How Much Does it Cost to Visit Antarctica in 2026
Updated for 2026–27 and 2027–28 seasons
An Antarctica expedition cruise generally costs between $9,000 and $17,000 per person for a standard Peninsula itinerary, based on double occupancy. Entry-level or promotional fares may begin around $6,000, while luxury ships, premium cabins and longer voyages that include South Georgia or the Falkland Islands can cost $20,000 to more than $40,000 per person.
The cruise fare is only part of the total. After international flights, hotels, insurance, gratuities and equipment, a realistic starting budget for a typical Antarctica trip is approximately $12,000 to $22,000 per person.
I have traveled to Antarctica aboard Quark Expeditions’ Ultramarine and work with leading Antarctica operators through Fora Travel. This guide compares published starting prices across different expedition styles, from value-focused ships to luxury and fly-cruise options.
Antarctica trip costs at a glance
The figures below are practical planning ranges rather than live quotes. The final fare depends on the sailing, operator, ship, cabin, occupancy and current promotion.
| Type of Antarctica trip | Typical starting range per person |
|---|---|
| Entry-level or promotional Peninsula voyage | $6,000–$10,000 |
| Standard Antarctic Peninsula expedition | $9,000–$17,000 |
| Fly-the-Drake expedition | $13,000–$25,000 |
| Luxury Antarctica expedition | $15,000–$30,000+ |
| South Georgia, Falklands and Antarctica | $18,000–$40,000+ |
| Extended or highly specialized expedition | $30,000–$50,000+ |
| Fly-in land expedition | $16,000–$115,000+ |
What affects the cost of an Antarctica trip
Before jumping into the numbers, it helps to understand what actually moves the price. A handful of factors explain almost all of the variation you will see below.
Trip length. A short Peninsula or fly-cruise itinerary will usually have a lower total fare than a 20-plus-day expedition incorporating South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. However, fly-cruise itineraries can cost more per day because charter flights are included.
Ship and cabin category. A shared triple cabin on a working expedition ship costs far less than a suite on a luxury vessel like Silversea or Seabourn.
Drake Passage vs fly-cruise. Sailing the Drake Passage both ways takes about four extra days compared to flying over it, which affects price in both directions, sometimes flying costs more per day, sometimes sailing does, depending on the operator.
Season. Early season (November) and peak season (December through February) pricing can differ, and last minute deals do exist but are unpredictable.
Add-on regions. Itineraries that include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands alongside the Peninsula run considerably longer and more expensive than a Peninsula-only trip.
What else should you budget for?
| Additional expense | Approximate budget per person |
|---|---|
| International airfare to Argentina or Chile | $1,000–$2,500+ |
| Regional flights to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas | $300–$800 |
| Pre- and post-expedition hotels | $300–$1,000+ |
| Travel and emergency evacuation insurance | $300–$1,000+ |
| Gratuities, when not included | $200–$500+ |
| Waterproof gear or expedition clothing | $100–$600 |
| Optional activities such as kayaking or camping | Varies by operator |
Some operators include charter flights, a pre-expedition hotel, transfers, expedition boots, a parka, gratuities or drinks. Others charge separately. A lower advertised cruise fare is not necessarily the lowest total trip price, so it is important to compare both the fare and what is included.
PERSONALIZED EXPEDITION PLANNING
Too Many Antarctica Options? Let’s Narrow Them Down.
Different ships, routes, cabins and inclusions can make comparing expeditions overwhelming. I’ll help you understand the real differences, check current offers and identify the options that best fit your priorities and budget.
HELP ME CHOOSEAntarctica trip cost by operator
Antarctica expedition operators differ considerably in their pricing, onboard experience and overall style. This summary provides a quick sense of where each operator fits before you compare the individual itineraries and starting prices below.
| Expedition style | Representative operators |
|---|---|
| Value and adventure focused | G Adventures, Intrepid |
| Expedition specialists | Quark Expeditions, Aurora Expeditions |
| Fly-cruise specialists | Antarctica21 |
| Education and natural history focused | Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic |
| Luxury expedition | Silversea, Seabourn |
Please note: About these prices: Fares are indicative starting prices for the 2026–27 and 2027–28 seasons, generally based on double occupancy and rounded for planning purposes. Promotions, availability and inclusions change frequently.
