tips for travel to antarctica

TRAVEL to ANTARCTICA – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Update)

Here is our complete guide to tell you everything you need to know to travel to Antarctica, based on our experiences of visiting and working on the White Continent six times. 

It may just be the number one bucket list adventure for millions of people around the world – travelling to Antarctica!

The remoteness and expense of this incredible destination makes it an unrealised dream for many, but we’re here to help you on your journey to experience it for yourself!

The White Continent is a truly unique place. From its phenomenal landscapes to diverse wildlife, nowhere else on the planet comes close to its beauty.

And that’s not the only things that make it unique. From a political point of view, did you know that there it is the only continent on earth with no official government and no permanent residents?

That’s because in 1959 a couple of countries signed a treaty that over 40 nations follow to this day.

Visiting Antarctica is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.

Whether you would love to hang around with emperor penguins or go  kayaking in the company of humpback whales , or perhaps even climb one of the world’s seven highest summits, there are plenty of reasons to want to pack your bags and  t ravel to Antarctica !

So read carefully and find out why you should stock up on chocolate, what you should bring on your expedition and how to make the most of your trip!

Antarctica Travel Guide

We’ve been lucky enough to travel to Antarctica 6 times, with more trips booked in the near future, and we can safely say it was by the far the most incredible place we have ever visited.

That being said, it’s not an easy trip to make, and it’s especially not a cheap one, so if you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to embark on a voyage, you’ll be one of only 100,000 people a year that actually visit!

In order to get the most out of your trip you need to be well prepared, so make sure to read through our detailed and informative  Antarctica Travel Guide .

After our very successful tour to Antarctica this season, we are going to be running another exclusive adventure down to the Peninsula in 2025, this time crossing the Antarctic Circle! Check out the  tour page  if you’d like to learn more.

Planning on exploring other parts of the polar regions? Don’t miss our brand new complete guide to help you  travel to South Georgia !

Best Antarctica Cruise – Ultimate Guide to Who & How [2024]

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Here are the basics about travel to Antarctica.

Main Destinations

South Shetland Islands, Port Lockroy, Errera Channel, Lemaire Channel, King George Island

Primarily USD on ships.

ENTRY / VISA:

Visitors to Antarctica do not require a visa, however permits are necessary. These will be acquired on your behalf by the tour operator you are travelling with.

English, Spanish, Russian and others depending on the bases.

Travelling to Antarctica comes with inherent risks such as cold weather exposure and possible wildlife encounters. The remoteness of the destination means medical assistance is not instant. All tour operators have trained medical professionals onboard and will mitigate risks to the best of their ability.

ELECTRICITY:

Depends on the ship you are travelling on.

TRANSPORTATION:

The only commercial airport is on King George Island, with charter flights available from Punta Arenas, Chile. Transport around the continent for tourists is primarily done onboard expedition ships and zodiacs.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN ANTARCTICA

With so much to see and do in Antarctica, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Antarctica you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Step Foot on the Continent

The quintessential experience for anybody visiting Antarctica is to officially step foot on the seventh continent. Make sure you book a tour on a ship that carries less than 500 people (less than 200 ideally) to ensure you can do this.

See our recommended Antarctica cruise operators here .

Go Kayaking or SUPing

Zodiac cruises and shore landings are incredible, but nothing quite beat the silence and connection to nature that you get from kayaking!

Read about how to go kayaking in Antarctica .

Camp Under the Stars

If you love adventure and want real bragging rights, you need to experience the fun of camping the night amongst penguins and icebergs.

Learn about camping in Antarctica .

Do the Polar Plunge

Who would jump off of a perfectly good ship into the frigid Southern Ocean? You, you absolute badass! And you’ll get pictures to prove it.

Zodiac Cruise with Whales

In our opinion, the zodiac cruises you take in Antarctica are often better than the shore landings, particularly if you have epic wildlife encounters. Travel late season for humpback whales!

How to Get to Antarctica

EXCLUSIVE – We have partnered with the world’s top polar tour operator, Quark Expeditions, to offer readers of NOMADasaurus a very special deal on any trip to Antarctica or the Arctic! Contact us ([email protected]) if you’d like to learn more.

READ MORE: Check out our latest guide on how to choose the  best Antarctica cruise !

Departures from South America

• Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands
• Puta Arenas in Chile
• Buenos Aires in Argentina
• Santiago in Chile

Departures from New Zealand & Australia

Can you fly to antarctica.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN ANTARCTICA

READ MORE...

What to Wear in Antarctica – Ultimate Travel Packing List

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There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Antarctica, and while you are limited to where the ship can go based on weather conditions and permits, every location is sure to blow your mind.

At just 1600m wide, the Lemaire Channel is one of the most spectacular vistas on the entire Antarctic Peninsula. Navigating through is never guaranteed, but if conditions allow, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Cuverville Island

Cuverville Island lies between the Errera Channel and the Gerlache Strait, and is home to over 7,000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins.

Deception Island

Deception Island is the caldera of an active volcano, and skilled captains can sail their expedition ships right into the heart of it. It is home to an old, abandoned whaling station.

Hanusse Bay, Antarctic Circle

Hanusse Bay lies south of the Antarctic Circle, and is a wintry, iceberg-riddled and wildlife-dense location on the Peninsula.

Visa Requirements for Antarctica

Antarctica doesn’t belong to any one government or jurisdiction, and for that reason, no visas are required.

That being said though citizens of nations that have signed the Antarctica Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection (USA, Canada, EU and Australia) are required to get prior permission before visiting.

Don’t worry though, as this is organised through your licensed tour operator.

5 Interesting Facts About Antarctica

• It’s the coldest continent in the world, with the temperatures in wintertime dropping below -73°C (-100°F). The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Antarctica, and it was a very balmy -89.2°C (-128.6°F).
• There are no permanent residents of Antarctica, only transit residents (around 1,000), that are usually scientists or workers living in different research stations spread all over Antarctica
• Since Antarctica is situated in the southern hemisphere, winter is from May to October, and summer is from November to April.
• Antarctica is actually a desert! That might be surprising to a lot of people, because when we think of deserts we think of hot, dry, large sand surfaces. Since it doesn’t rain or snow in Antarctica it’s considered a polar desert.
• Antarctica holds 90% of the world’s fresh water!

Keen to learn more? Check out our full list of our favourite  facts about Antarctica !

The Best Time to Travel to Antarctica

Unless you are working for a government organisation, the only time to travel to Antarctica is in the summer.

But what month should you visit in? Well that depends on what you want to see, and what your expectations are.

Read our complete guide on the  best time to visit Antarctica , or read on for more information.

Some may argue that early season is actually the best time to visit Antarctica, because you can see it in its most undisturbed form.

After the long, cold winter, the landscape is covered in a fresh blanket of snow and ice, leaving everything looking clean and pristine (and quite other-worldy).

In terms of wildlife it’s possible to see whales, but not as much as later in the season as the water temperatures are still too cold.

If you visit at this time of year though expect to see lots of penguins, seals and birds.

The main downside to coming in November is that the temperatures are lower and polar ice is still breaking up, which means some areas of the continent are not accessible.

Peak Season – December to February

The peak season coincides with the brief summer, and is by far the most popular time to visit the continent.

Temperatures are at their highest and you get up to 20 hours of sunlight a day!

Whales are starting to visit the waters, baby penguins are plentiful, the birdlife is incredible and you’ll have a much better chance at seeing Antarctica with blue skies.

When we say it is the most popular time to visit though, we mean it. While the tour operators are strictly controlled to where and when they can visit certain areas, you may see other ships around and the foot traffic at the popular spots like Deception Island is much higher.

March to Early April

Late summer in Antarctica is the best time for whale spotting, and while a lot of the other animals have started their migration, you’ll see huge amounts of humpbacks, whales and minkes frolicking in the waters.

This time of year you will have access to almost all areas as the polar ice would have melted.

But with the temperatures slowly starting to drop as the season transitions to winter, it can be unpredictable, and snow storms are more frequent.

We personally believe travelling in the shoulder season is best!

Travel Itineraries Suggestions

When you book your trip to Antarctica your itinerary is more or less determined by whichever journey you sign up for. You can’t deviate from this, so it’s important to pick an itinerary that encompasses everything you’d like to see and do.

Most standard Antarctica itineraries start and finish in Ushuaia, and go for 10 days. This includes 2 days each way to cross the Drake Passage, and a few days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

If you have more time, and would like to see extra places, we recommend looking for a voyage that visits the Falkland Islands and South Georgia as well. These kind of trips usually last for around 17-20 days.

These archipelagos have tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities, and are filled with fascinating history, such as the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

If you want a very in-depth Antarctic Peninsula adventure, you can look at crossing the Antarctic Circle, but only a few select companies do this mission.

We crossed the Circle in 2024 with Quark Expeditions and it was an incredible experience.

Budget for Travelling to Antarctica

We’re going to level with you – A tour to Antarctica is not cheap.

But when you compare everything you get to see and do, as well the remote location of the destination and just what is involved on an expedition, it is actually quite fair.

You can expect to spend anywhere from USD$500 per day right up to $3,000 per day, and this depends completely on the itinerary, the company and the type of berth you want to sleep in on the ship.

If you’re looking to save money on an Antarctica tour, the only way you can do this is to book a ticket last-minute.

Different Styles of Antarctica Tour Packages

When you’re doing your research on trips to Antarctica you might be amazed to see a huge difference in price from one company to the next. So why the fluctuation?

This often comes down to two things – the quality of the ship you will be travelling on, and the reputation of the company.

Cheap Antarctica Tours

Not all companies are created equal, and you need to take this into consideration when booking your trip. If a tour company is super cheap, there’s probably a reason for that.

The service of leaders and staff might not be as good, the ship might be much older, and you might only get a limited number of days on the actual continent.

We’ve seen trips for as cheap as USD$5000. Remember though, you get what you pay for.

Our Secret Tip –  Want to go with a reputable and responsible company to Antarctica, but aren’t ready to pay huge amounts? Book the cheapest cabin on the ship.

You still get the exact same service, same guides, same destinations, same activities, except you’re not paying a huge amount for a fancy room. And the truth is you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway, so save your money and just book a cheap berth with a good company.

There are plenty of luxury cruise ships that visit Antarctica, and if this is what you’re into, then perfect.

These ships will have all the creature comforts you’d expect to find on a high-end cruise ship, with hot tubs, swimming pools, masseuses, elevators, etc.

Luxury Antarctic cruises might include charter flight tickets to the Ushuaia too, so you can avoid any complicated flight itineraries and add maximum comfort during your trip.

Sometimes they are part of longer South America trips that start in places like Montevideo in Uruguay or Buenos Aires, and finishing up in Valparaiso in Chile.

But these tailor-made experiences comes at a hefty price, which can go up to $25’000 (or more)!

Is this the best way to visit Antarctica? In our opinion, sometimes – it depends.

You do get what you pay for. You’ll have a newer, better ship with nicer cabins, higher quality food and potentially more experienced expedition staff.

We’ve travelled at both ends of the spectrum – on super budget trips with companies like Intrepid, and high-end luxury ships with Quark Expeditions.

Both had their pros and cons. It comes down to your budget.

Last Minute Antarctica Cruises

So what about these last minute Antarctica cruises that people talk about? Is it really possible to cruise to Antarctica for less than USD$5000?

Short answer, yes. However last minute means last minute, and you’ll often have to travel to Ushuaia and register your interest with a number of tour operators in the town.

If an opening comes up (such as someone cancelling their trip) you’ll be on a waiting list to join the tour. But you may only be given a day or two’s notice, and you may end up spending a week or more down in Ushuaia waiting to hear.

A family we met managed to score some last-minute Antarctica tickets after waiting more than 3 weeks in Patagonia, and when they got the word that it was happening they had 36 hours to drop everything and get to Ushuaia in time to jump onboard.

If you have the time and funds to stay down in southern Patagonia for a few weeks this can be a viable way to visit Antarctica cheaply.

Can I Work on a Cruise Ship to Antarctica?

Yes, you absolutely can. But the idea that you can literally just show up at the dock and get a job cleaning rooms or working in a kitchen is unfortunately not true.

The employees of these companies have months of training and maritime-grade certifications before they are sent on a trip to Antarctica and often have to sign long contracts.

Sorry, to be bearer of bad news, but no, y ou can’t show up in Ushuaia and get a one-off job on a cruise to Antarctica.

Insider’s Tip – Book A Small Group Expedition

Very few people know this when booking their travels to Antarctica, but if you end up on a ship that has more than 200 passengers onboard, your time on the continent is severely limited!

That’s because IAATO rules states that no more than 200 people from any one voyage can get off the ship at any one time, and no more than 100 people can step foot on the continent at once, so if your tour has more than this, you’ll end up spending a lot of time waiting on the ship while the other group is off exploring.

If you have between 100-200 people onboard, you do what’s known in the industry as a ‘split landing’ – basically half the group go ashore while the other half zodiac cruise, then you swap midway through the excursion.

In our expert opinion this isn’t a bad thing. We personally prefer zodiac cruising anyway.

Even worse though, if you end up booking a large cruise ship with more than 500 people onboard, IAATO regulations mean nobody gets off the ship.

That means you won’t even get the chance to do anything more other than simply look at the landscapes from afar.

And while this is still pretty amazing, in our opinion you’re paying all this money to go there – you may as well actually step foot on Antarctica!

Here’s an article to give you some more  tips on how to choose a tour.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the most isolated places in the world and as such it has managed to maintain its pristine nature with minimum human impact (although climate change is reeking havoc down there).

For anyone wishing to enjoy the dramatic landscapes covered in polar ice and beautiful wildlife, make sure your cruise includes our top places to visit in Antarctica!

The Lemaire Channel

The Lemaire Channel is a narrow passage on the Antarctic Peninsula that is stunningly beautiful to navigate. On all sides you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, tumbling glaciers and glistening icebergs.

It’s also a dream come true for marine life lovers, as you can spot all kinds of seals and even whales, including humpbacks and orcas!

No matter how cold it gets, we guarantee you won’t go below the deck in fear you might miss something!

Deception Island always proves to be a highlight of people’s travels to Antarctica as it is incredibly beautiful, and has a human element to it with the old whaling station.

But why the name Deception Island? That’s because even though it looks like just an island, it’s actually a caldera of an active volcano!

The waters here are a tad warmer than the rest of the seas around, making it a popular spot for people to do the polar plunge.

Vernadsky Research Station

No trip to Antarctica would be complete without spending some time at a functioning science base, and luckily you can do just that at Vernadsky Research Station!

This Ukrainian-run base has a lot of history, and today the scientists working there open their doors to visitors.

It’s even home to the southern-most bar in the world! Read all about it in our article about  Vernadsky Research Station.

South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are a small group of islands about 120km north of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Their location makes them one of the most visited places on the peninsula, and they are a great place to visit in Antarctica because of the huge population of elephant seals and penguins.

South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands

While  South Georgia  and the Sandwich Islands don’t actually belong to Antarctica (they are part of the United Kingdom), we couldn’t write a list about the top places to visit without mentioning this place.

It has been called the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean due to the abundance of wildlife that congregates there.

You can see hundreds of thousands of king penguins hanging out on beaches, 4-tonne elephant seals battling each other for mates and the largest bird in the world, the Wandering Albatross.

South Georgia can be included on a few Antarctic cruise itineraries, so if you have the time we highly recommend visiting.

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Antarctica

So what exactly is there to do in Antarctica? Plenty!

We wrote this comprehensive guide on the  best things to do in Antarctica , but let us break down some of the highlights here.

Camping Under the Stars

Yes it is entirely possible to go  camping in Antarctica , but only if you join the right tour operator that provides the right gear.

It might sound risky because of the extreme weather conditions, but that’s why you should only do it with a company that takes all safety measures seriously.

You will sleep in winter-grade bivvy sacks with high-quality sleeping bags, and the expedition leaders will monitor the weather systems closely to make sure that it’ll be the optimum evening to do so.

The adventure won’t seem as challenging once night sets and you get thrown into a daze by views of the open sky and stars, with zero light pollution around to hide the universe.

Laying under the stars and waking up to the sun rising over the vast snowy landscape will be etched into your mind forever.

Take the Polar Plunge

How does swimming in the world’s coldest place sound to you? Well you can do just that in Antarctica, and it’s an experience that’ll give you the ultimate bragging rights.

Whether you’re jumping from a boat or do a sprint into the icy waters at the beach on Deception Island, it’s going to be frigidly cold. But the pain only lasts a minute, and you’ll have expert guides around you to warm you up with blankets and hot chocolate.

Climb Mount Vinson

For those that want a serious adventure, and have the skills to go with it, why not consider climbing the tallest mountain in Antarctica, Mount Vinson!

The mountain is 4897m high, but of course this isn’t for the average traveller to Antarctica, and you won’t find a standard cruise ship that goes there.

It’s one of the world’s seven highest summits, making it a must-do for any mountaineer looking to achieve the Holy Grail.

Kayaking With Whales

Sea kayaking in Antarctica is one of the best adventure activities on the continent, and it’s easy to see why.

Surrounded by icebergs, calm waters and huge glaciers, you can spend hours paddling around, being constantly amazed at the scenery.

This is the best way to get closer to Antarctica’s rich marine life, and if you’re really lucky, you might even have a close encounter with a humpback whale!

Hanging Out With Penguins

Hanging out with penguins is everyone’s number one item on their Antarctica bucket list.

There are six types of penguins living in Antarctica and they are one of the few animals on the continent that is pretty much a guarantee to see no matter when you go!

The guideline on interacting with wildlife on Antarctica is that you have to keep your distance, at least 5 meters away from all wildlife, but if they approach you that’s no problem!

These friendly birds are very unfamiliar with humans, so chances are they will come right up to you if you just hang out and wait.

Transport in Antarctica

Unless you’re working on a research station, the only form of transport you’ll get to experience in Antarctica is the floating kind.

Cruise or Expedition Ships

The main mode of transport in Antarctica is by ship, and you have a couple of different options – A luxury cruise ship, or a research expedition ship.

Cruise ships are comfortable and luxurious, but they might also lack the character and sense of adventure that you’d expect from a place like Antarctica.

We most recently travelled on a  polar expedition vessel called the Ultramarine , and it was amazing in that they were conducting real-life science research as we went.

Zodiacs (Inflatable Rubber Boats)

This is the most common, and fun way, to get your way around Antarctica.

They are used for getting from your ship to shore, or for just exploring around the gorgeous seas. They are open-air, which means you’re exposed to the elements, so make sure you wear plenty of protective gear.

We’ve already spoken about kayaks before, but if you have the chance to paddle around the continent you should definitely take it!

Safety in Antarctica

While Antarctica truly delivers on the promise of untouched nature and rich wildlife, one should seriously prepare to be exposed to the harsh climate and one of the most dangerous environments in the world.

But don’t stress too much about it – Chances are you’ll only be travelling to Antarctica in the summer, where the temperatures are warmer anyway.

Plus all Antarctic tours have qualified and experienced medical staff onboard, so you’ll be in safe hands.

Rough Sea Weather

When crossing the Drake Passage, which is a gruelling 48-hour journey, there’s a chance that you will encounter some rough sea weather.

Don’t worry though, because expedition ships are designed to charge through even the most turbulent of seas, so even though you might feel scared, the boats are absolutely fine.

If you’re prone to sea sickness you can take strong medication to help, or if you’re absolutely petrified we suggest booking a trip that has a flight to King George Island instead of boarding the cruise ship in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

Walking On Ice

The key to crossing the icy sections of the continent are to have good quality boots.

Sometimes the tour operator will supply you with these boots, but make sure you do your research before you show up.

The guide will offer you some practical advice how to walk across icy sections. Usually those instructions consist of keeping a slow pace and short, confident steps where you plant your feet.

Harsh Climate

The main issue travellers to Antarctica will come across is the harsh climate, so make sure you come prepared.

You need to pack all the necessities before you come, because the right clothing is the most important factor in whether you will have a good time or not.

Learn to layer up, because the temperature can change rapidly, and the last thing you want is to have one giant, warm coat on when the sun comes out, meaning all you have underneath is a t-shirt.

The expedition leaders will keep an eye on the weather to help keep you safe in Antarctica.

Cruise Ship Safety

Most incidents that happen to cruise ships in Antarctica involves the pack ice, but this is an extremely rare occurrence in this day and age.

It’s important to know that your tour operator evaluates all risks and manages the trip around perceived hazards. Safety is their number one priority.

Today we’re able to predict icebergs, pack ice and unexposed hazards with forward-scanning sonar and ice radars, and all cruise ships have them in use.

Medical System in Antarctica

All tour operators have a medical team on-board for any possible health issues you may encounter.

The only thing up to the traveller to take care of is to make sure you get the proper vaccinations before the expedition.

The vaccines that you should be up-to-date on are:

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Diphteria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• Polio vaccine

The risk of acquiring of any of those diseases comes from the fact that they’re easily spread from person to person, and the close living quarters.

You will be sharing same space with people from many different parts of the world which carries an increased risk of contracting a disease.

Packing List for Antarctica

Making sure to pack everything you need for your Antarctica travels is the most vital part of your travel preparations.

Some of the tour operators will supply you with adequate waterproof jacket, pants and boots, but make sure to check with them.

Check out our detailed guide on  what to wear in Antarctica  to get you prepared.

Men And Women

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Boots (with the most grip)
• Thermal underwear
• Thermal socks x2
• Merino wool socks x3
• T-shirts x4
• Long sleeve shirt x1
• Hooded jumper x1
• Down jacket x1
• Wind/rain jacket x1
• Glove liners x1 pair
• Ski gloves x1 pair
• Buff bandana x2
• Sunglasses x1

Miscellaneous Items

• Camera (here’s  our list of the absolute best travel cameras on the market )
• Wide angle & zoom lens
• Spare batteries x4
• SD memory cards x4
• Waterproof cases for electronics

Travel Tips To Antarctica

• Wear layers! In some moments when you physically exert yourself you will start feeling a bit hot so then you should take off a layer. Later on when you feel cold again just put it back on – it’s important to regulate the body temperature.
• Invest in your camera equipment! This is a trip that most people only take once in their lifetime – you want to be sure to  make memorable photos of it.
• When booking your cruise make sure that somewhere it says ‘step foot on the continent’ because some cruise ships don’t allow passengers to leave the vessel!
• Think of flying to Buenos Aries before connecting to Ushuaia. It might end up a cheaper and you can arrive a day or two earlier to explore Buenos Aries.
• Buy a  good travel insurance policy ! Antarctica is so isolated and unpredictable that your travel policy should always include an emergency evacuation charge!

Table of Contents

Read our antarctica blog posts, the best time to visit antarctica – month by month breakdown.

17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Antarctica Travel Tips

• Antarctica / Outdoors

Curious about visiting Antarctica? Here’s everything you need to know.

Stepping foot on our last continent was a dream come true. Thank you, Scenic Luxury Cruises and Tours, for hosting such a memorable trip! 

Before we embarked on our journey, we thought Antarctica was a one-and-done destination, but even during our trip, I started to look up ways I could become a researcher and live there. Penguin counter? Pick me!

Epic doesn’t even begin to describe this frozen wonderland, and if you saw any of my photos and stories, you already know, I couldn’t help but exclaim in ALL CAPS! It was a trip of a lifetime, and I hope it isn’t our last.

Curious about visiting the White Continent? Read our tips to help you plan a trip to the most epic place on earth.

This post may contain affiliate links, where we receive a small commission on sales of the products that are linked at no additional cost to you. All opinions are always our own. Read our full disclosure  for more info. Thank you for supporting the brands that make Local Adventurer possible.

Last Updated: January 30, 2024

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• Best Time to Visit Antarctica
• How Bad is the Drake Passage
• How to Choose an Antarctic Cruise

1. How Long Does it Take to Get to Antarctica?

When visiting Antarctica, most people start their cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Since we live in Las Vegas, we’ll share our travel times from here (no direct flights from LAS to EZE).

• Vegas to Dallas – 2 h 40 mins
• Dallas to Buenos Aires – 10 h 30 mins
• Buenos Aires to Ushuaia – 3 h 20 mins (left 926 am, arrived 1245)
• Ushuaia Port to Antarctica on the Scenic Eclipse II – approximately two days through Drake Passage. It can sometimes take longer, depending on wind and swells.

See More: 25 Amazing Places to Visit Before They Disappear

2. Best times to Visit Antarctica? What are High and Low Seasons? When Do I Need to Book?

The best time to visit Antarctica is from November to March, their summer.

• October – some cruises start at the end of the month. It’s colder, and the days are short, but you get lower fares, enormous icebergs, and pristine landscapes. If you’re on an icebreaker ship, you can even visit remote emperor penguin colonies, the most elusive penguins.
• November – most cruise lines start their season in November. Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap penguins start mating and laying eggs. You’ll also see breeding elephant and fur seals with aggressive mating rituals. The snow is still pristine, icebergs are massive, and you can see the rare emperor penguins. Photographers also benefit from the sun being low. 
• December – the weather warms, and you get 22 hours of daylight. In late December, you’ll see penguin chicks, baleen whales, toothed whales, and humpback whales on the peninsula. Keep in mind that the holidays are the most expensive time to visit.
• January is peak season with 22+ hours of daylight for maximum wildlife watching. The weather is warmest and most predictable, though never guaranteed, and the ice breaks up for ships to cross the Antarctic Circle. You can visit historic huts during land expeditions. Penguin chicks are hatching, and orcas and humpback sightings are common.
• February – Temperatures are still decent, and it is the best time for whale watching with more humpback and minke whale sightings. Sea ice retreats to open the Ross Sea and East Antarctica for visits. Adult penguins are molting, and chicks are learning to swim, so leopard seals and orcas are on the hunt.
• March – the season starts to wind down with colder and more unpredictable weather, but you’ll get better value fares. It’s too late to see penguin chicks, but it’s an excellent time to see young fur seals and whales. It’s another popular time for photographers as the sun dips lower in the sky.

