(South America Travel Intelligence) – Antarctica is one of the world’s most extraordinary cruise destinations, attracting expedition travelers, wildlife enthusiasts, photographers and luxury cruise passengers from around the world.
The main Antarctic cruise season runs during the austral summer, generally from October to March. During the 2026/2027 season, expedition ships will operate from several gateways in Argentina and Chile, including Ushuaia, Buenos Aires, Punta Arenas, Puerto Williams, Valparaíso and San Antonio.
However, understanding where an Antarctica cruise actually begins can be confusing. Some cruise companies describe Buenos Aires as the starting point because the package includes a hotel stay and a charter flight to Ushuaia. In other cases, passengers embark directly on the ship in Buenos Aires, Valparaíso or San Antonio as part of a longer South American or repositioning itinerary.
This guide explains the principal Antarctica cruise ships expected during the 2026/2027 season, where their journeys begin and end, and how travelers can organize flights, hotels and ground transportation before or after their expedition.
Antarctica Cruises 2026/2027: Season Overview
The 2026/2027 Antarctic cruise season is expected to run approximately from October 2026 through March 2027. Most cruises focus on the Antarctic Peninsula, which is the most accessible region of the continent from South America.
Shorter expeditions usually visit the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. Longer voyages can include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, the Antarctic Circle, the Weddell Sea or the Chilean Fjords.
The majority of expedition ships physically embark and disembark passengers in Ushuaia. Nevertheless, Buenos Aires plays a central role because numerous cruise packages begin with a hotel stay in the Argentine capital before passengers fly to Ushuaia.
Chile also has several important gateways. Punta Arenas is the main base for fly-and-cruise programs, Puerto Williams is used by selected luxury expedition ships, and longer combination voyages may start or finish in Valparaíso or San Antonio.
What Does an Antarctica Cruise “Departure Port” Mean?
When comparing Antarctic cruises, travelers should distinguish between three different starting points:
Package starting city
This is the city where the cruise company’s organized program begins. It may include a hotel night, meetings, transfers and charter flights. Buenos Aires is frequently used in this way.
Physical embarkation port
This is the port where passengers actually board the expedition ship. For most Antarctic Peninsula cruises, the physical embarkation port is Ushuaia.
Fly-and-cruise gateway
Passengers begin in a mainland city such as Punta Arenas, fly to King George Island in Antarctica and board the ship there. In this case, Punta Arenas is the logistical starting point, while King George Island is the physical embarkation location.
Main Antarctica Cruise Departure and Arrival Ports
| Gateway | Country | Main Function | Typical Beginning or Ending |
|---|---|---|---|
| Ushuaia | Argentina | Main physical embarkation port | Most voyages begin and end in Ushuaia |
| Buenos Aires | Argentina | Package gateway and occasional ship embarkation | Buenos Aires–Ushuaia packages or extended ocean voyages |
| Punta Arenas | Chile | Fly-and-cruise gateway | Flights to and from King George Island |
| Puerto Williams | Chile | Luxury expedition embarkation port | Round trips or fly-cruise combinations |
| San Antonio | Chile | Extended voyages and repositioning cruises | South America, Chilean Fjords and Antarctica combinations |
| Valparaíso | Chile | Extended expedition and repositioning gateway | Valparaíso–Puerto Williams, Ushuaia or Buenos Aires routes |
| King George Island | Antarctica | Fly-cruise embarkation point | Reached by charter flight from Punta Arenas |
When Is the 2026/2027 Antarctica Cruise Season?
The season normally begins in October or early November and continues until March.
| Month | Typical Conditions | Travel Highlights |
|---|---|---|
| October | Early season, extensive sea ice and colder conditions | Pristine landscapes and fewer departures |
| November | Increasing daylight and active penguin colonies | Snow-covered landing sites and nesting wildlife |
| December | Very long daylight hours | Popular holiday expeditions and excellent photography |
| January | Milder temperatures and high wildlife activity | Peak Antarctic travel period |
| February | More open water and increasing whale activity | Whale watching and longer-distance itineraries |
| March | Late-season light and cooler conditions | Whales, dramatic sunsets and repositioning cruises |
Ushuaia: The Main Gateway to Antarctica
Located in Tierra del Fuego, Ushuaia is the principal physical embarkation port for Antarctic Peninsula expeditions. Its location on the Beagle Channel makes it the most practical starting point for crossing the Drake Passage.
