For most travelers, a trip to Antarctica is the ultimate bucket-list experience. It’s the last great wilderness on Earth, a land of stunning ice formations, abundant wildlife, and extreme isolation.
But, if you are anything like me, the price point can seem somewhat intimidating.
With expedition cruises to Antarctica typically priced between $8,000 and $30,000 per person, many assume it’s simply out of reach. I certainly did when I first began my research into visiting the White Continent.
Fortunately, traveling to Antarctica doesn’t always have to break the bank - but you need to be patient and strategic.
With strategic planning, flexibility, and the right timing, it's possible to experience this incredible continent on a budget.
But please don’t go in with unrealistic expectations. Even if you do all the right things, the best possible price you can probably hope for (if booking in advance) is around US$6,000 per person.
Here are my top tips for getting reaching Antarctica on a tight budget:
- Wait for the sales (they do happen)
- Book with a low-budget operator
- Choose a basic itinerary
- Book to travel in the shoulder months
- Be willing to share a cabin
Below I’ll delve into each option in more detail. But first, why are Antarctic cruises so expensive?
What drives the high costs?
Before planning your budget Antarctic trip, it's essential to understand what makes it so expensive:
- Remote location: Antarctica is incredibly isolated, with limited access points.
- Specialized ships: Expedition vessels must be ice-strengthened and environmentally compliant.
- Small group travel: Regulations limit the number of passengers on landings, making voyages more intimate but also pricier.
- Expert staff and logistics: Onboard teams include scientists, naturalists, and safety personnel.
- Environmental fees: Permits and IAATO compliance costs add to the base price.
It’s worth also noting that a cruise to Antarctica includes all accommodation and food for that period of time, so there are no hidden costs to think about.
1. Wait for the deals
Having worked in the industry for almost a decade, I can say with almost certainty that most operators offer some incredible deals every 18 months or so.
When I say incredible deals, I do mean incredible. We’re talking about discounts of around 50%! Price drops from $15,000 per person to $7,500 are not uncommon if you look long enough.
However, even with 50% off it is still an expensive trip. And also, the really cheap operators often don’t offer discounts given they are selling low-tickets prices already.
So, what else can you do?
2. Travel in the Shoulder Season
Timing your trip can dramatically reduce costs. The Antarctic travel season runs from late October to early March, with peak months being December and January. These months are popular for wildlife activity and 24-hour daylight, but they also come with higher prices.
To save money, consider traveling in the shoulder seasons:
- Late October to mid-November: Early season trips are often cheaper. The landscapes are pristine, and you may witness dramatic ice formations.
- Late February to early March: The end of the season offers discounts and great whale watching, though some wildlife will have started migrating.
Having been to Antarctica in most of the summer months, I actually prefer March the most because of the incredible whale sightings. But, if pristine Antarctic scenery is your thing, then the early months are best.
Either way, the only reason to travel in the high-season is because the weather is more stable and you’ll be less susceptible to delays.
3. Book Last-Minute in Ushuaia
If you have a flexible schedule, booking a last-minute deal is the most cost-effective way of visiting Antarctica. If you want any chance of reaching Antarctica under $5,000, then this is basically your only option.
Ushuaia, the gateway city in Argentina, is where most Antarctic cruises depart. Many operators offer unsold cabins at significant discounts close to departure.
- Be prepared to spend at least a few days in Ushuaia waiting for the right deal.
- Visit local travel agencies or tour offices to inquire about cancellations.
- Monitor reputable websites that specialize in last-minute expedition offers.
Pros: Potential savings of 30-70% off regular prices. Better deals on high-end ships.
Cons: Risk of no availability. Requires travel flexibility and time on your hands.
See our full page here on last minute deals.
4. Choose a Shorter Itinerary
There are many itineraries to Antarctica. Some visit the Antarctic Peninsula only, while others visit South Georgia or the Falklands, or head further south across the Antarctic Circle.
Not all Antarctic cruises are three weeks long. Opting for a 10- to 12-day itinerary to the Antarctic Peninsula (as opposed to adding South Georgia or the Falklands) will significantly lower the overall cost.
Peninsula trips are the most common and accessible, departing from Ushuaia and offering:
- Zodiac landings on Antarctic shores
- Wildlife viewing (penguins, seals, whales)
- Scenic cruising through the Lemaire Channel and Paradise Bay
5. Choose Budget-Friendly Cruise Operators
While some expedition companies cater to luxury travelers, others offer more affordable experiences without sacrificing safety or scenery.
Most ships in Antarctica can be separated into three categories: Luxury, Expedition, and Research vessels.
The old-school research vessels are the cheapest option. They generally do not come with any mod-cons and are very basic in their accommodation.
However, if you are anything like me, this really doesn't matter too much. I’m not in Antarctica for the cocktails and jacuzzis, I’m there to see the landscape and wildlife.
Look for ships that focus on:
- Simple but comfortable accommodations (twin cabins vs. suites)
- Fewer amenities (no spa, smaller gym, etc.)
- Efficient itineraries with fewer add-ons
Examples include:
Ships like the MV Ushuaia, Ortelius, Hondius, or older ice-strengthened vessels Smaller operators or charters with shared cabin options
Tip: Always check if the operator is IAATO-compliant to ensure environmental and safety standards.
6. Share a Cabin
One of the easiest ways to cut costs is by booking a shared cabin instead of paying a single supplement.
Many expedition cruises pair solo travelers with others of the same gender, reducing your rate substantially.
- Opt for quad or triple cabins to save even more.
- If you're traveling with friends, request to share and split the cost.
- Some companies offer "willing-to-share" programs to match you with a cabin mate.
I must admit, when I first visited Antarctica I was apprehensive about sharing a cabin with a stranger. But I needn't have worried, everyone I met, including my cabin-mate, was super friendly and often had very similar interests to my own.
In fact, if you are travelling solo, then sharing a cabin is a great way of making friends quickly.
See our full guide to travelling solo in Antarctica here..
Remember to include the other costs in your total budget
Unfortunately, your cruise fare is just one part of the total trip cost. To truly travel on a budget, plan for:
- Flights: Use flight comparison tools, book early, and consider alternate routes.
- Accommodation in Ushuaia: Hostels and guesthouses are plentiful and affordable.
- Meals: Stock up on groceries and cook when possible in shared kitchen hostels.
- Travel insurance: Non-negotiable for Antarctica. Look for policies that cover expedition cruises and emergency evacuation.
See our full page here on Antarctica travel costs.
Sample Budget Breakdown (10-Day Budget Cruise)
- Antarctic Cruise (shared quad cabin, shoulder season): $6,500
- Flights (roundtrip to Ushuaia): $1,200
- Ushuaia accommodation (5 nights): $250
- Meals, transport, extras: $250
- Travel insurance: $300
- Total: ~$8,500 USD
With flexibility, deals, and smart planning, it’s possible to dip below this number.
Conclusion: You Can Visit Antarctica on a Budget
Antarctica may never be a budget destination in the traditional sense, but it is attainable for adventurous travelers who are resourceful, flexible, and willing to plan.
By traveling during shoulder seasons, booking last-minute, sharing cabins, and skipping luxury extras, you can dramatically cut costs without sacrificing the magic of the experience.
The rewards are profound: watching penguins waddle across icy beaches, cruising past towering glaciers, and stepping foot on a continent few will ever see.
With the right approach, you don’t need a luxury budget – just a strong sense of adventure and a willingness to go off the beaten path.