3. How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?

Most cruises are, on average, $8000 and can go up from there, and pricing depends on your cruise, time of year, how many days, and activities. The cheapest cruises start at $5000 and are sail-by cruises, where you don’t land.

The Scenic Eclipse II is one of the most luxurious vessels traveling to Antarctica and beyond the Antarctic Circle. We did a 16-day cruise that starts at $21,335 (the 13-day starts at $19,225). This pricing includes a chartered flight between Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, excursions (besides helicopter and submarine), 24/7 butler service, nine dining options (three of them set, coursed menu), gratuities, room service, alcoholic beverages with a great selection of wine and top-shelf whiskeys, enrichment lectures, fitness classes, spa facilities. Many other cruises start with a lower base price and offer these additional services a la carte. 

We’ll share a breakdown of these costs across different cruise lines later.

4. How Can I Get to Antarctica? Can you fly to Antarctica? Are There hotels in Antarctica?

Antarctica is inhospitable, unpredictable, and potentially dangerous, making independent travel challenging. Most people visit through guided tours and cruises. If you want to land in Antarctica, only smaller expedition ships can land since IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) rules limit the number of people on land at a given time. On a large cruise ship, you can only sail by.

There are no commercial flights to Antarctica, but certain cruises offer chartered flights from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica, where you start your cruise.

No hotels exist in Antarctica. Your options are expedition cruise ships, research stations, and luxury campsites that start at $62,500.

See More: Ultimate Life Bucket List – 1001 Things to Eat, See, and Do

5. How bad is the Drake Passage? Will I Experience Seasickness?

This was the question people asked us most. Antarctic waters are generally calm, but getting there is the challenge. The Drake Passage is known as one of the world’s most treacherous bodies of water. I was worried because I get seasick even on the calmest waters, but the patch combined with Dramamine and the bands did the trick.

We were also fortunate to be on the Scenic Eclipse II, one of the first discovery yachts specifically made for Antarctica. We had up to 23 ft (7 m) swells, and because the stabilizers are 50% larger than any other ship this size, the captain told us we were only feeling 10% of the Drake Shake. Meanwhile, we saw footage of other ship guests being tossed around. I’m not sure I would visit any other way.

The worst Scenic has ever seen was 26.2 ft (8 m) with 72 knots (82.9 mph) winds. We saw a plate or two falling off tables, but for the most part, everything felt stable.

6. Meds to bring?

Always check with your PCP before taking medication.

If you’re prone to motion sickness, pack Dramamine, Scopapoline patch, motion sickness bands, and/or motion sickness glasses. I used everything except the glasses. I’m unsure which remedy worked best, but I didn’t want to take the chance.

We packed Dramamine and bands, but Scenic Medical also provided motion-sickness meds and patches in limited supply. They ran out on the way back through the Drake Passage, so we had to get some patches from a friend.

We also always pack Imodium and Lactaid for all our travels, which we didn’t need.

7. What Should I Pack For Antarctica? How Should I Dress? Are Life Jackets Provided?

Besides the motion sickness remedies mentioned above, you will need good winter gear, and layering is key (packing list coming soon!). Scenic provided a waterproof winter jacket , muck boots, and life jackets that worked well for all our excursions. All you need to pack are base layers, mid-layers, and a waterproof pant layer . I brought a couple of dresses for dinners, but it wasn’t necessary for this expedition-style trip. If you want to wear cute clothes for the ship, that’s entirely up to you.

Also, pack strong enough sunscreen since Antarctica’s ozone layer is thinner , and fresh snow can reflect up to 90% UV radiation.

Pro Tip: Suitcases larger than 30x21x11 in (76x53x28 cms) or weighing more than 50 lbs (23kg) will have an additional excess baggage fee.

See More: The Best Carry On Luggage + How to Pick the Right Suitcase for You

8. How Cold is Antarctica? What Will the Weather Be Like in Antarctica? What is a Discovery Cruise?

Antarctica is the highest, driest, windiest, and coldest continent, with a record low of -128.6°F (-89.2 °C). Ice covers approximately 98% of the continent. 

You will experience much milder temps since you’re visiting Antarctica in the summer and will be along the peninsula instead of interior Antarctica. During the tourist season, November-March, the temperatures on the Antarctic Peninsula are around 34°F (0 °C) and can even be up to 50°F (10 °C). Our friends in Canada and the Midwest had colder temps than we did on our trip.

Antarctica has a very dynamic environment, so it’s essential to be flexible and roll with the punches. Discovery cruises have no set itinerary, and plans may change each day depending on the weather.

Luckily, our discovery leader and captain on the Scenic Eclipse II were great at pivoting to find suitable microclimates to give us the best experience possible each day. I don’t know if we had a unicorn of a trip, but each day, we thought it could not get any more epic, and then the following day exceeded our expectations.

See More: 13+ Best Jackets for Travel for Any Weather

9. What is the Best Antarctica Cruise? How to Choose an Antarctic Cruise

There is a lot to consider when choosing an Antarctic Cruise. Here are some questions to ask yourself:

• What is your budget?
• Is time off a limitation? When do you want to go? The time of year will dictate what you see and your destinations.
• What type of vessel do you want to be on? What amenities, comforts, and services do you look for? Is environmental responsibility a priority?
• Do you want to step foot in Antarctica or sail by? Is a continental landing important to you vs Antarctic islands?
• Where do you want to go? Do you want to cross the Antarctic Circle? Do you want to include a visit to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands?
• Are you looking for specific wildlife encounters? Do you want to see penguin chicks or seal pups? Do you want to catch them during their mating rituals?
• What about milder temperatures and longer days?
• Are you a photographer looking for pristine landscapes and a lower sun angle?

We loved our Douro river cruise in Portugal several years ago and were excited to travel to Antarctica with Scenic again. Not only is it the most luxurious cruise, but the Scenic Eclipse II has massive stabilizers compared to other ships that make going through the Drake Passage bearable.

We were also impressed with their commitment to sustainability. The Scenic Eclipse II was built with state-of-the-art technology and exceeds all current environmental standards. They already reduced sulfur emissions by up to 95% and are going carbon neutral by 2025 (that’s next year!). 

Besides the reusable bottles, water stations, and refillable toiletries, they have a sustainability officer on board to help further reduce waste. The “smoke” you see is water vapor, food waste gets composted or dehydrated to use as dyes, and gray water is triple-filtered to turn back into clean water. The ship also doesn’t drop an anchor to preserve coral reefs. Whenever possible, they source from local markets and even have an onboard herb garden, which we saw growing microgreens.

See More: What You Need to Know Before Your First Douro River Cruise

10. What is the Currency Used Onboard? Do you need to exchange money? What about tipping?

Antarctica is not a country and doesn’t have its own currency. The currency on board the Scenic Eclipse II was US Dollars. Most Antarctic cruises take US Dollars or Euros.

If you spend extra days in Buenos Aires, it may be worth exchanging your money for pesos to get a better rate, but our guide told us the locals prefer US dollars to pesos right now because of the unstable economy. We only stayed overnight, and the cafe we ate at took credit cards.

11. Do I need a visa When visiting antarctica?

You don’t need a visa for Antarctica, but you must have a valid passport for six months beyond your trip.

12. Vaccines? Is it Dangerous in Antarctica?

During our time in Antarctica, Avian Flu was spreading in the Antarctic Peninsula, mostly among elephant seals. Scenic avoided any areas with known outbreaks, so we didn’t need to worry about it.

When we travel, we like to use Passport Health for vaccines. They have travel clinics in the US, Canada, and UK, and are perfect for what we need.

13. Do I need converters?

We always carry t his power converter and adapter since we have two laptops, two phones, and various other electronics that need charging.

Scenic Eclipse II suites had international power sockets (multi-sockets), USB Type-A sockets, and one 110v 60 Hz United States type power socket with a shaver socket. The onboard electricity is 220 volts and 60 Hz.

For your overnight in Argentina, the standard voltage is 220V. Primary sockets require a Type I or Type C plug.

See More: 15 Carry On Essentials for You to Take On Every Flight

14. What souvenirs to buy when visiting antarctica?

The best souvenirs you’ll bring home when visiting Antarctica are your memories and photos. On our trip, Scenic brought the Point Lockroy team from the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust onboard to share more about their work. They also set up a pop-up post office and gift shop where you can buy souvenirs, with proceeds supporting their research.

We typically only buy consumable souvenirs for friends and family, but since this was such a unique opportunity, we sent postcards from Antarctica .

15. What activities do you do in Antarctica? What is a zodiac?

On our Scenic Eclipse II cruise, they had two daily excursions when the weather allowed. These are the activities on our trip.

• Landings – sometimes included a hike or visits to historic huts.
• Zodiac cruises – you see glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife.
• Kayaking was all tandem. It requires calmer conditions.
• Stand-up paddling – required the calmest conditions. You SUP solo, which can be a quieter, more reflective experience.
• Polar plunge – they made it fun with hot chocolate or alcohol of choice waiting for you when you got out of the water.
• Helicopter ride
• Submarine – this was still being constructed when we were on our trip.

A zodiac is a brand that people now use to refer to a genre of boats. They are durable, inflatable boats we used during our trip to get from ship to land or to view wildlife.

If photographing wildlife is a priority, do a zodiac cruise. It’s easier to get around, and you don’t have to worry about your camera gear as much if you don’t have underwater housing. We preferred to kayak and SUP on days when there wasn’t as much wildlife. 

16. What animals live in Antarctica? Do Polar Bears Live in Antarctica?

Wildlife sightings vary depending on the month and location, but this is what we saw in January.

• Common: Adelie penguins, Chinstrap penguins, Gentoo penguins, Crabeater seals, Weddell seals, Snow petrels, Skuas, Humpback whales.
• Less common: Leopard seals, Antarctic fur seals, Minke whales, Albatross
• Rare: Emperor penguins, Blue whales, South Polar skua, Antarctic petrel, Antarctic fulmar, whole Snow petrel colonies, Ross Sea Killer Whales.

They told us it was rare to see orcas this time of year, but we saw several pods. Polar bears only live in the Arctic.

17. Is there wifi in Antarctica? How is the wifi or cell signal?

We did not have any cell signal, but on the Scenic Eclipse II, we had complimentary wifi, and we were surprised at how good it was throughout the cruise. They don’t guarantee wifi quality because it’s affected by weather and location, but we could access everything we needed.

One of the days we were on the navigation bridge, we saw staff making phone calls, which is crazy to think about because, just over 50 years ago, people were risking their lives to explore the continent. Some guests were streaming Netflix, but others had trouble opening Outlook, which may be because of cyber security protection.

Now, who’s ready for a trip of a lifetime? Do you have any other questions about visiting Antarctica? Any other travel tips you can think of if you’ve been?

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“Discovery consists not of seeking new lands but in seeing with new eyes ” – M. Proust

Esther + Jacob

Esther and Jacob are the founders of Local Adventurer, one of the top 5 travel blogs in the US. They believe that adventure can be found near and far and hope to inspire others to explore locally. They explore a new city in depth every year and currently base themselves in Las Vegas.

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11 Things I Wish I’d Known Before Traveling to Antarctica

From the best seasickness meds to how to interpret your packing list—here’s what you need to know before taking an expedition cruise to the white continent..

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In Antarctica, you’ll see many types of sea ice, including ice floes.

Photo by Aislyn Greene

A journey to Antarctica is the journey of a lifetime. And the things you’ll see and experience—the sight of penguins marching along their snowy highways, the sound of a humpback whale surfacing to breathe—will far outweigh any minor hiccups around things like long travel days or figuring out how to pack your suitcase .

That said, there are measures you can take that will make your trip more comfortable, the experience more rewarding, and your memories richer. Every ship and every adventure is different, of course, and you should pay close attention to what your outfitter recommends. But here’s what I learned on my 10-day expedition cruise to the Antarctic peninsula with the French cruise line Ponant .

A universal adapter will come in handy during your layover in Buenos Aires.

Courtesy of Amazon, Design by Ellie See

Don’t forget to prep for Buenos Aires

If your trip involves a couple of days, predeparture, in Buenos Aires, as ours did, make sure to bring lighter layers. The city is hot at the time of year when most Antarctic cruises take place, with temperatures ranging from 70 to 80 degrees.

Remember to bring an adapter. If you’re sailing with Ponant, it has European plugs and USB outlets. Argentina also uses the two-pin European plug, so you would be fine with a single adapter (but of course, a universal adapter will also work.)

Due to the insane inflation rate in Argentina right now ( 161 percent at the time of publishing), there’s no need to bring pesos. However, many places accept U.S. dollars so it’s not a bad idea to have some cash on hand.

However, you’ll likely get a better rate if you pay with a credit card, which is widely accepted in hotels and restaurants. And don’t be surprised if you see two different exchange rates: one for U.S. dollars and one for credit cards (the credit card one will likely be better).

Your cruise line will typically offer a packaged experience, but even 24 hours is enough time to explore on your own in a more local way. (Check out our essential Buenos Aires guide for AFAR’s insider tips.)

Think beyond the usual suspects when it comes to reading before your trip.

When it comes to pretrip reading, consider alternative perspectives

Don’t assume Endurance is the only story out there. Most of Antarctic history and literature revolves around or comes from men—and it’s absolutely worth exploring. But there are also phenomenal books and stories from women, such as Felicity Aston’s Alone in Antarctica: The First Woman to Ski Solo Across the Southern Ice , which I downloaded before our trip. Other recommendations:

• Madhouse at the End of the Earth : Author Julian Sancton takes on the treacherous journey of the Belgica , a ship helmed by a recklessly daring captain. In 1897, he attempted to sail to Antarctica—and got stuck in an icy prison for months.
• The Storied Ice : If you want just one book that can cover much of the history of this glorious continent, try Joan N. Boothe’s comprehensive dive into Antarctic expeditions, from those you know to those you’ve never heard of.
• Antarctica: An Intimate Portrait of a Mysterious Continent , a comprehensive investigation into the human obsession with the continent from science writer Gabrielle Walker.
• Secrets of the Ice: Antarctica’s Clues to the Climate, the Universe, and the Limits of Life , a photo-driven view of the research taking place in Antarctica, from journalist Veronika Meduna.

One surprising suggestion: Don’t binge watch a bunch of Antarctic nature documentaries predeparture, suggests Florence Kuyper, expedition leader on Ponant’s new Le Commandant Charcot ship. “The documentaries are our biggest enemy,” she says. “Like, you watch a David Attenborough documentary. They’re amazing. And then people come on board and they think, ‘Ah yeah, we’re going to see . . . leopard seals on a kill or all that stuff.’ ”

But the filmmakers waited for weeks to film one minute, she reminds us. So she says to do it the other way around: Read about the continent, imagine it, then take your Antarctic trip, and once you’re home, watch all the amazing nature documentaries.

This helps manage expectations, but it also helps build our sense of awe. “It’s nice to be able to discover something for the first time,” she says. “The less you see on the documentaries, the more I think we will discover like a kid for the first time.”

With the right gear in hand, you’ll be as comfortable on the ice as an Adelie penguin.

Pack critical gear in your carry-on

Ships leave when they leave. There’s no waiting for luggage lost by airlines—and as of yet, no Amazon delivery to Drake’s Passage. For that reason, Kuyper recommends packing your winter-gear essentials (including your long underwear, waterproof pants, and sunscreen), as well as any seasickness meds, in your carry-on. Sure, you can buy some of that stuff on the ship and you might have time before the ship departs to grab stuff in Ushuaia, but there’s no guarantee. Don’t take the chance!

Speaking of gear . . . some thoughts on interpreting that packing list

Yes, you absolutely want to be warm, dry, and comfortable. But there’s no need to drop a paycheck at REI to ensure that comfort. Keep in mind that most expeditions take place in the Antarctic summer. “People think it’s going to be like winter,” says expedition guide Yann Rashid . “But it can get quite warm.” Pack for cold weather but don’t be surprised if you wind up peeling off layers at times.

Every cruise line will send a packing list tailored for your journey. Most will emphasize “technical” or “polar” gear, which can seem intimidating. If you’re a skier or snowboarder, much of the gear you already have should be sufficient. If not, you can often rent high-quality snow gear—including gloves and waterproof pants—from a good outdoor store (or borrow from your snow-loving friends). If you invest in anything, make it a set of high-quality thermal underwear and sturdy waterproof pants—on an expedition cruise, you’ll definitely get wet in the Zodiacs, the inflatable dinghies that carry travelers from ship to shore.

Lightweight strap-on crampons can give you extra traction while hiking on snow.

I found that one set of everything (save for socks and beanies) got me through the 10-day trip. I just hung items to dry in our cabin between outings. If your expedition will involve a lot of hiking, you might bring an extra base layer. If you’ll be hiking on snow, definitely bring hiking poles, which were listed as recommended, but not mandatory, on our list. If you want extra traction, bring a set of lightweight strap-on crampons that will fit over your boots.

Most lists recommend a waterproof backpack, such as the kind you’d use on a rafting trip. You can also get away with a regular backpack and a dry bag that fits inside. Just make sure it’s large enough to fit any layers you might peel off if you get hot on an expedition.

Expedition leader Florence Kuyper recommends binoculars, especially because there are times where the ship or Zodiacs can’t get close enough to something you might want to see. But whatever you bring, she says, test out the gear at home and make sure you’re comfortable with it before you get on the ship. Because if you’re fiddling with, say, walking poles you’ve never used before, “you lose time there,” she says. “And that’s such a pity.”

Three things that weren’t on my packing list but you might want

A sunglasses loop: It’s a pain to take sunglasses on and off with bulky gloves—easier to just hang them around your neck when they’re not in use.

Kuyper also recommends ski goggles for travelers whose eyes tear up easily in the cold.

Tech-compatible glove liners: If you’re planning to take a lot of photos with a smartphone, bring a pair of glove liners with touch-screen capability . Often, I found that I didn’t need my bulky waterproof gloves, but it was too cold to go without anything on my hands, which made photography more challenging.

A pair of cozy slip-on boots are ideal for lounging on the ship.

Courtesy of Bogs Footwear, Design by Ellie See

Cozy slip-on boots: Your ship will likely provide you with expedition boots, so no need to bring your own. But you’ll also want something less burly—a pair of shoes that are comfortable enough for the ship but warm enough that you can hop outside at a moment’s notice (like when the captain comes on the loudspeaker to announce that whales are on the port side). I had boot envy for this squishy, insulated pair .

The key to dealing with Drake’s Passage? Be proactive.

Be proactive about seasickness

If there’s one thing nearly all Antarctica-bound travelers fear, it’s Drake’s Passage. You can’t control whether you’ll get the Drake Shake or the Drake Lake, but you can take steps to minimize effects. Your captain will clue you into the expected conditions before you depart Ushuaia for the notorious passage that stretches between Argentina and the Antarctic peninsula. If you’re lucky enough to get a mild crossing (as we were), Dramamine is likely enough. Keep in mind that “mild” for Drake’s Passage still means you’re dealing with 9- to 12-foot swells, high enough to make most people a little queasy.

If you’re especially prone to seasickness, or just anxious about it, ask your doctor about patches. I used the Transderm Scop, a small patch you apply beneath the ear, which is also the medicine Ponant’s doctor recommends. (I skipped it on the way over because the side effects—dry mouth, drowsiness, and blurred vision—are common and not fun. But all of those side effects were worth it to feel OK on the rockier trip back.) If you really want to pull out the big guns, you might ask your doctor about Promethazine, which is reportedly what the Coast Guard uses to battle seasickness.

Ginger candies or a topical oil can help ease symptoms of seasickness.

Whatever you take, take it the moment you set foot on ship—or ideally a few hours before. Once seasickness hits, it’s tough to overcome. Consider bringing ginger candies and a topical oil , which can help ease symptoms. Two tips I gleaned from our crossing: If you feel ill, park yourself in the lowest, most central part of the ship (ideally in a place with windows). For us that was one of the dining rooms. It may seem unappealing but some say a full stomach can prevent seasickness. So snack on bread, saltines, or a green apple (it’s believed that the combination of acid and sugar helps settle the stomach).

And be sure to pack enough of whatever meds you choose to last the entire trip—don’t expect the ship to carry what you need.

Wear sunscreen and shower early

Wear sunscreen, no matter the weather. Reapply as often as you can. And put it everywhere—yes, even in your nose. As I discovered, it is possible to get a nostril sunburn (from the sun reflecting off the snow) and it is as unpleasant as it sounds.

Take a shower as soon as you can onboard (and shave, if that’s something you do). It might be the last chance you have for 36 to 48 hours—you never know what Drake’s Passage will bring. And even during our “mild” crossing, it was extremely difficult to shower in the roll. And forget about shaving.

Everlane’s cotton or cashmere sweaters can be dressed up for dinner or simply worn while lounging around.

Courtesy of Everlane, Design by Ellie See

But don’t overpack for formal nights

If you’re traveling with a ship such as Ponant, the galas may sound fancy—and they certainly can be—but there’s no need to pack a tux or a ball gown. For women, a black cocktail dress or dressier black pants are perfect for most events; for men, a nice jacket and tie will suit most occasions. If your cruise line swings more glam, as Ponant does (i.e., no activeware allowed in the dining rooms), be sure to have a good mix-and-match wardrobe that will get you through at least a week of lunches and dinners. I found that elegant sweaters, such as the cotton, cashmere, or alpaca ones from Everlane , were perfect: easy to dress up for dinner but casual enough to wear lounging around.

Keep your camera needs in check . . .

This may be a controversial one, but if you don’t already have a fancy digital camera, you don’t need to buy one for your trip. I traveled with nothing but my iPhone, and while I wish I’d brought a zoom lens for a few occasions, I was overall very happy with the images I captured. Plus, there are likely to be so many avid photographers onboard, that you’re sure to make friends with one of them (as we did—and a week after we returned, he shared his link of fantastic images with us).

Antarctica cruise itineraries change frequently depending on the weather, so remember to go with the flow.

. . . And don’t forget to step out from behind the lens

It was a constant dance for me: Do I try to capture this moment with my camera? Or do I watch and try to sear the experience into my memory?

A month out, the moments moved me more than the photos. There was the morning I stood on the bow of the ship and listened as we headed through an eerie sea of melting brash ice, which sounded like the world’s largest bowl of Rice Krispies as it crackled and popped. The day a group of us sat down in the snow and watched as hundreds of Adelie penguins waddled from one end of the snowy beach to another. And the day we stood on the deck of the bridge as we cruised past A57A, a massive tabular iceberg so etched by the wind it looked as though hundreds of artists had carved murals into the sides of the ice.

I’m so glad I took the time to drink in those moments instead of snapping a thousand photos. And if you need more inspiration to put the camera down, consider this maxim from longtime Ponant naturalist Chris Coxson: “The sightings are best when the camera’s at rest.”

Let your experience unfold

One tip I heard, again and again, from the naturalists: Don’t come in expecting anything. Don’t expect to see a glacier calve, whales feeding, or for your trip to match the brochure. Expedition ships are meant to pivot with the weather, and what’s listed on an itinerary will likely be very different from what you actually do. But that’s the beauty of Antarctica: The moments you experience will be wildly different from those of people who travel before or after you. Your trip will be yours alone.

“Once you’re convinced that you want to go to Antarctica and you booked your trip, just let go of all your expectations,” Kuyper told me. “Just feel joy to go there and let the teams on board organize it. Because honestly, they only want the best of the best. And if we change things, it’s always for the better.”

This article was originally published in 2019 and most recently updated on January 22, 2024, with current information.

Antarctica Travel Guide

Your ultimate antarctica travel guide, with tips, ideas on things to do, and best things to see in antarctica. great for first-time and returning travelers..

The penguins are adorable, the seals are spectacular and the whales have that “Wow Factor” that take your breath away when they pop up beside your zodiac.

They could all easily be the stars of Antarctica but they’re not. The real star of Antarctica? Ice. 

We couldn’t get enough of looking at the different hues in the ice. The amazing icebergs make you stand in wonder. Listening to ice break off of a thousand-year-old glacier from the seat of a kayak is overwhelming.

And catching seals sleeping on ice flows in the middle of the Antarctic Peninsula is astounding. 

This Antarctica travel guide will help you plan your next vacation.

Popular City Guides

• How to Pack for Antarctica
• Things to do in Antarctica
• Antarctic Expedition

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Antarctica

• There is no standard plug or voltage in Antarctica. Rather, each station or expedition ship has its own distinct power supply and outlets.
• Antarctican dollars are collector’s items and are produced by the  Antarctica Overseas Exchange Office.  Nevertheless the bills are not legal tender in Antarctica or in any other continent.
• The only way to get to Antarctica is via ship and operating tours there can be very expensive. It is sometimes possible to find last-minute bargain prices in Ushuaia (Argentina), however most tours are fully booked months in advance.
• Each ship runs its own onboard pay system differently, most of the time bills can be settled in cash, traveler’s check or credit cards in either the national currency (in Ushuaia that would be the Argentine Peso) or in USD.
• No single government controls Antarctica, so visitors do not need visas to go there.