Most cruises from Ushuaia return to the same city after visiting the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula. Longer itineraries may add South Georgia, the Falkland Islands, the Antarctic Circle or the Weddell Sea.
Travelers generally fly to Ushuaia Airport (USH) from Buenos Aires. Because weather and flight delays can affect domestic services, arriving at least one day before embarkation is strongly recommended.
Do Antarctica Cruises Begin in Buenos Aires?
Yes, but the expression “cruise from Buenos Aires” can describe two different products.
In many cases, the organized journey begins in Buenos Aires with an included hotel stay, briefing and charter flight. Passengers then fly to Ushuaia, where they physically board the expedition ship.
Some companies market their complete Antarctic itinerary as beginning in Buenos Aires even though the first day aboard the ship is in Ushuaia. This structure is used by operators that wish to control the connection between the international gateway and the expedition vessel.
There are also genuine ocean itineraries in which passengers physically embark in Buenos Aires. These are usually longer voyages incorporating Puerto Madryn, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Ushuaia, Antarctica or the Chilean Fjords.
Buenos Aires is therefore one of the most important logistical gateways for Antarctic passengers, regardless of whether the ship itself is docked there.
Punta Arenas: The Main Fly-and-Cruise Gateway
Punta Arenas is the principal starting city for Antarctic fly-and-cruise programs. Passengers usually spend at least one night in Punta Arenas before boarding a charter aircraft to King George Island.
After landing in Antarctica, travelers transfer to the expedition vessel and begin exploring the Antarctic Peninsula without completing the full Drake Passage crossing by ship.
This option is attractive to passengers with limited vacation time or those concerned about the potentially rough conditions of the Drake Passage. Flight operations remain dependent on Antarctic weather, so itineraries require flexibility.
Puerto Williams: Chile’s Southern Expedition Port
Puerto Williams is located on Navarino Island, south of the Beagle Channel. It is used by selected luxury expedition companies, particularly Silversea.
Some voyages begin and end in Puerto Williams, while others combine a charter flight, King George Island and a one-way cruise. Passengers may travel to the area through Punta Arenas, depending on the package arranged by the cruise company.
Antarctica Cruises Beginning or Ending in San Antonio
San Antonio is the principal cruise port serving the Santiago region. It is not a regular starting point for short Antarctic Peninsula expeditions, but it is relevant for longer voyages combining Antarctica, Cape Horn, Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords.
During the broader 2026/2027 South American season, selected extended itineraries may begin in Buenos Aires and finish in San Antonio, or operate in the opposite direction. In these cases, the itinerary can combine an Antarctic expedition with Chilean coastal destinations.
San Antonio is approximately 110 kilometers from central Santiago. Travel time is normally around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, but passengers should allow additional time for traffic, embarkation formalities and possible road delays.
Antarctica Cruises Beginning or Ending in Valparaíso
Valparaíso also appears in selected long-distance expedition itineraries, especially those combining the Chilean Fjords, Patagonia and Antarctic regions.
Some cruise companies use “Valparaíso” while others describe the destination as “Santiago,” even though Santiago is inland. Travelers must verify whether their ship is using the Valparaíso Passenger Terminal or the San Antonio Cruise Terminal.
Valparaíso is also well positioned for pre-cruise stays in Santiago, Viña del Mar or Chile’s Casablanca wine region.
