No Budget No Problem: Experience Ultimate Antarctica With Lindblad
On the other hand, if money isnt a concern for you, itd be difficult to top an Antarctic voyage with Lindblad-National Geographic Expeditions. This US-based company has been pioneering top-of-the-line expeditions around the world since the late 1950s, so its really no surprise that they top our list as one of the best Antarctic tour operators around.
A trip to Antarctica with Lindblad-National Geographic starts on one of the companys three vessels NG Explorer, NG Orion, and NG Endurance .
Lindblad-Nat Geos trips are longer, small-group expeditions with a focus on natural history and photography. If you have the budget and the time, its hard to ignore Lindblad-Nat Geos offerings to the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, the Falklands, and beyond!
Expedition Starting Location: Ushuaia
Average Trip Price: $14,000 $100,000
Will I Freeze To Death
Although Antarctic Weather is Extremely Changeable, Summer Temperatures hover just above the Freezing mark comparable to a warm winters Day in North America. The 24-Hour Sunlight Warms air in Sheltered Areas, so you can also find yourself Stripping Down to Shirtsleeves. Either way, dont worry. Our Expedition Leaders will make sure youre Perfectly Comfortable, plus youll get your very own warm Jacket and Waterproof outer Layer to Wear on Excursions.
Antarctica Cruise Cost Insurance
When making such a big investment in your Antarctica trip, you want to make sure youre covered for any unforeseen travel delays, emergency evacuation, Antarctica activities and baggage issues.
Weather in Antarctica is relatively unpredictable and can lead to travel delays, interruption ad even cancellation. A good Antarctica travel insurance policy will include trip cancellation cover which, in general, pays out US$2,500 for standard cover or US$10,000 for advanced cover.
As Antarctica is such a remote wilderness, emergency evacuation insurance is a must! Most cruise operators will require you to have this as the minimum cost of Antarctic evacuation is $100,000.
Remember that you will also be travelling to South American or Australasian departure points and you will need to make sure that your insurance covers you in these countries as well.
You should budget around $90 $140 for good travel insurance but do check the activities your policy covers as well as the excess before buying.
For more detailed information, see our Antarctica insurance page.
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Day 12 Disembarkation In Ushuaia Argentina
After yet another delicious breakfast on board, we bid you a fond farewell in Ushuaia. We provide a group transfer to the airport or to the city center if you wish to spend more time here. As you look back on your wonderful experience in Antarctica, you may already be looking forward to your next polar adventure!
Sightseeing Antarctica Flights From Australia
Although this option doesnt allow to actually set foot on Antarctica, it is a very unique offer thats only available from Australia. Every summer, a select number of chartered sightseeing flights depart from Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane and Adelaide. The return flight lasts about 12hrs, with the first icebergs spotted usually within 3-4 hours of taking off. This is, as you can imagine, the day trip to trump all day-trips, with a rotating seat roster in place to ensure everyone can enjoy a visual feasting theyll never forget. Youll have a chance to move around and chat with other passengers as you enjoy the startling views below for at least four hours of the entire flight.
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Most Popular Ways To Fly To Antarctica
Fly over the Drake Passage in just 2 hours, both to and from Antarctica. Ideal for those wanting a high comfort level, but who have limited time or are anxious sailors. An outstanding program, successfully operated for over 15 seasons.
- 8 Days
Travel with the pioneers of fly & cruise Antarctic voyages, flying in both directions and bypassing a 2-day sail on the Drake Passage. Regular departure dates to choose from. Explore Antarctica aboard a trusty 68-passenger expedition ship
- 8 Days
A cost-effective Antarctic adventure. This itinerary is also ideal for those with limited time wanting to combine Antarctica with time exploring Patagonia. Sailing one way and flying back, you get to combine two iconic places: Antarctica and Cape Horn. Note,
- 6-7 Days
A rare and popular voyage which flies one way and sails the other, maximising both expediency and experience. Spend 5-7 days exploring Antarctica on a small, newly-built expedition ship, with kayaking & snorkelling available. January – March
- 11-12 Days
For maximum time in Antarctica with flights both ways, this trip really stands out. An extended fly & cruise voyage spending eight full days actually in Antarctica onboard a small, state-of-the-art expedition ship. Optional kayaking & polar
- 12 Days
Total: $0 All Included
Could you do it cheaper? Free is free!
