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Antarctica Cruise

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snow caped glacier in antarctic ocean

Overview Itinerary Dates & prices Reviews Hotels, flights & FAQ

Antarctica Cruise

with Buenos Aires extension

Duration: 15 or 17 days
Group size: 6-20
Reviews: 16

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Extended Risk-Free Booking Period

Book today and feel good about your decision. If you change your mind, you’ll receive a refund of your deposit through September 1.See terms

Set sail to the end of the world.

Start your adventure on the sophisticated streets and squares of Buenos Aires, the South American capital of food and fashion. Then, in Ushuaia, board a ship bound for the lands known as one of Earth’s final frontiers. You’ll witness towering, glittering glaciers, icebergs in a thousand shades of blue, and teeming colonies of penguins and seals that call these rocky shores home.

Your tour package includes

3 nights in handpicked hotels
9 nights aboard M/V USHUAIA cruise ship
12 breakfasts
8 lunches
11 dinners, select meals with beer or wine

Included highlights

Buenos Aires
Tierra del Fuego National Park
crossing the Drake Passage
South Shetland Islands
penguin rookeries

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Day-by-day itinerary

Print itinerary

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 1: Travel day

Board your overnight flight to Buenos Aires today.

Buenos Aires1 night

Day 2: Arrival in Buenos Aires

Included meal: Welcome dinner

Welcome to Argentina! Touch down in Buenos Aires, where you’ll meet your fellow travelers at tonight’s welcome dinner.

Ushuaia1 night

Day 3: Flight to Ushuaia

Included meal: Breakfast

Fly to Ushuaia and get acquainted with the city on a guided walking tour. Then, spend the rest of the day exploring on your own.

Overnight Cruise9 nights

Day 4: Cruise embarkation

Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Travel through coastal landscapes and glacial valleys on an excursion to Tierra del Fuego National Park before boarding a cruise ship bound for the Antarctic.

Visit Bahia Ensenada and view evidence of the 6,500-year-old native settlements
Take in views of Roca Lake and Lapataia Bay

Day 5: Day at sea

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend the day crossing the legendary Drake Passage.

Day 6: Day at sea

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend another day crossing the legendary Drake Passage.

Day 7: South Shetland Islands

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Start your four-day exploration of the rocky South Shetland Islands and the northernmost tip of the Antarctic continent.

Visit penguin rookeries
Cruise through Neptune’s Bellows into the natural harbor at Deception Island

Please note: the contents of your Antarctica itinerary are weather-dependent.

Day 8: King George & Livingston Islands

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Encounter Adélie and chinstrap penguins on King George Island and come face-to-face with elephant seals on Livingston Island. Please note: Your Antarctica itinerary is weather-dependent.

Day 9: Lemaire & Neumayer Channels

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Cruise along the Antarctic coast in the Gerlache Strait and gaze in awe at the towering sea cliffs lining the Lemaire and Neumayer Channels. You might also make stops at Paulet Island, the Melchior Islands and Portal Point. Please note: Your Antarctica itinerary is weather-dependent.

Day 10: Antarctic Islands

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Enjoy your final day of cruising in Antarctica. Depending on your ship’s itinerary, you may:

Discover the gentoo penguin rookery and the towering icebergs of Cuverville Island
Spy the calving icebergs at Neko Harbor
View the shallow bay filled with resting icebergs at Pleneau Island
Visit the world’s southernmost colony of gentoo penguins at Petermann Island
Venture into the placid waters of Paradise Bay, where the sea serves as a mirror for the surrounding mountains

Please note: The contents of your Antarctica itinerary are weather-dependent.

Day 11: Day at sea

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Begin the first of two days of uninterrupted cruising back to South America. Join the ship’s lecturers and naturalists on deck for whale- and bird-watching.

Day 12: Day at sea

Included meals: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Spend another day cruising to the South American mainland.

Buenos Aires1 night

Day 13: Cruise disembarkation & flight to Buenos Aires

Included meals: Breakfast, Farewell dinner

After disembarking your cruise ship, board a flight to Buenos Aires. There, you’ll celebrate your trip with your fellow travelers at a farewell dinner, including a special tango performance.

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 14: Sightseeing tour of Buenos Aires & departure

Included meal: Breakfast

Before heading home, take in the highlights of Buenos Aires on a guided sightseeing tour.