Major Antarctica Cruise Ships for the 2026/2027 Season
The following table covers the principal expedition vessels and their usual or published South American gateway patterns. Exact sailings can vary by date, charter arrangement and repositioning schedule.
| Operator | Ship | Package or Embarkation Gateway | Typical End Point | Main Voyage Type |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AE Expeditions | Douglas Mawson | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula and extended expeditions |
| AE Expeditions | Greg Mortimer | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Falklands |
| AE Expeditions | Sylvia Earle | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula and fly-cruise programs |
| Quark Expeditions | Ultramarine | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires package ending | Antarctic Peninsula and helicopter-supported expeditions |
| Quark Expeditions | Ocean Explorer | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia and Falklands |
| Quark Expeditions | World Voyager | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires package ending | Antarctic Peninsula |
| HX Expeditions | MS Roald Amundsen | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires package ending | Antarctic Peninsula expeditions |
| HX Expeditions | MS Fridtjof Nansen | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires package ending | Antarctic Peninsula expeditions |
| HX Expeditions | MS Fram | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Traditional expedition cruising |
| PONANT | Le Commandant Charcot | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia / Buenos Aires package ending | Deep polar and Antarctic Circle expeditions |
| PONANT | Le Boréal | Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, depending on sailing | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires | Antarctica, Falklands, South Georgia and Patagonia |
| PONANT | L’Austral | Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, depending on sailing | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires | Antarctic Peninsula and extended austral voyages |
| PONANT | Le Lyrial | Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, depending on sailing | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires | Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands |
| PONANT | Le Soléal | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Selected polar expeditions |
| Silversea | Silver Endeavour | Puerto Williams, King George Island or Valparaíso on selected voyages | Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas or another regional port | Luxury Antarctica and extended Chilean itineraries |
| Silversea | Silver Wind | Puerto Williams or King George Island | Puerto Williams or King George Island | Antarctic Peninsula and fly-cruise programs |
| Silversea | Silver Cloud | Ushuaia or Puerto Williams, depending on deployment | Ushuaia or Puerto Williams | Luxury expedition cruising |
| Seabourn | Seabourn Venture | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia / Buenos Aires package ending | Antarctic Peninsula expeditions |
| Seabourn | Seabourn Pursuit | Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, depending on itinerary | Ushuaia, Buenos Aires or San Antonio on extended voyages | Antarctica and Chilean Fjords combinations |
| Scenic | Scenic Eclipse | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires package ending | Ultra-luxury Antarctic expeditions |
| Scenic | Scenic Eclipse II | Ushuaia or selected South American ports | Ushuaia or selected repositioning port | Antarctica and extended expedition voyages |
| Viking Expeditions | Viking Octantis | Buenos Aires program / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia |
| Viking Expeditions | Viking Polaris | Buenos Aires program / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula and Antarctic Circle |
| Lindblad Expeditions | National Geographic Endurance | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula and extended expeditions |
| Lindblad Expeditions | National Geographic Resolution | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctica, South Georgia and Falklands |
| Lindblad Expeditions | National Geographic Explorer | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Classic Antarctic expedition itineraries |
| Oceanwide Expeditions | Hondius | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea and South Georgia |
| Oceanwide Expeditions | Plancius | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Adventure-focused Antarctic expeditions |
| Oceanwide Expeditions | Ortelius | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Remote and extended polar itineraries |
| Oceanwide Expeditions | Rembrandt van Rijn | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Small-ship sailing expeditions |
| Antarctica21 | Magellan Explorer | Punta Arenas / King George Island | King George Island / Punta Arenas | Fly-and-cruise expeditions |
| Antarctica21 | Ocean Nova | Punta Arenas / King George Island | King George Island / Punta Arenas | Fly-and-cruise expeditions |
| Swan Hellenic | SH Vega | Buenos Aires package or Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula, Falklands and South Georgia |
| Swan Hellenic | SH Diana | Ushuaia or another repositioning gateway | Ushuaia or a long-distance destination | Antarctic Peninsula and semi-circumnavigation voyages |
| Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Navigator | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires package ending | Luxury Antarctic expeditions |
| Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Traveller | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires package ending | Luxury Antarctic expeditions |
| Atlas Ocean Voyages | World Voyager | Buenos Aires package / Ushuaia embarkation | Ushuaia or Buenos Aires package ending | Luxury Antarctic expeditions |
| Poseidon Expeditions | Sea Spirit | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia |
| Exploris | Exploris One | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | French-language polar expeditions |
| Albatros Expeditions | Ocean Albatros | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula expeditions |
| Albatros Expeditions | Ocean Victory | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Antarctic Peninsula expeditions |
| Polar Latitudes | Seaventure | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Small-ship Antarctic expeditions |
| Antarpply Expeditions | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Ushuaia | Traditional Antarctic Peninsula expedition |
AE Expeditions
AE Expeditions, formerly widely known as Aurora Expeditions, operates purpose-built polar vessels including the Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle and Douglas Mawson.
