Solo Travel To Antarctica – 16 Best Things To Do

Imagine standing on a remote, icy continent, surrounded by towering glaciers and playful penguins, with only the crisp sound of the wind and the distant crack of ice as your companions.

Antarctica might feel like an impossible destination for solo travelers, but it’s actually a doable adventure with the right planning. Let me walk you through my solo journey to the most isolated and mysterious continent on Earth.

Why Antarctica?

Antarctica isn’t your typical travel destination. It’s raw, untouched, and unlike any place you’ll ever visit. I went because I wanted a sense of true adventure—a place where I could feel completely detached from the hustle of daily life.

Plus, how often do you get the chance to visit the last great wilderness? For a solo traveler, it offers an unmatched experience of solitude and awe.

Top Activities to Do in Solo Travel To Antarctica

While Antarctica might be the most remote continent, there’s a surprising amount to do, and some experiences come without additional cost.

Cruise trips

Cruise trips are by far the most popular way to reach Antarctica as a solo traveler. Most cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Cruises typically last from 10 to 20 days, depending on how much time you want to spend exploring.

What’s Included in an Antarctic Cruise Package?

Most cruise packages are all-inclusive, covering accommodations, meals, guided excursions, and equipment rental (like boots and jackets). Daily excursions include Zodiac rides to get close to icebergs and wildlife, guided hikes, and even a chance to do the Polar Plunge.

Many cruises also have naturalists, historians, and scientists on board who give lectures, adding educational value to the trip.

How Much Do Antarctic Cruises Cost?

Cruise costs vary widely depending on the type of cruise, cabin choice, and season. Here’s a general range:

• Budget Expedition Cruises: $5,000–$8,000 USD for 10–12 days (shared cabin, last-minute deals)
• Standard Expedition Cruises: $10,000–$15,000 USD for 10–14 days
• Luxury Cruises: $15,000–$30,000 USD and beyond for 10+ days (private cabins, upscale amenities)
• Fly-Cruises: Starting around $8,000 USD but usually between $12,000 and $20,000 USD for 8–10 days

Tip: Booking a last-minute deal in Ushuaia, Argentina, can save up to 50%. However, it requires flexibility and isn’t guaranteed.

Read more: 5 Best Antarctica Cruise For Solo Traveler

Zodiac Cruises – Included in Expedition Packages

Most Antarctic cruises include Zodiac boat rides, which let you explore the icy waters up close. On my Zodiac tours, I floated past towering icebergs, saw penguins diving, and even came within a few feet of curious seals lounging on floating ice. These excursions are usually included in the cost of your cruise package.

Hiking on Ice – Free with a Guide

Hiking is a rare opportunity in Antarctica. Guides lead you on short hikes to safe spots where you can walk on the continent’s rocky or icy terrain. It’s a surreal experience to hike on such an untouched landscape. Just remember to keep a respectful distance from wildlife.

Penguin Watching – Completely Free

One of my favorite parts of this trip was sitting quietly on the shore and watching hundreds of penguins waddle, play, and dive into the icy waters. Being so close to them felt magical. All tours make stops where penguin colonies are abundant, giving you plenty of free opportunities to observe and photograph these adorable birds.

Polar Plunge – Free (and Bravery Needed!)

Some tours offer the chance to do the Polar Plunge—a quick, freezing dip in the Southern Ocean! It’s a wild experience, and while I didn’t initially plan to do it, the encouragement from fellow travelers convinced me. It’s absolutely free and something you’ll never forget.

Kayaking – Around $250 USD Extra

For a unique perspective, I opted for a kayaking session. It was an extra charge (about $250 USD), but paddling quietly through icy waters alongside seals and penguins was worth every cent.

Ice Camping – A Night on the Continent (Around $300 USD Extra)

If you’re looking for a unique experience, some expeditions offer the chance to camp overnight on the ice. It’s an extra cost (about $300 USD) but totally worth it! Imagine setting up your tent on the snow, bundled up under a sky full of stars, and listening to the eerie sounds of ice shifting around you. Even though it’s chilly, it’s a once-in-a-lifetime way to truly feel like you’re living on the frozen continent.

Photography Tours and Workshops – Included in Most Expeditions

Antarctica is a paradise for photographers. Many cruises include onboard photography workshops for free, led by professional photographers who teach you how to capture the perfect shot of a penguin colony or an iceberg. Whether you’re a beginner or advanced, these workshops help you document the incredible landscapes and wildlife encounters you’ll experience.

Lectures and Educational Talks – Free Onboard Activity

One of the surprising highlights of my trip was the daily lectures and talks given by scientists, historians, and naturalists onboard. These are included in the expedition price and are a fantastic way to learn about the wildlife, history, and ecosystem of Antarctica. The talks made me appreciate every encounter with a seal or glacier even more, knowing the science behind what I was seeing.

Whale Watching from the Deck – Free

Whale watching is an activity that requires no extra gear or costs—you just need to be patient and keep your eyes on the horizon from the ship’s deck! During the cruise, it’s common to spot humpback, minke, or even killer whales breaching in the distance or close to the ship. I spent hours on deck, simply scanning the waters for these gentle giants, and every sighting was exhilarating.

Iceberg Spotting – Free and Fascinating

Antarctica’s icebergs are some of the most incredible natural structures you’ll ever see. While cruising or on Zodiac excursions, keep an eye out for icebergs in every shape and color—some look like massive sculptures carved by nature. There’s nothing like seeing one up close, noticing the layers of blue hues and cracks. And it’s completely free to marvel at these natural wonders as you cruise by.

