Start your trip in the world’s southernmost city where adventure and excitement await.  

Begin a journey to the seventh continent with these Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia, a Patagonian outpost at the end of the earth. Explore nearby Tierra del Fuego National Park, uncover the history of this unusual settlement at the Maritime Museum, or fuel up for a journey to Antarctica with an Argentinian steak and a glass of red wine. Follow in the footsteps of legendary explorers as you sail down the Beagle Channel, cross the Drake Passage, and make unforgettable landfall on the Sub Antarctic Islands. 

Our Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia

14 Days From 10090

Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...

11 Days From 8000

Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...

11 Days From 8000

Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...

14 Days From 10770

Cross the Antarctic Circle with World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) whale...

14 Days From 9680

Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...

Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

21 Days From 14320

Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...

11 Days From 8000

This is one Christmas you’ll never forget – journey to Antarctica on board the Ocean...

11 Days From 6680

Set off on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour, revealing the landscapes...

11 Days From 7090

Join World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) scientists on an 11-day expedition...

23 Days From 17230

This trip is an Antarctica expedition like no other. Try wildlife photography and see...

12 Days From 7180

Witness Antarctic Peninsula whales on this epic journey at sea. Spot seals and penguins...

2 Days From 405

From your base in Ushuaia, explore the awe-inspiring landscapes of Argentina’s Tierra...

Highlights of Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia

The colourful boats at the port of Ushuaia with the Martial Mountains in the distance.

Wander the streets of Ushuaia

This small but breathtaking town at the end of the world may be the gateway to the wild waters of Antarctica but it’s also deserving of a top spot on your travel bucket list in its own right. Perched dramatically at the base of the Martial Mountains, Ushuaia is saturated in history, beauty, good food, and colourful wildlife. Once you start taking a few snaps, you won’t be able to put your camera away. 

The snowy peaks of Martial glacier on a cloudy day.

Take a hike to Martial Glacier

Before you take your Antarctic adventure to the seas, take it up into the clouds by hiking or catching the chair lift to the top of Martial Glacier. Giving you an unparalleled view of Ushuaia and its surrounds (including the Beagle Channel), this glacier feels as if it’s in the remote Patagonian wilderness when in reality, it’s a mere 7km away from the city centre. 

Magellanic penguin up close in Patagonia.

Spot penguins on Martillo Island

If you think your wildlife adventure doesn’t start until you set sail for the icy shores of Antarctica, then think again. Patagonia’s Martillo Island is home to three species of penguin – the magellanic, gentoo, and king penguins – and you’ll be treated to an up-close view of all three if you happen to set foot on the island. Walk with these penguins as they call out to each other for an experience you’ll never forget. 

Passenger onboard the Ocean Endeavour looks out at the sea during the Drake Passage crossing.

Cross the Drake Passage

Antarctica is a land of dramatic extremes, so it only makes sense that, in order to get there, you have to cross what is known as one of the roughest sea passages in the world. Talked about in revered whispers, the sometimes-calm, sometimes-volatile waters of Drake Passage will test you and your stomach’s strength as waves can reach up to 26 feet high. 

Lone guanaco walking through a lake in the Argentinian wilderness on a sunny day.

Explore Parque Nacional Tierra del Fuego

You’d be right for thinking the main attraction to Ushuaia is the close proximity to Antarctica but what you might not have known is that the town’s second main attraction is the incredible Tierra del Fuego National Park. Not only does the park boast extraordinary landscapes of wooded forests, mountainous terrain, and sparkling lagoons but it’s also full of wildlife from flocks of sea birds to groups of guanacos just waiting to be marveled at. 

A diving whale as it crashes through the ocean's surface.

Marvel at the mighty animals of Antarctica

When travelling to Antarctica there’s a couple of things you can count on; being surrounded by shelves of ice at all times and getting the chance to watch marine mammals in their natural element. From the powerful blue whale to the smallest of chinstrap penguins (and all the seals and sea birds in between), spot these fascinating Antarctic animals from aboard the Ocean Endeavour, out on a zodiac boat, or when your feet touch icy land. 

See Antarctica from the sky 

If you want to experience a polar adventure but aren't keen on travelling by sea, take a once-in-a-lifetime flight to the icy landscape of Antarctica. Whether you're a keen astronomer who's always dreamt of seeing the Aurora Australis or a travel enthusiast ready to check 'expedition flight' off the bucket list, embarking on a southern flight from Australia promises some pretty spectacular views. 

Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia reviews

Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia FAQs

Trips on or before 31 December 2022

If your Intrepid trip starts on or before 31 December 2022, you must provide proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

If you are unable to be vaccinated for medical reasons, you may apply for an exemption. Exemptions will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. To apply, you must provide a medical certificate from a medical professional.

Children under 18 are exempt. Children aged between 5 and 17 years old must provide proof of either vaccination, recovery or a negative COVID-19 test.

Trips from 1 January 2023 onwards

From 1 January 2023, Intrepid will no longer require travellers to provide proof of vaccination against COVID-19 (excluding all Polar trips and select adventure cruises).

However, we continue to strongly recommend that all Intrepid travellers and leaders get vaccinated to protect themselves and others.

Specific proof of testing or vaccination may still be required by your destination or airline. Please ensure you check travel and entry requirements carefully.

Learn more about Intrepid’s COVID-19 policy

Travelling to Ushuaia is relatively easy with both land and air options available. There are plenty of direct flights that leave from Buenos Aires during the peak season and at least one flight daily between the two destinations during the off season. The flight takes roughly 3 and a half hours but it is the quickest way to get to Ushuaia out of the three options. You can drive to Ushuaia but you need to catch a ferry first from one of two destinations in Chile: Primera Angostura and Punta Arenas-Puerto Porvenir.

The climate in Ushuaia is considered to be cold oceanic with cold winters and cool summers due to its proximity to the South Pole. The coldest month is June with an average of 36°F (2°C), however the temperature averages around 44°F (7°C) throughout the year. There is also consistent rainfall throughout the year although it's rarely ever extremely heavy, rather a constant drizzle. Ushuaia does experience snowy weather with the snow season starting in April and continuing until November.

Packing for an Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia can be a bit tricky as you won't necessarily be able to buy anything that you've forgotten while you're there. Antarctica is freezing so you need to pack plenty of layers and other warm clothing items. Here are some other things you should pack for Antarctica:

  • Muck boots
  • Gloves
  • Tight-fitting beanie
  • Socks
  • Sunscreen

Need more details? Do some further reading on what to pack for Antarctica. 

For a remote town, Ushuaia is full of fun and exciting things to see and do. With a breathtaking landscape around every corner and more wildlife than you'll be able to take photos of, there's a little something for everyone in the southernmost city in the world. Here are some of our favourite activities: 

  • Visit the Maritime and Presidio Museums 
  • Sail along the Beagle Channel to the Les Éclaireurs
  • Trek to the Laguna Esmeralda 
  • Do a bit of local ware shopping 

Intrepid is committed to making travel widely accessible, regardless of ability or disability. That’s why we do our best to help as many people see the world as possible, regardless of any physical or mental limitations they might have. However, we’re always happy to talk to travellers with disabilities and see if we can help guide them towards the most suitable itinerary for their needs and where possible, make reasonable adjustments to our itineraries.

Learn more about Accessible Travel with Intrepid

Read more about Antarctica