South America Polar expeditions and cruise Trips
Polar expeditions and cruise trips in South America. Looking to explore South America on a polar expeditions and cruise tour? We offer 40+ polar expeditions and cruise tours through-out South America, backed by 70+ reviews and offering discounts up to 30%. All our trips are offered by expert trip designers and South America destination experts, with trip durations ranging from 8 to 24 days.
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Patagonia’s wild wonders await on the Essential Patagonia: Fjords & Torres del Paine expedition, a 15-day journey from Buenos Aires to Santiago. Designed for experienced travelers seeking an easy yet enriching adventure, this guided trip weaves through Argentina and Chile’s breathtaking landscapes, including the renowned Torres del Paine National Park, Isla Marta, and majestic southern fjords.
Traverse dramatic coastlines via Zodiac cruises and soar over pristine terrain on a helicopter flightseeing excursion—experiences that reveal Patagonia’s untouched beauty from every angle. Encounter Magellanic penguins, South American sea lions, and the elusive Southern Elephant seal as you explore blue-hued tidewater glaciers and remote wilderness.
This tour’s unique selling point is its immersive blend of wildlife-rich expeditions and exclusive vantage points, allowing you to retrace Charles Darwin’s legendary footsteps in complete comfort. With all logistics—accommodation, meals, and transfers—expertly arranged, you’re free to soak in the splendor of Patagonia’s fjords and national parks on this once-in-a-lifetime polar adventure.
15 days
Gaze upon otherworldly blue icebergs and a kaleidoscope of Antarctic wildlife on the "Antarctic Explorer" trip, an 11-day polar cruise designed for travelers with a passion for nature and discovery. Starting and ending in Ushuaia, this guided tour carries you through the legendary Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, where pristine wilderness awaits.
Whether you’re a photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to witness the grandeur of Deception Island and Iceberg Alley, each day brings new marvels. Watch penguins, seals, and whales from the deck, a Zodiac, or even ashore, all while soaking in the ethereal colors of the polar landscape. The ship’s small size ensures intimate wildlife encounters and access to remote bays and islands.
This tour package’s standout feature is its appeal to a broad spectrum of interests, offering easy-paced exploration in one of the world’s most untouched environments. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, your journey to Antarctica is as seamless as it is inspiring.
11 days
If it's your first time venturing south, the "Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent" cruise delivers an 11-day introduction to Antarctica's wonders, from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Cross the storied Drake Passage aboard a stable, polar-class vessel, explore the majestic Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac and on foot, and come face-to-face with penguins, whales, and seals in their pristine habitat. Enrich your journey with expert lectures on glaciology and polar history, and tailor the experience with adventure options to suit your interests. The highlight of this tour is its flexibility, allowing you to customize your Antarctic discovery and experience this icy frontier your way.
11 days
Craving the ultimate polar adventure? The "Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake" tour offers an exhilarating shortcut to the White Continent, flying you over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane before beginning an eight-day exploration of Antarctica. With Punta Arenas as your gateway, land on King George Island and embark on a cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Choose from a variety of adventure activities and onboard programs tailored to your interests, from Zodiac cruises to wildlife encounters with penguins and seals. The unique selling point of this trip is its time-saving approach—perfect for intrepid travelers keen to maximize their Antarctic experience without enduring days at sea.
8 days
Set sail for untamed beauty with the "South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari" cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day tour that starts and ends in Ushuaia. Cruise through the wildlife haven of South Georgia, where king penguins and elephant seals greet you in epic numbers, and pay homage to explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Continue to the soaring peaks and icy expanses of the Antarctic Peninsula, where Zodiac excursions, glacier hikes, and encounters with curious penguins await. The tour’s standout feature is the use of the state-of-the-art Ultramarine vessel, offering pioneering flightseeing and a wider range of adventure options than any other ship in its class—an unmatched opportunity to experience the Antarctic’s raw splendor.
18 days
Tick off a true bucket-list achievement with the "Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle" tour, an 11-day voyage that starts and ends in Punta Arenas. Skip the long sea journey by flying over the Drake Passage, then cruise from the South Shetland Islands all the way to the iconic Antarctic Circle. Experience the magic of kayaking among icebergs and exploring the pristine wilderness of the Antarctic Peninsula. This trip’s USP is its fast-track approach, letting you reach the Circle—and participate in unforgettable polar activities—in less time, making it ideal for those who crave adventure without the lengthy transit.
