schedule
Worth it if you can stomach the Drake Passage crossing and want expedition staff who genuinely care. Think twice if pricing transparency matters or you're budget-conscious.
- Expedition crew consistently praised for passion, knowledge, and enthusiasm across multiple trips and landings.
- Price inconsistency reported: identical trips quoted at vastly different rates; one person paid nearly $3000 more than friends.
- Drake Passage crossing is genuinely rough; described as 'no joke' and a real physical challenge to endure.
- Booking communication excellent when things work, but at least one price hold was withdrawn without honouring the quote.
Distilled from real traveller reviews on TourRadar — we don't edit out the bad bits.
The same-vibe trips, side by side — price, value per day, and how each is moving. Only we can lay two operators' trips out honestly.
Sorted by fit — never by who paid. Price moves and availability come from our own daily tracking.
Departing in Dec is cheapest — from £7,085, about 62% below the priciest month (Dec).
Getting there
Opens Trip.com, pre-filled — one-way so you can book your return whenever. Prices & booking shown there.
Where to stay
A night before your tour in Ushuaia · 20 Dec – 21 Dec
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