Antarctica Trip Cost Calculator
Work out what an Antarctica expedition really costs from Australia in 2026, the flights to the departure port, the expedition cruise itself (the dominant cost), and the gear and crossing options.
Your antarctica trip details
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Antarctica demands specialist travel insurance with high medical-evacuation cover, standard policies are not enough for a region with no hospitals and evacuation measured in days and hundreds of thousands of dollars. Many expedition operators mandate a minimum evacuation cover, so budget for a proper policy, not a basic one.
Almost all Antarctic expeditions leave from Ushuaia in Argentina (or Punta Arenas in Chile for fly-cruises), so budget the flights to South America plus a night or two before the voyage in case of flight delays. Australians generally do not need a visa for short stays in Argentina or Chile, but confirm the route (including any US transit, which needs an ESTA) with Smartraveller.
💰 Ways to save
- Book a last-minute berth from Ushuaia if you are flexible, operators discount unsold cabins heavily close to departure.
- Choose a triple or entry cabin, you spend almost no time in it on an expedition built around being outside and on shore.
- Hire or borrow cold-weather gear rather than buying, and arrive a day early to protect against flight delays to the port.
or from $119/week over 5 years , indicative finance
How we estimate this
An Antarctica expedition from Australia in 2026 typically costs around $18,000 to $30,000 per person for a classic 10 to 12-day voyage including flights, rising to $45,000 to $70,000 for extended South Georgia voyages or suites. The expedition cruise itself is by far the dominant cost.
Pricing reviewed: November 2026.
Pricing reviewed November 2026. Indicative Australian costs, not a quote.
Understanding antarctica trip costs in Australia
An Antarctica expedition from Australia in 2026 typically costs around $18,000 to $30,000 per person for a classic 10 to 12-day voyage including flights, rising to $45,000 to $70,000 for extended South Georgia voyages or suites. The expedition cruise itself is by far the dominant cost.
The main drivers are the expedition cruise (which dwarfs everything else), the cabin tier, and whether you sail or fly the Drake Passage. Flights to Ushuaia, specialist insurance and gear add on top. Last-minute berths can be heavily discounted.
Frequently asked questions
How much does an Antarctica trip cost from Australia?
Roughly $18,000 to $30,000 per person for a classic 10 to 12-day expedition including flights in 2026, and $45,000 to $70,000 for extended voyages or suites. The expedition cruise is by far the biggest cost.
Can I get a cheaper Antarctica trip?
Last-minute berths from Ushuaia are discounted heavily if you can be flexible, and an entry-level triple cabin costs far less than a suite (you spend little time in the cabin anyway). But it remains an expensive, specialist expedition.
Are you a travel agency or tour operator?
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