How Much Does It Cost to Visit Antarctica from the USA?

Visiting Antarctica on an expedition cruise is the adventure of a lifetime! But if you’re just starting to plan your trip, it helps to think about budgeting. Just how much does it cost to visit Antarctica from the USA or Canada? And is it possible to do it on a budget?

Yes, there’s no getting around the fact that Antarctica is one of the more expensive destinations in the world to visit, due to its remote location and the logistics involved with getting there. That being said, there are definitely ways to visit Antarctica and still save money, especially if you’re flexible with travel dates.

To help you plan the ultimate vacation to Antarctica, here’s a guide to help you budget your expenses (and our top money-saving tips!).

How much does it cost to visit Antarctica from the US or Canada?

While you can sometimes find lower pricing, the average 10-11 day Antarctic Peninsula cruise, departing from South America, will cost around $7,000-$11,000 USD per person. These are usually the shortest cruises and will visit both the South Shetland Islands and mainland Antarctica.

There are also longer cruises of around three weeks and visit not just Antarctica but also South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. To visit Antarctica, South Georgia, and the Falklands from the United States, budget approximately $15,000-$20,000 USD per person.

Pricing varies on a number of factors though, including the luxury level and cabin type of the ship you choose, the time of year, cruise length, and any additional add-ons, such as kayaking, camping, or time before or after your cruise to explore South America.

(Note: pricing above is estimated as of May 2025 but is subject to change. Please contact us with any questions on pricing for your Antarctic cruise.)

How to get to Antarctica from North America

Most cruises depart from Ushuaia, in southernmost Argentina. To get to Ushuaia, there are many airlines and departure cities that will take you directly to Buenos Aires, including New York City, Miami, Dallas, and Chicago.

After arriving in Buenos Aires, the Argentine capital, you’ll pick up a connecting flight down to Ushuaia.

From Canada, you’ll generally need a short stopover in the US or South America before continuing on to Ushuaia.

Note that some Antarctica cruises also depart from Punta Arenas, in Chile. In that case, you’ll first fly to Santiago and then connect to your Punta Arenas flight.

What costs to budget for when planning a trip to Antarctica

When planning for your Antarctic cruise, it’s often helpful to work out all of the associated costs in advance, making it easier to save or budget for the trip.

Here are the main costs to consider before traveling to Antarctica from the US.

Your Antarctic expedition cruise

Your Antarctic cruise cost will vary, depending on whether you want a traditional, no-frills expedition experience, high-end luxury, or something in between. The experienced team at Chimu can help you find the perfect cruise to suit your budget, so feel free to get in touch and we can walk you through the best options for your budget, schedule, and preferences.

International flights

After the cruise itself, your flights will likely be the next biggest expense. Flight costs will vary, depending on airline, departure airport, and time of year. However, many avid travelers collect airline miles, which can be a way to fly for less or update to premium or business seats.

Travel insurance

Travel insurance is an absolute necessity on your expedition cruise and is also mandated by all cruise operators. Due to Antarctica’s remote location, any medical evacuation is going to be incredibly expensive and travel insurance provides peace of mind that you’re protected.

It’s also handy in cases of flight delays, lost luggage, or damage to any expensive electronic items. There are a number of excellent travel insurance providers who offer coverage, or Chimu can easily assist with this at your time of booking.

Any optional activities you’d like to include

Your Antarctic expedition cruise will likely offer two excursions per day (weather dependent), such as shore landings and zodiac cruises. This is included in your cruise fare.

However, some guests like to add on optional activities such as an immersive kayaking program or day paddle, overnight ice camping, or photography programs. The cost for these activities varies, but note that they often sell out well in advance. So, if you’re determined to kayak or Antarctic ice camp, it’s best to lock these extras in at your time of booking to ensure you don’t miss out!

Spending money

Once on the ship, all of your meals are included, with some ships also including soft drinks, beer, and wine. However, you may want some spending money for things like meals in Ushuaia, souvenirs or postcards in the onboard Polar Boutique.

How to save money on your Antarctic cruise from North America

We appreciate that a trip to Antarctica from the US is a big expense, and we’re often asked if there are ways to keep costs down. Here are our top money saving tips for Americans or Canadians traveling to Antarctica!

Travel outside of peak season

The Antarctic season generally runs from late October through March. Cruise pricing in the peak Austral summer months of December and January is generally at its highest, so if you can travel outside these dates, you’re in luck!

Early season or late season cruising usually offer the best rates, and the truth is that Antarctica is amazing, no matter what time of year you visit.

Jump on early bird discounts

Many Antarctic cruise companies offer early bird discounts and special deals for organized travelers who book a year or so in advance. This allows you to lock in your preferred room type and dates well in advance, ensuring you don’t miss out.

Share a room and save

Many avid travelers like to explore on their own - and Antarctica is definitely one of the best places for solo travelers!

However, if you’d rather avoid the solo supplements required by most operators, we can help you find a ship where you can share with another traveler of the same gender. By sharing a room, you can access twin share pricing. And in Antarctica, you hardly spend much time in your cabin anyway, so why not save some money and hopefully make a new friend in the process!

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