Keep in mind: All accommodation prices on the Expedition ship are included as is the first night hotel.
| Accommodations | |
|---|---|
| Night before tour | Included! |
When I arrived in Ushuaia, I was taken to my hotel Las Lengas to spend the night as included in my tour package. Others stayed at the Hotel Albatros. Now that Ive been to Ushuaia, I really wish that Id gotten to stay at the Albatros. If you book yourself or book through me, just make sure youre scheduled for the Albatros. Its more centrally located instead of Las Lengas which adds about a 15-minute walk to get to the good parts of town.
After the tour ended in Ushuaia, I flew back to BuenosAires for a few days. Since Id been to Argentina before , I knew that I wanted to stay in Palermo which is a more funky and fun part of town.
Here are my suggestions for accommodations in Buenos Aires if you choose to extend your stay:
- For Mid Range : The Soho Hotel and Soho Point Central are right next to Plaza Serrano and a bunch of fun bars and murals.
- For slightly more luxurious : The Glu Boutique Hotelis super cute and also very close to all the fun stuff.
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Atlas Ocean Voyages: Antarctica Discovery
New expedition line Atlas Ocean Voyages ups the ante with the term all-inclusive. Join in Orlando after passing a COVID-19 test, wave bye to luggage and board Atlas Ocean Voyages own first class private plane to the Ushuaia, Argentina-based ship. The 196-passenger World Navigatorthe companys first of five polar vesselsis both environmentally friendly and adventure-meets-luxury. Refresh at the juice bar after spin classes. Exhale in SeaSpa, a first for the popular LOccitane en Provence brand. The industry-first Waters Edge outdoor viewing area features wraparound heated benches at near-water level jaw-dropping wildlife encounters can include closeups of snoozing whisker-twitching leopard seals, or fin-slapping humpbacks mere feet away. Departs November 19, 2021 with 11 departures into March 2022 prices begin at $9,699 per person.
Glacier sighting is a unique experience on an Antarctic cruise.
A Family Cruise To Antarctica For Older Kids
The 12-day Antarctica cruise is scheduled to stop at 16 sites in Patagonia, the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula.
The tour begins with two nights in Argentina first in Buenos Aires, followed by a flight to the town of Ushuaia, on the southern tip of South America. From there, guests explore Patagonia’s Tierra del Fuego National Park by train and Patagonia’s waterways via catamaran.
Once aboard Le Boreal, a ship operated by French cruise ship company Ponant, cruise passengers will cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctica Peninsula. This crossing ranges from smooth to terrifying, depending on the weather.
Like most Disney tours, the cruise is marketed to families, albeit ones with older children. Adventures by Disney recommends kids be 12 years and older to join and doesn’t allow children younger than 10 years old due to “the duration of the trip, potential for extreme weather or sea conditions and the amount of physical activity involved,” according to the company’s website.
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Facts About Flight Delays
Even though the chances of experiencing a delay are relatively low, it’s crucial that all visitors flying to Antarctica are prepared for the possibility and have contingency factored into their travel plans, just in case.
Flights to King George Island, South Shetlands
Although delays are possible, one of our principal Fly & Cruise operators has an impressive 80.9% success rate of flights arriving on the correct day across 141 flights over the last 14 years. A further 14.9% arrived the day before or day after, while only one trip has ever had to be totally cancelled. In reality, the majority of delays experienced are only a few hours.
Why are flights sometimes delayed?