The categories below are broad guides rather than rigid labels. Individual ships and sailings can provide different experiences, and current promotions may significantly affect the final price.
Quark Expeditions
Quark itineraries are offered across three ships in 2026, '27, and '28: Ocean Explorer, Ultramarine, and World Voyager. Activities include Zodiacs, kayaking, paddling, camping, hiking, and the polar plunge. Within Quark’s fleet, Ultramarine is the ship specifically equipped for included helicopter flightseeing. Helicopter landings are offered only on selected itineraries and remain subject to conditions.
| Itinerary name | Number of Days | Starting budget per person (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Peninsula: A Rare Exploration of the Weddell Sea | 12 days | $15,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle | 14 days | $20,000 | First timer favorite, repeat visitors |
| Antarctic Marine Mammals: The World of Whales and Seals | 11 days | $14,000 | Wildlife focused |
| Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula | 14 days | $23,000 | First timer favorite, repeat visitors |
| Antarctica by Helicopter: Icebergs, Mountains and Remote Lands | 12 days | $16,000 | First timer favorite |
| Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent | 11 days | $12,000 | First timer favorite |
| Antarctic Express: Fly South, Sail North | 9 days | $13,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake | 8 days | $17,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle | 11 days | $18,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North | 10 days | $15,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill | 14 days | $27,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle | 23 days | $43,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari | 18 days | $20,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica | 20 days | $24,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Falkland Islands and South Georgia: 20-Day Wildlife Adventure | 20 days | $29,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
Lindblad Expeditions–National Geographic
Lindblad uses National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Orion, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Resolution, depending on itinerary and season. Activities may include Zodiac cruising, landings, hiking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, photography support, expert lectures, and on select early season departures, snowshoeing or cross-country skiing.
| Itinerary name | Number of Days | Starting budget per person (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica Direct: Sail and Fly the Drake Passage | 10 days | $13,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Voyage to Antarctica | 12 days | $14,000 | First timer favorite |
| Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands | 21 or 22 days | $22,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctica Direct: Fly the Drake Passage | 8 to 10 days | $12,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Quest for the Antarctic Circle | 16 days | $19,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Patagonia, Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Odyssey | 25 days | $41,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords | 18 days | $18,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
Aurora Expeditions
Aurora's ships include Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle, and Douglas Mawson. Activities typically include Zodiac cruising, guided walks, kayaking, paddling, camping, snowshoeing, snorkeling, scuba diving, ski touring, trekking, and the polar plunge.
| Itinerary name | Number of days | Starting budget per person (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spirit of Antarctica | 12 days | $17,000 | First timer favorite |
| Antarctica Active: All Inclusive Activities | 14 days | $23,000 | First timer favorite |
| Across the Antarctic Circle | 13 days | $17,000 | First timer favorite |
| Antarctica Complete | 23 days | $37,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Ross Sea Odyssey | 26 days | $34,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Epic Antarctica: Crossing the 7th Continent | 34 days | $43,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctica: Through the Lens | 12 days | $25,000 | First timer favorite |
| South Georgia, Falklands & Antarctic Odyssey | 20 days | Contact for pricing | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctic Peninsula: Fly the Drake | 10 days | $25,000 | Short itinerary / fly the Drake |
Antarctica 21
Antarctica21's ships, Magellan Explorer, Ocean Nova, Hebridean Sky, and Magellan Discoverer, offer Zodiac cruising, landings, hiking, wildlife viewing, and lectures.