Birdwatching – Free (Binoculars Recommended)

Antarctica is home to many fascinating seabirds, including albatrosses, petrels, and skuas. You’ll often see them gliding near the ship or swooping close to the icy waters. A pair of binoculars enhances the experience, letting you observe these birds in detail without disturbing them. Birdwatching is a perfect free activity for those moments when you just want to sit on deck and take in the surroundings.

Glacier Hikes – Free with Your Expedition

Some land excursions include hikes that bring you right up to massive glaciers. Led by guides, these hikes allow you to safely approach towering ice formations and take in the surreal, frozen landscapes up close. Hiking on the glaciers themselves isn’t allowed, but standing near these colossal formations is humbling and, in most cases, included in the cost of your trip.

Sunset (and Sunrise) Watching – Free

Due to Antarctica’s long daylight hours in summer, you’ll witness incredible sunrises and sunsets that seem to last forever. The sky can turn brilliant shades of pink, orange, and purple over the snow-covered landscape. Watching the sun dip low and create a dreamlike glow over the icebergs was one of my favorite free activities each day.

Snowshoeing – Some Cruises Include for Free

Some expedition cruises offer snowshoeing as an included activity. Snowshoeing allows you to walk easily on the snow and reach areas you couldn’t in regular boots. It’s a unique and fun way to explore the terrain, especially when hiking through untouched snow. While not all tours offer snowshoeing, it’s worth asking if it’s available, as it’s a quieter way to experience the continent.

Visit Historic Sites and Research Stations – Free

Antarctica has a handful of preserved historic sites, like old whaling stations and huts left by early explorers. Some tours even include a visit to research stations (like Argentina’s Esperanza Base or Chile’s González Videla Base), where scientists live and study the environment. These visits are typically included, giving you a rare glimpse into life on the continent and a chance to understand the history and ongoing scientific work in Antarctica.

Stargazing in Antarctic Skies – Free and Stunning

Stargazing in Antarctica is unique. Due to minimal light pollution, you’ll see more stars than almost anywhere else on the planet. If you’re there during the tail end of the season, when the nights start getting darker, you’ll have a great chance to observe the constellations, sometimes even with a backdrop of shimmering glaciers.

How to Get to Antarctica as a Solo Traveler

You can’t just book a flight and land in Antarctica. Typically, people reach Antarctica by ship or, more rarely, by charter flight.

1. Cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina
   Most solo travelers, like me, start from Ushuaia—the southernmost city in Argentina. From here, you can book a spot on an expedition cruise. Prices vary greatly, but you should expect to pay around $5,000 to $15,000 USD for a 10- to 12-day journey, depending on the type of cabin and amenities. Keep an eye out for last-minute deals; I managed to save about 40% by booking a discounted spot at the last minute.
2. Fly from Punta Arenas, Chile
   If seasickness is a concern, you can fly from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island. From there, you’ll join a cruise that takes you further into the continent. This option is generally more expensive, starting at $8,000 USD for a shorter trip, but it’s a quicker way to reach Antarctica.

When to Go

Antarctica’s travel season is relatively short—from November to March, when the weather is less extreme. I went in December, during peak season, when temperatures are a bit milder (hovering around 20°F/-6°C). This is also when you’re more likely to see wildlife like penguins, seals, and even humpback whales.

What to Pack for Solo Travel in Antarctica

Packing for Antarctica is essential, and you’ll want to be prepared for the extreme conditions.

• Insulated Jacket and Waterproof Pants: These are crucial. A down jacket and high-quality waterproof pants will keep you warm and dry on excursions.
• Thermal Layers: A few layers of thermals will help you stay comfortable, even on windy days.
• Waterproof Boots: You’ll need them for “wet landings,” when the ship drops you off at a beach. Most cruise companies offer boots to rent for about $50 USD, but I brought my own to save costs.
• Camera and Binoculars: Trust me, you’ll want to capture the incredible landscapes and wildlife. Binoculars help, too, especially when spotting distant whales or seals.

Wildlife Encounters

Antarctica is a paradise for wildlife lovers. Here’s what you can expect:

• Penguins: Gentoo, Chinstrap, and Adélie penguins are the most common. Watching them waddle and interact in their colonies is unforgettable.
• Seals: Leopard, Weddell, and elephant seals are often spotted lounging on the ice or even curiously approaching the Zodiacs.
• Whales: If you’re lucky, you’ll see humpback, minke, and orca whales. I spotted a few humpbacks breaching—a true highlight of the trip.

Costs and Budgeting Tips

Visiting Antarctica isn’t cheap, but there are ways to manage costs:

• Last-Minute Bookings: As mentioned, booking last-minute can save you significantly. Ushuaia has agencies that offer last-minute deals for up to 50% off.
• Rent Gear: Instead of buying expensive cold-weather gear, you can often rent essentials in Ushuaia.
• Stick to Inclusions: Many Antarctic cruises include meals, excursions, and even photography workshops. Take advantage of these inclusions to avoid extra expenses.

Staying Safe and Responsible

Antarctica’s environment is fragile, so it’s essential to follow Leave No Trace principles. Stick to designated paths, keep a distance from animals, and avoid taking anything from the land.

Most tour operators are part of the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which ensures responsible travel practices.

Final Thoughts: Is Solo Travel to Antarctica Worth It?

Absolutely. Traveling to Antarctica solo is a rare opportunity for solitude and reflection in one of the world’s most remote places. Yes, it’s a challenging journey with a high price tag, but the experience of standing on the frozen landscape, surrounded by wildlife and silence, is something few people on Earth get to experience.

For me, Antarctica was a life-changing adventure that taught me the true value of stepping outside my comfort zone.

If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring the untouched, the mysterious, and the vast, solo travel to Antarctica might just be the perfect adventure for you.