How to Go to Antarctica: A Practical Guide to Planning Your Trip
Antarctica may feel like one of the most difficult places on Earth to reach, but traveling there is more accessible than many people imagine.
There are no regular commercial flights directly from the USA or Europe, no roads leading into Antarctica and no conventional border crossing. Most travelers reach the Antarctic Peninsula from the southern tip of South America, either by crossing the Drake Passage by sea or flying over it.
If you are wondering how to go to Antarctica, the first decision is therefore simple: do you want to sail there, fly there, or combine both?
Where Do Trips to Antarctica Start?
The two main gateways for trips to the Antarctic Peninsula are Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile.
Ushuaia is the traditional starting point for travelers crossing the Drake Passage by sea. From here, ships and sailing vessels travel south toward the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
Punta Arenas is used for Fly & Sail programs. Travelers fly from Chile to King George Island and join their expedition vessel there.
For international travelers, the journey usually looks something like:
USA or Europe → South America → Ushuaia or Punta Arenas → Antarctica.
It is always sensible to arrive in your departure city before the expedition begins rather than relying on a tight same-day connection.
Option 1: Sail to Antarctica
For travelers who want the journey itself to be part of the adventure, sailing across the Drake Passage is one of the most immersive ways to travel to Antarctica.
MoreTime Expeditions offers small-group sailing journeys departing from Ushuaia. After leaving Tierra del Fuego, the vessel crosses the Drake Passage and continues toward the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding islands.
Unlike traveling aboard a large Antarctica cruise ship with hundreds of passengers, a sailing expedition takes place with a small group aboard a yacht.
The difference is significant. You live aboard the vessel, spend time with the crew and experience the Southern Ocean directly. Once you reach Antarctic waters, the same yacht becomes your base for exploring the region.
For travelers searching for how to visit Antarctica but wanting something more adventurous than a conventional cruise, this is the most complete sailing experience.
Option 2: Fly to Antarctica and Explore by Sail
You do not have to cross the Drake Passage by sea.
Travelers can fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands.
With a MoreTime Expeditions Fly & Sail journey, you land on King George Island, board the sailing vessel and then explore the Antarctic Peninsula region by sea.
There are no flights between sightseeing destinations during the expedition. The airplane simply replaces the Drake Passage crossing.
This option is particularly suitable for travelers who want to save time, are concerned about several days on the open ocean or simply prefer to spend a larger proportion of their trip exploring Antarctic waters.
At the end of the journey, travelers fly back to Punta Arenas.
Option 3: Sail One Way and Fly the Other
If you want to experience the Drake Passage but do not want to cross it twice, you can combine sailing and flying.
Selected expeditions sail across the Drake in one direction and use a flight between King George Island and Punta Arenas for the other leg.
This gives you the experience of a real Southern Ocean crossing while saving several days compared with sailing both ways.
For many travelers researching how to travel to Antarctica, this format provides a good balance between adventure and convenience.
Why Choose a Sailing Expedition Instead of an Antarctica Cruise?
Most people planning their first trip begin by searching for an Antarctica cruise. But a large expedition ship is not the only option.
A sailing expedition operates on a much smaller scale.
Instead of traveling with hundreds of cruise passengers, you share the experience with a small group. The yacht can operate in smaller bays and anchorages that may be impractical for much larger ships, while the itinerary remains flexible enough to respond to weather and ice conditions.
You also experience Antarctica much closer to sea level.
The ocean, wind and changing weather are always around you. Rather than simply being transported between attractions, you feel like a participant in the expedition itself.
A sailing vessel can also use wind power when conditions allow. While no journey to such a remote destination is impact-free, small-group sailing offers a smaller-scale approach for travelers looking for an alternative to a conventional Antarctic cruise.
What Will You See in Antarctica?
Most tourist expeditions from South America explore the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands.
Depending on your route, season and weather conditions, you may encounter enormous glaciers, icebergs, penguin colonies, seals, whales, research stations and remote polar landscapes.
The exact itinerary cannot be guaranteed.
Weather and sea ice determine where vessels can navigate safely, while wildlife follows its own schedule. Plans may change during the journey, and this flexibility is an essential part of Antarctic expedition travel.
When Is the Best Time to Go to Antarctica?
The main travel season runs during the austral summer, generally from November through March.
Early in the season, travelers can experience extensive snow and dramatic ice landscapes. December and January bring very long daylight hours and considerable activity around penguin colonies.
Later in the summer, particularly February and March, whale encounters become an increasingly important part of many Antarctica trips.
The best time to visit Antarctica therefore depends on what you most want to experience.
Can You Stay in Antarctica?
There are very few opportunities for travelers to actually stay in Antarctica rather than sleep aboard an expedition vessel.
MoreTime Expeditions also offers an Antarctic Science Camp at Bellingshausen Station on King George Island.
The experience is different from sailing. Participants stay in the station environment, meet people connected with polar work, observe penguins and explore the surrounding area. Depending on conditions, the program may also include Zodiac outings.
There is no sailing during the camp itself.
For travelers interested in what everyday life in Antarctica actually feels like, it provides an alternative to both sailing expeditions and traditional Antarctica cruises.
Do You Need Sailing Experience?
No.
You do not need to be a sailor to join a professionally crewed Antarctica sailing expedition.
The vessel is operated by an experienced crew, while guests experience life aboard and the journey through Antarctic waters.
What matters more is being prepared for expedition-style travel. Weather changes, routes can be adjusted and delays are possible.
Antarctica rewards flexibility.
Can You Combine Antarctica With Patagonia?
Yes. If you are already traveling to southern Argentina or Chile, Patagonia is a natural addition to an Antarctica trip.
MoreTime Expeditions offers Patagonia as an optional extension to selected journeys, allowing travelers to explore southern South America before or after their polar expedition.
For visitors arriving from North America or Europe, combining the two destinations can also make the long journey south more worthwhile.
How to Choose the Best Way to Go to Antarctica
The right option depends mainly on your time and the kind of experience you want.
Choose a full sailing expedition if crossing the Drake Passage is part of the adventure for you.
Choose Fly & Sail if you want to avoid the long ocean crossing but still explore Antarctica aboard a small sailing vessel.
Choose a one-way Drake crossing if you want to experience the legendary passage once while saving time on the other leg.
And consider the Antarctic Camp if you are more interested in polar life and staying at an Antarctic station.
There is no single best way to go to Antarctica. But there is a significant difference between simply visiting the region and experiencing it as part of a small expedition.
If you are planning your first trip to Antarctica, contact MoreTime Expeditions to compare sailing, Fly & Sail and Antarctic Camp programs, check upcoming dates and available cabins, and find the route that works best for you.
