Argentina Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trip Packages

Argentina Small Ship Cruise Tours & Trips

646 Argentina trips. Tours from 140 tour companies. 977 reviews. 4.8/5 avg rating.

57 trips exactly matchall of the the filters you selected.
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Small Ship Cruise
Christmas in Antarctica: Antarctic Peninsula
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Their ice-breaking cruise liners take travelers truly off of the beaten path and into the very heart of the polar realms.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Celebrating Christmas amidst fantastic rugged mountains, cascading glaciers, crystalline icebergs and clear waters abounding with whales and seals.
  • Countless penguins and endemic Antarctic birdlife - true memorable lifetime moments
  • Possibility for kayaking and camping under the southern stars in a world of ice and snow.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise, Festivals & Special Events

What travelers are saying

"Best vacation so far!! Loved everything, especially highly professional team, that organised the whole trip super safe and on a highest level, the crew that does the cleaning and provides the food literally 24/7, the expedition team was super and the program, lectures, communication - everything couldn’t be better. I miss the cruise! And the best part of course the wild nature, animals. It’s a pity there are strict rules nowadays due to the flu and we couldn’t get closer, but it’s the right thing to protect the nature. Will be back for sure!"

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Antarctic Wildlife Adventure: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctica
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4.8/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
Their ice-breaking cruise liners take travelers truly off of the beaten path and into the very heart of the polar realms.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Moderate
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Buenos Aires, Falklands Islands, South Shetland Islands

Highlights

  • The greatest concentrations of seabirds and marine mammals on the planet.
  • Astounding abundance of penguins at huge breeding colonies
  • A rare view of albatross family life
  • Fearless marine wildlife and scenery beyond belief on the Antarctic Peninsula.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"Best vacation so far!! Loved everything, especially highly professional team, that organised the whole trip super safe and on a highest level, the crew that does the cleaning and provides the food literally 24/7, the expedition team was super and the program, lectures, communication - everything couldn’t be better. I miss the cruise! And the best part of course the wild nature, animals. It’s a pity there are strict rules nowadays due to the flu and we couldn’t get closer, but it’s the right thing to protect the nature. Will be back for sure!"

Trip dates & details
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Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions to iconic landing sites, abundant with birdlife and busy penguins, and witness icebergs in a thousand different shades of blue.
  • Experience almost endless daylight in high summer once you are inside the Antarctic Circle. Then, push further south than most Antarctic expeditions venture, exploring the remoteness of this less-visited part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
  • Customise your trip with a wide range of optional activities on top of regular Zodiac excursions. Explore the water by kayak, sign up for a photography masterclass, rejuvenate with onboard yoga and massages or take a refreshing polar plunge.
  • While most polar expeditions of this kind have a crew-to-passenger ratio of ten, fifteen or twenty to one, Intrepid expeditions on the Ocean Endeavour have an expedition crew member for every eight passengers for a greater personal touch.
  • Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages between them. They’re experts in marine biology, glaciology and Antarctic history, and they’ll share their knowledge throughout the journey during a comprehensive lecture program.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Best of Antarctica In Depth (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Cross the Antarctic Sound on your way to the Antarctic Peninsula’s remote and rugged east side, a sweeping landscape full of huge icebergs and legendary islands.
  • Towering icebergs, blue glaciers, rugged islands, white mountains, abundant and curious wildlife – the western side of Antarctica is a lifechanging destination in itself.
  • Encounter Antarctica’s incredible wildlife – Adelie and gentoo penguins, leopard seals, sea birds, whales – your expedition crew will curate your adventure to ensure you’ve got the best chance of multiple sightings.
  • You might have the chance to visit Paulet Island, the Danger Islands and the Eagle Group – chains of islands famous for their enormous penguin colonies, exploration history and geological features.
  • Zodiac excursions open up exploration opportunities on both sides of the peninsula, from the Danger Islands to Paradise Harbour and the shores of the South Shetland Islands. We aim for two excursions on each expedition day to maximise your time on the Peninsula.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy
Trip pace
Full schedule

Visits

Antarctic Peninsula, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Explore an unspoiled wilderness, uninhabited by man, where penguins, seals, whales and seabirds in their abundance are the true rulers.
  • Emerging from winter, the density of wildlife is increasing, and penguin rookeries are at full capacity with penguin chicks beginning to hatch from mid-December.
  • Seal and whale sightings become more frequent as minke, southern right and humpback whales return to Antarctic waters to feed, ensuring extraordinary wildlife viewing opportunities.
  • Enjoy daily Zodiac excursions, onshore landings and take advantage of a range of adventure options during the voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology, and ecology by the expedition team.