Low clouds, fog and heavy winds are the main culprits, with King George Island being particularly prone to fog and low cloud. To be able to confidently depart from and return to Punta Arenas, pilots who are landing in Antarctica by sight need a minimum 5 hour clear weather window. With such rapidly changing conditions, this is the real challenge, to successfully identify that weather window and get there and back before it closes.
What happens if I am delayed?
Those delayed leaving Antarctica benefit from staying on at no extra cost. If you are on a Fly & Cruise trip, you continue to use the ship as your floating hotel and landings will be arranged while you wait for the weather to clear.
Will I receive a refund for delays or cancellation?
Cruise Outfits Luggage And Cruise Essentials
While not a direct cruise expense, Ive found that we tend to spend some money getting ready for our cruises. If you have a cruise planned, try picking up a few outfits in the months ahead as you see them.
Its also a good idea to have a good light set of luggage and some cruise travel accessories. You can also buy these as you go, and of course only buy the essentials youd actually use.
Heres a list of 25 popular cruise items recommended by cruisers, that you may want to read and save .
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Days 5 To 9 South Shetland Islands And The Antarctic Peninsula
During the next days, we explore the highlights of the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. This region contains some of the worlds most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing in Antarctica. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice and reflect towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to huge numbers of marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here we also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities, some with gift shops and post offices.
The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be our first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. We will also explore the supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area of the Antarctic Peninsula, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals and bustling penguin colonies. We hope to show you the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as Kodak Gap because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.
Throughout the islands and on the mainland, we find nesting colonies of gentoo, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side.
Lindblad Expeditions: Journey To Antarctica: The White Continent
Sip martinis in an igloo onboard the new 126-passenger ice-class National Geographic Endurance, or twin vessel National Geographic Resolution. In the daytime, pop in for soak-up-the-scenery shelter in the two clear-domed igloo-like structures on the Observation Deck. Reserve one overnight in a two-person bed with comforters, bed warmers, and LED lighting. This 14-day voyage delivers every Antarctic joy, from kayaking and snowshoeing to a National Geographic photographer ensuring perfect penguin pics. The vessels tout the hottest expedition ship designan X-BOW, promising smoother sails and reduced deck spray. Departs November 7, December 7, 17, and 27, 2021 prices begin at $15,080.
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How Much Does An Antarctica Cruise Departing From South America Cost
Although we can occasionally offer really amazing special deals on Antarctica cruises the most affordable Antarctica cruise departing South America comes in under AUD 8,000 which is unparalleled value-for-money. As cruises range in duration , comfort and luxury levels , prices can likewise vary considerably, which offers a great array of budget choice. The longer the cruise and the greater the inclusions the higher the price, naturally. The most expensive option from South America, a 3-week jaunt that includes the above-mentioned wildlife-enriched islands, will set you back just under AUD 19,000.
The G Expedition At A Glance
Cabin categories
- 2 upper, 2 lower berths
- Full en suite bathroom
Category 1a – 160sq ft/15 m2
- 1 upper, 2 lower berths
- Full en suite bathroom
Category 1 – 160 sq ft/15 m2
- 2 lower berths
Category 2 – 160 sq ft/15 m2
- 2 lower berths
Category 3 – 160 sq ft/15 m2
- 2 lower berths
Category 4 – 160 sq ft/15 m2
- Queen bed, lounge area
- Large window views
Category 5 – 320 sq ft/30 m2
Amenities
The G Expedition has multiple large public areas to enjoy during sea crossings and in between land excursions. Amenities include:
- All cabins with private en suite and outside view
- The Penguin Library
- Medical clinic and english speaking doctor
- The Gear Shop
- Polar Bear Pub
- The Lounge
- Albatross Dining Room, serving international cuisine and large enough to accommodate all passengers in one sitting
- Large aft deck with barbecue facilities
- Forward deck viewing platforms
- Large fleet of Zodiacs with 4-stroke engines
Technical specifications
- Helsingor Skibsvaerft, Denmark 1972
- Ice class:
- Retractable fi ns, gyro stabilized
- Passenger Group Size:
- 55 crew, plus 14 expedition staff
- Current Life Saving & Rescue equipment: Covered motor lifeboats 4 pcs capacity of 204 people and life rafts with a total capacity 150 people
- Communication: Telephone, internet, GMDSS, satellite C, B & M.
