Antarctica Cruises

Antarctica Cruises

Taylor-made holidays shaped around your passions

Curated Polar Expeditions, Departing From Ushuaia

Dozens of ships sail south each Antarctic season, from classic expedition vessels to small luxury ships, each with a different route, pace, and level of comfort. Based at the southern tip of South America, we help you navigate that choice and build private, tailor-made Antarctica cruises departing from Ushuaia, matched to your travel style, budget, and the wildlife and landscapes you most want to see.

Beyond the voyage itself, we connect your expedition to Patagonia on either side: glacier treks near El Calafate, the peaks of Fitz Roy, or the wildlife of Puerto Madryn, woven into one seamless journey before or after you sail south.

Southwind Experience

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Why Southwind Experience?

For nearly two decades, Patagonia has been our home. We orchestrate 100% customizable itineraries across Argentina & Chile utilizing deep local expertise to unlock privileged access and deliver flawless, stress-free travel.

Based In Patagonia

Local knowledge

Fully Customizable

On-the-ground support 24/7

Creating The Perfect Journey, Just for You

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Tell Us About your Ideal Trip

Connect with a local specialist. Outline your ideal pacing

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Bespoke Crafting

We build your route from scratch. Private transit included

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Fine-Tuning

Together we refine every detail. Tailored to your rhythm

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Flawless Execution

On the ground support 24/7. You travel stress-free

Explore Antarctica Cruises by Travel Style

Explore our tailored travel styles below to start crafting your story. Whether you seek active exploration or absolute relaxation, we design every journey from scratch.

Travel Style

Hiking Tours in Patagonia

Private Trekking Designed for Your Pace

Unlike international agencies, Southwind Experience is based directly in Patagonia. We live here, we know the trails, and we manage your journey on the ground. When you book your private, custom trek with us, you get absolute peace of mind and genuine insider knowledge:

  • Real On-The-Ground Support: Enjoy 24/7 assistance from our team of local experts based in El Calafate—meaning zero time-zone delays if your plans change.

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  • 100% Private Transfers & Guides: Hike iconic routes like Torres del Paine and Fitz Roy at your own pace, completely avoiding the rigid schedules of big tour groups.

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  • Seamless Border Logistics: We perfectly coordinate your Argentina & Chile multi-country itinerary, taking the stress out of mountain border crossings and regional flights.

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  • Comfortable Boutique Hotels: We handpick authentic lodges, mountain inns, and cozy accommodations that reflect the true spirit of Patagonia while ensuring your comfort.

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Your tailor-made vacation await. From the granite peaks of Torres del Paine to the valleys surrounding El Chaltén, we design a multi-day itinerary personalized to your fitness level. You focus on the trails; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized experience.

Travel Style

Argentina & Chile Luxury Tours

An Exceptional Journey, Tailored in Every Detail

As an Argentina-based agency with destination experts across the region, we orchestrate high-end, custom itineraries across Argentina and Chile with unmatched precision. We seamlessly connect the granite peaks of Torres del Paine with the breathtaking Iguazú Falls, crafting each journey with hand-selected hotels, dedicated private guides, and flawless cross-border logistics—ensuring every detail reflects genuine quality, and personal comfort.

  • Fully Customizable Itinerary: Every hotel, guide, and excursion is selected specifically for you, built around your interests rather than a fixed package.

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  • 100% Private Transfers & Guides: Dedicated vehicles and expert guides accompany you exclusively, so every day moves at your own pace.

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  • Precision Cross-Border Planning: Every flight and border crossing between Argentina and Chile is arranged in advance, so a multi-country journey unfolds without friction or delay.

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Your tailor-made journey awaits. From boutique lodges overlooking the iguazu Falls to refined stays in Torres del Paine we design a multi-day itinerary where every detail is considered and nothing is staged. You focus on the experience; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized journey.

Travel Style

Argentina & Chile Honeymoon Tours

A Private Romantic Honeymoon, Just for the Two of You

Two countries, endless landscapes, and flexible itinerary to follow but your own. As a local agency based in Argentina, at Southwind Experience we design curated private honeymoon journeys across Argentina and Chile around those pillars: privacy, pace, and a route shaped entirely by the two of you.