Things to See and Do in Antarctica

• Spot Penguins – When visiting Antarctica there is one thing you are guaranteed to see….penguins. They just may be the cuteness little animal on earth. They are the most curious creatures.
• Take a Zodiac Tour of Pleneau Bay  – Pleneau Bay is an incredible display put on by Mother Nature where you will find an iceberg graveyard. Yes, there is such a thing as an iceberg graveyard and this bay is filled with some of the most extraordinary ice formations you will ever see.
• Paradise Bay – paddle beside icebergs surrounded by glaciers on the icy blue waters of Paradise Bay in Antarctica
• Visit Deception Island  – It’s an island of doom where the worst acts of human nature played out on its shores. A land of slaughter and blood situated on an active volcano waiting to erupt.
• Go Camping on the Continent – This is a once in a lifetime opportunity. It’s cold and crazy but so much fun.
• Do the Polar Plunge – Sure it’s scary, but how often do you get to jump in the icy waters of Antarctica?
• Go Kayaking – Being on a ship is cool, but kayaking around icebergs and ice flows is amazing.

Antarctica Travel Guides

• How to Pack for an Antarctica Cruise
• Amazing Antarctica in Photos
• Arctic or Antarctica? How to Choose your Polar Expedition
• Sea Kayak Antarctica
• 11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica
• A Post Office in Antarctica

Accommodation

Antarctica is one of the most expensive places to visit on earth since you must go on an organized cruise or expedition. But there are different budgets. If you fly or travel to Ushuaia, Argentina, you can book last-minute trips and receive up to 50% off.

• Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation in Ushaia, Argentina.

There is no accommodation on Antarctica, people must stay on an expedition ship.

ince there isn’t a local settlement or culture on Antarctica, the food you get is what you have. Expedition ships prepare some pretty amazing meals.

The Best Ways to Get Around Antarctica

Getting to antarctica:.

Getting to Antarctica : There are a few ways to get to Antarctica. Some expeditions go through Ushuaia and some through New Zealand. It is possible to fly direct to Antarctica

Flights: You can check for the best flights to Ushuaia Argentina on  Skyscanner .

When to go To Antarctica

The season for Antarctica travel is from November to February.

You cannot travel to Antarctica independently and must book a cruise, flight or expedition. We went with Quark Expeditions on The Sea Spirit.

Where to Stay in Antarctica

There is no accommodation on Antarctica. If you are going with an organized expedition, you’re company will include a hotel stay in Ushuaia before your departure.

Check out our favorite booking platforms Booking.com , Tripadvisor and VRBO for the best deals on accommodation in Ushuaia.

What to Pack for Antarctica

The weather in Antarctica is the coldest on the Earth, it is, after all, a high flat plateau of ice covered in snow throughout the year. 

Winter is known for its freezing dry air and unforgiving winds and the summer temperature usually rests below 0°C. In short, bundle up!

• Base Layer  – the base layer should be made of wool or synthetic fabrics – these fabrics offer superior moisture-wicking and temperature control protection.
• Mid Layer  – combined with your base layers, these layers will keep you warm. It is recommended to pack fleece tops and fleece-lined pants.
• Outer Layer –  pack top quality waterproof pants and a waterproof (not water repellent) windbreaker.
• Head, fingers and toes  – don’t forget to cover up with waterproof gloves, an insulated hat and tall wool socks.
• Waterproof Rubber Boots –  some expeditions provide these, but if not then make sure to pack a pair! They  need  to be waterproof so that your feet will not get wet when you step into shallow ice water during Zodiac landings
• Waterproof, waterproof, waterproof  – we can’t stress this point enough. Pants, jackets, gloves and shoes should all be fully 100% waterproof to protect from rainy weather and zodiac landings.
• Sunscreen / Chapstick / Lotion –  you will get dry hands, face and lips in the bright sun and dry air, so make sure the bring the basics. 

See our packing tips for  How to Pack for an Antarctic Cruise

Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

Whenever we travel to we make sure to start with these companies. We have tried a lot of different ones over the years and all of these have consistently proven to be the best when it comes to offering great prices.

We have used every one of these personally and continue to do so.

• Booking.com : This is our go site to when comparing prices for accommodation. It usually has the cheapest prices, especially in Europe and we love their interface. Not to mention you get free cancellation and you are guaranteed the best price.
• Trip Advisor :  What we like about Trip Advisor is that we can look at all the reviews and then book our accommodation. TripAdvisor is where we go when we want to compare prices with multiple accommodation providers.
• VRBO : is the main search engine we use when we are looking for a home or apartment rental. It can sometimes be cheaper than hotels and it is the best way to stay in areas that offer a more local feel.
• Hostelworld :  With one of the largest databases of hostels in the world, Hostelworld is the go-to site when you are looking for budget accommodation.
• Skyscanner : This is the first place we check for flights. It consistently comes back with the cheapest and best options. It allows us to compare a lot of airlines to get the best price.
• Rome 2 Rio :  If you want to see how to get somewhere by plane, train, bus, ferry or car Rome2Rio lays it all out for you as well as related costs.I love how they show it all to you on a Google Map and it works offline.
• Get Your Guide:  For all your day trip and city guide needs, we use Get Your Guide. It has the world’s largest collection of things to do with more than 30,000 activities in 7500 destinations.
• World Nomads Insurance:  When traveling to Italy you should always have travel insurance. We have found the best bang for your buck is by far World Nomads.

Antarctica Travel Guide: Related Articles

19 Best Things to Do in Antarctica In 2024

Fascinating Facts About Antarctica

Antarctica Photography – 8 Easy Tips and Tricks

Ask LP: how can I travel to Antarctica?

Oct 7, 2020 • 3 min read

Antarctica's tourist season starts in November © DreamPictures / Getty Images

The far south of the world may have escaped the pandemic that’s locked down life elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean this summer season is smooth sailing. Antarctica has no cases of COVID-19  – partly due to efforts to keep it that way, and partly reflecting the restrictions placed on other countries. This impacts scientists who make up the temporary residents of the continent and also threatens the Antarctic tourist season, which generally runs from November to March or April.

In a normal year, travelers would converge on Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile), and, less frequently, ports in New Zealand and Australia to embark on the long journey south. The shortest route – across the swells and choppy waters of the Drake Passage from South America – takes two to three days to reach the Antarctic Peninsula . Air options like DAP’s overnight trips to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands ($6500 per person from Punta Arenas, Chile) usually gives another way to reach the far south from South America for a more limited time. Services are currently suspended.

There are two big obstacles to getting to Antarctica this year. One is the lack of cruises – most operators have cancelled their schedules for the remainder of the this year and early next year. If cruises can happen at all this season it will be towards the end of the usual period of operation. Hurtigruten has cancelled Antarctica departures until January 2021, but hopes to resume operations then. 

The other is the inaccessibility of gateway destinations. At the time of writing there’s no way into Chile , Argentina , New Zealand and Australia for foreign tourists. All these countries have closed their borders to non-nationals since March, and Argentina has recently paused plans to allow international flights back into the country until at least October 11. In all likelihood, this will be longer. Sub-Antarctic destinations have their own entry restrictions. The Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) are only accessible for essential travel with reduced air links. In order to reach Antarctica, any departing travelers heading south would need to transit Argentina (or one of the other jumping-off countries) and transfer directly to their cruise ship. As you’d expect there’s no confirmed plan for this at present. 

Adding all this up, 2020–21 may be a better time to save for a future Antarctic odyssey. However knock-on demand for 2021–22 is likely to be strong, as capacity is always limited and there is an Antarctic solar eclipse in November next year. That said, specialist travel companies are also keen to encourage booking, and deals for next year are available through experts like Discover the World .

One way for ice-cap enthusiasts to get their fix from Australia is to take a seat on one of the  scenic overflights of the continent run by Antarctica Flights . These 12 hour journeys – using a 787 Dreamliner for the first time – depart from various Australian airports from November to March. They don’t touch down and therefore count as a domestic charter flight. Currently there is not a requirement to wear a mask on these flights.

You might also like:

Is it sustainable to visit Antarctica?    How to pack for a trip to Antarctica    The eternal lure of icebergs: fulfilling a life-long dream of visiting Antarctica   

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Wanderful - Blog

• Travel Guides

Antarctica Travel Guide for Your Trip-of-a-Lifetime

• Posted by by Wanderful Team
• February 28, 2020
• 8 minute read

This Antarctica travel guide was created for all our Wanderful women and allies taking this adventurous journey! Wanderful partnered with Intrepid Travel to bring 100 Wanderful women and allies aboard an 11-day journey around this magical landscape.

While some of the details in this guide are specific to our journey, there is also ample information for any Antarctica traveler!

Traveling to Antarctica is no simple feat. While there are a variety of options for cruises, solo travel is virtually impossible and land-based adventures are rare.

Our Antarctica trip with the fabulous folks at Intrepid Travel, who are experts in adventure group travel and polar expeditions, provides a responsible way to travel.

Interested in joining our Antarctica adventure? Book your spot now!

Intrepid Travel has been taking folks to Antarctica for years — to massive praise and approval. As one solo female traveler wrote “If Antarctica is a dream of yours, make it happen as soon as possible. It is truly the journey of a lifetime. You’ll leave the white continent feeling fulfilled, accomplished, in awe of our planet, and with a special bond to the special souls that accompanied you.”

If that’s not enough of a ringing endorsement, then read on to learn what you can see and do an epic adventure to Antarctica.

Looking for travel inspiration? Wanderful is a global community for travel-loving women. Connect with us !

Antarctica Travel Guide

Travel to Antarctica is highly restricted due to its remote nature and multi-national agreements. Since Antarctica is not owned by any nation, it is instead governed by treaties. Traveling to Antarctica is therefore only done with authorized companies and responsible guides.

This Wanderful Antarctica trip will be departing on 11 January 2023. Yes, the trip is booked TWO years out! 

The reason for such advance planning is, primarily, due to the costs involved. Wanderful wants as many community members and allies to join us as possible, so we scheduled a full two years to try to help folks plan their budget as best they can. 

The trip will take place on Intrepid’s 200-seat Ocean Endeavour , with 100 spots reserved for Wanderful friends, family (over age 15), and community from around the world. 

Wanderful travelers will also benefit from special community activities while onboard and — as we lead up to the trip — we’ll help you get ready, meet travel buddies, and save for this unique journey.

If you’ve been dreaming of visiting Antarctica, now is the time. Wanderful and Intrepid Travel are offering the trip-of-a-lifetime! Here is the full Antarctica itinerary…

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Our travel to Antarctica actually begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, which is the world’s southernmost city. Often called “the end of the world” Ushuaia will host you on your first night and you will be briefed at the hotel to prepare for embarkation the next day.

Day 2: Ushuaia – Embarkation Day

We will board the Ocean Endeavour, settle into our cabins, and begin cruising down the stunning Beagle Channel, named for Charles Darwin’s ship. The channel transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America. As the ship pulls away from the port, there’s always an air of anticipation! 

Wave goodbye to Argentina, knowing that the next time you see land, you’ll be staring at The White Continent herself.

Days 3-4: Drake Passage

The time has come to cross the Drake Passage, the legendary body of water named after English explorer Sir Francis Drake.

If the conditions are right, enjoy some time out on deck to spot dolphins, orcas or perhaps albatross. Or take advantage of the Ocean Endeavour’s fantastic facilities, including a heated saltwater pool, saunas, gym, library, and yoga classes all available. 

Safety briefings and a comprehensive lecture program occur throughout the journey, delivered by experts in Antarctica’s history, geology, and biology. 

Note that the Drake Passage can be rough at times, so anyone prone to seasickness may want to take precautionary measures. This passage can change dramatically, even called Drake Lake when it’s calm and smooth.

Rough waters aren’t reason enough to avoid this adventure – you may have very smooth sailing all the way through! And the Ocean Endeavour is well-equipped for maintaining balance and calm.

Days 5-8: Antarctic Peninsula

Once the Antarctic Convergence is left in your wake, we will begin our four incredible days of exploring the Antarctic Peninsula. 

From the landscape to the wildlife, from the adventurous activities to the educational opportunities…these four days will inevitably be life-changing! 

Days 9-10: At Sea

The return journey to Ushuaia will be filled with moments of sharing photographs with fellow travelers, continuing your wildlife spotting, and enjoying the final lectures from your polar experts. You can also bask in the benefits of this beautiful vessel, maximizing your time at sea with utter relaxation.

Day 11: Ushuaia – Disembarkation Day

Bid farewell to your new friends and carry these incredible memories away with you. Whether you head straight home or extend your journey around Tierra del Fuego or beyond, Ushuaia is your final port of call after an Antarctica adventure!

Best Time to Travel to Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica can only be done during the summer months, which are the winter months for the northern hemisphere. The sailing season for Antarctica begins at the end of October, though the peak season is December and January.

January is the warmest month in Antarctica, which is also — technically — a desert! Because Antarctica receives such little rainfall each year, it is actually a desert. 

During the peak season, you can expect around 20 hours of daylight. Temperatures are at their highest, but don’t expect summer warmth! You can expect -5 to 5℃ (23 – 41℉) for this time of year. 

Since this is the best weather time in Antarctica, you can also expect to see the highest number of visitors. While travel to Antarctica is fairly restricted, there will still likely be other ships out and about during these peak months. While this shouldn’t impede your adventure, you should still know the likelihood of seeing other vessels. 

Wildlife sightings can change based on the time of your visit as well. Migrations and mating affect what you might see at any given time. February and March, for example, are actually best for whale watching, with humpback and sperm whales quite common, in addition to orcas.

Antarctica Travel Cost

Antarctica travel is not cheap. Due to its remoteness and the inevitable costs involved with such a trip, this journey is — understandably — considered to be a once-in-a-lifetime adventure. 

Costs range based on the amenities of your expedition. For the most basic of Antarctica travel options, you can expect to pay at least $5,000. For more mid-range trips, these costs are typically around $9,000 – $13,000. 

The costs reflect the unique nature of this journey. Consider the following unusual aspects:

• Antarctica is most commonly reached by a charter flight to King George Island or a 2-day ship crossing from Argentina
• A ship undertaking such a challenging journey requires a large, professional crew
• A journey to Antarctica is highly restricted to preserve the delicate ecosystem there
• The ships allowed to sail through this challenging area must be equipped for the various natural obstacles, including having ice-breaking capacity

Additional costs you need to consider for your Antarctica travel include your international flights, which need to include flights to Ushuaia for this particular itinerary.

Your costs are inclusive of your accommodations and meals, plus all educational opportunities and most excursions. Additional excursions you might opt to include, as well as drinks, will be charged separately. 

Also remember to budget for tips for the hardworking crew! While optional, gratuity is considered to be standard for such an adventure.

Intrepid offers a suggestion of $13 – $15 per day for the ship’s crew and hospitality staff, plus $3 – $5 per day for your expedition team. The actual amounts are, of course, up to your discretion.

Things to Do in Antarctica

Travel to Antarctica can include a wide variety of experiences that are unique to this incredible landscape and location. While you can kayak and swim anywhere in the world, doing so around the Antarctica Peninsula is a rare feat!

Here are some of the top things to do in Antarctica during your trip…  

Wildlife Encounters

Wildlife encounters in Antarctica are a massive draw to such a remote location. Similarly to the Galapagos Islands, the wildlife in Antarctica don’t tend to fear human interaction.

This can lead to some awe-inspiring moments of being in close proximity.

It is very important to note that you must keep a respectful distance. A general rule is to stay at least 5 meters/15 feet away from any birds, seals, or other wildlife.

Try to keep noise to a minimum so as not to disturb their natural environment. And take care not to surround any animals – be aware of the others in your group in relation to the wildlife.

Some animals you might encounter in Antarctica include up to 7 species of penguin, up to 6 species of seal, up to 7 species of whale, and countless birds. Keep an eye out for the notable albatross! Take a look at the wildlife you might spot right here .

Landscape Wonders

Antarctica travel is focused around the astounding views and landscape of the Great White Continent. You will enjoy stunning vistas from the ship and from your zodiac, as well as many opportunities to explore the landscape itself.

Exact landing sites will be based upon the weather and other conditions of the day. 

As a nearly pristine environment, Antarctica must be protected so these views can be enjoyed by future generations as well.

Any time you will explore on land, you will wear special boots. These are provided for you and will be decontaminated after every excursion to avoid cross-contaminating seeds, plants, soil, or bacteria between locations.

Of course, global rules of leaving no trace and taking no souvenir apply here, too. Never leave anything behind, including engraving anything into rocks. And never take anything with you — leave it exactly as you found it. 

Finally, take care where you place your feet, including your tripod feet! Some rocks on the Antarctica Peninsula are covered in moss or lichen that is delicate and takes years to grow. 

Intrepid Travel focuses on responsible travel, especially for travel to Antarctica.

Learn all about their business standards and expectations for travelers right here .

On-Board Learning

A key element of traveling to Antarctica is learning more about this incredible continent. On board the ship, you can partake in a wide variety of lectures on topics ranging from wildlife to glaciers and more. These learning sessions enhance your experience and help you truly maximize this once-in-a-lifetime adventure.

Kayaking Adventures

Kayaking is an optional excursion that could possibly get you up close and personal with wildlife. It’s also a great way to be active while on the water! Overall, a trip to Antarctica does not require a high fitness level. Adding a kayak adventure can get your blood flowing and warm you up a bit!

Polar Snowshoeing

Another optional excursion you can pre-book is a polar snowshoe adventure. If you love hiking and have a moderate level of fitness, this is a fantastic way to explore more and really delve into the landscape here on The White Continent. 

Zodiac Boating

Any time you leave the ship for an excursion, you will be heading out on a zodiac. These sturdy inflatable boats carry small groups for better flexibility and maneuverability. You’ll have great adventures via these expeditions!

Take the Polar Plunge!

You might have done a polar plunge on New Year’s Day before. But there’s nothing quite like jumping into the freezing cold sea around Antarctica, surrounded by glaciers and icebergs! Take the real polar plunge and prove to yourself just how brave you can be.

Extending Your Trip

On top of all the amazing things you can do while traveling to Antarctica, you can also take advantage of ending up at the end of the world. Ushuaia is often referred to as the end of the world as the world’s southernmost city. Before or after your adventure to Antarctica, you can opt to extend your trip and explore the region.

Easy access to the stunning Tierra del Fuego should certainly be tempting. With ample outdoor adventures to enjoy, this stunning landscape makes the long international flights well worthwhile.

If all else fails, this is the land of amazing red wine and steak! Get your fill before heading back home to tell everyone about your incredible adventures.

Are you ready to join us on the adventure of a lifetime?!

Book your spot to travel to Antarctica . You won’t regret it!

Wanderful Team

We are the Wanderful Team, helping connect women travelers everywhere. Join our international membership community of globally-minded women to connect, learn, share, and celebrate! Visit sheswanderful.com/join

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The 7 top antarctica cruises for 2024 + tips from an expert.

Plan your next epic adventure to the White Continent.

The Top Antarctica Cruises

Yuri Matisse Choufour | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

Experience otherworldly beauty on an Antarctica cruise.

An expedition to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure for intrepid travelers who want to explore this remote destination at the bottom of the world. The landscapes are surreal, with eerily blue icebergs, towering ice-capped mountains, dramatic weather conditions that change within seconds and species of wildlife that exist nowhere else on Earth – it's hard to imagine until you've made the long journey yourself.

The fifth-largest continent is home to the largest ice sheet on the planet, the Antarctic Ice Sheet, as well as the Transantarctic Mountains, with peaks soaring more than 14,700 feet into the sky. West Antarctica has volcanoes that are part of a tectonically active area around the Pacific Ocean known as the "Ring of Fire." This incredibly diverse and magical part of the world also has the coldest temperature ever recorded at -135.8 degrees Fahrenheit in 2010.

U.S. News has compiled a selection of seven different Antarctic experiences to help you plan your bucket list adventure to the White Continent.

Book an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea , a service of U.S. News.

Atlas Ocean Voyages: 11-night Ushuaia Roundtrip

Courtesy of Atlas Ocean Voyages

This 11-night expedition with Atlas is available on several dates in 2024. One highlight of the voyage is crossing the Antarctic Circle, along with four days exploring Antarctica and two days spent in the South Shetland Islands. You'll also have two days en route to Antarctica and two days on the return trip on the famed Drake Passage – also known as the "Drake Lake" (on smooth days) or the "Drake Shake" (when the seas are rough).

During your days at sea, take in all the onboard lectures and films about Antarctica, and head outside on the decks to see petrels and albatrosses soaring overhead. This is the perfect opportunity to practice your photography skills before reaching the Antarctic Peninsula, where you want to take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints.

Atlas' Jan. 14 expedition is on the line's newest ship, World Voyager. The purpose-built yacht-style vessel features a hydro-jet propulsion system that's quieter and less disruptive to the fragile ecosystem. This feature also provides the opportunity for guests to see more wildlife during up-close encounters. Pricing is all-inclusive on board the ship with free open bars; all meals, wines, spirits and craft beers; a stocked in-room minibar; all landings, Zodiac excursions and lectures; the use of kayaks, walking sticks, knee boots and binoculars; and a souvenir Atlas jacket to take home. Fares also include a one-night pre-cruise stay and private charter jet service round-trip from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, Argentina.

Aurora Expeditions: Antarctic Peninsula in Depth

Tyson Mayr | Courtesy of Aurora Expeditions

Aurora offers a 14-night Antarctic intensive voyage sailing round-trip from Ushuaia on Nov. 6, 2024, aboard the 132-passenger purpose-built expedition ship Greg Mortimer. This vessel was the first passenger ship to utilize the state-of-the-art Ulstein X-BOW, which provides a smoother, quicker and more efficient transit across the ocean. The ship also incorporates many environmentally conscious features, including low energy consumption and virtual anchoring, which protects the sea floor and minimizes damage caused by traditional anchors.

Guests will find expansive observation decks and hydraulic viewing platforms for optimal wildlife viewing on board. Other highlights of the expedition are nine full days to explore the Antarctic Peninsula in nearly 24 hours of daylight at the peak of summer. During this time, you can expect to see whales arriving to feed on the plentiful krill, fur seal pups and many entertaining penguins.

Prices are mostly all-inclusive, with a one-night hotel stay before boarding the ship; all meals, snacks and complimentary nonalcoholic beverages; beer and house wine at lunch and dinner; the use of Muck Boots for the expedition; all shore excursions and Zodiac cruises; educational lectures; and more. Adventurous explorers can add on activities (at an additional cost) such as sea kayaking, snowshoeing, camping, and skiing or snowboarding. The line also offers longer 20- to 24-day expeditions that include South Georgia Island.

Read: Sustainable Cruises: The Top Lines Making Progress

Hurtigruten Expeditions: Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

Dan Avila | Courtesy of Hurtigruten Expeditions

For an extended adventure that includes crossing the Drake Passage twice, spending up to five days in Antarctica and then landing on Cape Horn in Chile (weather permitting), consider the 25-night grand expedition cruise aboard the Hutrigruten Expeditions' MS Roald Amundsen. Additional highlights are scenic cruising in Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park to see the Garibaldi Glacier; visiting the town of Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park ; and seeing the longest Southern Hemisphere glacier outside of Antarctica (which grows by as much as 150 feet a day), the Pio XI Glacier in Bernado O'Higgins National Park. This epic adventure begins March 9, 2024, in Buenos Aires and ends in Valparaíso, Chile.

The ship for the voyage, MS Roald Amundsen, is a hybrid vessel that reduces CO2 emissions by using electrical propulsion – and it's designed specifically for use in polar waters. The vessel carries just 500 guests (to adhere to regulations for visiting Antarctica) and features all exterior cabins with Scandinavian inspired decor. Guests will also find an Explorer lounge and bar, three dining venues, the Science Center, a sauna and spa, and other amenities. Fares are mostly all-inclusive, covering a complimentary expedition jacket; the use of expedition equipment like boots and trekking poles; landing activities; most dining options; and wine, beer and soft drinks at meals.

Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic: Journey to Antarctica: The White Continent

Ralph Lee Hopkins | Courtesy of Lindblad Expeditions

Lindblad Expeditions was the first company to bring citizen explorers to Antarctica in 1966, pioneering travel to this remote destination. The line's 13-night expedition to Antarctica is offered nearly 20 times throughout the summer season in 2024 on one of three ships. Depending on the ship, guests will have one evening in either Buenos Aires or Santiago, Chile , before flying to Ushuaia the next morning to embark the vessel.

With about five days to explore Antarctica, you'll have time to take in the awe-inspiring landscapes and look for seals and blue-eyed shags up close from Zodiacs. On land, watch thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins as they playfully slide down the snow-covered hills on their bellies – one right after the other – diving headfirst into the icy waters. After the adventure, a private charter flight will return you to either Buenos Aires or Santiago before your return flight home.

The line's newest expedition vessel, National Geographic Resolution, accommodates just 138 guests – and there are two new cabins for solo cruisers . Guests on the Polar Class 5 vessel will have a National Geographic photographer and a Lindblad-National Geographic-certified photo instructor and video chronicler documenting the trip. Onboard amenities include a yoga studio, a wellness specialist, infinity-style hot tubs, two restaurants and a chef's table, and plenty of indoor and outdoor viewing areas. This ship also carries an ROV (a remotely operated vehicle) for underwater exploration and other high-tech video gear.

You can even book an overnight stay in an igloo (on a first-come, first-served basis) and spend the evening under the polar sky. Fares are mostly all-inclusive and include all onboard meals and most meals ashore; nonalcoholic and alcoholic beverages; transfers; excursions; a complimentary jacket; and more.

Silversea: King George Island to King George Island (Antarctica Bridge)

Courtesy of Silversea

Silversea's six-night Antarctica Bridge expedition takes guests round-trip by a business class flight directly to the Antarctica Peninsula, flying into King George Island from Punta Arenas, Chile. This itinerary is offered several times throughout the season for guests who don't have extensive time to travel – or are nervous about sailing the Drake Passage. Silversea 's pricing is all-inclusive, and guests can choose between door-to-door or port-to-port fares.