Visit the beautiful Plaza de Mayo to see the Casa Rosada, the Metropolitan Cathedral and the Cabildo
Pass through the historic neighborhood of San Telmo before exploring the colorful streets of La Boca
Drive along 9 de Julio Avenue, the widest street in the world, to Palermo and its beautiful parks
Visit the aristocratic Recoleta neighborhood and the grave of Eva Perón

This evening, transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home, or extend your stay to explore Buenos Aires.

Arrive Home

Day 15: Arrive home

Arrive home after your overnight flight.

Extension to Buenos Aires

Look to your Tour Director as you explore more of the Paris of South America. Why the nickname? It has to do with the city's fashion scene (which is world-class), the cafes (where you'll find the best empanadas ever), and renowned museums and parks (don't miss Museo Evita!).

Buenos Aires2 nights

Day 14: Free day in Buenos Aires

Included meal: Breakfast

Spend the day exploring Buenos Aires at your leisure. Please note: Some of the contents of your itinerary today will overlap with the main tour.

Day 15: Free day in Buenos Aires

Included meal: Breakfast

Enjoy another free day in the city or add an excursion.

This evening, enjoy a farewell drink as you celebrate your trip with your fellow group members.

Estancia Visit: Argentine Barbecue & Gaucho Show

Excursion (additional cost)

Overnight Flight1 night

Day 16: Departure

Included meal: Breakfast (excluding early morning departures)

Transfer to the airport for your overnight flight home.

Arrive Home

Day 17: Arrive home

Arrive home after your overnight flight.

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Reviews

4.8 average

Our reviews are authentic and unedited.

Trip of a lifetime

04/09/2019 by 4th time traveler Tracy V.

This was hands-down the absolute trip of a lifetime. It absolutely exceeded my expectations and was even better than I thought it was going to be . I cannot emphasize enough that you’re going to Antarctica and you must prepare for what the weather can be like some days it was sunny and warm other...

Antarpply Expeditions was superb. The Go Ahead run portion was poor.

03/18/2019 by 2nd time traveler Charles P.

Go Ahead Tour was mostly subcontracted to Antarpply Expeditions. They were outstanding. 2 days at either end were done by Go Ahead Tours staff. That was poorly scheduled. Emilliano was informative as a guide. But, we had to arise at 4:30 day 2 to go to the airport and there was not enough break...

Go Ahead Tours replied on 03/18/2019

Dear Charles, Thank you for your feedback. We sinc...

Antarctica the Dreamscape

03/15/2019 by 10th time traveler Georgia W.

As a Group Coordinator and fellow traveler on EF Go Ahead's Antarctica Cruise, I can only describe the experience as akin to having a dream from which one hopes never to awaken! The scenery was like being on some other planet. We saw every penguin, seal, and whale type that it was possible to see ...

Our 7th Continent was Amazing

02/04/2019 by 18th time traveler Jan P.

It is not often that I am left without words but the unique beauty of this place is a bit overwhelming at times. We saw gorgeous sunsets with whales in the foreground, hundreds of penguins with their chicks, unusual ice formations, several varieties of seals peaking up from their little ice floats a...

Go Ahead Tours replied on 02/04/2019

Dear Jan, First of all, we want to thank you for c...

The 7th Continent, Antarctica Expedition

02/21/2018 by 17th time traveler Laura A.

This is an expedition which is very physical and needs proper weather attire. Do it the right way or skip it. Prepare and know the Drake Passage is difficult about 36 hours each way. We had beautiful weather most of the time. We did 8 yes 8 landings which were fantastic and more than we could have h...

Go Ahead Tours replied on 02/21/2018

Hi Laura, Thank you for taking the time to write...

Hotels, flights & FAQ

Here's the nitty-gritty—where you’ll stay, how you’ll get there, and what to know about your destination before you go.

Hotels

We handpick every hotel to strike the balance of comfort, location, and local charm. Specific accommodations will vary based on your departure date, but these are frequently used hotels for this tour and we're confident you'll be satisfied.

The USHUAIA

An ice-strengthened polar vessel, the M/V USHUAIA was originally built as a research boat for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administratio...

NH 9 de Julio

This contemporary hotel is located in downtown Buenos Aires. Guests enjoy free Wi-Fi, a restaurant and bar, and a rooftop terrace and pool. Nearby, yo...

Flights

Round-trip flights are one more thing we handle to make your journey as smooth as possible. Our team of travel experts will find the best flight itinerary for you at a competitive rate, thanks to our partnerships with top airlines.