  • Fully Customizable Itinerary: We blend adventure, wine, and scenic landscapes in whatever balance suits you—an active honeymoon, a relaxed one, or something in between.

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  • Nothing Left to Worry About: Flights, transfers, and border crossings between Argentina and Chile are arranged before you arrive, so the only decision left is where to watch the sunset.

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  • Intimate Boutique Stays: We handpick secluded lodges and romantic accommodations with character, chosen for privacy and atmosphere rather than scale.

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Your tailor-made honeymoon awaits. From candlelit dinners overlooking the Perito Moreno Glacier to quiet mornings in the Chilean fjords, we design a journey built entirely around your story as a couple. You focus on each other; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized experience.

Travel Style

Argentina & Patagonia Wildlife Tours

Private Wildlife Tours Set to Nature's Own Pace

We are a local agency. Southwind Experience operates from Patagonia itself. Our expert wildlife guides track seasonal migrations and breeding patterns, intimately knowing the behavior of local fauna like Souther Right Whales and penguins in Peninsula Valdes, Pumas in Torres del Paine, Humpback Whales in Punta Arenas, and more. Book your private, custom wildlife tour with us and gain real insider access along with total peace of mind and genuine knowledge:

  • 100% Private Guides & Vehicles: Wait as long as it takes for the perfect sighting, enjoying a private experience where you set the pace in perfect harmony with the local wildlife.

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  • Effortless Cross-Border Travel: We perfectly coordinate your Argentina & Chile wildlife circuit. Regional flights and remote border crossings are arranged well in advance, so a narrow window to see whales or penguins never comes down to logistics.

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  • Comfortable Boutique Lodges: We handpick remote estancias and nature lodges positioned close to the wildlife, balancing comfort with genuine access to the wild.

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Your tailor-made wildlife encounter awaits. We design a multi-day itinerary built around the animals you most want to see. You focus on watching; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized experience created to connect you with Argentina´s & Chile´s rawest wildlife in its purest form.

Travel Style

Patagonian & Cape Horn Cruises

Navigate legendary channels through a flawless, tailor-made journey

Imagine navigating narrow icy channels flanked by towering glaciers calving into blue waters, landing on the legendary windswept shores of Cape Horn, and tracing the historic waterways of the Strait of Magellan cruise maps.

At Southwind Experience, we are a trusted local agency based directly on the ground. We don't just book cabins; we integrate legendary Patagonia expedition cruises into seamless, fully customized overland journeys across Argentina and Chile.

Flawless Land-to-Sea Integration:

  • Chilean Fjords Small Ship Cruise Experts: We provide unbiased, independent guidance to secure the exact vessel, route, and cabin style—whether integrating Australis cruise Patagonia routes or legendary Skorpios cruise routes.

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  • Tailored Pre & Post-Cruise Extensions: Don’t just take the voyage. We build custom land extensions synchronized perfectly around your sailing dates, from hiking in El Chaltén to private glacier tours in El Calafate.

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  • Seamless Remote Port Logistics: Coordinating flights, private airport pickups, and pre-cruise boutique hotels in remote hubs like Ushuaia or Punta Arenas can be stressful. We handle the entire puzzle.

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  • 24/7 On-The-Ground Peace of Mind: Navigate the edge of the world with total confidence. Our local office monitors your ground transfers and flight connections live, in your exact time zone.

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Your custom cruise experience awaits. From the wild sea channels to the majestic glaciers of the mainland, we design an essential multi-country route tailored to your pace. You focus on the expedition; our on-the-ground team ensures a flawless experience.

Travel Style

Antarctica Cruises

Journey to the White Continent, backed by our local team

Imagine navigating pristine icy bays by Zodiac, walking alongside massive penguin colonies, and experiencing the thrill of a polar plunge beneath towering icebergs calving into the silent waters of the White Continent.

