Ushuaia to Antarctica | How to Get There and Travel Tips

Most journeys to Antarctica originate from the southern tip of South America. One of the popular departure points is the city at the end of the world in Argentina, Ushuaia. While this small city has a touristy vibe, the dramatic landscapes will leave you fascinated. 

Moreover, reaching the city is an adventure in itself, a journey that warms you up for the fascinating adventure ahead of you – a cruise to Antarctica.

While Ushuaia is the doorway to the wonderland that is Antarctica, it is a city worth exploring. But that can come later. Once you have set foot on the edge of the world, you are all set to explore the wonders of the white continent.

Where is Ushuaia?

Located below the 54th parallel south latitude, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in the world. The city is the capital of Tierra del Fuego province of Argentina and is mostly known as being the gateway to Antarctica. Roughly, Ushuaia is 680 miles away from the Antarctic peninsula.

Originally inhabited by the native Yamana tribe, Ushuaia is separated from the rest of Argentina by a section of the Andes mountain range. The city was established in the late 19th century by British missionaries. A direct flight to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires takes around three-and-a-half hours.

Since it is located on the tail end of Patagonia, Ushuaia is surrounded by a stunning landscape of mountains and seas. Sublime Patagonian water bodies like the Emerald Lagoon and Escondido Lake are worth exploring. Beyond the natural beauty, the vibrant city also offers cultural riches, architectural gems, and places of historical significance.

Most travellers spend two nights in the city during the back-and-forth trip to Antarctica. We suggest you spend some time discovering Ushuaia during your return journey from Antarctica. While on the onward journey, you will be too focused on the Antarctic adventure awaiting you to enjoy the charms of this lovely city.

How to get to Antarctica from Ushuaia

You have two options for getting to Antarctica from Ushuaia – ship or plane. In truth, there is no right or wrong way of reaching the land of penguins. Choosing the best transport mode is a personal preference. In addition, you need to consider other factors like trip duration and cost.

Ship

A ride on a cruise ship is an extremely popular option for guests travelling to Antarctica. From Ushuaia, the ship moves across the Beagle Channel and then crosses the notorious Drake Passage to reach Antarctica. The journey takes around two days – the exact time will depend on the weather.

A Secret Atlas small ship Antarctica Expedition offers you an unrivalled experience that is perfect for photographers and wildlife watchers. 

Our expedition ship is equipped with advanced features like stabilisers and ice-detecting radar. The result is incredible stability even on the rough seas of the Drake Passage.

The ship is also designed to reduce its environmental impact, thanks to the in-built energy-recovery technology. In short, our voyages are among the most environmentally friendly cruises to Antarctica.

In contrast to large vessels, Secret Atlas expeditions are free from tourist masses and rigid schedules. That allows you to spend ample time on shore and soak in the beauty of the frozen landscapes. Another attraction is the chance to spot some remarkable wildlife, like the famed wandering albatross.

Air-cruise

Many travellers prefer an air cruise to Antarctica since the journey takes less time. Not only does it eliminate the discomforts of cruising across the Drake Passage, but you can also use the extra time for more adventures on the continent. 

You can board the Secret Atlas air cruise from Punta Arenas, Chile and reach King George Island in around two hours. From there, you will board the cruise ship, custom-designed for air cruise trips to Antarctica. 

While an air cruise is more expensive, within a few hours of departing from Punta Arenas, you can be standing close to majestic glaciers. We’d say that for travellers with less time, this is the best option.

Travel tips

You will find different travel guides for Antarctica, and no two trips are alike. Even with the same itinerary, your experience can change from one week to the other. Here are a few tips for travelling to Antarctica from Ushuaia, Argentina.

Pick the right season

The best period for Antarctic cruises is between November to March. No matter the week you pick, you will view spectacular landscapes and wildlife. However, there are some minor differences between each month.

For photographers looking to capture spectacular landscapes and giant icebergs, November is a good time. If you want to capture the famed first jump of the emperor penguin chicks, the period from mid-December to January is a good time. February and March are great for spotting majestic whales in the ocean.

However, this period is the peak travel season and cruises tend to get booked in advance. So book early to avoid the rush. Keep in mind that flights to Ushuaia tend to remain heavily booked in this season too.

Keep some extra time in hand

For foreigners, the immigration process in Argentina can take some time. It is best to avoid tight connecting flights while travelling to Ushuaia. 

Note that flight timings often get changed in Argentina due to poor weather conditions. So, don’t let such delays catch you by surprise. Beyond that, having travel insurance that covers delays and trip cancellations is a good idea.

Prepare for the conditions

While the Drake Passage tends to remain calm during summer, the weather can change without notice. Carry medication for seasickness and book cabins in the lower sections of the ship which are relatively more stable.

Pack the necessary garments, waterproof attire, and medications needed to withstand Antarctica’s harsh climate. Stay hydrated and use moisturisers to beat the dry weather of the continent.

Planning your trip to Antarctica

Choosing a reputable fly-cruise operator for your Antarctica expedition is a must. While cost is a major factor, other points worth considering are the itinerary, the type of cruise ship, the number of travellers onboard, and the comfort levels you want.

Another important aspect is keeping in mind the fragility of the Antarctic environment. So choosing a cruise company that takes steps to preserve the environment and the safety of guests is important.

For Secret Atlas, preserving the environment is a priority. As a part of our commitment to give back to the planet, we have partnered with the global environmental network 1% For The Planet. Join our voyages to be a part of this mission to preserve our beautiful planet. 

Visit Antarctica with Secret Atlas

Visiting the pristine wonderland of Antarctica from Ushuaia is the trip of a lifetime and requires deep research. If this seems daunting to you, trust us to do the heavy lifting, while you can concentrate on marvelling at the wonders of this magical world.

A journey to Antarctica from Ushuaia with Secret Atlas is not an ordinary exploration of the wilderness; it is a unique adventure filled with wonders and breathtaking vistas. To explore the incredible landscapes of Antarctica, choose from our range of specially curated Antarctic cruises.