- Most expeditions sail from Ushuaia in Argentina
- The Drake Passage crossing takes about two days each way
- Fly-cruises from Punta Arenas skip the crossing
- The season runs from November to March
- Airports
- Ushuaia (USH), via Buenos Aires (EZE/AEP); Punta Arenas (PUQ) for fly-cruises
- Best time to go
- November-March (December-January for penguin chicks and long days)
- Type
- Region
The Antarctic Peninsula is where most people meet Antarctica. Reaching north towards South America, it is the most accessible part of the continent, and its sheltered channels, glaciers and islands are home to penguin colonies, seals and feeding whales.
A voyage here is a once-in-a-lifetime trip, with prices to match, but nothing quite prepares you for the silence of the ice, the blue of the icebergs or the noise and smell of a penguin colony.
Why go to the Antarctic Peninsula
- Penguins: gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie colonies, often right by the landing sites.
- Whales: humpbacks and minke whales feed in the bays, especially later in the season.
- Scenery: narrow channels such as the Lemaire Channel and bays like Paradise Bay, framed by glaciers and peaks.
- Real landings: small expedition ships take you ashore by Zodiac, usually once or twice a day, weather permitting.
Where to start: ports and ships
Ushuaia, Argentina is the main departure port: most Antarctic Peninsula expeditions sail from here, across the Drake Passage. A few start from Puerto Williams or Punta Arenas in Chile.
Fly-cruises depart from Punta Arenas and fly to King George Island in the South Shetlands, where you join the ship. You skip the Drake but pay more, and flights can be delayed by weather.
| Ship type | Passengers | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Small expedition ship | Under 200 | Most landings, intimate feel |
| Mid-size expedition ship | 200-500 | More comfort; landings in rotation |
| Large cruise ship | Over 500 | Scenic cruising only, no landings |
Under IAATO guidelines, no more than 100 passengers can be ashore at one site at a time. On a smaller ship you spend more time on land.
Top things to see and do
- Deception Island: sail into a flooded volcanic caldera in the South Shetlands, with old whaling station ruins and steaming beaches.
- Paradise Bay: one of the few places you may set foot on the Antarctic continent itself, often with whales in the bay.
- The Lemaire Channel: a narrow passage lined with sheer cliffs, nicknamed "Kodak Gap".
- Penguin colonies: at sites such as Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour.
- Port Lockroy: a historic British base with a museum, shop and post office, run by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust, when landings are possible.
- Kayaking, camping and polar plunges: optional activities on many ships, often at extra cost.
For an overview of the whole continent, see our Antarctica guide. Considering the Arctic instead? Compare with Svalbard.
Getting there from the UK
There are no direct flights from the UK to Ushuaia. The usual route is a flight to Buenos Aires (about 13-14 hours from London), then a domestic flight of around 3h30 to Ushuaia. Many expedition companies recommend arriving at least a day early, and some packages include a charter flight from Buenos Aires.
For fly-cruises, fly to Santiago in Chile and connect to Punta Arenas.
The Drake Passage crossing between Ushuaia and the Antarctic Peninsula takes about two days each way. It can be calm or very rough, so pack seasickness remedies.
Best time to go
| Months | Highlights |
|---|---|
| November | Pristine snow, penguin courtship, lower prices |
| December-January | Longest days, penguin chicks, warmest weather; peak prices |
| February-March | Most whales, growing chicks, seals; good late-season deals |
The season runs from about November to March. Outside it, sea ice and darkness stop tourist voyages.
Budget tips
- Book early or very late: early booking discounts are common, and occasional last-minute cabins appear. Compare our Antarctica expedition deals.
- Sail in November or March: shoulder-season departures are usually cheaper than December and January.
- Choose a classic Peninsula voyage: around 10-12 days from Ushuaia is the best-value way in; itineraries adding the Falklands and South Georgia cost much more.
- Share a cabin: triple and twin-share cabins reduce the per-person price.
- Check what is included: flights, hotel nights, parkas, boots and activities vary widely. Always check current prices.
Live Antarctica expedition deals
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Top attractions in Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula on the map
Frequently asked questions
Where do Antarctic cruises depart from?
Most Antarctic Peninsula expeditions sail from Ushuaia in Argentina. Fly-cruises start in Punta Arenas, Chile, with a flight to King George Island to meet the ship.
How rough is the Drake Passage?
It varies. Some crossings are calm, others bring big swells for a day or more. Modern ships have stabilisers, and the crossing takes about two days each way. A fly-cruise avoids it.
When is the best time to visit the Antarctic Peninsula?
December and January offer the longest days, penguin chicks and the mildest weather. November is best for pristine snow, and February to March is best for whales.
Do you set foot on Antarctica on a cruise?
On expedition ships with under 500 passengers, yes. Zodiac landings, weather permitting, take you ashore at penguin colonies and on the continent itself at places such as Paradise Bay or Neko Harbour.
Written by
Thomas Ski, mountains & expeditions editor
Thomas is happiest above the tree line or below the Antarctic Circle. He writes our ski, mountain and polar expedition guides.
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