Add our airfare package and you'll get:

Round-trip flight for your tour
Airport transfers at your destination
A great price locked in today
24/7 support from our dedicated service team
Options for arriving early, staying longer, or requesting an upgrade
Flexible rebooking options if your tour itinerary changes

Find out more about flights

FAQ

About the cruise ship

An ice-strengthened polar vessel, the M/V USHUAIA was originally built as a research boat for the National Oceanographic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). She’s been re-imagined as a passenger ship, with comfortable cabins and inviting public spaces for every guest. Download a detailed summary of the ship’s amenities and available cabins [PDF].

Passport & visa requirements

In order to enter Argentina and Antarctica, U.S. and Canadian citizens need a valid passport with an expiration date extending at least six months beyond the date of reentry.
We recommend having at least two blank passport pages for entry stamps.
There is no visa required for U.S. or Canadian citizens to enter any of the countries visited on this tour. At this time, Argentina has suspended the reciprocity fee for both U.S. and Canadian travelers. Please check with VisaCentralor the State Department website for the latest rule changes.
If you are not a U.S. or Canadian citizen, you must contact each destination country’s consulate for your specific entry requirements.
If you are traveling before October 1, 2019, you will be required to have and show proof of a travel coverage plan that protects you in the event of Trip Cancellation & Mandatory Evacuation amounting to $50,000.
If you are traveling on or after October 1, 2019, you will be required to have and show proof of a travel coverage plan that protects you in the event of Trip Cancellation & Mandatory Evacuation amounting to $100,000.

Tour pace

You will walk for about 1 hour daily across uneven terrain, including snow and ice, with some hills.
Travelers should be healthy enough to participate in all included walks without assistance.
You should feel comfortable managing your own baggage at times, as well as getting in and out of small boats.
If you have any mobility concerns or physical restrictions, please contact our Customer Experience Team.

Transportation

Round-trip flights booked through Go Ahead Tours arrive in and depart from Buenos Aires. A representative from Go Ahead Tours will meet you at the airport and take you to your hotel. Please remain in the arrival lounge, as the representative might be escorting one of your fellow travelers to the bus at the time of your arrival.
Transfers to and from the airport at your destination are included for travelers who have purchased their flights through Go Ahead Tours. Travelers who purchase their own flights may request airport transfers with Go Ahead Tours for an additional cost.
Round-trip flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, a nine-night Antarctic cruise and additional boat rides are also included in the price of your tour.
All other included transportation on this tour is by private motor coach.

Baggage allowance

Airlines have varying weight restrictions on baggage. Some airlines may impose additional charges if you choose to check any baggage; be advised that you are responsible for any such costs.
Contact your airline for baggage size and weight restrictions for your flight, but please note that our travelers are restricted to one checked bag per person due to storage limitations on motor coaches and other transfers, which may include train connections or flights.
One carry-on bag of 45 total inches (length + width + height) is also permitted.
Make sure you label your baggage and keep valuables, medication, and documents in your carry-on bag.

Clothing & packing tips

A sturdy pair of rubber-soled boots is absolutely essential for shore landings and will be available for you on the M/V USHUAIA. Please note that the boots on board have been used by previous passengers. If you prefer to bring your own, we strongly recommend pull-on, unlined, knee-high, waterproof boots with nonskid soles. You may be stepping in water up to ten inches deep during shore excursions. Leather or cloth boots are not acceptable.
Dress in layers and avoid cotton whenever possible, as it is an ineffective insulator.
A rain jacket, a water-repellant hooded parka, insulated waterproof trousers, a hat, a scarf, and gloves or mittens are necessary for shore excursions. Most of these items are available to rent in Ushuaia.
The dress code on the ship is casual, but rubber-soled boots are required on the deck.
We also recommend bringing plastic bags, sunscreen, sunglasses, a backpack, and binoculars. You may want to bring a swimsuit in case there is an opportunity to swim in a thermal bath.
While in Buenos Aires, it is preferable not to visit churches or other religious sites with bare legs or shoulders (and entrance may be denied on this basis).