At Southwind Experience, we are a local agency based in Patagonia, directly at the gateways to the frozen south. We don’t just book cabins; we engineer comprehensive overland extensions, secure placements on the finest Antarctica expedition ships, and handle the complex logistics to guarantee absolute peace of mind.

The Local Advantage for Your Polar Expedition:

  • Fly-Cruise or Classic Sailings: Whether your dream includes crossing the Drake Passage by sea on an all-inclusive Antarctica cruise or opting for a time-saving Antarctica fly and cruise route, we find the perfect vessel for your style.

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  • Extended Wildlife Journeys: Go beyond the peninsula. We specialize in booking remote, deeply immersive South Georgia and Falklands cruise itineraries for unmatched photography and wildlife encounters.

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  • Seamless Gateway Logistics: We flawlessly synchronize your regional flights, mandatory pre-cruise hotel nights, and private transfers for an Antarctica cruise from Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

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  • 24/7 On-Site Contingency Management: Polar travel depends entirely on changing weather. With our local office operating live in Patagonia, you enjoy real-time support to adapt to any flight or schedule disruptions instantly.

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Your private Antarctica expedition awaits. From the frozen wilderness of the peninsula to the dramatic mountain peaks of your gateway route, we design an multi-destination itinerary tailored to your pace. You focus on the discovery; our on-the-ground team ensures a flawless experience.

Travel Style

Argentina & Chile Classic Tours

A Private Journey, Designed Around You

Southwind Experience is a local agency, and our reach extends across Argentina´s and Chile's most iconic regions. Our expert guides have intimate knowledge of the region's landmarks: tango houses in Buenos Aires' San Telmo, vineyards in Mendoza's Uco Valley, the salt flats of the Atacama Desert, the ice walls of Perito Moreno , the granite spires in Torres del Paine, and the trail to Laguna de los Tres beneath Mount Fitz Roy. Book your private, custom journey with us and gain real insider access, along with total peace of mind:

  • Fully Customizable Itinerary: We design your route, pace, and accommodations around your travel style and interests, delivering a seamless, highly tailored experience where every single transition is curated exclusively for you.

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  • 100% Private Transfers & Guides: Visit the region's iconic glaciers, lakes, and lookout points on your own schedule, without coordinating around a group of strangers.

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  • A Route That Simply Flows: Regional flights and mountain border crossings are planned in advance, so your journey between Argentina and Chile unfolds with total ease and absolute peace of mind.

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Your tailor-made Argentina & Chile journey awaits. From the lush jungles of Iguazu Waterfalls to scenic navigations through the Chilean fjords, we design a multi-day itinerary built entirely around your pace and interests. You focus on the views; our team ensures a smooth, well-organized experience.

Travel Style

Patagonia Classic Tours

Explore the icons of Patagonia at your own pace, backed by our local team.

Discover the true essence of Patagonia at your own pace, leaving every detail of the journey in expert hands. We design high-end, fully private itineraries across Argentina and Chile, elevating your travel experience through flawless binational logistics handled entirely behind the scenes, allowing you to immerse yourself in the landscape with absolute peace of mind:

  • Fully Customizable from Scratch: We design every single journey completely from the ground up, seamlessly pairing your personal rhythm with according to your budget.

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  • 100% Private Transfers & Guides: Enjoy absolute freedom away from the crowds with dedicated premium vehicles and expert local guides assigned exclusively to your party.

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  • Seamless Border Logistics: Travel effortlessly between the icons of Argentina and Chile while we coordinate the complex international customs and crossings behind the scenes.

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Your private Patagonia highlights itinerary awaits. From the Perito Moreno Glacier to the towers of Torres del Paine, we design an essential multi-country route tailored to your pace. You focus on the landmarks; our on-the-ground team ensures a flawless experience.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Antarctica is located at the southernmost point of the planet, surrounding the South Pole. Most travelers reach it by expedition cruise departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, crossing the Drake Passage. Some itineraries also include flights from South America to shorten travel time.