Most traditional Antarctic voyages use Ushuaia as their physical embarkation and disembarkation point. The operator also offers longer itineraries visiting South Georgia, the Falkland Islands and more remote Antarctic regions.
Quark Expeditions
Quark Expeditions is one of the best-known specialist polar operators. Its 2026/2027 program includes voyages aboard Ultramarine, Ocean Explorer and World Voyager.
Some Quark products are listed as beginning in Buenos Aires because the complete package starts there. Other departures are explicitly listed as beginning in Ushuaia. Travelers should check whether a hotel stay and charter flight from Buenos Aires are included.
HX Expeditions
HX operates modern expedition ships including MS Roald Amundsen and MS Fridtjof Nansen. Antarctic packages frequently incorporate Buenos Aires as the international gateway before passengers continue to Ushuaia.
The physical expedition sailing generally begins in Ushuaia, unless the itinerary is part of a wider repositioning voyage.
PONANT
PONANT offers a wide range of Antarctic itineraries aboard vessels such as L’Austral, Le Boréal, Le Lyrial and Le Commandant Charcot.
Many standard packages include a night in Buenos Aires and charter flights between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia. PONANT also schedules selected one-way voyages between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia, particularly around the beginning or end of the polar season.
Silversea Expeditions
Silversea uses Puerto Williams as an important Antarctic gateway. Its program includes traditional Drake Passage expeditions and fly-cruise combinations involving King George Island.
Selected longer voyages can also start in Valparaíso or Buenos Aires and finish in Puerto Williams, Punta Arenas or another South American port. Passengers should carefully verify the port because these itineraries do not always return to their starting city.
Seabourn Expeditions
Seabourn’s principal Antarctic voyages include a pre-cruise hotel stay in Buenos Aires and charter flights to Ushuaia, where passengers board the ship.
Longer combination itineraries can connect Antarctica with the Chilean Fjords and finish in San Antonio. These sailings are especially relevant for travelers requiring transportation between the cruise terminal, Santiago hotels and Santiago International Airport.
Scenic Luxury Expeditions
Scenic Eclipse and Scenic Eclipse II operate in the ultra-luxury expedition segment. Typical Antarctic Peninsula programs use Ushuaia as the physical cruise port, often with pre-cruise arrangements beginning in Buenos Aires.
Longer repositioning schedules may connect Antarctica with other South American or international destinations.
Viking Expeditions
Viking markets Antarctic programs that begin in Buenos Aires and finish in Ushuaia. These journeys include the land and air arrangements required to connect Buenos Aires with the expedition ship.
Its itineraries include the Antarctic Peninsula, the Antarctic Circle and combinations with South Georgia.
Lindblad Expeditions
Lindblad Expeditions operates National Geographic-branded vessels and focuses strongly on nature interpretation, photography and scientific enrichment.
Its main Antarctic departures traditionally begin and end in Ushuaia, with longer itineraries adding the Falkland Islands and South Georgia.
Oceanwide Expeditions
Oceanwide Expeditions operates adventure-oriented vessels including Hondius, Plancius, Ortelius and the sailing vessel Rembrandt van Rijn.
Most voyages are round trips from Ushuaia. The operator offers Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, South Georgia and activity-focused expeditions.
Antarctica21
Antarctica21 specializes in fly-and-cruise programs. Travelers begin in Punta Arenas and fly to King George Island, where they board vessels such as Magellan Explorer or Ocean Nova.
The return journey normally follows the reverse pattern, with passengers flying from King George Island back to Punta Arenas.
Swan Hellenic
Swan Hellenic operates boutique expedition ships including SH Vega and SH Diana.
Many voyages begin and end in Ushuaia, while some products identify Buenos Aires as the beginning of the overall program. The company also offers occasional long-distance Antarctic voyages that finish outside South America.