Health

There are no major health risks associated with traveling to Argentina or Antarctica.
At least 60 days prior to departure, check with your doctor or healthcare provider for the latest updates and entry requirements, or visit the Center for Disease Control and Prevention website at cdc.gov.
Please be sure to take proper care with sun exposure, as the sun can be especially strong in some of the areas you are visiting.
Your voyage to Antarctica will bring you through Drake’s Passage, a stretch of ocean known to cause seasickness in even the most experienced sailors. Consult your healthcare provider before your departure to discuss possible treatments. Many travelers prefer transdermal patches (only available in the U.S. and by prescription).
There will be a doctor on board the ship to provide both emergency and routine health care for an additional cost.
If you have medication that you take daily, be sure you have enough for each day of the tour as well as any possible delays encountered.
If you have dietary restrictions and/or food allergies please notify Go Ahead Tours at least 30 days prior to your departure by logging in to your account and updating your traveler info. To update this information closer to your departure date, please call our Customer Experience Team.

Cuisine

In Argentina, perhaps the most common dish is the asado, a series of salt-rubbed meats, ribs, and chorizo sausages cooked over a fire pit on metal grills and crosses. For dessert, try dulce de leche, a sweet honey-and-milk paste, in pastries.
The dining options aboard the Antarctic cruise include a breakfast buffet, a buffet or a la carte lunch service, afternoon tea, and three-course dinners. Meal times vary depending on shore excursions. Coffee and tea is offered throughout the day.

Electricity & air conditioning

Argentina operates on 220 volts and uses a Type I plug with three large, flat pins.
Electricity on board the MV USHUAIA is 110 volts / 60 hertz, though there are some outlets in public areas with 220-240 volts. Cabins are fitted with multi-type sockets suitable for several international plugs. However, we recommend bringing necessary converters and adapters with you as only a limited number can be borrowed on board.
The majority of the hotels on this tour have air conditioning. The ship is fully climate controlled and each cabin is equipped with individual temperature controls.
Your hotels may provide hairdryers, irons, and other small appliances. These amenities cannot be guaranteed in your hotels, but hairdryers are provided on board the cruise ship.

Connectivity

Wi-Fi is available in most hotels, though some charges may apply.
There is no Wi-Fi on any of the motor coaches.
A telephone and a computer for sending email are available on board the ship for a fee.
Please contact your mobile service provider for information on roaming charges.

Time zones

Argentina and the part of Antarctica visited on this tour are three hours behind Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and two hours ahead of Eastern Time (ET).
When it’s noon in New York City, it’s 2pm on tour.

Currency

You will use the Argentine peso in Argentina and U.S. dollars or the euro on board the cruise ship.
Better rates of exchange are usually available overseas, although it’s worth ordering some currency from your local bank to use when you first arrive.
We strongly advise that you take debit/bank cards and credit cards, which can be used to withdraw cash at local banks, as needed.
You can use most debit/credit cards at ATMs on the international networks Cirrus and Plus, but make sure to check with your home bank about withdrawal fees.
Inform your bank and credit card company of your travel plans, so that they won’t confuse your international purchases for fraudulent charges.
International banks and businesses primarily accept debit and credit cards that work with the EMV chip system. If you do not already have at least one debit or credit card with a chip in it, we strongly recommend requesting one from your bank prior to your tour.
For services rendered aboard the ship, you will be provided with a personal account. Your purchases will be kept on record and totaled at the end of your voyage.
Your account must be settled prior to disembarkation, preferably in cash (U.S. dollars or euros). If you must pay by credit card, please advise the manager at the beginning of the voyage. The ship accepts MasterCard and American Express for charges over $100USD. Visa is not accepted.
It is recommended that you bring $300USD-$400USD (in small bills) for spending money. Please consider bar extras, gratuities, and communication (phone calls and internet use) when budgeting.

Tipping

At the conclusion of your tour, it’s customary to offer your Tour Director and driver a gratuity in local currency. Please keep current exchange rates in mind.
We recommend tipping the equivalent of $7USD to $10USD per person per day for your Tour Director and the equivalent of $3USD per person per day for your driver.
If applicable, we also recommend the equivalent of $2USD per local guide.
Tips can only be paid in cash.
The customary gratuity to the ship’s service personnel is made as a blanket contribution at the end of the voyage and is divided among the crew. You will receive detailed guidelines on board, but $15USD per person per day is the common recommendation.

Shore excursions

The crew aboard the M/V USHUAIA are highly experienced in Antarctic expedition and share a great love of nature. You'll travel with knowledgeable expedition leaders and lecturers who are dedicated to environmental protection. The ship carries her own fleet of Zodiacs, or inflatable landing crafts, which are provided for shore excursions and wildlife viewing.

Dates & prices

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