South America Polar expeditions cruise Trips
Polar expeditions cruise trips in South America. Looking to explore South America on a polar expeditions cruise tour? We offer 30 polar expeditions cruise tours through-out South America, backed by 50 reviews and offering discounts up to 32%. 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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Most popular Polar expeditions cruise Tours in South America
Discover our best Polar expeditions cruise tours in South America, based on reviews and times booked.
It is a heady and inspiring cocktail of towering blue icebergs which refract searing blues and greens, whether against piercing clear skies or slate grey ones. It is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins of almost all descriptions, Leopard and smaller seals and whales, seen from the shore, the Zodiacs and from on board. This is a journey that appeals to many: photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists or those who simply want to marvel at the peaks of Deception Island or the striking colours of Iceberg Alley in the most immaculate wilderness anywhere.
11 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
Relatively few humans set foot on the remote 7th Continent. Even fewer cross the Antarctic Circle. You can achieve both of these polar rites of passage on our 14-day Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle. Photograph penguin colonies, glaciers, remote bays and historical sites of the Peninsula while exploring by ship, Zodiac, kayak and during guided hikes. Our ultimate goal is to allow you to customize your adventure as you cross the 7th Continent off your bucket list.
14 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
Few journeys rival the thrill of crossing the Antarctic Circle—a feat at the heart of the "Across the Antarctic Circle - M/V Greg Mortimer" cruise trip. Over 13 days, this relaxed expedition for seasoned adventurers sets sail from Ushuaia, threading through the legendary Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Marvel at surreal icebergs, soaring mountain ranges, and ethereal snow petrels as you navigate icy waterways, aiming for Crystal Sound at The Gullet’s mouth. Wildlife enthusiasts will thrill to sightings of orca, leopard seals, and feeding humpbacks. Each day brings opportunities for guided Zodiac excursions and landings, with transport, meals, and accommodation included. The unique selling point? Achieving the milestone of crossing latitude 66°33' South—a true Antarctic adventure that combines pristine wilderness with unforgettable wildlife encounters, all in the hands of expert guides.
13 days
This voyage combines the best of the Antarctic Peninsula with the enchanting wildlife haven of South Georgia. Explore the historic Falklands-Malvinas and stand in awe before the world's largest king penguin colonies in South Georgia. In Antarctica, experience the serenity and grandeur of the most remote place on Earth-where penguins nest, whales feed, and captivating seals frolic in ice-speckled seas.
Photograph curious seals - Zodiac-cruise through glassy, iceberg-dotted waters and capture close-up moments with these inquisitive animals.
Marvel at king penguin colonies - Visit South Georgia, where tens of thousands of birds gather amid dramatic coastal scenery.
Explore the Antarctic Peninsula - Witness the arrival of whales as they come to feed on the summer abundance of krill.
Long summer days - The peak of summer brings nearly 24 hours of daylight, perfect for extended landings and wildlife encounters.
Multiple itineraries - Choose between two itineraries, with the option to fly to Punta Arenas, or spend more time exploring the Falklands.
Extend your tour - Spend more time exploring Buenos Aires, Iguassu or Tierra Del Fuego National Park - contact our team of experts for more information.
22 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
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
There’s so much incredible wildlife to encounter and so many epic views to take in on the Antarctic Peninsula and its neighbouring islands of South Georgia and the Falklands. On this 21-day expedition, you’ll spend extended time in each of these destinations, meaning more opportunities for Zodiac expeditions and more chances to see orca, humpback and minke whales, rockhopper, king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins, seals and albatrosses. Uncover the history of polar exploration in the Falklands, discover the diverse landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and learn why South Georgia is known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. Join this polar adventure and tick awe-inspiring Antarctica off your bucket list.
21 days
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
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10 Best South America Polar expeditions cruise June Deals
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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
It is a heady and inspiring cocktail of towering blue icebergs which refract searing blues and greens, whether against piercing clear skies or slate grey ones. It is home to an extraordinary array of wildlife: penguins of almost all descriptions, Leopard and smaller seals and whales, seen from the shore, the Zodiacs and from on board. This is a journey that appeals to many: photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, ornithologists or those who simply want to marvel at the peaks of Deception Island or the striking colours of Iceberg Alley in the most immaculate wilderness anywhere.
11 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
Relatively few humans set foot on the remote 7th Continent. Even fewer cross the Antarctic Circle. You can achieve both of these polar rites of passage on our 14-day Antarctic Peninsula: Crossing the Circle. Photograph penguin colonies, glaciers, remote bays and historical sites of the Peninsula while exploring by ship, Zodiac, kayak and during guided hikes. Our ultimate goal is to allow you to customize your adventure as you cross the 7th Continent off your bucket list.
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
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
There’s so much incredible wildlife to encounter and so many epic views to take in on the Antarctic Peninsula and its neighbouring islands of South Georgia and the Falklands. On this 21-day expedition, you’ll spend extended time in each of these destinations, meaning more opportunities for Zodiac expeditions and more chances to see orca, humpback and minke whales, rockhopper, king, gentoo and Magellanic penguins, seals and albatrosses. Uncover the history of polar exploration in the Falklands, discover the diverse landscapes of the South Shetland Islands and learn why South Georgia is known as the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean’. Join this polar adventure and tick awe-inspiring Antarctica off your bucket list.
21 days
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South America Polar expeditions cruise Tour Reviews
Genuine reviews from travelers on Polar expeditions cruise South America tours
Elaine | Traveled in December
It’s a very different holiday and bespoke to those who are ‘into’ that sort of thing. Very well organised and the crew ship staff were all amazing. All our connections went perfectly. Lovely wildlife in their natural environment. Good that we all had to take precautions regarding echo cleanliness on and off ship.
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.
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