Themes

National Parks, Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Antarctica awakens after the harsh winter and extensive snow cloaks the continent in a pristine whiteness. Admire breathtaking scenery such as icebergs and glaciated mountains.
  • Penguin populations in the rookeries are thriving and the birds are busy nest-building and courting. Albatross, fulmars and petrels fly the Drake Passage and blue-eyed shags reappear in Antarctica.
  • This is an incredible time for photographers – the lengthening days are concluded with fantastic evening light, noctilucent clouds and beautiful rose-coloured sunsets.
  • Experience daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings, and take advantage of a range of paid adventure options during your voyage such as kayaking, camping, photography and snowshoeing.
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities including educational lectures on history, geology and ecology and participate in our citizen science program, all led by our expert expedition team.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Shackleton's Falklands, South Georgia and Antarctica Expedition (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Georgia, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Wander the quaint British town of Stanley in the Falklands and explore the charming island farmsteads that teem with nesting seabirds – including many albatross and penguin species.
  • Marvel at breathtaking polar scenery and witness the enormous king penguin colonies of South Georgia, where you’ll learn more about Sir Ernest Shackleton’s history and visit his grave.
  • See the magnificent surrounds a little closer on daily Zodiac excursions and personalise your trip with our wide range of paid adventures – including kayaking, day paddling and camping.
  • Explore the local famous sites, towering glaciers and abundant penguin colonies of the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Don’t forget to keep your eyes peeled for whales.
  • Benefit from onboard educational lectures on history, geology and ecology and participate in our Citizen Science Program – led by our expert Expedition Team.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

Trip dates & details
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Ultimate Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)
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4.5/5 Excellent
100+ reviews
Small Ship Cruise
Why we love them
They’re very committed to sustainable and responsible tourism and contribute to important initiatives like climate action.
Lodging level
Premium - 4 star
Physical level
Easy

Visits

Georgia, Ushuaia

Highlights

  • Try your hand at wildlife photography, witness thousands of nesting penguins and spot the largest albatross colony in the world in the Falkland Islands.
  • Learn about the epic survival of Sir Ernest Shackleton in South Georgia and visit the site where he was buried, among sub-Antarctic landscapes and abundant wildlife.
  • Explore the Antarctic Peninsula and cross the rarely experienced Antarctic Circle – reaching latitude 66°33’S. Keep your eyes out for migrating humpback whales!
  • Experience daily Zodiac excursions and onshore landings in Antarctica and personalise your expedition with our wide range of optional adventures (like photography lessons and sea kayaking).
  • Benefit from a variety of onboard activities on the Ocean Endeavour, including educational lectures and the Citizen Science Program, all led by our expert Expedition Team.

Themes

Nature & Wildlife, Small Ship Cruise

What travelers are saying

"We joined the Intrepid “Real Italy Food Tour” and enjoyed it thoroughly. Our tour guide, Micol, was very knowledgeable and provided us with lots of good information. It seems Micol knew many of the staff of the venues we visited, including the pasta making class we attended. Our group of 11 travelers was extremely compatible, which greatly added to the fun and enjoyment."

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Argentina Reviews & Ratings

4.8/5  Excellent
977  Reviews
See all Argentina tour reviews
Excellent
735
Great
208
Average
5
Disappointing
2
Terrible
0
P

Peter

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Fantastic short tour that gave a taster of the two countries

Fantastic short tour that gave a taster of the two countries.

C

Carol

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

The Highlights of Chile and Argentina tour exceeded my expectations

The Highlights of Chile and Argentina tour exceeded my expectations. We had 15 in our tour group which is an ideal size for a tour. Early November was an excellent t...

K

Katie

Nov 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Fantastic time, would highly recommend it to anyone

Fantastic time, would highly recommend it to anyone!

M

Matthew

Sep 2016

Provided byG Adventures

Everything was great

Everything was great... even the part where I was thrown form a horse. ;-)

L

Lorraine

Jul 2016

Provided byG Adventures

This trip was great

This trip was great. I will definitely do a similar trip in another part of the world with G again and if I am going to South America I would love to have Vanesa as ...