While the weather determines the specific itinerary in Antarctica, guests can expect to have several excursions in the Antarctic Sound and as many as nine excursions on the Antarctic Peninsula that include hiking, kayaking and scenic Zodiac cruises with the expedition team. There's also one excursion in the South Shetland Islands, where you can look for massive elephant seals. There will be an abundance of bird and animal viewing on wildlife-rich King George Island, the largest of the South Shetland Islands, which is home to Adélie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins as well as Weddell and leopard seals.

Oceanwide Expeditions and Swoop Antarctica: Quest for the Emperor Penguins of Snow Hill Island

Getty Images

Swoop Antarctica's 10-night adventure-filled journey takes wildlife and history enthusiasts into the ice-choked waters of the Weddell Sea, past towering tabular icebergs, in search of the emperor penguin's rookery on Snow Hill: one of the most remote penguin rookeries on the planet. The incredible itinerary also sails through the same waters where famed Antarctic explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton's ship, the Endurance, sank in 1915 – and to the rarely seen west slopes of the Antarctic Sound.

Other highlights include Zodiac and helicopter landings (weather permitting) to additional remote locales, including Seymour Island, where the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901 to 1904 spent a winter season; Brown Bluff, one of the most scenic places on the northern tip of the Antarctic Continent and home to a large Adélie penguin rookery; and the volcanic crater of Deception Island.

There are two sailings in November 2024 on board the 1A-class, ice-strengthened Oceanwide Expeditions' Ortelius: a 108-passenger former Russian research vessel. Fares includes all meals and nonalcoholic beverages, all Zodiac and shore excursions, educational lectures, helicopter transfers, and group transfers. Optional adventure activities, alcoholic beverages and other personal expenses are at an additional cost.

The onboard helicopter pad is one of the features of the vessel and is used on select expeditions in the Weddell and Ross seas. It's important to note that very few companies offer expeditions to the Weddell Sea that include Snow Hill Island. While Ortelius is not a luxury vessel like other ships mentioned in this list, it is a stable expedition-style ship built for these icy – and at times treacherous – waters and weather conditions.

Viking: Antarctica & South Georgia Island

Courtesy of Viking

Viking's 18-night Antarctica and South Georgia Island expedition begins with an overnight stay in Buenos Aires followed by a flight the next morning to Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world. The first two stops on the expedition are in the Falkland Islands, where you'll find beautiful scenery with imposing cliffs, many types of marine birds and five species of penguins. In South Georgia, watch for king penguins and seals. Then, it's on to Antarctica for days 12 through 16. Guests will have the option to reserve a spot on the Viking DNV-classed submarine for a thrilling journey into the depths of the frigid waters in Antarctica. The return sailing, by way of the Drake Passage, disembarks in Ushuaia.

In 2024, this itinerary is available Jan. 31 and again Dec. 15 on Viking Octantis. The purpose-built Polar Class 6 vessel accommodates up to 378 guests and offers many of the same venues found on Viking's ocean ships, including the Explorers' Lounge, World Café, Mamsen's, Manfredi's Italian Restaurant and the Nordic Spa. There are also expedition-specific features, such as Expedition Central, the Science Lab and – for educational lectures and briefings – the Aula theater. Viking's fares are mostly all-inclusive, with all meals and wine and beer served with lunch and dinner; 24-hour specialty teas, coffees and nonalcoholic beverages; a keepsake Viking jacket; complimentary use of the excursion gear; and more.

Find an Antarctica cruise on GoToSea.

Tips on Trips and Expert Picks

Travel tips, vacation ideas and more to make your next vacation stellar.

Expert tips on Antarctica expeditions

There are many factors to consider when planning an Antarctica expedition, including where you want to travel to, the length of the trip and whether you want to sail the famed Drake Passage twice.

To provide helpful insights and information to plan your trip, U.S. News reached out to an expert in the region, Aurora Expeditions' expedition leader, Ashley Perrin , for tips on planning your adventure to the White Continent. Perrin has degrees in both geography and oceanography from the University of Southampton. She was appointed as the first woman boating officer in Antarctica by the British Antarctic Survey in 2009, and has led multiple expeditions to Antarctica, South Georgia and the Falklands.

Which month is best (in your opinion) to travel to Antarctica and why? 

Perrin: "My favorite time to travel to Antarctica is the end of December or beginning of January, because the penguin chicks are starting to come out and you get the most wildlife spotting opportunities, with marine mammals, penguins and albatross – on top of the spectacular scenery."

What length of trip do you recommend for first-time visitors?

Perrin: "The 10- to 12-day Spirit of Antarctica or Antarctic Explorer (with Aurora Expeditions) is a fantastic introduction to the Antarctic Peninsula. If you had the additional time and opportunity, ideally you would also opt for a voyage that visits South Georgia. For many travelers, this is really the jewel in the crown of the Antarctic experience because of the incredible wildlife opportunities here."

What should you look for in an expedition ship/tour when planning a trip to Antarctica?

Perrin: "Travelers should look for a high-quality educational experience, including lectures and opportunities for Citizen Science. This is such a fascinating and important destination, and you want to ensure you can learn and take as much in as you can. A pivotal factor in this is also choosing a company that offers low passenger numbers.

"Travelers don't have enough of an understanding of the impact of this on their voyage. In the Antarctic Peninsula only 100 people are allowed on land at one time, while at some sites it is 30 to 50 people. Having smaller groups enables passengers to have more time off ship exploring and connecting with nature, and this has such a significant impact on your experience.

"If you like to be a little more active, I would also highly recommend an operator that offers activities, such as kayaking in Antarctica. This allows you to see Antarctica from a different viewpoint and the silence is amazing. You still have opportunities to do landings as well, so I think it's the best of both worlds."

Do you prefer the combination fly/sail for the Drake Passage or sailing the Drake Passage both ways?

Perrin: "I prefer to sail both ways as it's how you earn your right to get to Antarctica! You also get more opportunities to see wildlife like seabirds, and it gives you extra time to prepare for the Antarctic experience through pre-lectures and education. Travelers arrive with more of an understanding of what to expect."

Any other tips, advice or comments you'd like to share?

Perrin: "Do your research into the operator you are choosing and their different offerings – things like passenger numbers, expedition team experience and off ship activities – as these can all have a significant impact on the travel experience. There is also a big difference between traditional cruise operators and expedition operators and what travelers can expect. We ensure that our passengers are exploring and getting off the ship as much as possible.

"I would also add that it's important to do your research into the areas that you're most interested in. For example, it could be history, exploration and walking in someone's footsteps (such as Sir Ernest Shackleton), or the types of wildlife you might see. Having a deeper understanding of the history and the region really does enhance the experience once you are there."

Frequently Asked Questions

An expedition where you get off the ship and make landings on the Antarctic peninsula typically costs about $10,000 per person for a 10-night voyage. However, depending on the cruise line, the ship and dates of travel – and whether you sail or fly the Drake Passage – you could spend as much as $29,000 per person for a 12-night expedition or more. There are slightly lower prices for some expeditions, such as a few with Hurtigruten Expeditions, and you can find reduced fares and deals with lines like Atlas Ocean Voyages and Quark Expeditions. In addition, there are extended polar expeditions that range from a 14-night trip to the 94-night Pole-to-Pole Ultimate Bucket List Expedition Cruise with Hurtigruten Expeditions, which is priced at close to $48,000.

If you're not interested in getting off the ship in Antarctica to see penguins and seals up close (but no closer than 15 feet, according to the Antarctic Treaty), you can opt for a voyage on a large cruise ship that sails around the continent for a much lower cost. Just know that you won't be able to disembark at any point in Antarctica. For example, Norwegian Cruise Line has a 14-night Antarctica and South America voyage that makes a round trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina, for as low as $999 per person. You may be able to find even cheaper fares from lines such as Celebrity Cruises or Princess Cruises.

It's important to note that by the rules set forth in the Antarctic Treaty, only ships carrying 500 or less passengers are permitted to make landings on the Antarctica peninsula. The Antarctic Treaty, along with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, has strict conservation protocols and regulates that no more than 100 passengers are allowed to go ashore at one time. The IAATO works with more than 100 Antarctica outfitters to create the guidelines and safety procedures to protect the fragile environment and wildlife in this remote part of the world.

The following cruise lines offer small ship expeditions in Antarctica with no more than 500 passengers. You can also look at tour companies – such as Abercrombie & Kent, G Adventures, Adventure Life and Swoop Antarctica – that exclusively charter ships or help navigate the decision-making process for their clients and book individual expeditions with the cruise lines.

• Atlas Ocean Voyages
• Aurora Expeditions
• Hapag-Lloyd Cruises
• Hurtigruten Expeditions
• Lindblad Expeditions – National Geographic
• Quark Expeditions
• Scenic Luxury Cruises & Tours
• Seabourn Cruise Line

These larger cruise lines offer sailings around the Antarctic Peninsula, which may include scenic cruising in and around the Gerlache Strait, Elephant Island, Paradise Bay and Schollart Channel.

• Celebrity Cruises
• Holland America Line
• Norwegian Cruise Line
• Oceania Cruises
• Princess Cruises
• Regent Seven Seas Cruises
• Royal Caribbean International

The answer depends on the expedition. The majority of passengers will depart from South America in either Ushuaia, Argentina – which is also known as the "End of the World" – or Punta Arenas, Chile. Then it will take approximately two days to cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula. Some lines also offer chartered flights from Punta Arenas to Antarctica, which only take about two hours. Some passengers who have taken the flight say it can be as unnerving as sailing the Drake Passage, since weather conditions can delay the flight for up to several days where you could potentially miss the trip.

Cruises on larger ships that only sail around the Antarctic Peninsula may embark in Buenos Aires; Santiago, Chile; Puerto Williams, Chile; Rio de Janeiro; ports in Florida or New Zealand; or even the South Shetland Islands.

The expedition and cruise season to Antarctica extends from November to March, which is during the austral summer in the Southern Hemisphere. But Antarctica is still the windiest, coldest and driest continent on Earth, so weather conditions are unpredictable and can change quickly – even during the summertime. One minute the sun may be out, and the next minute it can be snowing and extremely windy and cloudy.

Visitors in November can expect temperatures between a low of 25 degrees to a high of 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The warmest temperatures are typically in January, when you'll find days ranging between 33 to 36 degrees before they start to drop again in February.

Most expedition companies provide jackets that you can take home, so you won't need to bring a heavy parka if it's given to you on board. They may also provide waterproof boots that you'll need to use for wet landings. It's best to check with your expedition line to see what's available on the ship, what you can rent or buy, and what you'll need to pack and bring with you. Due to the unpredictable weather, it's advisable to bring different types of layers.

Here are some of the items you'll want to pack:

Layers: Pack at least two top and two bottom quick-drying base layers (or more, depending on the length of your expedition) that wick moisture, such as those made of silk, wool or bamboo. It does get toasty when you're layered up and moving around ashore, so choose lightweight options that will layer easily under the rest of your clothing and keep you warm and dry. For your mid-layer top, go with a lightweight polar fleece or vest; for the bottom, quick-drying warm tights or fleece pants are a good option.

You'll also want to layer what's on your feet, starting with a wicking pair of socks made from silk or synthetic polypropylene, followed by a good pair of merino wool socks from a brand like Smartwool. Glove liners are another must, especially if your hands tend to get cold. If you can, buy insulated waterproof gloves with removable liners to save packing an extra item. You may also want to toss a few hand and foot warmers in the suitcase in case you need extra warmth. Bring a lighter pair of insulated gloves for warmer days off the ship.

And don't forget a lined wool beanie, a set of earmuffs, and a balaclava or fleece neck gaiter to keep your ears and face warm and your nose and mouth protected from the cold air and wind.

Waterproof gear: The parka and tall waterproof boots may be provided on the ship, but if they're not, you'll need to bring your own. You'll also need wind- and waterproof pants to go over your base layer and mid-layers. If they're tapered at the bottom, you should be able to tuck them into your boots. Perrin says this is one of the most important items you should purchase and pack for your expedition.

Comfy clothes ­and shoes for around the ship: Most people dress casual on Antarctica cruises, so bring clothes that will be comfortable for days and evenings around the ship. It can get rough when crossing the Drake Passage, so you'll want flat or low-heeled shoes for those days at sea.

Other items you'll want to pack:

• Waterproof dry pack
• Sea-Bands and medications for motion sickness
• Camera and accessories with a waterproof cover
• Hiking poles (unless the ship has them available)
• Swimsuit (you may want to take the polar plunge!)
• Other necessary medications
• Hydrating lip balm and a good protective moisturizer
• Polarized sunglasses
• Books on the history of early exploration in Antarctica and the incredible wildlife

Why Trust U.S. News Travel

Gwen Pratesi has been an avid cruiser since her early 20s. She has sailed on nearly every type of cruise ship built, including the newest megaships, paddle-wheelers on the Mississippi River, and an 18-stateroom river ship on the Mekong River in Vietnam and Cambodia. She has also cruised on a traditional masted sailing ship and on a small luxury expedition vessel in Antarctica crossing the notorious Drake Passage twice. Pratesi covers the travel and culinary industries for major publications including U.S. News & World Report.

You might also be interested in:

• Cruise Packing List
• Alaska Cruise Packing List
• The Best Alaska Cruise Lines
• The Best Time to Cruise to Alaska
• The Best Cruise Insurance Plans

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Antarctica gear guide: What you need to pack for a trip to the White Continent

Packing can sometimes be as simple as tossing a few swimsuits into a bag along with some travel-size sunscreen. If you forget something, you can pick it up when you arrive at your destination.

But for expeditions to extreme climates and remote destinations, packing requires careful planning. It won't be possible to buy something after you leave home, and not having the right gear can ruin your trip — or be downright dangerous.

Antarctica is one such destination.

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After I was booked on a December sailing to the Antarctic Peninsula as a guest of Atlas Ocean Voyages on board World Navigator, I received a leather folio with the details of my journey, including a comprehensive Antarctica cruise packing list.

"It's important to layer up when heading out on an Antarctic expedition," the booklet read.

Layers are critical to any outdoor adventure, whether you're heading out for a day hike or traveling to the End of the World . If you've ever packed for a ski trip before, you probably already know (and have in your closet) the basics. Here's everything I brought with me for my nine-night Antarctica cruise — and what I wish I'd packed.

Related: An untamed world: Discovering the wild dreamscape of Antarctica

What I brought to Antarctica

My experience winter camping was helpful when it came to packing for Antarctica, but if you're new to cold-weather adventures, keep this key tip in mind as you create your packing list:

Avoid wearing moisture-absorbing cotton when you're off the ship in Antarctica. Stick instead to wool, high-tech Capilene and synthetics like polyester and fleece. The temperatures during the austral summer, when you'll likely be traveling to Antarctica, will typically be between 30 and 40 degrees Fahrenheit, according to materials provided by Atlas.

But it's the wind (it's the windiest place on Earth, after all) and the wet (you will get splashed on a Zodiac cruise) that can make it feel much colder.

So, you'll want to be prepared with plenty of moisture-wicking, quick-drying performance materials. And remember, water-resistant is not the same thing as waterproof when it comes to considering outer layers and accessories.

Related: Skip the Drake Passage: What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane

Base layers

I packed a couple of long-sleeve base layer shirts that I rotated throughout the sailing and a pair of long underwear (thank goodness for the luxury of onboard laundry service). I also brought standard synthetic performance leggings (think: Lycra and nylon) that I could comfortably wear around the ship, under waterproof outer layers or at the gym.

A pair of warm fleece leggings and a fitted fleece half-zip also went into my suitcase, along with a couple of full-zip midlayers of different synthetic materials and a lofted vest.

My winter camping friends and I have a saying: "You can never pack too many puffies."

What we mean is, if you wake up in your tent shivering cold, it's nice to know you have a cozy jacket to pull on over everything else.

I have a few of these, and I brought them all: a down Mountain Hardwear jacket, a synthetic Patagonia hooded jacket and a larger Mountain Hardwear down jacket that fits comfortably over both. All three are compressible and can be packed into their pockets to form a little pillow, perfect for camping trips or long-haul flights.

Related: An express flight to the penguins: This new luxury tour gets you to Antarctica faster than most

Outer layers

I packed a single, lightweight waterproof jacket to wear as a shell over my down and synthetic midlayers to cut the wind and keep my layers dry. It was a good thing to have on board when it was snowing or extra windy, but I still wanted to be outside to watch whales swim alongside the ship or listen to glaciers calving in the distance.

My cruise line provided all guests with a heavy-duty parka, so I didn't need to worry about bringing any bulky outerwear. Crafted with an insulating layer and a wind-resistant and waterproof exterior, you'll definitely stay dry and warm in an expedition parka.

What you'll need to bring for your final layer is a pair of waterproof pants, such as a rain shell. Water-resistant trekking pants won't suffice, trust me. I actually bought a second pair on board the ship when I found Helly Hansen waterproof pants I really liked. The point is that your outer layer should be as waterproof as possible, bottoms included.

I didn't need to waste space in my suitcase with clunky boots because my cruise line provided all passengers with waterproof boots to wear outside the ship. This is true for all cruises to Antarctica, so all you'll need to worry about is what you want to wear around the ship. Stick with closed-toe, slip-resistant shoes.

I brought a single pair of white sneakers, running shoes for working out and a pair of lightweight hiking boots that can pass as casual day boots. Remember, the deck can get wet and slippery, so plan your casual footwear accordingly.

Accessories

I brought a handful of hats, a fleece winter headband, two pairs of polarized sunglasses and many pairs of wool and synthetic hiking socks. At times, I'd wear two pairs of socks inside my waterproof winter boots and my toes would still be cold.

After years of backpacking, hiking and camping, here's what I've learned: You can't pack too many socks. You really can't. My first step off the Zodiac when we landed at Half Moon Island resulted in water splashing up over the top of my boots. Soggy feet are miserable, and there is no more gratifying sensation than switching into a warm, dry pair of socks.

Definitely make sure to pack a pair of waterproof gloves and at least one pair of glove liners. My gloves, which are usually sufficient for snowboarding, got soaked one day, so I wish I'd invested in a better outer layer.

I also brought a balaclava (which I've used while snowboarding on particularly cold days) but never used it, though there was at least one time when I found myself thinking about it with longing.

You'll also want a swimsuit so you're prepared for the polar plunge (ladies, I strongly recommend a one-piece) and an after-dinner dip in the hot tub on calm sea days.

Related: Antarctica reading list: These 8 books are must-reads before a trip to the White Continent

Everything else

Antarctica is a desert, which means the air is incredibly dry. By the end of the trip, my lips and hands were cracking. I was glad I packed plenty of lip balm and a heavy-duty salve for my hands and face because I used them liberally.

Environmentally friendly oxybenzone-free sunscreen is also important for your face. I often found myself standing beneath a hole in the ozone layer, blinking against the blindingly bright white light from the sun, which was amplified by the snow and ice. You might be cold, but you can definitely still get sunburned.

Atlas recommended that travelers bring heat packs (such as HotHands hand warmers) as well, which I grabbed at the last minute before heading to the airport. I was really glad to have these, which I would toss into the toes of my boots before going out. You can also keep them in your pockets to warm your hands.

Because trips to Antarctica typically require two days of sailing on the notoriously rough Drake Passage in each direction, I was urged by many to pack meclizine, ginger chews and other seasickness prevention methods (there are patches, bands and an assortment of other tools and tricks to calm queasy stomachs at sea). I am not prone to seasickness and we had a particularly smooth sailing to boot, so I never needed anything in my tiny pharmacy.

Finally, I brought a lightweight REI 18-liter pack with a waterproof stuff sack to carry extra layers, lenses for my phone and an external battery pack (your batteries will absolutely die faster in the cold).

Binoculars were provided for use while on the ship, so I did not bring a pair. Be sure to check in advance if this is a priority for you.

What I didn't bring to Antarctica

I packed so much gear for Antarctica, it hardly seemed possible that I could want for anything onboard. Still, there were a few luxuries I would have appreciated if I'd had more room in my suitcase.

After a few nights on board, for example, I wished I had something nicer to wear to dinner, as the ship is quite upscale. Even though Antarctica cruises are informal ("you can keep it casual and comfortable" while on board World Navigator, the Atlas booklet says), it might have been nice to have a bit more variety in my closet. Still, I made do with leggings and a single pair of jeans, and a handful of lightweight long-sleeve shirts and turtlenecks.

Having another vest would have helped me stay warm on board while also mixing up my wardrobe.

Better waterproof gloves also would have been key, and I wish I'd brought a pair of glacier goggles. These special sunglasses protect the sides of your eyes, allow for less visible light transmission and are generally pretty badass. Some people had ski goggles instead of sunglasses, which seemed smart: More of your face is protected from the biting wind and the UV rays. Ski or glacier goggles aren't necessary, but they make you more comfortable, especially if your eyes are sensitive like mine.

What I wish I'd left at home

Three puffy jackets turned out to be too many with the heavy-duty parka provided by Atlas (just don't tell my camping friends). I would have been happy with one or two to wear around the ship. I never ended up needing them outside during Zodiac cruises or landings.

For this trip, I also decided to try a couple of ShiftCam lenses for my iPhone 12 Pro: a wide-angle lens and a 60 mm telephoto lens. It seemed like a great opportunity to try to enhance my photos without juggling a bunch of camera gear and lenses. I wanted to experience Antarctica, not spend it trying to remember what f-stop to use to get the perfect shot.

The telephoto lens became a real hassle. Even when it was lined up perfectly and didn't cause any vignetting, I could still see some chromatic aberration at the edges of the photos.

The wide-angle lens was much better; it captured beautiful wide-angle shots without causing the kind of distortion you'll find when using the wide-angle lens on your camera. But both were a hassle, and the quality of the photos wasn't so much better that it seemed worth it.

If you're comfortable with a "real" camera and lenses, you won't want to leave yours at home. But if you're not, invest in a new smartphone and leave it at that. Antarctica is stunning: Be sure to take it in with your own two eyes.

Bottom line

Here's the brilliant thing: My Antarctica cruise packing list was long, and I brought a lot of stuff. But because almost everything I mentioned was lightweight, packable and compact, I was able to bring all this and more in a single 27-inch carry-on and a backpack.

The only thing I didn't count on was that I'd pick up more belongings along the way. Antarctica isn't exactly known for great shopping, but the onboard shop was packed with clothing from some of my favorite outdoor brands; in addition to the second pair of waterproof pants, I also came home with some Atlas-branded clothes (including pajamas provided for the charter flight) and my expedition parka.

So, even on a trip to the End of the World, you might want to leave yourself just a touch of breathing room in your suitcase.

How to plan an unforgettable trip to Antarctica

Everything you need to know about planning an adventure on the ice

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Antarctica. For the seasoned traveler, it's often the pinnacle of their journeys, the final continent left to conquer. For the newly intrepid, it might be their first big expedition. It doesn't matter when or how they get there, ask anyone who has gone to Antarctica and they'll tell you — nothing compares.

When planning a trip to the seventh continent, there are a lot of things to consider, from when to book to how to get there. Here are some tips and words of advice from travel professionals who know Antarctica.

How soon should you start planning a trip?

Popular itineraries can go fast, so book as early as possible

It's never too early to start preliminary research. Once you're ready to commit, try to book about a year in advance, especially if there's a specific suite you want on a ship. It's possible to book just a few months ahead, but that could make it harder to find flights. 

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When it comes to cruise fares, the general rule is that companies start off with their best prices, and as the ship fills the promotions are phased out. However, while there might not be a price reduction, there are often value-added offers, like free excursions or specialty dining. 

For most people, a trip to Antarctica is a "once-in-a-lifetime experience and not a trip you want to book on your own," Rob Clabbers, president of Q Cruise + Travel in Chicago, told The Week. Look for a trusted travel adviser or expedition company, and talk to friends and relatives who may have been to Antarctica and can recommend someone.

What's the best time of year to go?

Fur seals breed in Antarctica from November to January

Antarctica's summer is November through March, and during this time, the sea ice has melted enough for ships to get through. There's sunlight all day, and while it's definitely not warm, the summer temperature averages 33 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. From a wildlife perspective, if you want to see penguin chicks hatching, visit between December and February, but if it's whales you want to spot, the peak time is February and March.

How do you get to Antarctica?

Ushuia is the southernmost tip of South America and also known as "the end of the world"

Most travelers make their way to Ushuaia in the southern tip of Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile, where they board their ships or hop on a charter plane. There are also some cruises that leave from New Zealand and Australia and a charter plane that brings travelers from Cape Town. 

Crossing the Drake Passage can be rough — is there a way to avoid it?

It can be a bumpy ride on the Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn and Antarctica's South Shetland Islands, and because of the convergence of oceans and different temperatures, it can be a wild ride. Ships have stabilizers that can help smooth the journey a little, and it's important to remember that not every crossing is a rough one — that's why there's the expression "The Drake Lake or the Drake Shake." 

If you're concerned, talk to your doctor before you go about medication and bands to put on your pressure points, or go all out and take one of the charter planes that flies to Antarctica, skipping the Drake Passage entirely. Clabbers finds that the "Drake Passage is part of the experience, and gets you ready for the adventure you're about to embark on."

Will the weather dictate what you see?

The weather can change in an instant in Antarctica, and so can your plans

Definitely. Angela Pierson, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Wallace Pierson Travel in Amelia Island, Florida, told The Week captains routinely have to change their schedules and itineraries due to the ever-changing weather. "It's exciting, and you feel like you're on a true expedition with this change of pace," she added.

What's the difference between a traditional cruise and an expedition cruise?

