Start your trip in the world’s southernmost city where adventure and excitement await. Â
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.Â
Our Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia
11 Days
From
146830
Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...
11 Days
From
139830
Set off on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour, revealing the landscapes...
11 Days
From
159000
This is one Christmas you’ll never forget – journey to Antarctica on board the Ocean...
14 Days
From
215000
Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...
11 Days
From
122330
Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
14 Days
From
197500
Cross the Antarctic Circle with World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) whale...
21 Days
From
500265
Explore South Georgia, the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands with Intrepid...
21 Days
From
262330
Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...
14 Days
From
178330
Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...
11 Days
From
127500
Join World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) scientists on an 11-day expedition...
Highlights of Antarctica cruises from Ushuaia

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.Â

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.Â

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.Â

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.Â

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.Â

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.Â
See Antarctica from the skyÂ
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.Â
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.
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.Â
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:Â
- Visit the Maritime and Presidio MuseumsÂ
- Sail along the Beagle Channel to the Les Éclaireurs
- Trek to the Laguna EsmeraldaÂ
- Do a bit of local ware shoppingÂ
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.
Read more about Antarctica
Mar 02, 2023
Meet Martin Cohen, Intrepid’s...
Listen to Intrepid ambassador Sarah Davidson’s podcast, Seize the Yay, to hear all...
Aug 17, 2022
The top 9 destinations for travel in...
From hiking in Patagonia to spotting newborn wildlife in Uganda, here's where you...
Oct 26, 2020
The top 8 destinations to travel to ...
Find out where to travel while giving back to local communities.
Jan 01, 2023
7 unforgettable wildlife experiences...
If you dream of spotting sloths and sea turtles in Costa Rica or channelling your...
Oct 25, 2022
Meet Eva, the polar scientist heading...
Eva Prendergast is a polar scientist, photographer, naturalist and marine mammal...
Aug 25, 2022
I travelled solo to Antarctica just...
Rachelle Berke had travelled to more than 60 countries before deciding to visit...