11 days
Ever wondered what it feels like to cross the Antarctic Circle? The "Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition" cruise offers just that—a 14-day journey from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, taking you deep into the rarely-visited southernmost reaches of Antarctica. Witness dramatic ice formations, spot whales and penguins, and revel in the exhilaration of navigating south of 66°33' S. With the innovative Ultramarine vessel, enjoy flightseeing tours and a range of adventure activities unmatched in the region. The trip’s unique selling point is the chance to accomplish a rare polar milestone, all while experiencing the most advanced expedition ship in Antarctic waters.
14 days
For those who dream big, the "Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle" cruise lives up to its name. This extraordinary 23-day expedition from Buenos Aires weaves through the penguin-filled Falkland Islands, the wildlife paradise of South Georgia, and the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula, all the way to the fabled Antarctic Circle. Experience penguin colonies numbering in the hundreds of thousands, spot seals and seabirds, and enjoy the thrill of crossing into the Circle itself—a milestone for any explorer. The tour’s unique highlight is the pioneering Ultramarine ship, offering exclusive flightseeing and the broadest range of polar activities available, making this the ultimate Antarctic adventure.
23 days
Patagonia’s wild beauty awaits on this 15-day cruise tour, charting a course from Buenos Aires to Santiago via the remote fjords and national parks of southern Chile and Argentina. Retrace Darwin’s legendary exploration as you glide past majestic glaciers, observe Magellanic penguins and sea lions, and venture into the heart of Torres del Paine National Park. The journey blends the comfort of the pioneering Ultramarine vessel—with its unmatched adventure amenities and scenic flightseeing tours—with up-close Zodiac excursions and rich wildlife encounters. This is the ideal trip for intrepid travelers seeking a blend of luxury and adventure, with the USP being exclusive access to helicopter flightseeing above Patagonia’s untamed landscapes.
15 days
Dreaming of Antarctica but short on time? The "Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake" trip delivers an unforgettable polar adventure without the lengthy sea crossing. This eight-day guided expedition begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, and is ideal for experienced travelers eager for a taste of the world’s last great wilderness. By flying over the Drake Passage to King George Island, you skip days at sea and arrive refreshed, ready to explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Over the next four days, your cruise weaves among glacier-capped mountains, ice floes, and sparkling blue seas. Wildlife encounters are frequent—penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds become your constant companions as you journey to iconic sites such as Petermann Island, Neko Harbour, and the Gerlache Strait. Adventurous souls can scramble to viewpoints for breathtaking vistas, while visits to research stations and historic sites add fascinating context.
The unique selling point of this tour package is its swift, comfortable access to Antarctica, allowing you to experience the continent’s wonders in a compact timeframe. With all logistics, accommodation, and meals expertly handled, this is the perfect expedition for those seeking an easy yet immersive introduction to the polar world.
8 days
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South America Polar expeditions and cruise Tour Types
Discover South America Polar expeditions and cruise tours in your way! Choose from group tours, private experiences, solo adventures, or guided and escorted tours.
10 Best Polar expeditions and cruise Tours in South America
Discover our best Polar expeditions and cruise tours in South America, based on reviews and times booked.
Gaze upon otherworldly blue icebergs and a kaleidoscope of Antarctic wildlife on the "Antarctic Explorer" trip, an 11-day polar cruise designed for travelers with a passion for nature and discovery. Starting and ending in Ushuaia, this guided tour carries you through the legendary Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, where pristine wilderness awaits.
Whether you’re a photographer, wildlife enthusiast, or simply someone who wants to witness the grandeur of Deception Island and Iceberg Alley, each day brings new marvels. Watch penguins, seals, and whales from the deck, a Zodiac, or even ashore, all while soaking in the ethereal colors of the polar landscape. The ship’s small size ensures intimate wildlife encounters and access to remote bays and islands.
This tour package’s standout feature is its appeal to a broad spectrum of interests, offering easy-paced exploration in one of the world’s most untouched environments. With accommodation, transport, and meals included, your journey to Antarctica is as seamless as it is inspiring.