Only smaller ships are allowed to bring passengers to land

Traditional cruise ships can hold several thousand passengers, while expedition cruises are much smaller, and usually cap out at around 250 passengers. Under regulations put in place by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), cruise ships with more 500 passengers cannot land any passengers while in Antarctic waters; these larger ships instead provide a scenic sailing from a distance, usually as part of a South America or world itinerary.

Expedition vessels are able to maneuver through narrow and shallow areas, and ice-class ships have reinforced hulls to go through the ice. Regulations are also in place for expeditions, and only 100 guests are allowed to land at one site at the same time. This is to protect Antarctica and prevent invasive species from being introduced.

What can you expect in Antarctica?

Snorkeling in Antarctica is an option for some cruise ship passengers

You'll see wildlife like penguins, birds, whales and seals, and ice — lots of ice. Massive icebergs will stretch for miles, "crystalline blue and unlike any color you've seen before," Ben Lyons, CEO of EYOS , told The Week. "The ice for me is what's captivating ... when you see that ice you know you're in Antarctica."

Each ship is equipped with different items, but activities could include kayaking, paddleboarding and even snorkeling. Going on a Zodiac boat through the ice fields, seeing the different shapes and icebergs as big as buildings, is "truly amazing," Clabbers said. Listening closely, you'll hear the Antarctic symphony of ice clinking then popping as it melts, penguin calls and whales inhaling and exhaling.

Is it ethical to go to Antarctica?

Visitors should vow to do no harm to nature and wildlife in Antarctica

People concerned about climate change and burning fossil fuels may have questions about the ethics of going to Antarctica. The IAATO promotes responsible travel to Antarctica, and its members have agreed that their activities must have less than a minor or transitory impact on the environment. Before landing on shore, travelers go through a decontamination process to make sure they are not bringing an invasive species to Antarctica, and this usually involves having every inch of their clothing, down to the velcro straps, vacuumed.

Dr. James McClintock, a marine scientist at Palmer Station in Antarctica, told Lonely Planet he used to be conflicted about tourism in Antarctica, but after 10 years of research and serving as a lecturer on cruises, he has found "the benefits far outweigh the negatives." There is a carbon footprint, but he said once visitors go home, they are "ambassadors of Antarctica" and "more appreciative of the urgent need to address global climate change by reaching out to their elected representatives on this issue."

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Catherine Garcia is night editor for TheWeek.com . Her writing and reporting has appeared in Entertainment Weekly and EW.com , The New York Times , The Book of Jezebel , and other publications. A Southern California native, Catherine is a graduate of the University of Redlands and the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism.

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10 Best Tips for Travel in Antarctica 

Antarctica – one of the least-visited continents on Earth:

If you’re one of the lucky few to get the chance to visit, these tips for travel in Antarctica will prepare you for the trip of a lifetime.

Hi, we’re Rach & Marty!

We’ve visited every country in the world and want to help you get the most out of your travels!

Whether you need an expertly planned itinerary , some experienced hints and tips , or just craving a delicious food adventure , we’ve got you covered!

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The allure of Antarctica is undeniable, but such a unique adventure demands thorough planning and research.

This isn’t your average travel destination, and given its remote location and challenging conditions, ensuring you get the most out of your Antarctica trip requires careful consideration and preparation.

Various factors come into play, from packing the right gear, choosing the right cruise to navigating the unpredictable weather.

What makes Antarctica truly extraordinary is not just its vast, frozen landscapes, wildlife, and mesmerising landscapes but the rare opportunity to explore a part of the world that remains largely untouched and unexplored.

So, as you gear up for this incredible adventure, take the time to delve into the details of your journey before you go.

Table of Contents

Let’s go! 10 Tips for Travel in Antarctica

1) pack suitable clothing, but don’t overpack.

One of the most important things to consider when preparing for travel in Antarctica is to be ready for the weather. 

Packing for travel in Antarctica is challenging, given its erratic weather and temperatures ranging from freezing to -14 degrees Celsius and reaching up to 5 degrees Celsius on warm days.

It’s easy to go overboard with your packing, but it’s essential to avoid it.

For our Antarctica 10-day cruise with Viva Expeditions, they provided us with this Antarctica packing list , which was very helpful. It includes a detailed summary of essential clothing to bring—and some other tips for items that were super handy on our trip (such as a waterproof dry bag to protect our camera from the wet weather on some days).

Our Antarctica cruise included a warm, waterproof, and windproof jacket that we got to keep when our trip ended, and we used it every day to keep us warm and dry.

Achieving warmth and comfort in Antarctica comes down to effective layering of clothing. Packing lightweight, comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing to regulate your temperature is crucial. 

Your clothing ensemble will include multiple base layers , lightweight breathable tshirts , a good quality fleece , waterproof trousers , (essential), waterproof gloves , and a woolen hat/beanie .

IMPORTANT: When packing for your trip to Antarctica, remember that there are  luggage limits  with airlines and tour operators, so it’s more about packing smart than packing more.

Once you’ve selected the ship and itinerary to travel to Antarctica, many visitors are likely to fly into Buenos Aires from their country of origin, then take an additional flight from BA to Ushuaia (the southernmost city in Argentina and from where most expeditions to Antarctica depart from). 

We use Skyscanner to book our flights worldwide.

These flights have a strict weight allowance, usually 15kg for checked-in luggage or 20 kilograms (for large and small carry-on bags). 

If you pack correctly for travel in Antarctica, you will be ready for all kinds of weather and enjoy the best trip ever.

2) Take motion sickness medication

The Drake Passage is a gateway to Antarctica, and the journey is a significant part of the overall Antarctic experience. You will spend two days crossing ‘the Drake’ at the beginning of your trip and again at the end.

The Drake Passage is one of the most challenging bodies of water due to its notorious rough seas and potential for high swells (up to 12 metres). 

It’s a gamble as to what kind of crossing you will get, and be ready for either the:

• Drake Lake: relatively calm seas, and very lucky!
• Drake Shake: the opposite of calm seas! Prepare for lots of rocking back and forth, and remember to keep one hand on the ship when moving around.

There are no guarantees or time of year to promise a smooth crossing, so to minimise the discomfort of nausea and vomiting, bring some medication with you.

Even if you’ve never experienced motion sickness before and assume you’ll be fine, we recommend taking pills such as Dramamine or the Scopolamine transdermal patches , which help reduce nausea and vomiting.

3) Book an itinerary that works best for you

Selecting the right Antarctica cruise can be a daunting task. With over 75+ cruise itineraries and many tour operators, navigating the options can be overwhelming. 

Factors such as the time of year, preferred ship, standard of cabin, and budget can significantly impact your experience, influencing what you see and do during the expedition.

We each have different preferences when we choose our next destination, and travelling in Antarctica is no different. 

For instance, if you prioritise spending more time on land and as much time outdoors as possible, opting for a smaller cruise ship with fewer than 200 passengers provides the advantage of more frequent dockings compared to larger vessels with restrictions.

Plus, a smaller vessel with fewer passengers means it takes less time to organise everyone on zodiacs to get out there to explore Antarctica.

We recommend searching the range of Antarctica tours available with Viva Expeditions . Experience is everything when making arrangements for travel in Antarctica, and the Viva Team have decades of it.

The dedicated  Antarctica Tours page  on their website is a great tool to filter what factors are most important to you when booking your dream Antarctica expedition. 

Get a 5% discount off any Viva Expeditions tour when you quote code VIPNOMADS.

4) Spend time in Buenos Aires & Ushuaia before/after your trip

Before our Antarctica trip, we spent a few days in the beautiful city of Buenos Aires.

We based ourselves at Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta , enjoyed eating excellent steak and red wine, and loved this Tango Show with an optional dinner option.

We highly recommend joining this Foodie Walking Tour of Palermo neighbourhood – we had a blast!

Then, we made our way to Ushuaia, located in the country’s southernmost region. Ushuaia is the gateway to Antarctica and is often celebrated as the ‘End of the World’ due to its extreme southern location. 

Most Antarctica cruises set sail from the port of Ushuaia, and during the summer months, this charming Argentinian resort city transforms into a bustling tourist hub.

We recommend staying at Hosteria Hostal Malvinas , an excellent value accommodation in the city centre.

To fully capitalise on the breathtaking scenery and the diverse range of activities available in Ushuaia, consider extending your stay by a few extra nights before or after your cruise; this is a destination you will likely only visit once in your lifetime, given its remote location. 

Check out this stopover package in Buenos Aires and this one in Ushuaia .

Explore the southernmost national park on the planet, and join a day trip to visit Tierra Del Fuego National Park , marvel at the stunning vistas from the top of Martial Glacier or indulge in a 4 hour roundtrip trek to the pristine green waters of Esmeralda Lagoon . 

Search for the most popular day tours in Ushuaia here , and make a reservation in advance to avoid missing out, especially during the high season.

5) Book Early

Exploring Antarctica as a visitor is possible only during a narrow window, approximately from late October to early March.

Due to this limited visiting period, the variety of available itineraries, and the high demand, Antarctica cruises tend to sell out rapidly. 

Making reservations well in advance to secure a spot on your preferred cruise is recommended.

Many people plan their travels in Antarctica quite early, often reserving their place for 1-2 years before departure. This means you will likely book your preferred ship and cabin type. 

Well-organised individuals may benefit from early booking discounts, and I can tell you from experience that they exist. It’s fantastic if you can score a great deal!

Given the substantial cost of a cruise, which can reach tens of thousands per person, early booking can result in significant savings.

If you’re seeking a specialist recommendation, we recommend subscribing to receive discounts/sales from the Polar specialists at Viva Expeditions. * Get an extra 5% off when you quote code: VIPNOMADS

• 🔥 Hot Tip: Book accommodation in advance on Booking.com
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6) Be Adaptable for Last Minute Changes 

In Antarctica, one of the planet’s most unforgiving environments, unpredictability reigns supreme. 

Conditions in this harsh landscape can shift in minutes, meaning the destination you eagerly anticipated may become unattainable, or an activity may not be possible due to weather. 

For example, there is an option to go overnight camping on our  10-day South Shetland Islands and Antarctica Peninsula tour , an activity that many of us were very excited about. 

On the excursion day, our group was all prepared for our overnight adventure on the ice, surrounded by towering glaciers, and the weather looked promising. But, as we were enjoying dinner on the ship before heading out, our expedition leader announced that conditions had drastically changed outside, and it simply wasn’t safe enough for us to camp due to visibility and other elements.

That was our only window for taking this activity, and it just wasn’t to be. 

One thing you can count on is that your experienced expedition crew come equipped with contingency plans for every condition. 

Although your itinerary might deviate from the original schedule, and certain stops may need to be switched for another, it still retains the beauty of your adventure.

The key to any travel in Antarctica is to be adaptable and embrace each moment of the trip as it unfolds.

Read More: Antarctica vs Arctic – What Is The Difference?

7) Sign up for optional activities

For many visitors who travel to Antarctica, it’s a destination you will likely only get to visit once – so make the most of it!

Once you have booked your Antarctica trip, consider signing up for the multiple optional activities according to your preferences. Often, this is available to do before your trip departs – and, commonly, each activity can only accommodate a certain number of guests. 

If you have a chance to confirm your spot on a particular activity before your trip departs, we recommend you do so. Your agent can usually assist you with this.

Imagine venturing into the uniquely stunning landscape on a snowshoeing trip, trying overnight camping, or encountering wildlife up close while gliding around massive glaciers on a kayak.

8) Bring spare batteries and memory cards for your camera

Antarctica presents a photographer’s paradise with panoramic icebergs, abundant wildlife, and unique landscapes, offering photo opportunities at every turn. 

However, experiencing such cold temperatures will significantly shorten camera battery life on both iPhones and cameras, making it essential to carry fully charged spares and a good power bank in your day pack. 

Once on land via the zodiac, returning to the ship for batteries may not be possible; if it is, doing so will significantly reduce your time at each landing to fully enjoy the landscapes and wildlife.  

If photography is one of the reasons why you would like to travel to Antarctica, we’d recommend bringing extra memory cards ; the more storage, the better, and to always back up your photos in your free time back on the ship.

9) Don’t Forget Travel Insurance

For travel to Antarctica, always remember to expect the unexpected. 

Purchasing a comprehensive travel insurance policy is a must; it’s one of our most important travel tips in Antarctica. You must show your policy details to your  Antarctica booking agent  when reserving a place for your trip. 

The tour operator will not accept you as a passenger on board if you do not have sufficient coverage. 

Travel insurance in Antarctica is essential for emergency evacuation, repatriation, and medical fees, ideally exceeding USD 200,000. 

Evacuation alone costs a minimum of USD 100,000. 

Given Antarctica’s unpredictable weather, coverage for delays, interruptions, and cancellations is crucial. 

Check the fine print to ensure continued coverage beyond the ship and for all planned activities. We have a long-term worldwide plan with my preferred Travel Insurance provider, Heymondo .

As a bonus, get an extra 5% discount on insurance with this link .

Heymondo’s comprehensive worldwide policy covers all of the above, and we recommend them for travellers up to 69 years of age (they do not cover travellers aged 70+ years old).

For travellers older than 70 years old, I recommend the following:

• Covermore Travel Insurance (for Australian citizens)
• VisitorsCoverage Travel Insurance (for citizens of the USA)

Be sure to carefully review all insurance options with your chosen provider to avoid surprises.

10) Respect the Wildlife & Environment

Antarctica is a delicate ecosystem featuring multiple protected zones, diverse species, and ongoing scientific research.

It’s a place praised as the last wilderness on Earth, so we all need to ‘do our bit’ to keep it this way.

When embarking on a cruise, visiting with minimal impact and upholding respect for the environment is vital.

Once you have settled onto your ship and before disembarking, all tour operators will provide a briefing outlining what actions are permitted and what behaviours or actions are not. 

It is imperative to adhere diligently to the guidelines set by your tour operators.

Contributing to sustainable tourism efforts is pivotal in safeguarding Antarctica and its inhabitants, ensuring their prosperity for generations to come!

Skyscanner is permanently bookmarked on our browser! We use it all the time to research and book travel options for your trip, including flights, hotels and car hire.

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation.

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🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours :  G Adventures OR compare multi-day tours worldwide with Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

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✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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Antarctica – The Ultimate Travel Guide to the Frozen Continent

Enthusiast explorer and avid high latitude sailor

For the travelers who truly love the uninhabited, wild reaches of the planet, Antarctica should be the one and only travel destination. It is the one continent without any permanent human residents, and yet, it is teeming with vitality. Roughly 235 animal species can be found there, and for those who are able to make the journey, it is the ultimate adventure.

Whether you are seriously planning for your bucket list journey, or just beginning to investigate whether people can actually travel to the Antarctic (we do!), this travel guide will serve to introduce you to the magical and sometimes unbelievable experiences available to you while traveling with Secret Atlas.

If you’re short on time and want to jump to whatever excites you most, feel free to tap on the titles below to go directly to the section; otherwise, keep scrolling to read your modern guide to Antarctic travel.

Why should I visit the Antarctic?

• How is Antarctica different from everywhere else on planet Earth?

Where should I go in the Antarctic?

• What can I do on a Secret Atlas Antarctic Expedition?

When should I go to Antarctica?

• Polar Pioneer: why this vessel is best for an Antarctic adventure

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Visiting Antarctica is something that a very small population of people will ever get to do.

Many factors have to converge perfectly to visit the otherworldly, vast beauty of Antarctica. Supposing your stars align and you find yourself with the funds, the time, and the right adventure travel operator ( Secret Atlas is one of the best options ), you will step outside of time and space into the untouched wilderness encapsulated in snow and ice.

Its multi-toned cerulean glaciers will give you an idea of what the “snowball Earth” may have resembled 716 million years ago. Those imagining pure serenity will be surprised; there are also active volcanoes, the tumultuous Drake Passage, and the never-ending activities of the wildlife who treat Antarctica as their personal playground.

Some people simply want to go for the bragging rights alone. Antarctica is the coldest continent in the world, with the temperatures in the winter dropping below -73°C (-100°F) and highs poised around -20°C (-4°F) in the summer, except around the coast, where highs can actually rise above 0°C (32°F). Luckily, when you travel on a Secret Atlas expedition , you will be warm and cozy during your travels. Our vessel even comes with a sauna, so you will never be overly exposed to the elements, nor suffer the cold the way that historical explorers like Ernest Shackleton did at the turn of the 20th century.

Wondering about the safety of the voyage and how it’s all possible? Today, you can relax and enjoy your visit to the “White Continent” led by world-class experts who deftly guide you through respectful exploration in this regulated nature sanctuary. Read on to learn more about one of the most unique holidays in existence and just what you can do in Antarctica.

How is Antarctica different from everywhere else?

Antarctica is the least visited continent, with a total of 15 total landed visits in 2020/2021, according to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) . Instead of government controls, here you will find mostly the scientific community and the voluntary collaboration of the few tour operators who bring people on this once-in-a-lifetime journey.​​

While Antarctica is one large landmass of 5,400,000 sq. km and is responsible for 70% of the Earth’s freshwater, there are no full-time residents, no capital, and no set currency (although the currency most commonly used is the Euro, Sterling Pound, and the U.S. dollar).

There are visitor guidelines your expedition company will help you to follow so that you are able to explore freely, but it is a good idea to examine them before picking your tour operator. This will ensure you choose a vessel correctly sized for your needs ( check out the Visitor Site Guidelines here ). For example, ​​vessels with more than 500 passengers can’t land in Antarctica, and a maximum of 100 passengers may be ashore from a vessel at any one time unless site-specific guidance requires fewer passengers, so if your vessel is too large, you might not be able to land!

These guidelines make choosing a small tour provider, like Secret Atlas , not only preferable but necessary for having an optimal experience.

Antarctica is a single land mass with several surrounding islands and points of interest for explorers, mainly around the coast.

These are the most highly recommended places to visit in Antarctica, with more detail on each below:

The Lemaire Channel (between Kyiv Peninsula in the mainland’s Graham Land and Booth Island)

The Lemaire Channel is a passage on the Antarctic Peninsula that will make you a believer of wondrous creatures and endless possibilities. Prepare your cameras as you will be engulfed on all sides by calving glaciers, angular peaks, and full-on icebergs.

While you are admiring the ethereal surroundings, don’t forget to keep an eye out for all of the marine wildlife in the Lemaire Channel. You may see multiple whale species surface to greet you (including humpbacks and orcas) in addition to noisy, joyfully jostling seals.

Vernadsky Research Station (on Galindez Island)

Most of our travelers become fascinated while in Antarctica about the type of research being conducted there, in addition to wanting to know more about the scientists and experts residing on the continent. For them, the Vernadsky Research Station is a highlight of their travels. 

The station is the base of the study of all things Antarctica, and most of the year there are six scientists there at a time: a biologist, two geophysicists, two meteorologists, and an ozonometer specialist, and also specialists like a mechanic, diesel operator, doctor, and a system administrator. While researching there, each scientist has predetermined research and measurements they are solely in charge of: for example, measurements of the ozone level have been done the same way since 1957, which makes it possible to see exactly how the ozone layer changes, what affects it, and the results of that change. It is this very data from the Vernadsky station– called the Faraday station at the time– that led to the discovery of the hole in the ozone layer ( uac.gov.ua ).

The history of how the station came to be is especially interesting – after the breakdown of the Soviet Union, Ukraine was refused the right to govern any of the 5 existing stations by Russia, but Great Britain wanted to transfer its Faraday station to a country that didn’t have a research base. So on February 6, 1996, the blue-yellow Ukrainian flag was hoisted up, and renamed for Volodymyr Vernadsky — Ukrainian mineralogist, geochemist, founder and the first president of the National Academy of Sciences of Ukraine.

Today, the scientists conducting research open their doors so that travelers can understand what it is they do, and appreciate what a working scientific Antarctic base is like. The base is also home to the southernmost bar in the world, the Faraday bar, and a post office so that you can send a momento to all your loved ones from Antarctica!

South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are a small group of islands about 120km (75 miles) north of the Antarctic Peninsula. In the islands, the temperature is generally warmer than in the mainland, and it has a plethora of exploring opportunities.

Highlight on Deception Island (in the South Shetland Islands)

In contrast to what its name suggests, Deception Island is usually a favorite for Antarctic travelers. Although it was abandoned by the British due to its active volcanic activity, the surrounding water is therefore warmer, making it an ideal spot for a polar plunge!

Deception Island is also a breathtaking sight to behold with its black sand beaches, Norwegian whaling station (dating back to 1912), and largest penguin colony on the western side of the Antarctic peninsula.

As you continue to explore the island, you will encounter snowy sheathbills and brown skuas (who happen to love penguin eggs). Cape and storm petrels living in the cliff crevices create an interesting backdrop as you hike the beaches to observe the seals like the famous Weddell seals and big-nosed elephant seals.

Other interesting South Shetland Islands hotspots

• King George Island has Villa Las Estrellas, is a Chilean settlement with a population of 15 during the summer and 80 inhabitants in the winter. Nobody is there permanently, people move and leave the island within a maximum of two years, and the majority of them are air force officers and their families. 
• Aitcho Islands, made up of islets and rocks just north of Greenwich, is a birdlife paradise.
• Elephant Island is the main island 200 km east of King George, where Ernest Shackleton’s crew took refuge after their ship was crushed by ice.

South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands

The South Georgia and South Sandwich Islands are a chain of subantarctic islands in the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. The islands are all UK overseas territories, though they have no permanent residents.

Here, travelers will get the full nature immersion experience: hundreds of thousands of king penguins dominating the beaches, 4-tonne elephant seals engaged in epic battles for mates, chunky little petrols diving into the waters, and the largest bird in the world, the Wandering Albatross.

30 million breeding birds, 7 million penguins, 250,000 albatrosses, 2 million fur seals, plus half of the world’s population of southern elephant seals! There is so much to see in this area alone that we offer an exclusive South Georgia Antarctic expedition for those who want to take their time to explore in depth all it has to offer.

Highlight South Georgia Island

Head to the remote and fully wild South Georgia Island for a land wildlife immersion experience. 1390 km southeast of the Falkland Islands and 2150 km from South America, South Georgia Island is full of bays and islets, home to vast arrays of birds, marine life, and you can experience the impressive wildlife statistics of South Georgia in person.

There are no roads on the island, so all travel is by boat or on foot. It is mountainous and covered by massive glaciers, so travel by land requires appropriate gear and backcountry travel skills (don’t worry, Secret Atlas will help you pack- here is our sample Arctic packing guide ).

There are 49 official landing sites on the island for small-to-medium-sized ships so choose a small ship expedition with Secret Atlas to be guaranteed the opportunity to immerse yourself and fully explore. The majority of the sites are along the north coast of the island, but depending on the time of the season, some sites are closed to ensure the protected wildlife breeding that takes place there is not interrupted or disturbed.

Other interesting South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands hotspots

• Okay, so this is a stretch to list as a hotspot since its existence is questionable, but you might like to know about the rumoured Aurora Islands, also known as Phantom Islands. First sighted in 1762 between South Georgia and the Falkland Islands, they have since been spotted and recorded at about 53°S, 48°W. Only later was it discovered that there isn’t any detectable land at that location. There’s really no satisfactory explanation for the multiple sightings–but we implore you to solve the mystery while in the area! 
• Zavodovski Island is 5 km across and mostly unglaciated, with a million pairs of chinstrap penguins. Travelers love it for its peak, the well-named Mount Asphyxia (551 m), an active strato-volcano that last erupted in 2016, and now exudes sulfurous smoke.
• Lots of islands with recently active volcanoes: Candlemas, Saunders, Montagu, Bristol, and Cook.

What can I do on an Antarctic Expedition with Secret Atlas?

1. spend time with wildlife.

While expeditioning during Antarctic summer (January to March), you are likely to fall in love with the winter sun “sunsets”– where the sun hovers near the horizon for several hours, refracting a spectrum of pinks, oranges and purples in the sky, but never setting (24 hours of daylight lends itself to even more wildlife encounters!).

Penguin colonies

There are about 20 million breeding pairs in the Antarctic region, so you’re highly likely to come home with a few penguin experience stories. You will probably be able to see gentoo penguins, as well as Adélie and chinstrap penguins. Depending on the site, you may hike up to some of their colonies and experience them in all their raucous glory. Though macaroni penguins are less common on the peninsula, there’s a good chance to see them, and for those looking for king penguins, a sub-Antarctic island expedition to South Georgia will take you to the heart of their breeding grounds.

Whales, seals, and seabirds

The whale population is slowly making a comeback after years of overhunting. You will be able to whale watch from December to April with peak times in February and March.  

Minke and humpback whales frequent the area, as do large pods of orcas. Sperm whales can also be spotted in Antarctica, although it is slightly less habitual.

One can’t forget the seabirds. Antarctica is the bird lover’s paradise for a reason – you’ll see rare types of birds wheeling, careening, and calling at sea and over the land. Wandering albatross, cormorants, skuas, blue-eyed and imperial shags, sheathbills, terns, prions, gulls. Emperor, King, Chinstrap, Adelie, Gentoo, and Macaroni penguins , and several types of petrels. Need we say more?

The rule of thumb when it comes to interacting with wildlife on Antarctica is: keep your distance, at least 2 meters away from all wildlife, but if they approach you, that’s no problem! Most of the wildlife are very unfamiliar with humans, so chances are they will come right up to you if you have the patience to wait.

2. Visit the historic sites and immerse yourself in wonder

Antarctica’s history is full of adventure, exploring, risk-it-all behavior, and, at times, spectacular defeat. The protagonists are explorers, businesspeople, scientists, and fortune-seekers. As a result, you may find yourself immersed in the history of Whaler’s Bay on Deception Island, where you can see the remains of the Norwegian Hektor Whaling Station .

