South America Polar expeditions cruise Trips in 2026/2027

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Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

In 2004, Quark Expeditions made Polar history when they conducted the first-ever ground visit to the remote Emperor penguin colony near Snow Hill Island, Antarctica. Driven by a true expeditionary spirit—and guided by years of Polar expertise—the team sailed past masses of dense ice and thick, tabular icebergs in the Weddell Sea to experience the legendary rookery, which now numbers 8,000 breeding pairs of Emperor penguins. Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences on the planet. We invite you—almost two decades after our milestone visit of 2004—to embrace the thrill of the search as we once again set out to visit to the emperor penguins at Snow Hill Island. Experience a true Polar quest as we journey on our new ship, Ultramarine, which is equipped with two twin-engine helicopters that will fly guests to the vicinity of this rarely-visited rookery, whereupon they will walk across the thick sea ice to stand within metres of the most coveted penguin species on the planet. Anticipate scenes reminiscent of “March of the Penguins” and BBC’s “Frozen Planet.” Just imagine the penguins tobogganing across the ice towards the sea. Such wildlife moments are too precious for words!

Polar expeditions and cruise

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Hut, Ship Cabin

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Drake Pas

Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Drake Passage, Weddell Island

Duration14 days

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Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

Crossing the Antarctic Circle at 66’30 is a polar milestone achieved by relatively few. Because innovation is in our DNA, we wanted to make this experience even more memorable. The result is this exciting adventure, which includes the chance to soar above the Antarctic landscape in one of Ultramarine’s twin-engine helicopters. Your helicopter-supported excursions feature multiple opportunities for heli flightseeing, as well as a heli landing. Learn what it’s like to step out of a helicopter onto Antarctica and gaze upon polar landscapes previously only seen by a few fearless explorers and mountaineers. You’ll also explore the southern heart of the Antarctic Peninsula. And you’ll experience it all from sea and air.

Polar expeditions and cruise

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Hut, Lodge, Ship Cabin

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Pas

Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle

Duration14 days

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Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

For those drawn to the planet’s wildest frontiers, the 'Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North' tour offers a ten-day polar expedition like no other. Cruise the legendary Drake Passage, then fly northbound for a more comfortable return. Along the way, encounter minke and humpback whales, playful penguins, and surreal icescapes near the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Guided group excursions ensure you witness the best of this stark yet teeming wilderness. The USP: minimized travel time across the Drake, maximizing your immersion in Antarctica’s dramatic beauty and rare wildlife—ideal for experienced travelers seeking both adventure and convenience.

Polar expeditions and cruise

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Ship Cabin, Hotel

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Beagle Ch

Punta Arenas, Ushuaia, Beagle Channel Cruise, Drake Passage, South Shetland Islands

Duration10 days

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Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

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.

Polar expeditions and cruise

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Ship Cabin

Age Range

12-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Islas Malvinas, South Georgia

Duration20 days

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Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North via Buenos Aires

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

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.

Polar expeditions and cruise

Tour Type

Group Tour

Accommodation

Yacht Cabin, Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

18-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Drake Pas

Ushuaia, Punta Arenas, Drake Passage, Antarctic Peninsula

Duration10 days

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Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

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.

Cruise

Tour Type

Cruise Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Santiago, Canal De

Buenos Aires, Santiago, Canal De Las Montañas, Tuckers Islets, Bahia Brookes, Ushuaia, Cape Horn, Garibaldi Glacier, Águila Glacier, Chilean Fjords, Torres del Paine National Park

Duration15 days

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Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

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.

Cruise

Tour Type

Cruise Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Antarctic

Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia, Islas Malvinas

Duration23 days

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Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

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.

Cruise

Tour Type

Cruise Tour

Accommodation

Camping, Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Buenos Aires, Antarctic Peninsul

Buenos Aires, Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia

Duration14 days

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Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

No booking fees

Best price guaranteed

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.

Cruise

Tour Type

Cruise Tour

Accommodation

Hotel, Ship Cabin

Age Range

8-99 yrs

Operated in

english

Destinations

Punta Arenas, Antarctic Peninsul

Punta Arenas, Antarctic Peninsula, King George Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Circle

Duration11 days

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South America Polar expeditions cruise Trips

Page 2 of 19 Polar expeditions and cruise Trips in South America with 46 Reviews

Page 2 of 19 Polar expeditions and cruise Trips in South America with 46 Reviews

Emperor Penguin Quest: Expedition to Snow Hill

Antarctica by Helicopter: Crossing the Circle and the Peninsula

Antarctic Express: Cruise South, Fly North

Penguins of the Far South: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica

Antarctic Express: Sail South, Fly North via Buenos Aires

Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine

Epic Antarctica: The Falklands, South Georgia and Crossing the Circle

Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition

Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle

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South America Polar expeditions cruise Trips

Page 2 of 19 Polar expeditions and cruise Trips in South America with 46 Reviews

Page 2 of 19 Polar expeditions and cruise Trips in South America with 46 Reviews