11 days
Craving the ultimate polar adventure? The "Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake" tour offers an exhilarating shortcut to the White Continent, flying you over the notorious Drake Passage by charter plane before beginning an eight-day exploration of Antarctica. With Punta Arenas as your gateway, land on King George Island and embark on a cruise through the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Choose from a variety of adventure activities and onboard programs tailored to your interests, from Zodiac cruises to wildlife encounters with penguins and seals. The unique selling point of this trip is its time-saving approach—perfect for intrepid travelers keen to maximize their Antarctic experience without enduring days at sea.
8 days
Set sail for untamed beauty with the "South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari" cruise, a once-in-a-lifetime 18-day tour that starts and ends in Ushuaia. Cruise through the wildlife haven of South Georgia, where king penguins and elephant seals greet you in epic numbers, and pay homage to explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton. Continue to the soaring peaks and icy expanses of the Antarctic Peninsula, where Zodiac excursions, glacier hikes, and encounters with curious penguins await. The tour’s standout feature is the use of the state-of-the-art Ultramarine vessel, offering pioneering flightseeing and a wider range of adventure options than any other ship in its class—an unmatched opportunity to experience the Antarctic’s raw splendor.
18 days
Set sail from Buenos Aires for an epic Antarctic adventure with the "Crossing the Circle via Buenos Aires" tour. This 14-day journey blends the excitement of polar expeditions with the cosmopolitan charm of Argentina’s capital, offering an easy-paced yet immersive exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula and Beagle Channel.
Your small vessel is nimble enough to maneuver through the spectacular Lemaire Channel, surrounded by glacial walls and dotted with islands teeming with penguins, elephant seals, and seabirds. Each day brings awe-inspiring wildlife encounters—imagine humpback whales breaching near your Zodiac, or gazing at the multicolored icebergs of Iceberg Alley. Shore excursions reveal even more of Antarctica’s raw beauty and natural wonders.
The unique selling point of this trip is its seamless blend of city and wilderness, allowing you to start and end in vibrant Buenos Aires while experiencing the full spectrum of Antarctica’s marvels. Accommodation, transport, and meals are thoughtfully included, ensuring a smooth, unforgettable polar tour package.
14 days
Dreaming of Antarctica but short on time? The "Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake" trip delivers an unforgettable polar adventure without the lengthy sea crossing. This eight-day guided expedition begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile, and is ideal for experienced travelers eager for a taste of the world’s last great wilderness. By flying over the Drake Passage to King George Island, you skip days at sea and arrive refreshed, ready to explore the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Over the next four days, your cruise weaves among glacier-capped mountains, ice floes, and sparkling blue seas. Wildlife encounters are frequent—penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds become your constant companions as you journey to iconic sites such as Petermann Island, Neko Harbour, and the Gerlache Strait. Adventurous souls can scramble to viewpoints for breathtaking vistas, while visits to research stations and historic sites add fascinating context.
The unique selling point of this tour package is its swift, comfortable access to Antarctica, allowing you to experience the continent’s wonders in a compact timeframe. With all logistics, accommodation, and meals expertly handled, this is the perfect expedition for those seeking an easy yet immersive introduction to the polar world.
8 days
If it's your first time venturing south, the "Antarctic Explorer: Discovering the 7th Continent" cruise delivers an 11-day introduction to Antarctica's wonders, from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Cross the storied Drake Passage aboard a stable, polar-class vessel, explore the majestic Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac and on foot, and come face-to-face with penguins, whales, and seals in their pristine habitat. Enrich your journey with expert lectures on glaciology and polar history, and tailor the experience with adventure options to suit your interests. The highlight of this tour is its flexibility, allowing you to customize your Antarctic discovery and experience this icy frontier your way.
11 days
Imagine gliding through the narrow Lemaire Channel, glacial cliffs towering beside you, on the ultimate Antarctic expedition. The "Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition" trip offers 14 days of guided polar exploration, starting and ending in Ushuaia. Designed for experienced adventurers, this easy-paced cruise traverses the Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, and South Shetland Islands.
Your small ship navigates a maze of jewel-like islands, home to vast penguin colonies, elephant seals, and countless seabirds. Whale encounters are a highlight—picture humpbacks rising against turquoise ice-walls, just meters from your Zodiac. Each day provides new opportunities for shore excursions and wildlife sightings, all set against Antarctica’s breathtaking, pristine backdrop.