You might also visit Goudier Island, where you can see Port Lockroy, a living museum operated by the United Kingdom and managed by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. There you will be greeted by a member of the team and guided through the living museum, home to artefacts from many of the historic bases. Proceeds from the gift shop and post office pay for the operation of Port Lockroy and toward protecting other British historic sites on the continent. The Port Lockroy team looks after ongoing conservation management of the area and monitors wildlife and data collection, on behalf o f the United Kingdom’s national polar research institute. You can investigate data from this research via the Port Lockroy data portal.

When you land, you’re likely to experience the full explorer fantasy, as you’re unlikely to see any other cruise ships in the area. An IAATO guideline known as “Wilderness Etiquette” states that only one ship can visit a landing site at a time, with further regulations on the number of visits each site can have per day. It serves to protect the continent and wildlife from overcrowding and noise pollution while allowing each visitor to enjoy their expedition.

3. Do expedition activities and make lifelong memories

Take the polar plunge.

Whether you’re jumping from a boat or sprint into the icy waters at the beach on Deception Island, it’s going to be frigidly cold. But the pain only lasts a minute, and you’ll have expert guides around you to warm you up with blankets and hot chocolate.

Climb and hike the amazing sites, including Mount Vinson

For those that want a serious adventure, and have the skills to go with it, why not consider climbing the tallest mountain in Antarctica, Mount Vinson!

Kayaking amongst the marine life

Sea kayaking in Antarctica, get even closer to the icebergs, huge glaciers, and if you’re really lucky, you might even encounter whales and other curious marine wildlife!

The Best Time to Travel to Antarctica

The only time to travel on a touristic expedition to Antarctica is during the Antarctic summer (December through March). But what month should you visit? For most, the answer is clear– from late December to March.

November to early December

Considered the early season, or “Spring”, this time of year is the way to experience Antarctica in its most undisturbed form. After the winter months, its landscape is covered with a fluffy blanket of snow and ice, leaving everything looking even more striking and mystical. However, you are less likely to see whales as the water temperature is still too chilly, and you may be forced to travel on a larger vessel. 

Summer Months – December to March

It’s “peak” season for a reason. With the highest temperature and 20-24 hours of daylight, think of a plenitude of animals, and even more adorable, baby animals. Vessels have more access to areas blocked by sea ice at other times of the year to reach more sites. However, make sure to travel with the smallest ship possible to ensure you can have an authentic cruise experience. This is currently the only time of year available to travel with us, guaranteeing the most authentic experience on the smallest vessels legally allowed in Antarctica, so look no further. 

Late March to Early April

Late summer in Antarctica is the best time for whale spotting as they migrate. However the temperatures slowly start to lower, making the weather more unpredictable, and snow storms are more frequent. Again, travelling at this time of year may require you to travel on a larger vessel for a less preferable experience.

Visa Requirements for Antarctica

Antarctica doesn’t belong to any one government or jurisdiction, and for that reason, no visas are required.

That being said, citizens of nations that have signed the Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection (USA, Canada, EU, and Australia) must get prior permission before visiting.

Don’t worry though, the Secret Atlas team will help you get this organized.

Travel Itinerary Suggestions

Join Secret Atlas on a 12-day in-depth Antarctica cruise with an extended focus on wildlife viewing and photography in the Antarctic peninsula. This expedition is aimed at those wanting to spend the maximum amount of unhurried time ashore observing wildlife and is suited for photographers and wildlife watchers.

What makes this trip even more special is that our vessel takes just 48 guests, the smallest group size in Antarctica. When you are ashore you will be in a small group of just 12 guests for an intimate wildlife and photography experience. Traveling on a small expedition vessel gives the group more flexibility and more time ashore, allowing you to visit landing sites that the large cruise ships can’t visit.

This expedition is meant to give you the maximum time ashore. All guests can fit in the Zodiacs and land at the same time, so no waiting around! Additional details include:

• Numerous opportunities to photograph Antarctica’s icy and stunning landscapes from the ship and shore.
• Excursions led by highly experienced expedition leaders and photography guides.
• Ability to explore key wildlife sites on the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula.
• Ability to go Zodiac cruising and hiking.
• Option to take in expert lectures from onboard marine biologists, geologists, ornithologists, historians and other guests and guides.
• Opportunities to spot wildlife and take photos from the deck and the open bridge, where you can also observe how the Captain and Officers sail and navigate the ship.
• Free classes, special events and activities offered while onboard.
• Trade travel stories in the lounge, relax and enjoy creature comforts and panoramic views, stretch your legs in the gym or feed your thirst for knowledge.

Polar Pioneer: Why this vessel is best for an Antarctic adventure

Learn more about Polar Pioneer, the Secret Atlas Vessel headed to Antarctica and South Georgia

Polar Pioneer is a capable expedition vessel with the highest ice class. It gives the best chance of reaching the sea ice edge. The Polar Pioneer can transit open water crossings with ease and comfort due to its integrated dynamic water ballast system, which guarantees a great reduction of rolling in heavy seas. As a result, Polar Pioneer is among one of the most stable small vessels currently in operation in the Antarctic regions.

The Polar Pioneer is equipped with:

• A dining room with unreserved seating serving chef-prepared meals
• A presentation room or lounge for expert lectures and presentations
• A bar staffed by professional bartenders
• A polar library
• A polar boutique
• A gym or exercise room
• A small clinic with an onboard doctor
• Open decks for wildlife viewing and photography
• An open bridge policy

A little more on the Polar Pioneer

Rough seas and seasickness:

Travelers to Antarctica should be prepared for the possibility of rough seas. Cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula cross the Drake Passage, which is known for its way of roughing up stomachs. From Ushuaia, Argentina, it takes 2 days to cross the Drake Passage each way, however, once ships arrive in Antarctica, seas tend to be calm as ships cruise in protected waters close to shore. Our expert team will help you prepare and mitigate potential seasickness leading up to your expedition.

Antarctica is sure to be one of the best travel experiences of your life, as long as you do your homework researching which expedition is best for you. That said, you don’t have to do it alone, as it can be confusing to know all the details on your own. Reach out to a member of our team to explore which expedition is best for you , and learn more about our Antarctic and South Georgia 2023 and 2024 expeditions.

Have a great voyage!

People are at the heart of everything we do here at Secret Atlas, and our guests' experience is top of our list.

We've put together a video for our guests to share their experiences with you, or you can read guests' stories below.

Brett’s Guest Story ­­­­­– Secret Atlas Review

"I left understanding how fragile our ecosystem is and gained a newfound respect for every…

Rachel’s Guest Story – Secret Atlas Review

"Floating in the sea at 80 degrees north, surrounded by ice while the snow fell…

Katie’s Journey to Svalbard – Secret Atlas Review

'Out of all my experiences, this one has been the most exceptional and special so…

Sarah’s Guest Story – Secret Atlas Review

"I’ve come to realise there’s only one way I want to travel, and that’s on…

Top 10 tips for Visiting Antarctica: The Cruise Of A Lifetime

December 2nd, 2017 / Burnham Arlidge

To help you get the most out of your unforgettable cruise, we have listed our top 10 tips for visiting Antarctica.

Antarctica is a continent few people can say they’ve experienced. Isolated in the Southern Ocean, and covered in ice that averages 1.9km in thickness, a trip to Antarctica is an adventure like no other.

It also involves significant planning and research, after all you want to make sure you get the most out of your once in a lifetime trip.

Top 10 tips for visiting Antarctica

1. getting the right clothing.

Packing for a holiday can be hard enough as it is.

But packing for Antarctica is something else entirely. With unpredictable weather and temperatures ranging from freezing to -15 degrees Celsius, it can be easy to get carried away.

So, what’s the secret to packing for one of the most isolated and coldest places on the planet?

Start by following the packing list  provided by us here ; this will give you a detailed overview of what to bring. Often, it’s a lot less than you think!

There are luggage limits with tour operators, so it’s more about packing smart than packing more.

The key to staying warm and comfortable in Antarctica is layering.

Packing light , comfortable, moisture-wicking clothing that you can take on and off as required is essential to managing your temperature.

Your  clothing  will be made up of several base layers, shirts and trousers (lightweight and breathable), a second layer of insulating fleece and a third and final layer consisting of a warm, waterproof and windproof jacket.

2. Pack sea sickness medication

If you’re crossing Drakes Passage, chances are it’s not going to be smooth sailing. It takes approximately two days to pass through in either direction, and the swell can be up to 15 metres.

Drake’s Passage is a bumpy ride, even for the more seasoned passenger, and with limited medical assistance onboard , it’s best to be well prepared.

The most effective medicine for sea sickness is the transdermal scopolamine patch, which lasts for three days and is placed just behind the ear. It helps reduce nausea and vomiting significantly.

Over the counter tablets such as Dramamine or Phenergan are also quite useful, but can cause drowsiness and have adverse side effects.

It’s recommended to consult your doctor before taking any medication . Alternative remedies can also be helpful such as electronic wristbands and ginger.

For more information  please see our detailed page here.

3. Bring extra batteries, memory cards, and dry bags

Antarctica is a photographer’s dream. Picturesque icebergs, an abundance of wildlife and unique landscapes are waiting to be photographed around every corner.

But it can also be a nightmare if you aren’t adequately prepared. Camera batteries run down much quicker due to the extreme cold.

It’s always best to keep fully charged spares in your day pack , as once you are dropped on land by the zodiac, getting back to the ship for batteries is nearly impossible.

Memory cards also fill up quicker than usual due to the number of fantastic shots there are to be captured.

Make sure you bring multiple memory cards (the more storage you have the better) and remember to continuously back up your photos.

Dry bags  are also essential and can be one of the most important accessories that you can carry.

As you’ll be travelling on zodiacs back and forth each day, in addition to making wet landings, it’s highly possible and not uncommon to experience water splashing into the boat and on you.

Make sure you keep your camera and memories safe with a dry bag!

For more information, please read our detailed page on Antarctica photography .

Get a Cruise Quote!

Antarctica Guide do not sell tours, we simply provide impartial advice . If you would like an exact quote with our recommended specialist click Get a Quote.

4. Book your Antarctica adventure early

Visiting Antarctica as a tourist is only possible for roughly five months of the year, from late October through early March.

Due to the limited visiting months, the range of itineraries and high demand, many Antarctica cruises sell out very quickly .

Booking ahead is highly recommended, to ensure you secure a spot on your ideal cruise. Many people book 1-2 years in advance, and if you’re lucky enough to be organised, you can often find early booking discounts.

As the cost of a cruise can run into the tens of thousands per person, booking early can save you a lot!

If you would like our personal specialist recommendation then please use this form .

5. Explore Ushuaia before or after your cruise

Ushuaia is the gateway to Antarctica and often hailed as the ‘End of the World’ due to its southern location.

Approximately 90% of Antarctica cruises leave from the port of Ushuaia , and during the summer months, this picturesque Argentinian city turns into a bustling tourist mecca.

Make sure you take full advantage of the beautiful scenery and array of activities that Ushuaia offers, by spending a few extra nights before or after your cruise.

It’s a long way to travel, so make sure you get the most out of your trip. Spend a day exploring the southernmost national park on the planet: Tierra Del Fuego National Park, enjoy the amazing scenery at the top of Martial Glacier or take a dip in the beautiful green waters of Esmeralda Lagoon.

There’s plenty to see and do, plus who doesn’t like an extended holiday!

For more information, please see our page on the best things to do in Ushuaia .

6. Plan an itinerary that suits you

Trying to choose an Antarctica cruise can be overwhelming. There are over 70 cruise itineraries and hundreds of different tour operators to look through.

Not to mention the time of year you choose, the ship and your budget, which can all affect your experience and what you can see and do.

We recommend you conduct thorough research and know what type of Antarctica experience you are want.

As an example, if you prefer to spend more time on land, a smaller cruise ship with less than 200 passengers will allow you to dock more frequently as opposed to a larger ship that has restrictions.

Choosing your itinerary can be tough as there are so many different factors to consider.

Luckily we have put together a detailed guide to help you pick apart each aspect and ensure you set sail on the journey of a lifetime. Please read our Antarctica itineraries page .

7. Don’t forget travel insurance

No matter how careful, prepared or well researched you are, when it comes to Antarctica travel, you should always expect the unexpected.

That’s why a comprehensive travel insurance policy is an absolutely must. You won’t be able to board your cruise without it!

Due to Antarctica’s remote location, and limited medical resources, all tour operator companies require a travel insurance policy that will cover emergency evacuation by air, repatriation and medical fees up to at least US$200,000.

Evacuation alone will set you back a minimum of US$100,000 , so the higher the cover amount, the better off you’ll be.

Your Antarctica cruise is a significant investment, and while we wish every cruise departed on time, every time, unfortunately, the notorious weather just doesn’t permit this.

Therefore, it’s essential your travel insurance policy covers unfortunate circumstances such as long delays, trip interruptions or even trip cancellation!

We also recommend reading the fine print to make sure you’re covered for all the activities you wish to do. Be informed, some Antarctica travel insurance policies stop covering you as soon as you leave the ship!

Make sure you review your travel insurance options thoroughly before deciding, you don’t want to be caught off-guard.

Please read our detailed page on Antarctic travel insurance .

8.    Take part in the optional activities

You’d have to be incredibly lucky to visit Antarctica twice in a lifetime, so make sure you visit this stunning part of the world with no regrets.

We encourage you to take part in as many optional activities as your heart desires!

Whether you’re an adventure seeker, animal enthusiast or  keen photographer , you’ll be spoilt for choice.

Take a cruise amongst the icebergs on a private Zodiac craft, explore the bizarre but beautiful landscape by foot on a snowshoeing expedition, go  camping  or  swimming , or get up close to the  wildlife  by  sea kayak .

If you want a truly mesmerising experience, spend a night camping beneath the shadows of the giant glaciers!

Whatever activity you decide, make sure you do your research beforehand as pre-booking activities is a must. You don’t want one those ‘I wish I’d done that’ feelings!

Please see our Antarctica activities page .

9.    Prepare for uncertainty

Antarctica is one of the harshest environments on the planet, and can also be extremely unpredictable. Conditions can change in a minute, and the stop you had your heart set on might not be possible anymore.

But that doesn’t mean you miss out. Your cruise will have a contingency plan for all  types of conditions .

While your itinerary may not run to schedule , and you may have to skip a few stops, that doesn’t mean your adventure will be any less beautiful.

Our recommendation is to take each cruise moment as it comes. Antarctica is a unique destination, and as such each voyage will be unique and as equally amazing!

 10.    Respect the environment

Antarctica is a fragile ecosystem with many protected zones, species, and ongoing scientific research.

Often considered the last wilderness on earth. Visiting with minimal impact and respecting the environment is one of the most important aspects to remember on any cruise.

All tour operators will give you a brief before you disembark on what you can and can’t do. Make sure you follow all guidelines set by your tour operators.

Helping to engage in  sustainable tourism  will go a long way to ensuring Antarctica and its inhabitants continue to thrive for generations to come!

Posted on Dec 02, 2017

About the Author Burnham Arlidge

Burnham started his career as a professional tennis player before retiring due to injury. Since then Burnham has thrown himself into adventure travel. He has visited some of the most iconic and obscure parts of the planet - his most memorable experience is Antarctica!

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Traveling to Antarctica is a once in a life-time opportunity, and one which tops the bucket lists of many travelers…including us! And, with Spectacular glacial lagoons, dramatic icebergs, vast areas of remote wilderness, breaching whales and deep-diving seals, it’s not hard to see why.

Antarctica really is the final frontier!

Almost everyone who travels to Antarctica travels on a cruise , which is a fantastic option as it combines accommodation, transport, meals and activities all in one. While camping is available in some circumstances once ashore, there is hardly any infrastructure on the continent itself, and as such cruising is best option available for accommodation purposes.

90% of cruises leave from Ushuaia, Argentina, across the Drake Passage, however some cruise companies offer departures from Australia or New Zealand, and explore the Ross Sea side of Antarctica.

For those serious about travel to the Antarctic, Lonely Planet’s  Antarctica travel guide  has more information.

#1 Book a Last Minute Cruise

For an average trip consisting of a 10 day cruise you should expect to pay around $5,800 US or £ 3,700.

You can, however, considerably cut down your costs by  NOT  booking your trip in advance.  Last minute deals are readily available for those willing to show up in Ushuaia in November/December; you may need to be flexible with dates, however can potentially save a few thousand dollars.

Antarctica. Photo CC by Andreas Kambanis.

#2 Book to Step Foot on the Continent

Make sure your itinerary includes the opportunity to step foot on the Antarctic Continent, as some cruise companies won’t allow you to get off the ship.

One of the main draws of Antarctica is the phenomenal wildlife; hundreds of emperor penguins, leopard seals, exotic birdlife; wouldn’t you actually want to walk  among  the spectacular wildlife you’ve traveled to the edge of the earth to see?!

Read Jonny Blair’s account of what it’s like to step onto the Antarctic Peninsula.

Walk among the wildlife! Photo CC by Eli Duke.

#3 Know Which Costs Are Included

You may think you’ve found a killer deal on a cruise to Antarctica, but be sure to double check and fully research all of the trip details and associated costs.

A lot of companies will offer hugely discounted rates, however not cover inclusions such as food or optional activities like kayaking during your trip. Make sure you’re aware what is included and what’s not, and balance this against more expensive cruises which  do  include everything for you.

Some itineraries also include travel to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands as part of the trip (something to consider as you’re traveling all this way!), and check for optional activities like kayaking, hiking, scuba diving, helicopter rides or camping.

Kayakers in Antarctica. Photo CC by  Andreas Kambanis.

#4 Don’t Overdress

Jonny Blair of Don’t Stop Living recommends not to overdress.

The air was clean, clear and crisp. I was ridiculously over-dressed. They had told me that Antarctica would be cold so I feared the worst. I needn’t have bothered.

Two coats and two pairs of trousers and socks was extreme, but I was already dressed for the landing as we anchored off shore. I was even sweating!

Aim for quality of clothing over quantity (also remembering you have to fit everything in your bag). Make sure your jacket is windproof, waterproof and comfortable, and that it covers your lower back.

Consider which colours look better in photos (bright colors is a good way to go). And pack a hat which covers your ears.

#5 Record Your Adventure

The old saying “photos or it didn’t happen”applies here! Be sure you’re set with enough equipment to properly chronicle your adventure.

Antarctica is a once in a lifetime trip; a continent most people only ever dream of stepping foot on; so this could well be the trip which is worth the investment in good camera equipment.

Shooting with a Canon Powershot SX 50

Carry multiple memory cards and back-up batteries with you. Cold environments drain battery power at a quicker rate than in warmer climates. We summited Mt Kilimanjaro only to find the glacial environment had killed our camera battery!

You may also consider traveling with a diary to record each day’s adventure, or alternatively a voice recorder works well for those not keen on writing. Also, think about investing in a decent pair of binoculars.

If You Liked This Post You May Also Like:

Arrival in Barrientos: Antarctica

What You Can Expect on a Luxury Antarctic Cruise

The Best Way to Start Planning an Antarctica Trip

Megan is an Australian Journalist who has been travelling and blogging around the world for the last 7 years to inspire others to embark on their own worldwide adventure!  Her husband Mike is an American travel photographer, and together they have made the world their home.

Follow their journey on  Facebook ,  Google+  and  Twitter .

Featured Photo: CC  Waitt Foundation

53 comments.

Really? Last minute discounted cruises to Antarctica. Brilliant.

You would have never thought right!!

Shame it’s only for US citizens. Could I apply if I took care of my own airfare to Punta Arenas?

I know! I’ll keep my eyes and ears open for global competitions as well though!

Great post, Megan! I’d love to go to Antarctica! This kind of coarse landscapes have always really appealed to me :) Shame the competition is only open to US citizens.

The landscapes there would be unbelievable! I’ll keep my eyes out for future competitions which are open to a larger audience :)

Hope to see you in Antarctica one day!

That is a trip of a lifetime. They are even taking care of your tax issues. This is such a great contest.

I know! I was super impressed by that as well – finally a competition which is truly comped!!

Sounds awesome! Good to know that it is best to book last minute! When I visit that is definitely what I will do :D

Handy little tip that not many people are aware of :)

Some solid tips you have there Megan! We’ve heard all about the last-minute cruises and that will no doubt be our plan when we get to that end of the Earth. Scuba diving in Antarctica is one of our huge bucket list items! I have heard that Ushuaia is not a cheap place to hang out though, so better to go prepared expecting to spend a bit of cash before your cruise. Cheers for the great post!

Thanks Jazza! And in turn, I wasn’t aware that Ushuaia isn’t the cheapest spot, so we both learned something today!!

Great idea to see if you can find last minute deals since Antarctica is something people usually plan way in advance. Thanks for sharing…fingers crossed on the contest!

Best of luck!

I had no idea that last minute cruises were even an option for Antarctica – good to know! I have been wanting to go to Antarctica for a long long time – I would love to go kayaking and just to set foot on the continent – wow! Thanks for the tips – and the contest info :)

Best of luck with the contest – and you’re welcome on the tips! Glad they were useful :) Last minute stresses me out a bit, but sometimes you can really work it to your advantage!

Wow, thanks for sharing the contest! That’s great that the lodging in Chile is an ecocamp at a national park too! Great tips!

It’s a pretty epic trip! I’ve been so focused on the Antarctica bit, but the Chile portion is just as fantastic! Best of luck!

Traveling to Antarctica is one of the most exhilarating trips you will ever take.

On that we do agree! Best of luck with the competition!

Can I pretend I am American? This is so cool! I can’t wait to go to Antarctica!

I’ll take you with me if I win. Though you have to be the one to tell Mike we’re running off to Antarctica together :P

Gutted that not being from the States excludes me from entering the competition – what a fab prize! But some great tips on getting to Antarctica all the same. Love the tip about brightly coloured waterproofs looking better in photographs – I would never have thought of that. And nice to know that it *is* possible to get last-minute deals on visiting Antarctica. Thanks! :-)

Will be keeping my eyes & ears open for other fab comps which offer entry to everyone! Glad you took some good tips away from the article all the same – the last minute deals are a great little unknown fact about traveling here – not really something I would have thought of if not for having been told!

Oh Wow this is a life long dream of mine. Wish I was closer! Cant wait to go one day!

I’m hoping to make it happen one day for us as well – fingers crossed for both of us!

This is now officially on my BUCKET LIST !

Woohoo! It’s not a bad bucket list item to have :D!

I would LOVE to go to Antarctica! Its been a dream of mine for years. I should just buy my ticket and make it happen!

YES! Book that ticket and then tell me all about it!

Wow that looks amazing!!! Why can’t I be American so I can enter? I would love to go but the price tag means that it is not in my future anytime soon.

Maybe we can convince one of the tour operators that a group press trip is in order!

Ack! I wish I could enter but I’m not from the US!!!

I’ll keep my eyes and ears out for comps open to all!

I watched a called Encounters At The End Of The World which is set in Antarctica. Ever since then I’ve wanted to go! I have booked marked for future reference!

I’ll have to do a search and see if I can download that one – I love anything on Antarctica – I’m totally obsessed! So glad you enjoyed the post – hopefully the tips are useful when you plan your journey :)

Happy travels!

Great tips on something I hope to research extensively someday. I’d hate to think I’d travel all that way and not be let off the ship to go and see the penguins! That would kill me.

Good to have reference to Jonny Blair. I know he has first hand experience of this place and loved reading about his trip.

Absolutely – no drive by’s for us – the whole point you would think of going is to get off the ship and experience the actual continent :)

I also loved reading about Jonny’s experiences in Antarctica – he’s written a guest post for us on what it was like to step foot onto the continent if you feel like some extra reading :)

Hi there! I’m wondering if anyone knows if it is possible to book a last minute trip to Antarctica during the off season- I’m looking to go in early September. I’m a US citizen living and working in Chile until then, so I’d like to visit before I head back to the states, but I have to be in the states by late september/early october…

Hey Laura – I’ve asked around and done a bit of research and unfortunately the cruises don’t start until November.

Between April and October the cruise ships can’t reach Antarctica because the thick pack ice extends up to 600 kilometers (1,000 miles) beyond the continent. Daylight hours are also really scarce in the winter and the temps reach -50 so it’s bitterly cold.

There are a few cruise companies who start mid October at earliest if you were able to push back your return to the US until late October though :)

…though if you shoot Tiana Harris an email at [email protected] – she’s a travel agent and she replied to one of my questions in a forum and said she knows of some companies which go out earlier :) Hope that helps!

Thanks Megan for this amazing post :)

I get chills every time I think about Antarctica, it’s pulling me so strongly..

There’s this urge inside me and has been there for as long as I can remember,

to one day get me a polar bear like layer of fat under my furry coat, and go meet the penguins in Antarctica LOL

I wish you the most amazing adventures,

Love and light, Marko

Glad to hear you enjoyed the post Marko :) And I hope you can manage a trip to Antarctica very soon!!

It must be amazing to be able to step out on this continent! It’s on my list! Also, I will need to make sure not to over dress- I would have thought I would need to.

I thought that too originally! Definitely take warm clothes, though I think most people overthink it way too much and end up with too many unnecessary layers :)

I hope you have the chance to get to Antarctica soon Mary! Thanks for stopping by :)

I have traveled 3 times to Antarctica and all with expedition ships, not your typical cruise line. If you want a true experience look into them, you spend your days zodiacing ashore , hiking, walking with the penguins while the many typical cruise lines just sail by. Falkland & South Georgia Islands are a must if you are already down there S Georgia has the most wildlife.