| Itinerary name | Number of days | Starting budget per person (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia | 17 days | $11,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Falklands (Malvinas), South Georgia & Antarctica | 20 days | $16,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctica Express Air-Cruise | 6 to 7 days | $6,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Classic Antarctica Air-Cruise | 8 days | $16,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Inaugural Air-Cruise | 10 days | $13,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Polar Circle Air-Cruise | 10 days | $25,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruise | 18 days | $18,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Falklands Expedition | 10 days | $6,500 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
Seabourn
Seabourn's Antarctica expedition ships are Seabourn Venture and Seabourn Pursuit for the 2026-27 and 2027-28 seasons. Activities may include Zodiac cruising, landings, hiking, wildlife viewing, expert lectures, photography programming, kayaking, and optional submarine excursions on select voyages.
| Itinerary name | Number of days | Starting budget per person (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chilean Fjords, Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands | 30 days | $35,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctica, South Georgia & Falkland Islands | 21 days | $26,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| The Great White Continent | 11 days | $17,500 | First timer favorite |
Silversea
Silversea uses Silver Endeavour, Silver Cloud, and Silver Wind for Antarctica. Activities typically include Zodiac exploration, shore landings, wildlife viewing, expert-led expedition programming, and comfort-focused onboard experiences.
| Itinerary name | Number of days | Starting budget per person (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| King George Island to King George Island | 6 days | $17,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| King George Island to Puerto Williams | 9 days | $14,000 | First timer favorite |
| Puerto Williams to King George Island | 9 days | $13,000 | First timer favorite, short itinerary / fly the Drake |
| Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams | 10-12 days | $14,000 | First timer favorite |
| Puerto Williams to Puerto Williams (extended) | 15-18 days | $20,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Punta Arenas to Puerto Williams | 10 days | $18,000 | First timer favorite |
| Valparaiso to Puerto Williams | 20 days | $43,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
G Adventures
All itineraries are on the G Expedition ship. Activities include Zodiac excursions, shore landings, expert lectures, wildlife viewing, and optional add ons such as kayaking and camping on select departures.
| Itinerary name | Number of days | Starting budget per person (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctica Classic | 11 days | $9,300 | First timer favorite |
| Spirit of Shackleton | 21 days | $24,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctica Classic in Depth | 13 days | $11,000 | First timer favorite, repeat visitors |
| Quest for the Antarctic Circle | 14 days | $12,000 | First timer favorite |
| Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica | 22 days | $16,500 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
Intrepid
Intrepid uses Ocean Nova, Ocean Albatros, and Ocean Victory, depending on departure. Activities may include Zodiac cruising, shore landings, wildlife viewing, onboard lectures, and kayaking on select itineraries.
| Itinerary name | Number of days | Starting budget per person (USD) | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition | 11 days | $10,000 | First timer favorite |
| Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey | 13 days | $10,300 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Christmas Season in Antarctica | 11 days | $11,900 | First timer favorite |
| Crossing the Antarctic Circle | 13 days | $14,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Antarctic Peninsula: The Classic Voyage | 12 days | $12,700 | First timer favorite |
| Antarctica Springs to Life | 10 days | $9,000 | First timer favorite |
| Antarctica's Whale Season | 11 days | $9,900 | First timer favorite |
| Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness | 11 days | $20,000 | First timer favorite |
| Best of Antarctica's Whale Season | 12 days | $22,000 | First timer favorite, repeat visitors |
| Celebrating New Year's in Antarctica | 11 days | $10,000 | First timer favorite |
| Exploring Antarctica's Spring | 11 days | $9,900 | First timer favorite |
| Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing | 14 days | $12,500 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Extended Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle | 21-23 days | $19,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| New Year's Antarctic Circle Crossing | 13 days | $14,500 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
| Ultimate Antarctic Circle Crossing | 15 days | $15,000 | Repeat visitors / immersive travel seekers |
The cheapest way to visit Antarctica
If budget is your main priority, a few strategies genuinely bring the cost down without sacrificing the core experience:
Compare short Peninsula itineraries. The lowest fares usually appear on shorter expeditions, entry-level cabin categories and selected promotional departures. Sailing the Drake Passage in both directions is often less expensive than flying, but occasional air-cruise promotions can produce exceptions.
