Located just 1,000 kilometers from the Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia is the closest city to the White Continent. Every summer, ships from around the world depart from the local port on journeys lasting 10 to 20 days.
Worldwide, five cities are recognized as “gateways to Antarctica”: Cape Town in South Africa, Christchurch in New Zealand, Hobart in Australia, Punta Arenas in Chile, and Ushuaia in Argentina. Of these, the capital of Tierra del Fuego is the closest point to the Antarctic Continent, only 1,000 kilometers from the Antarctic Peninsula.
1-night Pre-Cruise Package in Ushuaia
Visit the most important interest points in the Southermost City in the World!
The Antarctic cruise season begins in October and ends in March, coinciding with the austral summer. From Ushuaia, Antarctica can only be reached by sea, which is the most popular option for travelers. To reach the Antarctic Peninsula, ships must cross the Drake Passage, where the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans converge. This passage is famous among sailors as one of the world’s most challenging waters. The crossing typically takes about 48 hours, during which travelers may spot seabirds such as wandering albatrosses, grey-headed albatrosses, black-browed albatrosses, cape petrels, silver petrels, storm petrels, and Antarctic petrels.
Once at the Peninsula, activities include Zodiac landings at various points of interest to observe both Antarctic wildlife and historical sites connected to 20th-century expeditions. Some companies also offer optional activities, such as kayaking, diving, camping, helicopter flights, and trekking.
Itineraries to Antarctica from Ushuaia
Antarctic itineraries vary depending on the number of days, places visited, type of vessel, and onboard services. Most Antarctic cruise operators offer circuits that include the following:
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Classic Antarctica
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Duration: 10–12 days
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After crossing the Drake Passage, ships visit the South Shetland Islands (including Deception Island and King George Island), then land on the Peninsula to explore places like Gerlache Strait, Danco Island, Port Neko, Paradise Bay, Pléneau and Petermann Islands, and Port Lockroy, a former British base now functioning as a museum and post office.
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Antarctica via Islas Malvinas (Falklands) and South Georgia
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Duration: 20–22 days
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This itinerary, the second most popular, visits the Antarctic Peninsula and explores the landscapes and wildlife of the Falkland Islands and South Georgia, home to king penguins.
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Crossing the Antarctic Circle
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Duration: 14–15 days
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Ships sail along the west coast of Antarctica, crossing the Antarctic Circle (latitude 66°33’ S). Highlights include icebergs, whale sightings, and penguin colonies. Depending on weather conditions, landings may include Vernadsky Station (Ukraine), the former British Faraday Base, Yalour Islands, and Detaille Island.
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Weddell Sea Circuit
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This itinerary is an adventurous journey, linked to the ill-fated 1915 expedition of Sir Ernest Shackleton, whose ship Endurance was trapped in the ice and sank in these waters.
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Ushuaia Full Pass
Discover the best of Ushuaia with a complete activity package and round-trip transfers.
- Ushuaia
From Price: USD 550
Argentina in Antarctica
Argentina has maintained a presence in Antarctica since 1904, when it established a meteorological observatory and postal station on Laurie Island, South Orkneys, later becoming Orcadas Base. The country is also a consultative member of the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 to ensure the peaceful use of the continent through scientific research and environmental conservation projects.
1-night Post-Cruise Package in Ushuaia
Enjoy Ushuaia after your cruise!
Rules for Antarctic Tourism
Under the Antarctic Treaty, tourism is internationally regulated to protect the fragile ecosystem. Only small groups of visitors are allowed to land at designated sites.
The main rules and guidelines for tourists and expedition organizers are compiled in the “Manual of Relevant Regulations and Guidelines for Tourism and Non-Governmental Activities in Antarctica”, approved by the 43rd Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (2021, Decision 6).
The treaty also provides specific guidelines for the most frequently visited sites, offering practical instructions for tour operators and guides on how to respect the environmental values of each location.
Most active Antarctic tour operators are members of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which participates in the treaty meetings as an invited expert organization.
The Regulations Manual and Visitor Guidelines are available for download in Spanish on the official Antarctic Treaty website.
Ushuaia Standard Pass
Enjoy a bundle of essential excursions and airport transfers in one convenient package.
- Ushuaia
From Price: USD 430