Thanks Shawn for the great tips – expedition ships sound right up our alley as we prefer to aim for a bit more adventure than merely a drive by. Looking into actually leaving on a cruise from Australia instead of South America as it looks like there’s also a fab island south of Tasmania called Macquarie which has similar wildlife. Would be interesting to compare it to S Georgia :)

These are some great tips Megan! Didn’t know about last minute cruises and deals. :) We have always booked in advance to avoid any last minute embarrassments.

Didn’t know one is allowed so many activity thru these cruises.

Thanks Nisha – glad we could share our knowledge with you :) Booking a last minute cruise is definitely something which could make a prior planner a little anxious, but if you’re willing to be flexible it can save you quite a lot.

Hope you have the chance to visit Antarctica soon!

I got some really great tips from your write up, Megan! I had a great time in Antarctica a few years back, there were penguins everywhere!

Glad we could help Agness! We’ve just returned from Antarctica within the last few days, so many more photos and tips coming soon! So glad you enjoyed your trip too :)

I just got email from Marie of FreestyleTravelAdeventures, 10 minutes ago who has been constantly giving me information on deals.

This is how LAST MINUTE DEALS WORK.

If you have flexible travel dates and are open to different voyages and ships, then “last minute” deals can be a good choice for you.

A little bit about how ‘Last Minute Deals’ work: we get the leftover berths from the ship operators about 10 days to 2 weeks before sailing. These depend completely on availability and the operator gives us the pricing. We can then offer these spaces to travelers on our list. Last season “Classic Antarctica” prices ranged from $4,800-7,500, depending on the part of the season and availability.

The cheapest and most readily available deals are usually in November, then prices peak in high season for Christmas through January departures. January is the highest month of the Antarctica season, with hatching penguin chicks, long days and whales arriving, so it can be tougher to get a deal and waiting is common. Mid-February and March are excellent for whale watching and deals are usually available.

The best plan of action, if you want to wait for a last minute deal, is to keep in touch with us and let us know your dates. We’ll add you to our “deals list” and start sending you offers as we get them. If you’re in Buenos Aires or traveling around Patagonia, and the perfect deal becomes available, we can book you in via email and then you just need to arrive to Ushuaia a day or two before. This saves you time sitting in Ushuaia waiting for a ship, which can be up to two weeks!

You may have read that the best strategy is to come straight to Ushuaia, but today we can e-mail the same deals out to our list that we offer in Ushuaia. Thus, it’s great to keep in touch with us via e-mail a few weeks before you hope to travel.

Your blog is really good and will help me plan my trip.

I love Australia and past 4 years were amazing in downunder :) Thanks.

Thanks for sharing your insight Naga, very helpful information on finding a last minute deal.

I hope you find a great deal and have a wonderful trip!

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A land that holds 90% of Earth’s ice, Antarctica stuns visitors with its awe-inspiring beauty. Setting foot on the seventh continent is a privilege and an honor. You will bring home indelible tales, and your journey will arouse the curiosity of your family and friends. To ensure you enjoy every moment, review our Antarctica travel tips and get prepared for an adventure of a lifetime.

Planning Your Trip

On every journey, our Antarctica21 team includes at least 12 expert polar guides and their number one priority is ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Our team knows Antarctica’s unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology, and loves sharing their expertise with you, including the travel tips below. Our expeditions are suitable for adventurous travelers who enjoy full mobility and reasonably good health. Each year we welcome guests from over 40 different countries. They may travel alone, as a family, or as a part of a group. The one they they all have in common is a curiosity for the world and this desire to explore it.

As an Antarctic specialist, we understand intimately how to coordinate air and sea operations in the changeable Antarctic environment. We have completed over 200 fly and cruise departures and we bring all that experience to your journey. Expedition travel to Antarctica requires flexibility and adaptation to ever-changing circumstances, to help you get prepared for an adventure to Antarctica or one of our other destinations we have created a list of important travel tips for you to review below.

Single travelers can choose between:

• Booking a dedicated Single Cabin. No supplement is applied for single use of dedicated Single Cabins.
• Booking Cabin for single use. An 85 % Aboard Magellan Explorer DATES & PRICES supplement will be added to the rate per person when booking in a limited number of Porthole and Veranda Cabins on Magellan Explorer and Twin Cabins on Ocean Nova. A 100 % supplement applies when booking all other categories.
• Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender. This is available on Magellan Explorer in Porthole and Veranda Cabins, and on Ocean Nova in Twin Cabins. Antarctica21 will take care of finding the matching companion. Passengers who book a Twin Cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas for which they must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected. Please inquire at time of reservation.
• Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their air-cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.

Children are admitted from the age of 8 years if accompanied by an adult who will take responsibility and sign a waiver. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children up to 12 years of age.

Travelers must arrive in Punta Arenas by 14:00 hrs (2:00 PM) on Day 1 of the itinerary of their trip. Travelers who miss this deadline will not be able to participate in the trip, and no refund will be extended. On the last day of the expedition, travelers are strongly encouraged to book flights departing in the late afternoon. We strongly recommend avoiding tight flight connections. We recommend booking a flexible airfare. It is also important to check visa requirements for your country for travel to Chile prior to your trip.

A number of national and international airlines land daily at Santiago’s airport. Two national airlines connect the capital of Chile and Punta Arenas with several daily flights. The distance between Santiago and Punta Arenas is about 3,000 km and a direct flight takes about 3 and half hours.

Punta Arenas is situated in the Chilean Patagonia where there are several border crossings between Chile and Argentina. Overland travel from El Calafate, Rio Gallegos, Rio Grande and Ushuaia is possible but takes a considerable amount of travel time. Punta Arenas can also be reached from Torres del Paine National Park (about 5 hours by car) and Puerto Natales (3 hours by car).

A number of national and international airlines land daily at the Buenos Aires airport and several daily connections serve Ushuaia. The distance between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia is about 3,190 km and a direct flight takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The main Argentinean airline is Aerolineas Argentinas. Latam airline also operates in Argentina. Note that Buenos Aires has two airports that service Ushuaia; please double-check which airport your flight will leave from as they are on opposite sides of the city.

Travelers must arrive at the ship between 15:00 hrs (3:00 PM) and 16:00 hrs (4:00 PM). We strongly recommend avoiding tight flight connections. Travelers who miss this deadline will not be able to participate in the trip and no refund will be extended. It is also important to check visa requirements for your country for travel to Argentina and Chile prior to your trip.

Ushuaia lies on the southern shore of Tierra Del Fuego island, on the Beagle Channel, at the very end of the National Road n. 3 starting in Buenos Aires. This road links Ushuaia with other cities in Patagonia. Motor coach service between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas is available and takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on border crossing.

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to pay a Reciprocity Fee to enter Argentina and/or to obtain an entry visa.

Travelers are required to review the My Expedition portal prior to departure. The participation form should be submitted no later than 90 days prior to departure.

Getting on and off the ship requires full mobility. You don’t need to be very agile but you do need to be able to walk and manage stairs independently, as well as to lift your legs over the pontoons of the Zodiacs to embark and disembark. Walks on the beach or further inland, with some low hill climbing, are available. You should be reasonably fit to be able to enjoy those activities but it will always be up to you how far you choose to walk. Physical activity will never be imposed and you can set your own pace.

In the Participation Form you will be asked to tell us all about your health problems, either past or present, including allergies, etc. This will allow our onboard doctor to be aware of the medical needs of each one of our passengers, and allow him or her to be better prepared.

One of our most important travel tips for Antarctica is the weight of your bag. The maximum luggage weight allowed on flights to and from Antarctica is 20 kg (44 lbs.) per passenger, including hand luggage. For trips starting and ending in Punta Arenas, luggage exceeding this weight limit can be left in custody with Antarctica21. This luggage custody service is not available for Antarctica Express Air-Cruises starting in Ushuaia.

Antarctica21 requires participants to be adequately covered by medical insurance, including aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica. We also urge that all travelers be adequately covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Our ship has a small, well-equipped infirmary for the attention of minor medical problems and is under the care of a licensed medical doctor. Serious emergencies require evacuation to medical centres in South America that are better equipped, which requires a very costly air evacuation procedure. This is why we ask our passengers to have an insurance policy that covers emergency medical evacuation.

Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, you should be prepared for that possibility.

The “Important Information” and “Contingency Plan” sections of the Antarctica21 brochure detail the plan should unfavorable weather conditions impact the operation of the Antarctic flight. Travelers should review and understand these details.

Another important travel tip for Antarctica and all of our destinations is for entry visas and fees. Travelers should check the entry requirements of the countries visited during their trip, based on their nationality. Antarctica Express AirCruises visit Argentina and Chile so the requirements of both countries should be considered.

We are privileged to have a group of international chefs prepare a delicious selection of different cuisines throughout your trip. Wine, beer, juice and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board our ships are included, as well as coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks throughout the expedition. Note: beverages purchased at the ship’s bar as well as not-included beverage purchased in the dining room are at a charge.

Dietary requests must be made on the Participation Form you receive after your booking confirmation. This information will be passed along to our staff so they can accommodate your needs while on your voyage. Note: due to the nature of our expeditions and the kitchens onboard the ships, Kosher and vegan meals cannot be accommodated.

Your safety is our main concern. You will be provided with a mandatory safety session before departing on your voyage. You will be shown where the life jackets are, as well as the safety boats in case of an emergency evacuation. During rough weather, do not walk in large, open areas and be sure to use handrails both outside and inside the vessel. Always use door handles and never hold doors by their frames, as a sudden movement may prove very dangerous. Always turn on the lights upon entering your cabin in case items have moved around. Use non-slip shoes when on deck, as it can be slippery at times.

Austral summer weather in Antarctica means mostly mild temperatures. You can expect cold, sunny days and brisk winds, which may turn into stormy weather and even a few snow flurries or snow. You should be prepared for quick changes in weather conditions. Below we offering more packing and travel tips for your expedition with us.

Suggested Packing List

One of the most important Antarctica travel tips is ensuring you have the right gear. The average temperature in the Antarctica Peninsula area during the austral summer is about 0º C (32º F), although sometimes it may feel a little lower because of the wind chill factor. For this reason, it is best to wear several layers of light, warm clothing, with a windproof and waterproof jacket and pants as the outer layer. The suggested clothing for Antarctica is very similar to that recommended for skiing.

Fleece layers

Waterproof parka, thermal layering, expedition boots.

Due to the reflection of the sun on the snow and ice, it is important to bring sunglasses or ski googles with high UV protection.

There are high and cold winds in Antarctica. A warm cap, hat, or balaclava hood is needed.

A Fleece jacket and trousers are recommended when on outdoor excursions.

A waterproof hooded parka (similar to what is used for skiing) is recommended as your final outter layer during expeditions.

Thermal underwear, including sweatshirts, turtlenecks, socks (layering with wool, silk or synthetics fabrics, rather than cotton) are recommended.

Well insulated thermal gloves or mittens are important to bring for your trip.

Insulated waterproof trousers (ski pants) are recommened as your final outter layer for excursions.

We suggest Comfortable clothes to wear on board (temperature on board is about 20º-22ºC, or 68º-72ºF) the ship.

A swimsuit is important to pack In case you want to partake in the Polar Plunge or use the sauna.

Bring comfortable rubber-soled shoes to wear on board the ship.

On the first day of the program Antarctica21 staff will deliver a pair of boots for landing in Antarctica to each passenger. Boots are provided on loan and will be collected before the end of the trip.

Suggested Items

The following Antarctica travel tips are designed to answer any questions that you may have about your Antarctic experience. We hope you will find this information useful. Should there be anything else that we can assist you with, please do not hesitate to contact us – we will be happy to answer any questions you may have.

To see the wildlife you should have a good pair of lightweight binoculars (the suggested magnification is 7x or 8x). If you are passionate about photography, do not forget a good zoom lens to shoot wildlife while avoiding close approaches. Also, take with you a good supply of memory cards and spare batteries since cold temperatures can reduce their life span.

While we hope you are able to disconnect from the outside world to enjoy your voyage to the fullest, we understand this is not always possible. We have a satellite telephone and Internet services on board, available at an additional charge to guests. Please note that due to the nature of our expedition and the location we travel, services will not be to the standard you are used to at home, and as such, you should expect slow or delayed services at best.

Everyone on board the ship will work hard to make your experience special. Although this is a personal choice, it is customary for passengers to leave a gratuity to the crew, service personnel, and expedition staff as a sign of appreciation. You can make a single contribution at the end of the voyage. As a general guideline, we suggest US$15 per passenger per day. Gratuities can be added prior to settling your shipboard account, or put in an envelope and dropped in a box set out on the last days of the voyage.

Sea Kayaking and Hiking and Snowshoeing are available as optional adventure activities on selected departures. Please consult your Antarctcia sales representative for more information.

As most landings in Antarctica are “wet landings”, the best footwear is knee-high waterproof boots. You will not need to carry them with you since Antarctica21 will provide you with a pair of thermal rubber boots before arriving in Antarctica. To ensure a good fitting, we will request your shoe size in the participation form.

Good quality UV filtering sunglasses are essential. Glacier glasses have leather flaps at the sides to stop the light from passing through. Due to the high reflectance of UV radiation, you will also need good sun block lotion for your face (protection factor 30 and above) and lip balm.

The aircraft cabin is heated to provide you with a comfortable flight, however please bear in mind that you will be landing in Antarctica, where the temperature on average is 0°C (32°F). We suggest you wear layers of warm clothing and take with you a parka/anorak, waterproof trousers, a pair of gloves, and a cap or hat. Please ensure that you are wearing your Antarctica21 rubber boots when you disembark the aircraft.

Casual attire (expedition style) is the most appropriate apparel for the voyage. Clothing should be comfortable and informal, including shoes. There is no requirement to dress formally for any meals. Should you wish to be on the outside decks, the Antarctica21 rubber boots are ideally warm and comfortable to wear. The average temperature on board is about 20°/22°C (68°/72°F).

Seasickness is an unpleasant but very treatable condition. There are a variety of effective over-the-counter and prescription remedies for it. Remember that these treatments are generally more effective when taken BEFORE the onset of nausea; so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking action before sailing or entering open seas. Although the ship’s doctor is available for advice, check with your personal doctor before departure about taking medication.

Please ensure you pack any personal medication for your trip. Please also consider to bring some additional doses in case there is any delay with flights.

Electric outlets on board are 220V/50Hz, and are equipped with standard U.S. two-pin system, 2-prong plug or Euro-plug and USB port. Please bring with you the necessary converters and adapters.

Electric outlets are different in the 3 ships:

HEB: Electric outlets on board are 110V/50Hz, and are equipped with standard US. Two-pin system(type B).

MAG: Electric outlets on board are 220V/50HZ, and are equipped with standard US two-pin system, 2-prong plug or Euro-plug and USB port.

OCN: Electric outlets on board are 220V/50HZ, and are equipped with standard 2-prong plug or Euro-plug.

Smoking is not permitted on board, except in designated areas on the exterior decks, where cigarette butt containers are located.

• All passenger areas, including cabins and balconies, are   designated as  non-smoking .
• Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ships (including the balcony areas,) on Zodiacs, or on landings during shore excursions in Antarctica.
• International law dictates the allowed designated area for smoking on commercial vessels; This location will be clearly identified to passengers during the Safety Briefing at the beginning of the voyage. For safety and environmental reasons, never throw cigarette butts or any other material on the ground or into the sea.

Participation Form

Please remember to fill out your participation form 90 days prior to your depature. If you have questions regarding your form, please let us know.

Visas and Passports

Upon booking please consult with your embassy or consulate regarding travel to both Chile and Argentina.

Suggested Reading

The Race to the White Continent

Alan Gurney

Ordeal by Ice: Ships of the Antarctic

Rorke Bryan

Antarctica: the Blue Continent

David McGonigal & Lynn Woodworth

The Crystal Desert

David Campbell

Madhouse at the End of the Earth

Julian Sancton

Antarctica21 Travel Guides

Are you planning a pre or post stay in Santiago, Chile? Here you can find our hotel and restaurant suggestions in Chile’s capital city.

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34 Antarctica Cruise Tips You Must Know Before You Go

Taking an Antarctica cruise expedition is the trip of a lifetime. It is simply unbelievable, and to be honest, you will be spending a lot of money to travel to the end of the world. That said, it is an experience that is worth every penny.

Like all good things though, there are things to know before you go that will enable you to maximize your experience and ensure you have an epic trip. So to help you get the most out of your Antarctica cruise, we have put together a few tips.

Don’t leave home without:  Lonely Planet Antarctica (Travel Guide)

34 Antarctica Cruise Tips

Table of Contents

Book Extra Excursions Early

A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, not to mention a top 100 travel adventure, and you do not want to miss out on any of the extra excursions that will be on offer.

Our advice is that you should not wait to book any extra excursions on the ship. This goes for all expeditions to Antarctica. It is best to the book any of the extra add ons that you are interested in doing as early as possible.

We would even go as far as recommending that you do it when booking your cruise to Antarctica. For those who scored a killer last-minute deal on an Antarctica cruise, odds are likely that the excursions are filled and you will have to gamble with going on the waitlist once you are onboard the ship.

If you do find yourself on a waiting list, do know that these lists can get very full and that selection from them is by lottery. That is if any spots even come available.  

Day to day activities, such as skiff rides and landings are already included in your program, so don’t worry about those. But if you want to enhance your Antarctica experience by participating in camping, kayaking or SUP, you should definitely book as early as you can to ensure you get a spot. 

Interested in going to Antarctica? We spent 10 days on an expedition ship exploring the Antarctic Peninsula with Quark Expeditions. 

Get Out on the Deck

I know what you are thinking, ‘of course I’m going to try to spend as much time as I can out on the deck.’ But it would surprise you how many people don’t take advantage of this. 

It is really easy to spend all your downtime in your cabin watching movies, resting or uploading your photos to your computer.  I get it, you are going to be tired from the crazy days of adventures. It is going to be cold. It is going to be wet. But the wildlife does not care. Being out on the deck, your odds are pretty good that you will see wildlife. 

You wouldn’t believe the number of sightings I saw because I spent as much time as I could on the outer decks. Many times whales would fluke once or twice but the ship did not make an announcement because it was too inconsistent. By the time they shouted it through the ship, it would be gone. 

Expedition ships are laid out really well  and there are benches along the side of the ship and, of course, great standing room on top of the ship. Take advantage of these great spaces and get out on deck as much as you can.

When the Stern is Open, Don’t Miss Out!

It will not happen every day, but when it does, you have to take advantage of the open stern. There is nothing quite like sailing along the Antarctic Peninsula on a beautiful day and viewing this magical continent from the stern. 

Truth be told, you will be lucky if it opens up once or twice for you throughout the whole cruise. So I cannot emphasize enough that if you hear it is open, head straight there and marvel at the scenes around you. 

From the stern, you will be able to get the iconic Titanic photos in front of the boat and it is just an all-around great place for wildlife and landscape viewing. It may only be open for 15 to 30 minutes on your cruise, so you’ll need to be on the ball to take advantage of this.

Take Advantage of the Open Bridge

One of the best things to take advantage of on an Antarctic expedition is the open bridge policy. We loved this on our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions . This means the bridge is open at almost all times of the day for you to sit and talk to the captain and his crewmates as you sail around Antarctica.

The bridge has easy access from the inside of the ship and is outfitted with a nice sitting area for you to see what goes on while sailing to ship in Antarctica. This is truly a unique feature that many ships do not have.

While crossing the Drake passage , you definitely have to take advantage of this. We did and we were the only ones up there during rough seas. It was something else watch the rolling sea smash the front of our ship as our experienced captain navigated through them.

The bridge is also a great spot to be if you want to hear the chatter going on throughout the boat. This is where you can hear if someone on the expedition staff may have spotted a whale or something unique, like a tabular iceberg, before they announce it to the whole ship.

Pack Right for Your Excursions

One huge tip on how to make the most out of your Antarctica cruise is to pack for every excursion early. All excursions are different and each of our excursions required different gear.

It is best to pack for your excursion early and have everything accessible within a comfortable dry pack. This doesn’t mean you should pack everything you could ever want or need in Antarctica, but instead about packing smart.

We found it best to have everything laid out in our room, ready to grab at a moments notice. We packed extra dry bags and laid our gear out in the clothing drawers. This allowed us to be prepared and get the most out of our Antarctica expedition.

You’ll be briefed on the boat but Antarctic regulation prohibits you from bringing certain items, such as food, on your excursions. Especially on land, so be sure to follow the rules too.

Not sure what you should pack? Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Cruise Essentials for Any Destination!)

Use Your Time on Land Wisely

Once you step foot on Antarctica, you will want to make the most of your time on land. This means being prepared to use your time wisely. You will not have time to hike up to that lookout and also check out the ruined research shelters, so have a plan and be ready.

Don’t stop at the first penguin you see on the beach as you get off the zodiac. There will be plenty around. If you do stop, don’t spend too much time in just one location.

Use the experienced guides as resources on where to go and what to see at each landing. They will give you a basic briefing once you get onshore but feel free ask a little bit more once everybody has headed off.

Insider info always helps, our expedition guides told us when we explored Baily Head to head straight to the end and avoid stopping. You will not have enough time to make it there if you stop for too many photos along the way.

It was worth listening to our guides because we would not have seen the sites and amazing sounds of the large amphitheater, where we witnessed over one hundred thousand nesting chinstrap penguins. 

If we had not made a plan, all of the other penguins walking and sliding would have sucked-up our time. Your time on land is limited by regulation and you only have around an hour to an hour and a half to explore before you have to be back on the shore at your set time to head back to the ship.

Bring a Good Camera

I cannot stress this enough. Bring a good camera and know how to use it to make the most out of your Antarctica cruise photo opportunities. This is the adventure of a lifetime and you need something that can capture it well.

I’m sorry, but a Go-Pro or the standard point-and-shoot will not do. You wouldn’t believe the number of people that were bummed out because they couldn’t capture photos the way they wanted to because of their obsolete basic cameras.

You’ll need a camera like a DSLR that is fully adjustable with manual settings that also has a large zoom to be able to capture the uniqueness of Antarctica well.

This is a list of the camera gear we brought on our Antarctic expedition cruise: 

• Canon 24-105mm L Lens
• Canon 16-35mm f2.8 III Wide Angle  
• Canon 100-400mm L Lens
• Canon 2x Extender
• B+W Circular Polarizer MRC 77mm
• B+W UV Filter MRC 77mm
• Canon ET-83C Lens Hood
• Vanguard VEO AM-204 Aluminum Monopod
• Vanguard Alta BH-100 Ball Head
• 4 SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards
• 4-6 Canon LP-E6 Batteries
• Camera Rain Covers 
• Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 150 Camera Bag  
• Vanguard VEO Discover 46 Sling Backpack

Know How to Use Your Camera

It is always best to know your camera gear in advance of any trip and I cannot stress this enough. Antarctica is a difficult place to shoot and not knowing your camera will make you frustrated. On top of that, you will be severely disappointed in your photographs.

So get to know your camera before heading to Antarctica and understand how it works. Know where the settings are and learn how to shoot in manual mode. Yes, learn how to shoot in manual mode.

If you take one thing away from this Antarctica expedition travel guide it should be: you must know how to shoot in manual mode on your camera.

You wouldn’t believe the number of people on board that had difficulties with their cameras that they had just bought a week before their Antarctica expedition. To me, that makes no sense for you to spend so much time planning this epic adventure, then you spend so much money to buy a camera that you don’t even know how to operate.

There will be professionals on board that will be able to help you with your camera but it’s best not to rely on them. Before your trip, read your manual and take your camera out to shoot a little bit.

Have Your Camera Ready at All Times

Wildlife and amazing moments don’t wait on anyone and they just happen in the snap of a second. Capturing it is a chance of luck and also a little bit of skill. Having your camera ready at all times will allow you to capture that moment or at least get a few snaps off before it is gone. 

One huge tip is to shoot in burst mode, then when you have time to review the photos you can save what you like and toss the rest. You will get incredible photos of the surrounding landscapes and wildlife if you have your gear ready at all times. 

Bring Extra Camera Batteries

It never fails that while out on an excursion you bring your camera up to your eye and it doesn’t shoot. You’ve got a dead camera battery and that’s the worst feeling in the world. Especially when you’re in a place as unique as Antarctica.

It is best to check your camera batteries before leaving the ship. It is also important that you have a supply of fully charged batteries packed in your bag at all times. 

I found it works the best to keep one in my chest pocket in a small insulated camera battery pouch that allowed me to grab it at a moment’s notice without fumbling through my bag looking for it. The insulated battery pouch also kept the batteries safe. 

Camera batteries die a lot quicker due to extreme cold so it is always best to keep fully charged batteries in your daypack or in your chest pocket. We traveled with at least four extra batteries because once you’re on land there’s no getting back to the ship.

Make a habit of recharging every battery at the end of the day so you have plenty of juice for the next day’s outings. 

Bring Extra Memory Cards and Dry Bags

An expedition trip to Antarctica is a photographers dream trip. But it can also be a photographers nightmare if you aren’t properly prepared.

You’re going to take thousands of photos while exploring Antarctica so naturally your memory cards are going to fill up a whole lot quicker than they usually do. I don’t know about you but I do not like to clear memory cards while I’m out on an adventure.

You are going to need multiple memory cards. We carried at least five memory cards each and filled them all.

Extra dry bags are also key because you can have one set aside for zodiac cruising and you can have one set-aside for your land-based adventures. This will allow you to be prepared in advance. Having an extra dry bag will also allow you to switch out when one gets damp inside.