Atlas Ocean Voyages
Atlas Ocean Voyages operates small luxury expedition ships in Antarctica. Its voyages generally use Ushuaia for physical embarkation, with Buenos Aires commonly serving as the international arrival point and pre-cruise gateway.
Other Antarctica Cruise Operators
Additional expedition companies expected to operate in the region include Poseidon Expeditions, Exploris, Albatros Expeditions, Polar Latitudes and Antarpply Expeditions.
These companies mainly use Ushuaia for round-trip Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia or Falkland Islands expeditions.
Typical Antarctica Cruise Itineraries
Antarctic Peninsula
Usually lasting approximately 10 to 13 days, these cruises cross the Drake Passage, explore the South Shetland Islands and visit landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula.
Antarctic Circle
These longer journeys attempt to cross latitude 66°33′ south. Their success depends on weather, ice and navigation conditions.
Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica
These extended expeditions commonly last around 18 to 24 days and are particularly attractive to wildlife enthusiasts.
Fly and Cruise
Passengers travel from Punta Arenas to King George Island by charter aircraft and board the expedition ship in Antarctica. This reduces the amount of time spent crossing the Drake Passage by sea.
Antarctica and the Chilean Fjords
These longer voyages can connect Buenos Aires, Ushuaia, Antarctica, Cape Horn, the Chilean Fjords, Valparaíso or San Antonio. They are among the most relevant itineraries for travelers using transfer services in both Argentina and Chile.
Which Airport Should You Use for an Antarctica Cruise?
| Cruise Gateway | Recommended Airport | Airport Code |
|---|---|---|
| Buenos Aires | Ezeiza International Airport | EZE |
| Buenos Aires domestic connections | Jorge Newbery Airport | AEP |
| Ushuaia | Ushuaia–Malvinas Argentinas International Airport | USH |
| Punta Arenas | Presidente Carlos Ibáñez del Campo International Airport | PUQ |
| San Antonio or Valparaíso | Santiago Arturo Merino Benítez International Airport | SCL |
Transfers in Buenos Aires for Antarctica Cruise Passengers
Buenos Aires is a major gateway even when the ship physically departs from Ushuaia. International travelers frequently land at Ezeiza International Airport and spend one or more nights in the city before continuing south.
The most common transportation requirements include:
- Ezeiza Airport to a Buenos Aires hotel
- Buenos Aires hotel to Ezeiza Airport
- Ezeiza Airport to Jorge Newbery Airport
- Jorge Newbery Airport to a city hotel
- Hotel to the Buenos Aires Cruise Terminal
- Private city tours during a pre-cruise stay
Passengers connecting between Ezeiza and Aeroparque should leave sufficient time. The airports are located in different parts of the metropolitan area, and traffic conditions can vary considerably.
Private Transportation in Buenos Aires
Private airport, hotel and cruise terminal transfers can be arranged for individual travelers, families, groups and travel agencies. Services can also include transportation between Ezeiza and Aeroparque for passengers connecting with flights to Ushuaia.
Transfers from Santiago Airport to San Antonio Cruise Port
Passengers beginning or ending an extended Antarctic itinerary in San Antonio usually travel through Santiago International Airport.
The journey between Santiago Airport and San Antonio covers approximately 110 kilometers. Normal driving time is around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, although additional time should be allowed on cruise embarkation days.
Available transportation arrangements can include:
- Santiago Airport to San Antonio Cruise Terminal
- Santiago hotel to San Antonio Cruise Terminal
- San Antonio Cruise Terminal to Santiago Airport
- San Antonio Cruise Terminal to Santiago hotels
- Transportation via the Casablanca Valley
- Private transfers for passengers with substantial cruise luggage
Private San Antonio Cruise Transfers
Private vehicles, minivans, minibuses and coaches can be arranged between Santiago, Santiago Airport and San Antonio Cruise Port. Advance booking is recommended on major cruise arrival and departure dates.
Transfers from Santiago Airport to Valparaíso
Valparaíso is located approximately 115 kilometers from Santiago International Airport. Depending on traffic and the exact terminal, the journey usually takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours.