The Antarctic travel season runs from November to March (austral summer). Each month offers a different experience:

  • November–December: pristine snow and wildlife courtship

  • January–February: peak wildlife activity and penguin chicks

  • March: dramatic light, fewer crowds, and whale sightings

Antarctica itself does not require a visa, but you may need visas or entry permits for the countries you transit through, such as Argentina or Chile. Always check requirements based on your nationality before traveling.

Antarctica cruises typically range from $6,000 to $20,000+ USD per person, depending on the ship, itinerary length, cabin type, and level of luxury. Prices usually include accommodation, meals, guided excursions, and expert lectures.

Visitors can expect incredible wildlife encounters, including:

  • Penguins (Gentoo, Adélie, Chinstrap, Emperor in some regions)

  • Seals (Weddell, Leopard, Elephant)

  • Whales (Humpback, Minke, Orca)

  • Seabirds like albatrosses and petrels

Essential items include:

  • Waterproof jacket and pants

  • Warm clothing

  • Insulated layers (thermal base layers, fleece)

  • Gloves, hat, and scarf

  • Sunglasses and sunscreen (UV is strong)

  • Waterproof boots (often provided by operators)

The Drake Passage can be rough, but not always. Many travelers experience mild motion sickness. It’s recommended to bring medication or remedies just in case.

Most expeditions last between 10 and 14 days, including travel time. Longer itineraries may explore South Georgia and the Falkland Islands.

Common activities include:

  • Zodiac cruises among icebergs

  • Guided landings on the continent

  • Wildlife watching and photography

  • Kayaking or camping (on select expeditions)

  • Educational talks by polar experts

Connectivity is very limited. Most ships offer satellite Wi-Fi, but it can be slow and expensive. Most travelers use this trip as a chance to disconnect.

Argentina & Chile Logistic, Mastered On-The-Ground Experts

Skip the complex planning. Experience Argentina & Chile seamlessly.

Let our local team design a 100% private itinerary with boutique stays, dedicated guides, and door-to-door comfort, tailored exactly to your pace.

Seamless Border Crossings
Handpicked Boutique Lodges
100% Private Vehicles
Plan Your Trip

Tailor-made • No planning stress • 24/7 Support

Antarctica Highlights

  • Antarctic Peninsula - A breathtaking region of towering ice cliffs, fjords, and pristine bays. It offers the most accessible and wildlife-rich corner of the White Continent.

  • South Shetland Islands - A volcanic archipelago known for dramatic landscapes and abundant penguin colonies. Many expeditions make their first Antarctic landing here.

  • Research Bases - A chance to see international scientific stations operating in one of the planet’s harshest environments. Visits offer insight into climate studies, wildlife research, and life on the ice.

  • Weddell Sea - A remote, ice-packed region famous for massive tabular icebergs. It’s a haven for seals, seabirds, and, with luck, elusive emperor penguins.

  • South Georgia Islands - Often called the “Serengeti of the Southern Ocean,” home to vast king penguin rookeries and thousands of fur seals. Its rugged mountains and historic whaling stations add powerful cultural depth.

  • Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) - A wildlife hotspot with colonies of rockhopper, Magellanic, and gentoo penguins. Its rolling landscapes and small settlements offer a charming contrast to Antarctica’s icy wilderness.

  • Drake Passage - The legendary ocean crossing between Cape Horn and Antarctica. Known for powerful seas and abundant marine life, it’s a rite of passage for polar explorers.

  • Icebergs & Glaciers - Sculpted towers of ice and luminous blue glaciers dominate the scenery. Their constant movement and shifting colors create unforgettable photographic moments.

  • Wildlife Watching - From playful penguins to breaching whales and soaring albatrosses, the region is a paradise for nature lovers. Wildlife encounters are frequent and often remarkably close.

  • Zodiac Landings & Kayaking - Small-craft adventures that bring you face-to-face with Antarctica’s wild beauty. Explore secluded coves, walk on the continent, and glide quietly among ice floes.

Region:

Antartica

What our travelers say

R

Rosa Puech

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

A fabulous company to travel with: the sequencing of the trip, the guides proposed, the suggestions for the area. We highly recommend this travel agency for Patagonia. Fernando is top+top.