Cabin suite
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Can You Fly To Antarctica
Choosing to fly to Antarctica offers the traditional benefits of aviation – namely speed and comfort. It’s a very different proposition to booking a flight for a regular holiday, and heres why:
- There are no scheduled flights to Antarctica
- The only flights available for tourists are charter flights, which are only available as part of a package, rather than on a seat only basis like booking a regular scheduled flight
- In spite of the short Antarctic flying season and no regular flight schedule, theres a surprisingly good range of options available, from 1 to 10 days in length
- Unlike boat-based cruises which can only explore Antarctica’s coastline, flights unlock Antarctica’s vast interior, including the South Pole
- Antarcticas harsh and changeable weather makes flying challenging and susceptible to potential delays. The expediency of flying, therefore, needs to be balanced with this higher risk learn more about how to get to Antarctica.
Prefer to sail? If you are planning on flying to Argentina and taking a ship to Antarctica, find out more about Antarctic Cruises.
You can fly from Southern Chile to Antarctica in 2 hours from December to February. Charter flights to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Pole are increasingly popular. If you’re looking to avoid the Drake Passage, a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, is likely to be the best way to reach the white continent.
A Guide To Find Cheap Antarctica Cruises
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Antarctica cruises attracted roughly 37,000 people visited the great white continent in 2010 and that list is growing constantly each year. Most people that look into traveling to Antarctica are at the end of their adventures.
People wanting to get to their 7th continent or say that they have been around the world. I have never thought about going to Antarctica until I got to the self proclaimed southern most city in the world, Ushuaia. There are amazing experiences to witness in Antarctica including:
- Playing with Penguins & having Penguins jump on my back
- Dancing with Penguins as well .
Living overseas has taught me that you dont really know where you want to go until after you live there and after touring all of Argentina, the Antarctica travel bug got me. I did my research and and am happy to share that it wont cost you $10,000 to go to Antarctica, not even half that. Here is how to find a cheap cruise to Antarctica:
LOGISTICS-
What people dont know is that there is a list of Antarctica travel offices that I can provide to you below. Before it was required to travel to Ushuaia to find the list.
COST-
- ANTARCTICA CRUISE COST
- GETTING TO USHUAIA-FLIGHTS
My room mate on the cruise to Antarctica had to call the Chinese embassy to recover his bags from the airline.
- GETTING TO USHUAIA-BUSES
ANTARCTICA CRUISE TYPES-
ANTARCTICA CRUISE ITINERARIES-
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Discover Otherworldly Destinationscruises To Antarctica
Elephant Island, Antarctica
Situated off the coast of Antarctica, Elephant Island is named after the elephant seals that populate it and due to the island being shaped like an elephant head. Rugged mountains, glistening sheets of ice and unique wildlife add to the mystique of this remote destination. Despite its seemingly unforgiving, yet hauntingly beautiful landscape, legions of tuxedoed-looking penguins waddle across the rocky terrain while giant elephant seals lounge on its shores.
Ushuaia, Argentina
Witness the spectacular beauty of Tierra del Fuego’s lakes, lush forests, soaring mountains and flora and fauna by train, via all-terrain vehicle or on horseback. Enjoy the expansive views from Garibaldi Pass and watch for sea lions and albatross along the Beagle Channel.
Stanley, Falkland Islands
Discover this quaint town, its cathedral, authentic English pubs, neat gardens, war memorials and fascinating landscape. Set off for an adventure on this South Atlantic island and visit a penguin colony and watch for albatross and skuas or go to a sprawling sheep farm.