Book with a value-focused operator. Intrepid and G Expeditions consistently show the lowest starting prices in these tables, several under $10,000, while still offering the core Zodiac landings and wildlife experience.
Book a shared or triple cabin. Operators like Quark and G Expeditions offer shared cabin pricing that can bring costs down meaningfully without changing the itinerary or ship.
Travel solo and ask about room mate matching. Rather than paying a full single supplement, several operators will match solo travelers with a same-gender roommate.
Do not assume flying the Drake will reduce the price. A fly-cruise saves time and avoids part or all of the sea crossing, but charter-flight logistics frequently make it more expensive per day. Compare the complete package rather than only the number of nights.
The most expensive Antarctica trips
On the other end, the highest prices in these tables belong to the longest, most remote itineraries, places like South Georgia, the Falklands, the Ross Sea, and full Antarctic Circle crossings on 20+ day voyages, several of which run $35,000 to $43,000 per person. Land-based ultra-luxury options, such as White Desert's fly-in camps, start even higher, from roughly $16,500 for a day trip up to over $115,000 for their most exclusive multi-week experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Most first-timer, Peninsula-only itineraries start between $9,000 and $17,000 per person, depending on the operator, ship, and cabin category.
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Shorter, Peninsula-only itineraries that sail the Drake Passage both ways, rather than flying over it, tend to offer the lowest starting prices, sometimes as low as $9,000 to $10,000 per person with value-focused operators like Intrepid or G Expeditions. Flying the Drake typically adds cost rather than saving it, since you are paying for a charter flight.
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Usually not entirely, but it depends on the operator. International flights to Buenos Aires or Santiago are almost never included and need to be booked separately. The connecting flight to the ship’s embarkation point, typically Ushuaia or Punta Arenas, varies more: some operators build it into the package price along with a pre-expedition hotel night, while others price it separately or offer it as an add-on. Occasionally there are also seasonal flight credits or promotional packages that offset some of this cost. Since this changes frequently by operator and season, it's worth asking directly, reach out to me and I can check what's currently included for the itinerary you're considering.
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Per day, Antarctica expeditions are genuinely among the most expensive trips in the world, largely due to the cost of ice-class ships, permits, and the low guest-to-staff ratio required for safe expedition travel. However, the experience is also genuinely rare, with only a limited number of operators permitted to run these voyages each season
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Shoulder season departures, typically very early (November) or late (March) in the season, occasionally carry lower prices than the December through February peak, though availability and last minute deals vary year to year.
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Most expedition fares include accommodations, meals, Zodiac excursions, shore landings and the onboard expedition program. Depending on the operator, the fare may also include charter flights, hotels, transfers, expedition boots, a parka, drinks, gratuities or Wi-Fi. Always compare inclusions alongside the advertised price.
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For a typical Peninsula expedition, a practical total budget is approximately $12,000 to $22,000+ per person, including the cruise, transportation to the embarkation point, hotels and insurance. Luxury cabins, fly-cruise programs and longer itineraries can cost considerably more.
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Last-minute offers sometimes appear, but they provide little control over the ship, departure date or cabin. Booking earlier generally offers better choice, particularly for solo cabins, preferred cabin locations, holiday departures and South Georgia itineraries.
Get help planning your Antarctica trip
Every one of these operators has real strengths depending on what kind of traveler you are, which is exactly what I cover in my How to Choose Your Antarctica Expedition guide. If you want personalized help narrowing down the right ship, itinerary, and cabin category for your budget, reach out to me
Curious about other kinds of Expeditons beyond Antarctica? Explore the different types of expedition travel
Still deciding whether Antarctica is the right polar experience for you? My Arctic vs Antarctica comparison explains how the two regions differ in wildlife, scenery, season and travel style.
Writer Bio
I'm Dee, a travel advisor with Fora Travel, specializing in adventure and polar expeditions. I'm certified with National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions (LEXpert) and recognized as a Polar Pro with Quark Expeditions, so my clients get firsthand expedition knowledge. I've traveled to all seven continents and bring two decades of corporate leadership experience to planning journeys that feel seamless, intentional, and unforgettable. 