South America Polar Expeditions and Cruise Trips 2025/2026
Great polar expeditions and cruise trips in South America in 2025/2026. Compare prices for 40+ polar expeditions and cruise tours with 70+ trip reviews. Book today and save up to 27% on Bookmundi.com!
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8 days24 days
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Comfortable and reliable 3-star stays. Expect private rooms, en-suite bathrooms, and solid amenities — a great balance between comfort and cost.
Upscale 4-5 star hotels and lodges. Enjoy high-end service, refined comfort, and premium locations — ideal for travelers seeking extra indulgence.
Stroll through the quaint English village of Stanley in the Falklands, wander the dunes, and birdwatch at rugged seabird cliffs. In South Georgia, discover beaches where king penguins breed and discover the rich historical legacy of the places you visit. Both islands are known for their wildlife with animals congregating by the thousands. Then, explore the Antarctic Peninsula and enter a world of ice and snow. Pursue your personal passions with a choice of rewarding activities and our extensive educational program.
Imagine crossing the legendary Antarctic Circle, a milestone reached by only the most intrepid travelers. The "Antarctic Circle - M/V Ocean Victory" tour begins and ends in Ushuaia, embarking on a 12-day polar expedition cruise through the Drake Passage and the South Shetland Islands. Tailored for seasoned explorers seeking a relaxed yet immersive adventure, this trip offers the rare opportunity to journey south of 66°33'—a feat often thwarted by dense pack ice but made possible by your robust expedition vessel. As you sail ever deeper into the Antarctic Peninsula, relish extended time ashore thanks to the itinerary's two extra exploration days. Marvel at the surreal phenomenon of the midnight sun, where daylight lingers almost endlessly, and savor encounters with seals, whales, penguins, and a vibrant array of birdlife. With comfortable accommodations, all meals included, and expert guidance throughout, this small group tour package is ideal for those who want to experience the majesty of the Great White Continent beyond what most expeditions offer. The unique selling point: crossing the Antarctic Circle itself—an achievement few travelers can claim—paired with ample time to witness the region's untamed wildlife and dramatic landscapes.
Revel in the excitement of crossing the famed Drake Passage after embarking from Ushuaia, with the convenience of a northbound return flight at the end of your expedition. Minke and humpback whales or Adélie penguins floating on ice floes may greet you as you travel to the northernmost tip of the Antarctic Peninsula.
The surreal silence in this vast wilderness may overwhelm at first, but playful, charismatic wildlife and your intrepid travelling companions keep you grounded. You’ll develop a new appreciation and understanding of Antarctica’s extreme contrasts – harsh mountain peaks and fragile ecosystems; stark, lonely icescapes; and populous, gregarious penguins.
A voyage into the Antarctic Circle will take you as far south as the ice will allow. Our small ships allow access to this inhospitable and impossibly beautiful area, which only the lucky few will ever see. Imagine being encircled in rookeries of chinstrap, Adelie and gentoo penguins, so close to colossal glaciers and icebergs towering high above you.
Travel even further into Antarctica - join an expedition cruise to cross the Polar Circle
Superb wildlife - excellent viewing opportunities from our Zodiacs and on-shore landings
Incredible landscapes - immerse yourself in the vast icescapes of Antarctica
Marine wildlife - sail with whales and past seals basting in the sun on passing ice floes
The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula form one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on Earth. A remarkable collection of wildlife lives in the shadow of snow-capped mountains and blue icebergs; penguins, whales and a rich diversity of birdlife await you an this exploratory journey into the Great White Continent.
Travel into scenic Antarctica - explore the islands of the peninsula
Enjoy a variety of penguins - walk amongst vast penguin rookeries of gentoo, Adelie and chinstrap penguins
Incredible scenery - enjoy the freedom of being in the vast, ice-sculpted, Antarctic wilderness
Have you ever dreamed of crossing the Antarctic Circle? The Polar Circle Quest is your chance to do just that. Beginning and ending in Ushuaia, this twelve-day polar expedition cruise whisks experienced travelers and adventurous seniors across the legendary Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
With two daily shore excursions, you’ll set foot on remote, icy shores, spot penguins and seals, and witness breathtaking polar vistas. The journey pushes further south to Detaille Island—a coveted milestone for explorers. Comfortable accommodations, hearty meals, and expert-guided activities ensure that every moment is as thrilling as it is well-catered.
The standout feature: this tour package offers the rare opportunity to cross the Polar Circle and visit one of the southernmost points accessible to intrepid travelers, making it a true bucket-list expedition for those seeking more than the ordinary Antarctic adventure.
Journey deep into Antarctica into the lesser-visited Weddell Sea. This is a pristine area of Antarctica, where only a fortunate few have visited. It boasts huge tabular icebergs and an uncompromising environment reserved for rare and unique wildlife. It was here that polar explorer Ernest Shackleton travelled on his quest to conquer this inhospitable environment. During your cruise, you'll have time to explore these eastern flanks of the peninsula and to observe penguins, seals, whales and sea-birds at close quarters.
Follow the route of famous explorers - travel in the footsteps of Sir Ernest Shackleton
Journey deep into Antarctica - explore the less visited Weddell Sea
Explore by Zodiac - sail beneath huge icebergs and towering glaciated peaks
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.
Ever wondered what it’s like to retrace the epic journey of Shackleton through the Antarctic? The In Shackleton's Footsteps - M/V Sylvia Earle tour invites experienced travelers on a relaxed 20-day polar expedition from Ushuaia, Argentina. Cruise across the Drake Passage, set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, and venture deep into the Weddell Sea before visiting the wildlife paradise of South Georgia and the legendary Elephant Island.
Savor the endless days of Antarctic summer, marveling at colossal tabular icebergs and spotting seals, penguins, and whales in their natural element. Guided by an expert expedition crew, you’ll gain historical insights and wildlife-spotting tips, enriching every landing and Zodiac excursion. One of the journey’s highlights is hiking from Fortuna Bay, echoing the final steps of Shackleton’s traverse—a tangible connection to polar exploration’s greatest story.
With comfort and camaraderie aboard the modern Sylvia Earle vessel, this trip balances adventure with ease, making it accessible to those who prefer a relaxed activity level. The tour’s unique selling point is its opportunity to follow Shackleton’s route while enjoying contemporary amenities and expert guidance—a rare blend of history, wildlife, and polar wonder for those who dream of the White Continent.
The South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula form one of the most spectacular wilderness areas on earth. A remarkable collection of wildlife lives in the shadow of snow-capped mountains and blue icebergs; penguins, whales and a rich diversity of birdlife await you on this exploratory journey of the Great White Continent.
Search for orca and minke whales - as they hunt in icy bays
Penguin rookeries - see Adelie, gentoo and chinstrap penguin busily building their nests
Enjoy the freedom of Antarctica - being in the vast, ice-sculpted Antarctic wilderness
