How Tourists Reach Antarctica: Expedition Cruises from South America

Almost all tourists visit Antarctica via expedition cruises from South America. No commercial flights for tourists.

Standard Route

1. Fly to gateway: Ushuaia, Argentina (USH) — "End of the World"; or Punta Arenas, Chile (PUQ).
2. Board ship: 100–200 passenger ice-strengthened vessels (not icebreakers).
3. Cross Drake Passage: 2 days, 600 nm, "Drake Shake" or "Drake Lake".
4. Explore Peninsula: 4–10 days, 2 landings/day (Zodiacs).
5. Return: Same route or fly from King George Island (air-cruise).

Trip Types

• Classic Peninsula: 10–12 days; Gerlache, Paradise Bay, Deception, Port Lockroy.
• Crossing Circle: 12–14 days; cross 66°33'S.
• Fly-the-Drake: 2h flight from Punta Arenas to King George Island; skip rough seas.
• Deep Field / Ross Sea: 25–35 days; NZ departure; historic huts, massive ice.

Key Operators (IAATO Members)

• Quark, Lindblad, Hurtigruten, Ponant, Silversea, G Adventures, Oceanwide, Aurora.

Cost & Timing

• Season: Nov–Mar (austral summer).
• Price: $8,000–$30,000+ (fly-the-Drake premium).
• Book 12–18 months ahead.

Rules (Antarctic Treaty / IAATO)

• No more than 100 ashore at once.
• 5m wildlife distance; no food, sitting, stepping on vegetation.
• Boot washing between landings (biosecurity).
• Leave nothing; take nothing.