This tour package’s standout feature is its intimate navigation of Antarctica’s dramatic landscapes, maximizing wildlife encounters and unique photo opportunities. With all logistics, meals, and accommodation included, this journey is perfect for those who want a comprehensive, immersive Antarctic experience.
14 days
Set sail for a wildlife odyssey on "Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica - Expedition," a 21-day relaxed cruise that traverses some of the Southern Hemisphere’s most remote and biodiverse regions. From Ushuaia, visit the penguin-filled Falkland Islands, the dramatic mountains and fjords of South Georgia, and the icy wonders of Antarctica. Encounter king penguin colonies, fur and elephant seals, and millions of seabirds. Trace Shackleton’s legacy, visit research bases, and marvel at the region’s wildflowers in spring. Accommodation, transport, and meals are included. The tour’s unique angle? The unparalleled diversity of wildlife and landscapes across three iconic destinations—ideal for nature lovers and history enthusiasts alike.
21 days
Embrace the spirit of true exploration with the "Antarctic Circle - Expedition," a 14-day relaxed wildlife tour beginning and ending in Ushuaia. Navigate the infamous Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula, crossing the Polar Circle at 66°33'S—a rare achievement for any traveler. Witness vast penguin rookeries (chinstrap, Adelie, gentoo), colossal glaciers, and dramatic icebergs. Daily excursions, weather permitting, offer up-close encounters with seals and whales, and visits to scientific outposts and historic whaling stations. With all essentials included, this trip’s unique selling point is the chance to venture deeper into Antarctica than most, surrounded by mesmerizing wilderness and abundant wildlife.
14 days
Journey to the end of the world on "Classic Antarctica - Expedition," an 11-day relaxed wildlife tour from Ushuaia. Cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula, where ice-capped mountains, crevassed glaciers, and colonies of gentoo, Adelie, and chinstrap penguins await. Zodiac excursions and expert guides bring you up-close with seals, whales, and seabirds, while optional landings reveal the region’s dynamic history and research efforts. With all meals, accommodation, and transport provided, the standout feature is the opportunity for superb wildlife viewing in one of the planet’s most pristine environments—a must for those seeking the ultimate Antarctic adventure.
11 days
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South America Polar expeditions and cruise Tour Reviews
Genuine reviews from travelers on Polar expeditions and cruise South America tours
Jill | Traveled in December
Antarctica was somewhere I had long wanted to visit and I have finally been. This is the best trip I have ever done with Explore and there have been very many wonderful ones. To anyone considering going to Antarctica, I'd say, 'do go', you will not regret it.
Angela | Traveled in April
Accomodation on the ship and the two hotels one in Ushuaia and one in Buenos Aires were excellent. The Antarctica experience was magical from the landscape to the wildlife. The whole experience will live with us forever
Anonymous | Traveled in March
I feel immeasurably humbled to have been able to visit the 7th Continent on this trip. I will now live with the problem of the inability to fully relay to others what it is like to be in Antarctica, to see a landscape unchanged in thousands of years, to smell those penguins, to feel the cold Antarctic breeze, to hear the deafening silence of a sea full of ice. This itinerary gives you so much more time with the continent and crossing the Antarctic Circle was a notable highlight moment of the trip alongside doing the Polar plunge south of the Circle which just added to what was already an out-of-this-world experience. Amazing!
Anonymous | Traveled in May
Wow... where to begin. The most amazing trip i have ever been on. Being one of the few to say i have visited Antarctica is something i will never get used to. The trip was breathtaking from start to end. I couldn't reccomend it enough.
Anonymous | Traveled in March
A thoroughly enjoyable trip. It was a priviledge to be able to go to Antarctica, where so few actually go. Very difficult to put into words what the trip meant other than amazing. I would do the trip again.
Anonymous | Traveled in February
So many pinch me moments every single day... Penguins are just incredible to see waddling along their penguin highways, spectacular whale watching, stunning icebergs. I'd go again tomorrow! Loved the camping, paddling and polar plunge. Do it all! You won't regret it. Fabulous trip, great bunch of people, delicious food.
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