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Argentina Tour Selection Trips

  • Argentinean Spanish is a different dialect than the Spanish spoken in Mexico, Spain and elsewhere. For example, the “ll” sound in other countries (the “yoo” in lluvia) would be pronounced “zzhuvia” in Argentina. Mastering some of these uniquely Argentinean terms will make your trip more fun!

    Whereas some countries in Latin America might be more credit card friendly, Argentina is a cash economy. Plan in advance to pull money out or do so when you arrive in country.

    When searching for tours in Argentina, it is important for travelers to consider which regions they will be exploring. For urban tours, packing lightly with casual clothing is usually sufficient for the amount of physical exertion required and the temperatures. 

    It is recommended that formal outfits are also taken, as the dinner locales that host tango shows usually have an ambiance of finery. 

    Similarly, if travelers want to partake in any of the famous tango classes that are offered by night in Argentina, be sure to wear closed-toed shoes wearing sandals (or other non-closed-toe shoes) will entirely prevent it. 

    In the same way,If you are planning to hike the intense Perito Moreno Glacier, Cerro Aconcagua mountain, or Iguazú Falls, bring proper, supportive footwear. This minimizes the possibility of injuries that could compromise the rest of the trip or lead to a potentially dangerous situation in the more remote areas of Argentina. 

    Layers of clothing are recommended for serious guided tours through mountainous or lowland regions, as this allows for versatility in the case of fluctuations in weather that travelers you are likely to experience. 

    Heavy clothing is required for all guided tours and cruises to Antarctica, as the air temperature and winds can combine to create freezing conditions. Expedition cruises are prepared for these circumstances and maintain warmer temperatures on the cruises or boats. Even still, packing a dry-bag along with at least three layers (base, mid, and outer) for guided hikes during the day is imperative. The outer layer does not always have to be another jacket, as raincoats or windbreakers may be more useful to travelers depending on the weather conditions.

    From a transportation perspective, most guided tours in Argentina provide the ground or air travel accommodations. However, the luxury of these will depend on the type of guided tour that is booked in advance. 

    Since cost-effective tours rely heavily on Argentina’s bus system or shared vans, there is not always space or air-conditioning. Internal flights through the country are largely inexpensive if booked in advance, but they also may be found last minute. This is because there are many daily flights between major cities, yet all have baggage limits which must be considered if travelers are camping or traveling further to rural locations. 

    It is also crucial to bring not just the physical authentic version, but also copies of your passport. This is because Argentina shares many of its most famous natural landmarks with Chile, Brazil, and Uruguay, all of which require valid passports to enter. 

    For those who are embarking on cruises between Argentina and Antarctica, motion-sickness medication may be required, especially in the rougher, summer season as the ice breaks. The summer months of December to February are the only times that cruises from Argentina to the Antarctic may be chartered, an important factor to consider when booking a guided tour ahead of time.

Additional details

Best time to visit Argentina

It is difficult to find a season in Argentina that is not beautiful in its own way. Guided tours of Argentina run year-round throughout the county. It is important to remember that summer and winter seasons are reversed from those in the Northern Hemisphere.

For those who wish to visit Antarctica from Argentina, the only time to do so is during the summer months. These are between December - February, with guided tours beginning as soon as the ice of the Beagle Strait and other bodies of water have melted enough for boats to safely drive.

As soon as the ice starts to set in for the winter months and becomes hazardous, guided tours cease. This makes it imperative to plan a visit to Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego or Patagonia region at least six months ahead of time. Similarly, it is the guides on tours who have both the knowledge and experience to determine when it is safe to still visit these amazing sites in Argentina.

During the fall season (March-May), trips to Patagonia are less likely to be busy, as most travelers head there during the summer months. The stunning color variations in the trees along the mountainsides are ones that few other places in the world can mimic. On the other hand, visiting Patagonia during the spring can be much warmer, but also a little busier.

As the vast biodiversity of flowers and trees bloom, travelers will find themselves enjoying the views of glaciers and summits from grassy knolls. Plus, there will be fewer crowds of people to block the view.

Weather in Argentina

While beautiful, the weather in Argentina is also notorious for fluctuating without warning. Extreme shifts in temperature over the course of a single day are common. The region which travelers are in depends on what changes in weather they can expect while exploring Argentina.

Las Pampas (the lowlands) and the Buenos Aires region are both very popular and temperate for most of the year. However, their winters (June-August) can grow significantly colder, with it being humid and hot during the summer months (December-February).

