Sail from Ushuaia
Board an expedition ship in southern Argentina, sail through the Beagle Channel and cross the Drake Passage. It usually takes about two days each way. When Antarctica finally appears, you feel how far you have travelled.
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Antarctica · Through my lens
A small fin. An enormous world.
An orca passes an iceberg, its fin barely visible against the blue ice. Antarctica brings these contrasts together: vast landscapes and wildlife that draws your attention to a single moment.
The journey, in detailThe journey
How you arrive changes the experience. You can cross the Drake by sea or fly over it and meet your ship in Antarctica.
- Season
- November to March
- Suggested duration
- Around 8 to 14 days
- Best for
- Wildlife, photography and expedition travel
Journey ideas
Ways to shape
your journey.
Fly from Punta Arenas
Fly by charter from Punta Arenas to King George Island, then board a small expedition ship. It gives you more time in Antarctica, although the weather can still change the schedule.
Weather can change the route, landing sites and flight times. The best way to travel depends on how much time you have, how you feel about spending days at sea and the kind of expedition you want.
A quiet moment on the Antarctic shore.
What to expect
What the days
can look like.
The conditions shape each day
There is no fixed sightseeing timetable. Ice, wind and wildlife decide where the Zodiacs can sail and where you may step ashore.
Wildlife encounters
Penguins, whales and seals may appear nearby. Your expedition team will show you how to enjoy the moment without disturbing them.
Life on board matters too
Lectures, long hours of polar light and quiet time on deck help you understand what you are seeing beyond the camera.
Planning questions
Before you
decide.
- When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
- The season runs from November to March. November brings fresh snow and penguin courtship, December and January the longest days and the first chicks, and February and March are often the best time for whales.
- How do you get to Antarctica?
- Most expedition ships sail from Ushuaia in Argentina and cross the Drake Passage, which usually takes about two days each way. Fly-cruise trips from Punta Arenas in Chile skip the crossing by flying to the South Shetland Islands, but those flights depend on the weather.
- How far ahead should I plan?
- Smaller ships and the most sought-after cabins can book up many months ahead, sometimes more than a year. Starting early gives you a real choice of ship, cabin and dates.
- How does planning with STARS & ROADS work?
- You tell us your dates, interests, budget and preferred pace, and Reem replies personally. We confirm the scope and fee before any work begins, then build a route with places to stay and experiences around you. You can choose the itinerary design on its own, or ask us to handle the bookings as well.