Private transportation can connect the airport or Santiago hotels with Valparaíso, Viña del Mar and the surrounding coastal region.
Before booking a transfer, passengers should confirm whether their cruise documents specify Valparaíso or San Antonio. The two ports are separate and should not be treated as interchangeable pickup locations.
How Early Should You Arrive Before an Antarctica Cruise?
For cruises physically departing from Ushuaia, arriving at least one day before embarkation is advisable. Two nights may provide greater protection against domestic flight disruptions.
Passengers whose package officially begins in Buenos Aires should follow the cruise company’s arrival deadline. Missing an included charter flight could result in missing the entire expedition.
For fly-and-cruise programs from Punta Arenas, travelers must arrive according to the operator’s schedule because Antarctic charter flights are highly dependent on weather.
For departures from San Antonio or Valparaíso, passengers staying in Santiago should leave ample time for the overland journey and port check-in procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all Antarctica cruises leave from Ushuaia?
No. Most expedition ships physically depart from Ushuaia, but some packages begin in Buenos Aires, fly-and-cruise programs begin in Punta Arenas, selected luxury ships use Puerto Williams, and extended voyages may begin or end in Valparaíso or San Antonio.
Can an Antarctica cruise start in Buenos Aires?
Yes. Some complete cruise packages begin in Buenos Aires with a hotel stay and charter flight to Ushuaia. There are also occasional longer voyages where passengers physically embark aboard the ship in Buenos Aires.
Does a Buenos Aires–Ushuaia itinerary mean the ship sails from Buenos Aires?
Not necessarily. It may mean that the organized program begins in Buenos Aires and passengers fly to Ushuaia. Always check the detailed day-by-day itinerary.
Are there Antarctica cruises from San Antonio, Chile?
San Antonio is occasionally used for longer combination and repositioning voyages connecting Antarctica with the Chilean Fjords and South American coast. It is not a regular gateway for short Antarctic Peninsula cruises.
Are San Antonio and Valparaíso the same cruise port?
No. They are separate ports. Both serve the central Chile region, but passengers must confirm the exact terminal shown in their cruise documents.
How do passengers reach Puerto Williams?
Transportation arrangements vary by cruise company. Packages may involve flights through Punta Arenas or other charter services organized by the operator.
How do Antarctica fly-and-cruise programs work?
Passengers usually begin in Punta Arenas and fly to King George Island. They board the expedition ship in Antarctica and return by air after the voyage.
Which Buenos Aires airport is used for flights to Ushuaia?
Flights may operate from Jorge Newbery Airport or Ezeiza International Airport. Passengers must check their ticket carefully because changing airports requires a road transfer across Buenos Aires.
How far is San Antonio Cruise Port from Santiago Airport?
The journey is approximately 110 kilometers and normally takes around 1 hour 30 minutes to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Should Antarctica cruise transfers be booked in advance?
Yes. Advance booking is particularly advisable for airport changes in Buenos Aires and for long-distance transfers between Santiago, San Antonio and Valparaíso.
Final Thoughts
Ushuaia remains the principal physical departure port for Antarctica cruises during the 2026/2027 season, but it is only one part of the wider passenger journey.
Buenos Aires is a major starting point for international travelers, included cruise packages and selected long-distance voyages. Punta Arenas is the principal gateway for fly-and-cruise expeditions, while Puerto Williams serves selected luxury vessels.
San Antonio and Valparaíso have fewer Antarctic departures, but they become strategically important on extended itineraries combining Antarctica with Cape Horn, Patagonia and the Chilean Fjords.
Before arranging flights, hotels or transportation, travelers should confirm three details: where the complete package begins, where they physically board the ship and where the voyage ultimately ends.
Careful planning is particularly important for passengers changing airports in Buenos Aires or traveling between Santiago and the cruise terminals of San Antonio and Valparaíso.
This guide was prepared by the iSouthAmerica.com team, an incoming travel agency specializing in private transportation, tours and cruise logistics across South America. Cruise schedules and operating ports may change, so travelers should always verify their final documents directly with the cruise operator.