For those traveling further south, the deserts of the Cuyo region will be dry and extremely hot for nearly the entire year. The winters in this area are not much better, as they are similarly dry and only moderately warm. While the temperatures in the Andes Mountains and Patagonia region drastically differ by altitude, they are largely cool during the summer and freezing in the winters.

Snow becomes a common problem throughout the year, which can negatively impact the viability of guided tours in Patagonia or the Andes as well as transportation. The temperatures in the southernmost regions, Tierra del Fuego limit of Argentina are cold year-round, with summers being temperate and winters being some of the most difficult times to travel.

Ice formation completely eliminates the possibility of traveling by boat in these areas but also makes for stunning additions to glaciers that may be viewed in the springtime.

Packing List for Argentina

Packing for traveling in Argentina can be tricky, especially since the weather is known to drastically change, no matter the region you find yourself in. However, there are a few staples that can help make the adjustment to these weather conditions much more manageable.

Packing layers of clothes that include ones that are not only dry-fit, but also rain jackets or windbreakers will come in handy in both urban and rural regions of Argentina. For the more adventurous travelers, a dry-bag will be useful on guided tours of Las Pampas or Patagonia.

Sunscreen is always important, even on cloudy days, as the high altitude of many regions can lead to painful sunburns if not travelers are not properly prepared. Similarly, having a pair of polarized sunglasses can prevent damage to the eyes from sunlight at high altitudes, as well as aid vision when necessary on guided hikes.

All travelers should bring their physical passport, along with copies to take when on guided tours of Iguazú Falls or Torres del Paine. This is because some sites require day-trips into other countries to reach, all of which do not require visa applications, but need identification.

Packing minimal electronics is important, as they are an expensive commodity in Argentina and have a risk of being stolen. Therefore, travelers may consider investing in a front-facing pack or other methods of keeping cell-phones and other important items closeby.

Is Argentina safe?

As one of the safest countries in the Americas, Argentina has been praised for the political and economic stability that it continues to demonstrate. Since tourism in Argentina continues to grow every year, its population has grown accustomed to an international presence in both urban and remote places.

That being said, it is still important for travelers to be vigilant when it comes to scams and petty theft. These crimes can come in the form of unlicensed taxis, pickpockets, and, at worst case, muggings. Since electronics are expensive commodities in Argentina, travelers should only use smartphones or laptops in coffee shops or bars.

The 100 peso bill is also often targeted by counterfeiters, making it an important skill to spot the fakes when completing transactions. By no means should travelers consider these issues to be limited to Argentina’s cities, as international travelers in rural areas may also become targets.

Traveling in a group is one way to combat these safety concerns. Being out late at night in remote locations is ill-advised.

However, should travelers find themselves in a major city and wish to see the night-life, it is highly recommended that they make their destinations known to others in their group. Since Argentina’s night-life scene is considered one of the best in the world, it is no surprise that the most popular clubs do not even open their doors until 12 or 1 am.

This is an important fact to remember when planning the course of a night, especially with reference to finding transportation back to hotels or hostels. When travelers are exploring cities or landmarks by day, they should research the daily forecast beforehand, as Argentina is notorious for random fluctuations in weather.

Do’s and Don'ts for Traveling in Argentina

Although the typical Argentine is relaxed, there are still some important “do’s and don’ts” when it comes to traveling through the country. For example, tipping in Argentina is usually 10% of the bill. It is not always expected but is important when exceptional service has been provided.

In the same way, it is not uncommon for Argentinians to speak in a direct manner that includes a lot of eye-contact. One kiss on the cheek is a standard way of greeting and saying goodbye to friends and strangers.

Travelers should refrain from speaking about Argentine politics, as it can be a touchy subject for locals.

Argentina is a very fashion-oriented country, making dressing nicely during the day an important part of not “sticking out” as a tourist.

Showing up to a party early or even on time is unusual in Argentina, as being late by 40 minutes or so is typical. Those who are invited to dinners may find themselves hungry if they do not plan accordingly, as dinners in Argentina can be as late as 9 or 10 pm.

This is because most of the nightlife in Argentina does not even begin until 12 am, with some of the best clubs opening their doors as late (or rather, early) as 2 am.

Travelers should also attempt to tango through the many classes that are offered in Buenos Aires. They range in experience level and many locals are happy to show international travelers some of the basics.

The famous yerba maté, drink out of a “bombilla,” is also a staple for travelers who want to experience the full range of Argentina’s culture.

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