J

Joanna Green

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Maria and her team looked after us so well. I would recommend them in a flash. It was 20 years since I had been to El Calafate so I didn't know what to expect. It had changed so much! Maria was helpful, honest, well priced and a pleasure to work with. You could not ask for more. We had the best time thanks to Maria and her organisation. Fernando was our driver to a tour and a delight. Punctual, knowledgeable and all round wonderful. Gracias!!

Franco Peverelli

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

La agencia demostró ser sumamente profesional. Durante el largo traslado, en un vehículo impecablemente limpio y en perfecto estado, el Sr. Fernando estuvo muy atento para garantizar que todo transcurriera sin contratiempos. Recomiendo ampliamente esta agencia para organizar sus viajes a Sudamérica. ¡Solo 5 estrellas porque no puedo dar más! En fin, ¡le doy un pulgar hacia arriba! 👍

Simon Phillips

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Southwind from the planning stages to delivery of the trip in Patagonia were faultless and I really love the little reminders sent for each separate stage and really appreciated the added bits around passport checking and border crossing paperwork. The whole team was super friendly, and for our trip with Fernando he was great company and knew where to stop for refreshments and a view! We would strongly recommend southwind, they go the extra mile on service and have a permanent smile. Thank you guys you were faultless

Esteban Riminucci

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Exelente asesoramiento de Maria Laura , muy buen servicio y cordialidad de los coordinadores , muy recomendables !!

P

Paulo Fanti

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Muy buena la atención tanto por WhatsApp como en las excursiones. Puntuales en las búsquedas en el hotel... De las excursiones que llevo hechas (todas excelentes) la atención, la coordinación y el conocimiento de los guías es muy bueno. Un excelente servicio, lo recomiendo!

A

Ana Zugarramurdi

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

Amazing company and experience. We did the Todo Glaciares boat tour in the Premium Lounge and it was beyond expectations! Great staff, great cruise and food! Highly recommended!

M

Martin Bride

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★

Gerardo drove us on a bespoke 8- day trip from Salta up into the wilderness where the 🦩 come to get pink. We had a great time in this spectacular region.

S

Sammer

Google review

Google
★ ★ ★ ★ ★

I had a great experience with Southwind. They organized a tour for us to visit Monte Leon from El Calafate. Fernando & Laura organized the logistics and were very helpful. Martin accompanied us on the tour and doubled up as driver and tour guide, which was beyond our expectations. We saw a lot of wildlife en route, as well as in the park with Martin’s help. I highly recommend Southwind for your Patagonia experience.

Best Places to Visit Before or After Antarctica

A dream destination for wildlife lovers, Puerto Madryn and Península Valdés offer some of the best marine wildlife experiences in the world. Witness southern right whales, penguins, sea lions, elephant seals, and even orcas in their natural habitat. It’s one of Patagonia’s most extraordinary nature encounters.

Discover the breathtaking glaciers of Patagonia in Los Glaciares National Park. El Calafate is the gateway to the iconic Perito Moreno Glacier, where massive ice walls dramatically collapse into turquoise waters. Nearby El Chaltén, Argentina’s trekking capital, offers spectacular hikes to the legendary peaks of Fitz Roy and Cerro Torre.

Journey to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, where the Andes meet the Beagle Channel. Explore the wild landscapes of Tierra del Fuego National Park, sail among remote islands and wildlife, and experience the spirit of the “End of the World.” It’s also the perfect gateway to Antarctica expeditions.

Torres del Paine National Park is one of Patagonia’s most iconic natural wonders, famous for its dramatic granite towers, turquoise lakes, glaciers, and vast steppe landscapes. The nearby town of Puerto Natales is the closest city and main gateway to the park, offering a charming base with great lodges, restaurants, and stunning fjord views for travelers exploring this spectacular region.

Located on the historic Strait of Magellan, Punta Arenas is a gateway to the far south of Chilean Patagonia. The city blends maritime history, colorful architecture, and strong pioneer heritage. From here, travelers can sail through the spectacular Chilean fjords on Patagonian cruises and explore the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, home to humpback whales, sea lions, penguins, and impressive glaciers.

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