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VictoriaTurnerSingapore

How to get to Antarctica? How to choose an Antarctic itinerary?

⚠︎ First, let's classify the transportation methods to Antarctica: Ⓐ Round-trip by ship Currently, about 80% of commercial Antarctic cruises depart from and return to Ushuaia, Argentina. ⚠︎ This is the most mainstream way to visit Antarctica. Compared to the other three methods, it is relatively affordable and has a lower probability of delays. Ⓑ Round-trip by flight Arrive at Punta Arenas or Puerto Williams in Chile, then take a 76-passenger plane to fly over the Drake Passage to South Georgia Island, where you board the ship for Antarctic cruising and landings. After the trip, fly back to Punta Arenas or Puerto Williams. (Currently, there are six companies offering flights over the Drake Passage to Antarctica.) Which one to choose? We won’t make recommendations here for now. Ⓒ Ship out, fly back As the name suggests, you sail across the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Peninsula or the Three Islands, and after the Antarctic itinerary, you take a plane from South Georgia Island back to Punta Arenas, Chile (about a 2-hour flight), or to Puerto Williams, Chile. Ⓓ Fly out, ship back Take a 76-passenger plane from Punta Arenas or Puerto Williams, Chile, fly over the Drake Passage to South Georgia Island, then board the ship for cruising and landings. Afterward, the ship sails for 2 days across the Drake Passage before arriving in Ushuaia or Puerto Williams. ⚠️ In summary, all four methods of reaching Antarctica have their pros and cons. ① Round-trip by ship: The most mainstream way to visit Antarctica. The downside is that crossing the Drake Passage takes 4 days round-trip, which may not be ideal for those prone to seasickness. The upside is that it doesn’t depend on flight windows, with a lower chance of delays. If you’re continuing with a South American itinerary afterward, this might be the better choice. ② Round-trip by flight: Suitable for those with a higher budget and limited vacation time. While it avoids the discomfort of seasickness, it’s more affected by weather. Antarctic weather is highly unpredictable, and flight windows can be fleeting. ③ Ship out, fly back: This is a route I personally love. The Drake Passage is an integral part of the Antarctic experience, a crucial piece of the puzzle 🧩. You should still experience the "Devil’s Passage," so sailing there and flying back saves 2 days of sailing on the return trip. Some cruise companies even add these 2 days to your Antarctic experience, giving you more time there. Although the return flight is weather-dependent, the only preparation needed is to delay your subsequent flights and itinerary by 2 days. Even if the flight is delayed by half a day, it’s still worth it. ④ Fly out, ship back: With this method, the same issue arises—if the flight is delayed due to weather, it cuts into your Antarctic experience time. A half-day delay is manageable, but a full-day delay means one less day in Antarctica, so choose carefully.
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Posted: Jul 9, 2025
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