Memory cards we use: SanDisk Extreme Pro SD Cards

Daypack for walks, hiking, skiff rides: Osprey Farpoint 40 or Earth Pak Waterproof Backpack

Dry bag for camera gear or cellphone:

• Waterproof Dry Bag
• Universal Waterproof Phone Case
• Camera Rain Cover
• Think Tank Photo Digital Holster 150 Camera Bag

Pack a Power Strip

Most of the cabins on an expedition ship are laid out really well, however one thing that is never plentiful in a cabin is outlets. It never fails there’s just one outlet near the desk and one outlet near the nightstand.

That’s not enough room for you to charge everything. Your camera battery charger we’ll take up that whole outlet so that means you can’t charge anything else. Then on top of that charging on ships can be a lot slower than charging your items back at home on land.

It is best to pack a power strip so you can charge all your items at once instead of fighting over that one outlet spot. We travel everywhere with our travel-ready power strip. It allows us to use one outlet but has 4 USB outlets and 4 plug-ins that are spaced correctly for those large camera battery chargers.

Get to the Gift Shop Early

One thing I never worried about or even thought about really was getting to the gift shop early on our Antarctica cruise. Boy oh, boy did I miss out on some good items that sold out quickly.

The gift shop on our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions had many unique gifts. Some were one of a kind and handmade from locations that the ship visits and others were odds and ends of gear that passengers may have forgotten to bring.

Many of the most unique and popular items sellout onboard, so take advantage and get to the gift shop early. If you like something, buy it. It’s not going to last as there is not a large inventory of goods onboard.

Attend the Onboard Seminars

Throughout the trip, there are onboard seminars about certain subjects related to your visit to Antarctica. You can take advantage of these seminars by heading to the lounge or watching them from the tv in your cabin.

If you want to get the most out of your trip to Antarctica be sure to attend every onboard seminar that is offered. These seminars can be about Antarctica’s history, wildlife or even about personal stories from the experienced expedition staff members.

The onboard seminars are a great place for you to connect with fellow travelers and also your expedition leaders in a personal environment. The presentations are given by the expedition leaders that will be out exploring Antarctica with you.

Use the Knowledge of the Staff

The staff of an expedition ship is unlike the staff on a normal cruise ship. They are well educated and have endless knowledge about the areas you’ll be exploring. Many of them have spent years traveling and even staying in Antarctica. 

This is what makes an expedition unique compared to a normal cruise. On our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions, the experienced staff consisted of college professors, researchers, historians, geologists, ornithologists, biologists, resident photographers, naturalists, artists and musicians as members of the expedition team.

What’s magical is that the knowledgeable staff members are not only on the ship but also onshore with you and exploring. This allows you to ask questions right in the field and connect with what they were talking about in their onboard seminars.

Make Friends with Other Travelers

On an expedition to Antarctica, there are many well-traveled and like-minded adventure lovers. Take advantage of this and become friends with these fellow passengers who have plenty in common with you. 

Becoming friends with these passengers won’t only be beneficial to the trip but they will inspire you to explore unique places that they have already visited. Everybody has an impressive travel resume on board, so don’t be scared to strike up a conversation and hear about their past adventures.

Making friends also allowed us to get unique photos of me and Lina that we wouldn’t be able to get otherwise. They took photos of us without us knowing which has a different sense in feeling then canned photos of us smiling together.

Share Your Photos

You’re going to take thousands of photos on your Antarctica cruise. There’s going to be professional photographers and there are going to be amateur photographers. All will take amazing photos but in their own unique ways.

So take advantage of this. No photographer shoots the same, everyone’s eye is different and on top of that, every excursion is different.

Don’t be scared to share your photos with the crew and fellow travelers. Being able to see what other passengers have shot will also help you grow your eye for that award-winning shot.

Some of the most memorable photos I’ve received were from fellow passengers of things that we didn’t see on our zodiac cruise or magical moments of all as a group just experiencing Antarctica.

On our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions , we were able to load all of our photos to an onboard ‘dropbox’. Everyone had easy access to do this in the library and many times the staff members would be willing to do it for us.

This was magical because there was no taking down names or email addresses at the end of the cruise we got a simple web address by the Quark Expeditions staff where we could go and download all of those amazing photos people have shared. 

It didn’t matter if you submitted photos you would still get the link to the professional photos that the Quark Expeditions staff talk of your time in Antarctica.

Plan in 2 Days Before and 2 Days After

Ushuaia is called the End of the World for a reason. It is the gateway to Antarctica. Approximately 90% of all Antarctic cruises leave from the port of Ushuaia. During the summer months, this quiet, sleepy little Argentine city turns into a tourist mecca of travelers that are heading to Antarctica on expedition ships.

Traveling to Ushuaia is not easy and it is a long way to travel, so make sure you get the most out of your trip. Take full advantage of your time in this area by planning in a few extra days before and after your Antarctica cruise in Ushuaia.

There are plenty of amazing activities offered in and around the city. Spend a day exploring the southernmost national park ( Tierra Del Fueo National Park ), explore the Martial Glacier or maybe take a soak in the beautiful green waters of Esmeralda Lagoon .

No matter what there’s plenty to see and do in Ushuaia so make sure you plan in two days before and two days after your cruise.

Top things to do in Ushuaia before your cruise to Antarctica:

• Tierra del Fuego National Park Trekking and Canoeing in Lapataia Bay
• Lakes District 4×4 Full-Day Tour with Lunch from Ushuaia
• The End of the World Train Admission Ticket
• Tierra del Fuego National Park Half-Day Tour with Optional End of the World Train Ride 
• Beagle Channel Sailing Tour: Islands, Penguins and Estancia Harberton

Research About Antarctica Before Your Trip

Before traveling to Antarctica, do your research. There are plenty of amazing books, fascinating podcasts and great movies that will get you excited about your expedition cruise to Antarctica. On top of that, it will give you a little bit of knowledge about Antarctica before visiting.

A little bit of knowledge can go along way. You’ll understand conversations better among crew members and you’ll understand the reasons why they do things a certain way on the expedition.

It will also give you a deep understanding of the wildlife you’ll be viewing. This is all key to making the most out of your cruise to Antarctica.

Books about Antarctica to check out:

• An Intimate Portrait of a Mysterious Continent
• Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage
• The Last Place on Earth
• Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica

Antarctica podcasts to check out:

• Ice Coffee: the history of human activity in Antarctica
• The Antarctic Report
• Meet the Ocean
• Polar Geopolitics

Antarctica movies or tv shows to check out: 

• Antarctica – An Adventure Of A Different Nature – As seen in IMAX Theaters
• Island of the Penguins
• Secrets of Antarctica
• Wildest Antarctica

Have the Right Gear

Having the right gear in Antarctica is extremely important. This will allow you to have the freedom of comfort and to not worry about the cold, wet elements while you’re exploring.

On our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions , they provided us with the proper jackets that would keep us warm and that can withstand everything Antarctica would throw at us. These jackets were extremely well-designed by Quark Expeditions.

I’m not going to go into full details on what you should pack or what you shouldn’t pack, that’s what our Antarctica packing list is for, but for the basics, it is always best to pack multiples of an item.

Pack more than one winter hat. Pack more than one pair of gloves. Have a good pair of rain pants and also don’t forget to pack a neck gaiter to protect your face on the zodiac cruises. Having the proper gear will also keep you from getting sick.

Before heading out on an excursion, one of the mandatory checks is if you have your jacket on, waterproof pants on and that you have your life jacket properly fastened.

You will not be allowed to leave the ship without those items. Don’t get me wrong, there’s a whole lot of other items like gloves and hats that you want to carry with you but the jacket, rain pants, and lifejackets are 100% mandatory.

Like many adventure locations, it is function over fashion. Also, don’t go cheap as these items will not survive in Antarctica. Spend the money and get quality products that will keep you warm and allow you to truly enjoy one of the coldest places on earth.

Take Every Excursion

Antarctica is one of the coolest places on earth, both literally and figuratively. No excursion is the same and you simply cannot miss out on even one excursion. Take advantage of every outing that you can and this will help you get the most out of your Antarctica cruise.

You should expect your trip to have plenty of challenges. There are going to be days that it is raining, there are going to be days that it is bone-chilling cold outside and there are going to be days that you are just flat out tired and want to sleep.

Keep in mind you’ll have so few days to explore Antarctica that you cannot let even one excursion slip by. Every excursion is truly different and you never know what you are going to see. 

Prepare for Tight Quarters

Almost all the cabins on an expedition ship are laid out extremely well, however, be prepared for tight quarters. There isn’t a whole lot of room in your cabin so you should pack accordingly.

There is also not a lot of room for you to spread your items everywhere in the cabin. Just finding a spot for your large suitcase can be difficult at times and some expedition ships even have luggage size restrictions due to the limited cabin space. 

On top of that, the bathrooms are no larger than the smallest closet you have ever had. It can be difficult just going to the bathroom during the Drake shake or even taking a shower in the calmest of seas.

It is best to understand that all expedition ships have tight quarters. This not only goes for in your cabins but also throughout the ship. Hallways are narrow and dining rooms are compact. This is the way of life on an expedition ship. 

It is always best to use handrails, don’t linger through doorways and also allow fellow passengers to make their way by safely at all times.

Bring an Eye Mask and Earplugs

I don’t know about you but I love a good night of sleep, especially after a full day of exploring. This can be difficult on ships due to loud noises of the engine running while sailing, waves hitting the hull and the limited shades that do not truly dark out your room.

All that added up, it can be a nightmare to catch some much-needed z’s on expedition ship to Antarctica.

To combat this you should pack a good eye mask and earplugs, just in case there are things that’ll keep you up at night. Being well-rested will help you make the most of your Antarctic cruise.

Don’t leave home without:

Basic Earplugs or The Original Moldable Silicone Putty Ear Plugs (If sailing at night, boats can be loud at night.)

Alaska Bear Natural Silk Sleep Mask (Because your room will not be dark.)

Understand That Wi-fi Will be Limited

Most people heading to Antarctica are adventure lovers, so this is not the first time that they’ve spent time off the grid. One thing to make the most out of your Antarctica cruise is to understand that Wi-Fi will be limited. Surprisingly, yes, there is Wi-Fi on the expedition ship to Antarctica.

Wi-fi on board will be satellite-based. Satellite connections are great for remote vessels and will allow you to have contact with the mainland at all times throughout your adventure to Antarctica.

However, it is going to be slow and very expensive but if you need it, it is there. If you’re someone who’s just checking emails it will probably work well for you but if you’re someone who wants to load photos to Instagram or Facebook, it is not going to work well at all.

What I suggest is to buy a plan the minute you get on board. Load your emails then disconnect, so your phone does not use up all your time and gigabytes searching. Go back to the cabin and read your emails, answer your emails then reconnect and send them.

This will allow you to get the most out of your Internet usage on an expedition ship to Antarctica.

No matter what you do, don’t try to send photos or try to load photos on Facebook. It’s not worth the frustration and the time you will spend messing around with it. Save that for when your not in an amazing place like Antarctica. 

I’ll be totally honest with you too, our entire business is online and despite this, we never accessed the internet once on our trip. We wanted to experience Antarctica without the distraction. 

Don’t be Scared to Share a Room

I know it’s always awkward, and sometimes scary, to think about sharing a room with a stranger when traveling.  But sharing a room on an Antarctica cruise can save you a ton of money. 

Everyone booking a trip to Antarctica is like-minded and well-traveled. They’re probably among some of the most well-traveled people who have spent multiple nights in shared dorm rooms and have had limited personal space. So I wouldn’t fear about booking a shared room on an expedition cruise to Antarctica.

The shared rooms are laid out well with enough room for your own personal space. Be sure to keep in mind that there’s a lot of room throughout the whole ship and that your room is mostly used for sleeping.

It is possible to spend some alone time in the library, the dining room or in one of the many many unique quiet sitting areas that can be found on the ship.

Prevent Seasickness Before it Starts

It doesn’t matter if you’re prone to seasickness or if you’ve never had it before. The best medicine is preventing it before it starts so you can get the most out of your expedition cruise to Antarctica.

It is best to bring seasickness pill with you, but if you don’t they will have plenty onboard for you. There will also be an experienced doctor on board for prescribed treatments and to help you in case you get sick.

On our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions , the staff went above and beyond to make sure nobody got seasick. We had special snacks and special meals that also included natural ingredients that helped to fight seasickness.

No matter what, take seasickness pills while sailing to Antarctica across the Drake Passage. It’s not worth the risk. It’s not worth the chances of getting seasickness because once it starts you cannot stop it.

Many passengers on our cruise have never had seasickness before but got severely sick and spent a good amount of time miserable during the trip. Don’t let seasickness get you down, have a stockpile of pills on hand . 

Use the Hot Tubs

It’s going to chilly at times, but expedition ships are outfitted to help take off the Antarctic chill. That includes on-deck hot tubs! Take advantage of the hot tubs when you can, many times the best time is right after an excursion.

It is pretty amazing to be able to relax and sit in them while enjoying the amazing landscapes of Antarctica. I’m telling you, once you’re sitting in the hot tub surrounded by Antarctica’s amazing landscapes with a drink in hand, there’s else nothing like it on earth.

Do the Polar Plunge

Waters around Antarctica are bone-chilling and I know what you are thinking, I’m never getting into that freezing cold water willingly. But to tell you the truth, one of the best activities we did on our 10-day cruise with Quark Expeditions was the polar plunge. 

The polar plunge is a right of passage on an expedition cruise to Antarctica. Not many people can say they have traveled to Antarctica, let alone that they swam in Antarctica’s icy cold waters.

So be sure to join the list of elite travelers who take advantage of this on an expedition cruise to Antarctica. The event’s more of a camaraderie where shipmates and expedition staff leaders join in on the fun. On our expedition we had over 90 people take the plunge. 

Understand the Kayaking Program

This is one thing I didn’t know about until we went to Antarctica. If you sign up for the kayaking program, you will be kayaking every chance they can get. While this sounds amazing, we quickly learned that it came with a trade-off. 

Planning to explore Antarctica by kayak and land? That’s not what you signed up for. You signed up to explore Antarctica by kayak. That means you’ll be spending your day kayaking among millions of iceberg bits, rafts of penguins and amazing snow-covered mountains that meet the bright blue waters of Antarctica.

This can be disappointing at times because you are going to hear about all the amazing experiences that all the other passengers are having on land, experiences you cannot get anywhere else.

On the flip side of this, there will be times that you’ll be able to make those people jealous from when the humpback whale slaps his huge tail just 10 feet away from you in your kayak. 

If you have your heart set on exploring Antarctica by land, you probably do not want to sign up for the full kayaking program. Also, keep in mind however you can decide not to go out with the kayaking program that day which will allow you to explore Antarctica by land but giving up one of your kayaking spots.

This is ok to do once but after that, you may forfeit you kayaking space for someone who is more serious about kayaking in Antarctica. 

There is an Onboard Secret Menu

This is a secret tip that many people do not know about that you can do on any cruise. Sometimes there’s not anything on the menu that you truly want to eat. Or maybe you cannot eat what’s on the menu due to health reasons.

What if I told you, you can order an everyday item off a secret onboard menu anytime?

Well, it is true! Almost all cruise ships offer a special menu that many passengers don’t know about. This menu has great food that normally includes hamburgers, french fries, pizzas, specialty salads, steaks and desserts that cannot be found on the daily menu.

This could be huge when you can’t have what’s on the menu or you have an upset stomach or you’re just looking for some comfort food, like a side order of fries.

It’s definitely worth taking advantage of the unlisted menu if you’re not feeling anything on the main menu.

Take Advantage of the Snacks and Coffee Bar

After an exciting excursion in Antarctica, there is no better way to make the most out of your cruise to Antarctica than by enjoying a snack or stopping by the coffee bar and having a beverage of choice.

This will allow you to hydrate and refuel for your next adventure. The coffee bar is open 24 hours a day with your drink of choice that can be anything from coffee, tea to soda pop. There’s also fresh-baked cookies and other odds and ends, like granola bars, that you can grab at the coffee bar at any time.

Snack time is something not to be missed because it helps you fight hunger until dinner and they are amazing, trust me and I’m not a foodie. Simply put, do not skip snack time.

Don’t Drink Too Much Alcohol

One huge tip on how to make the most out of your cruise to Antarctica is to not drink too much alcohol. Don’t get me wrong, it’s okay to have a drink here and there. Heck, you’re marking off the seventh continent and a top 100 travel adventure , celebrate but do not too much.

Alcohol affects everyone differently and can affect the inner ear mechanism that censors motion. While sailing, your inner ear can become overstimulated and having a few drinks on board can make you more prone to seasickness.

Beside seasickness, alcohol can also dehydrate you and after a busy day of excursions and being out in the sun and wind, you’re already going to be a little dehydrated. So what is it best to stay hydrated and drink lots of water and give the alcohol a soft pass.

Understand That Things Can Change

Before you set sail to Antarctica, you’ll receive a basic itinerary. This itinerary is a projected outline of where you will go during your trip. It probably will not even resemble your true itinerary in Antarctica, but at least it will give you an idea.

Antarctica is one of the most difficult places to visit and having a set itinerary is nearly impossible. So naturally, you need to understand that things can change and will change during your trip.

Do not get your heart set on visiting a place like Port Lockroy, where you can mail a postcard from Antarctica, because it could be surrounded by ice making it unvisitable by ships. Even if you had it on your itinerary.

Don’t have your heart set on being surrounded by a hundred thousand nesting chinstrap penguins at Baily Head because the seas may be too rough to land on its shore. 

When we sailed, we had a Drake Lake on the way down. It allowed us to get to Antarctica a half-day earlier than previously planned. This allowed us to explore destinations that weren’t on our itinerary and that our expedition staff didn’t expect to stop at.

They crammed in two exciting stops that had us exploring the Antarctica Peninsula all the way till 11 PM at night. Where if they had stuck to the planned itinerary, we would have just sat there doing nothing.  

Remember that the whole point of an expedition is that it’s a true adventure where there is an unknowingness of where you’re going and what you’re going to see. Having an understanding that things can change at a moment’s notice is key to making the most out of your cruise to Antarctica.

It’s pointless to get mad about a change and it’s pointless to complain about a change to the staff members. They are always trying to make the trip amazing for you. It is best to just embrace it and go with the flow.

Embrace the Nature of Adventure

An expedition to Antarctica is an adventure in its own right. What many people don’t understand is that it’s a true adventure. Yes, there’s a set route, yes there’s an idea of where you may be going, by the way, may is the keyword.

Weather, wildlife sightings and the sheer thirst of adventure are what drives an expedition to Antarctica. No expedition to Antarctica is the same and no day is the same.

Take advantage of this by not asking too many questions and letting the adventure unfold in front of you. Embrace the unknown of what is next. It’s not worth asking if you’re going to stop at a certain location or if you are going to see a certain animal.

You need to understand that this is all part of the adventure and it is essential to remember that you are having an experience that so few people will ever have. Embrace it.

Our trip to Antarctica was in partnership with  Quark Expeditions , however all opinions are 100% mine, as always

More on Antarctica:

• Can You Go to Antarctica? Why on Earth Would You Want To!
• How to Visit Antarctica Responsibly: Antarctica Tourism Deep Dive
• 26 UNREAL Things to Do in Antarctica
• Best Time to Visit Antarctica: MONTH by MONTH Breakdown
• Crossing the Drake Passage: What It’s Really Like
• Deception Island: A different side of Antarctica
• Animals in Antarctica You Can See During a Visit
• 121 Epic Antarctica Facts
• Climate Change Awareness from Travel: How to Talk About It
• Ultimate Cruise Packing List (Cruise Essentials for Any Destination!)

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Travel planning resources, about david stock.

I have always been an outdoorsman so becoming an adventure traveler was just the next natural step. I love nature, I love to get off the beaten path and I like to explore. I enjoy scuba diving and cars. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog.

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Practical Clothing for Antarctica: 7 Tips on What to Wear & Pack

H ave you made the jump to book your cruise to the White Continent, but now you are wondering what is the best clothing for Antarctica? We have just returned from the most amazing trip there. It really was one of the most life changing trips you can do. However, as I recently found out, preparing for your cruise in Antarctica can be so daunting as there aren’t always a ton of tried and tested resources to refer to. While we are pretty good minimalist packers in general, I wanted to share more about what we packed, what we wished we had packed and what we didn’t need!

So, if you are heading to the White Continent soon and wondering what to wear in Antarctica,  we’ve got you covered! Read on to find out more about what to wear on and off the ship as well as an Antarctica packing list that covers the basics and adds some luxury to your trip too!

If you haven’t booked your trip to Antarctica yet and want to learn more about how you can get there, email me for cruise recommendations or check out Adventure Life Travel where we booked our trip.

Planning a trip to Antarctica? Check out our other posts here:

• Things to Considering when Booking a Cruise to Antarctica
• Review of the Antarctica 21 Ship with Adventure Life Travel

How Much to Pack for Antarctica

Apart from traveling, it’s important to know that even if you have a large room on board the ship, there often is not a ton of space to store large luggage. For this reason, we highly recommend that you take as little as possible.

For our trip, we each took a backpack with our camera gear and a small carry on suitcase. Our room had space under the bed to store our suitcases during the voyage, which made our room nice and tidy. However not all rooms have that type of space.

In general I recommend to aim for a carry-on size suitcase or a small checked bag that can be stored easily. 

Disclosure: Some of the links in this post are affiliate links, meaning at no additional cost to you, I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.

Overview of What to Wear in Antarctica

In general the biggest thing to know about what to wear in Antarctica is planning on layers and more layers. The weather in Antarctica changes at a moments notice, so it’s important to be prepared for anything. If you follow us at all, you know my number one recommendation is going to be wool . Almost our entire suitcase was wool and it worked out perfectly. Wool and fleece are highly recommended while in general cotton clothes in cold weather and wet climates are discouraged. 

Both my son and I had one pair of wool thermals – his were Iksplor (use this code for 20% off: NOBACKHOME20) and mine were a mix of REI brand and Smartwool . You really don’t need more as you only wear them for a few hours each day while on excursions.

While I went on this Antarctic adventure with multiples of things like hats and gloves just in case things got soaked, I didn’t need any of the extras! If you are going early or late season when it snows more than rains, you can probably do with just one solid pair of gloves and hat, but it never hurts to have extras if you have space. 

While the cruises do offer laundry service, they are not cheap. I brought my small packet of detergent and did a “load” of socks and undies in the sink which then dried easily on our heated towel bars!

If you do forget something, though, there is typically a  gift shop on board where you can buy polar gear to wear. Our shop had wool socks, thermals, hats and even puffy jackets.

Provided Clothing for Antarctica

Many Antarctica cruises provide specialized gear for their guests. What each company provides differs, but in general almost every single company will offer knee high waterproof boots for use on the trip. These boots offer protection on wet landings to keep your feet warm and dry. We loved our boots and were happy that they fit so well.

Additionally, many boats provide an outer layer such as winter parkas for use and to keep following the trip. Our boat, the Antarctica 21 did not offer these. While initially I will say I was bummed, I realized that environmentally, it just doesn’t make sense to give each passenger a jacket that they may never wear again. In Ushuaia we saw many shops offering to purchase these parkas, which I assume will be used as rentals for other guests! We brought our own puffy jacket and ski clothes and were perfectly dry and warm! Just make sure whatever you bring is actually waterproof, not just water resistant. Even if it doesn’t rain during your trip, you will get splashed in the zodiac rides. 

What to Wear in Antarctica on the Ship

I scoured photos of trips in advance to get a better idea of what to wear in Antarctica on the ship. In general ships in Antarctica tend to be very casual and there is no real dress code. There is no need for fancy dinner wear or anything other than expedition clothes. Thank goodness, because otherwise it would be even more difficult to pack lightly!

My number one recommendation for what to wear on the ship is a pair of comfortable waterproof shoes that you can easily slip on and off. A friend suggested Uggs, but many people also had on rugged house slippers! It’s important that they are waterproof so you can easily hop out on the decks if there is an interesting sight such as an iceberg or wildlife. Decks can often be wet and slippery with ice and snow so do have something with good grip. Many people also just wear sneakers. Whatever is comfortable. It really is just personal preference.

Our boat had a no open toed shoe policy, which was sad for me as I live in my sandals. I wore my anyway for the polar plunge, but otherwise I only wore them in our room. Next time I would bring my crocs because I could wear my fluffy thermal socks but also have lightweight slip on shoes. 

Additionally, there were times that we were a bit toasty on the ship, so again layers are key! Wear a short sleeve with a cardigan or hoodie over the top or a long sleeve with a fleece that you can easily shed as needed.

Finally, some people may want to wear their own jackets on board the ship’s decks rather than the excursion gear. If you have room, feel free! I wore my Patagonia down jacket on the ship when needed and just layered the ski jacket over when on excursions or if it was particularly windy. 

What to Wear in Antarctica on Excursions

Some of this will depend on the time of year of your Antarctica cruise, but overall, I am guessing that your excursion gear will look pretty similar to ours. We wore the same things every single day!

We both started with our merino wool base layers, followed by our ski pants as our bottom layer. On particularly cold/windy days when we aren’t going to be walking around, I would layer a pair of leggings over my thermal underwear and my son would put on his wool sweatpants under his ski trousers. 

We always wore only 1 pair of warm socks so that our feet had plenty of space in our boots to keep our feet warm.

Did you know that if your shoes are too tight, your toes will get cold faster? It is always best to have space for warm air to circulate both in your gloves and in your boots!

On the top, we both put on a wool thermal top – I would mix mine up depending on how cold it was. I have both a lightweight Smartwool thermal and a thicker version. To be safe, the thicker version is probably best. I would then layer either my unbound wool hoodie or a wool sweater before putting on my puffy jacket and ski jacket.

My son would also put on his wool sweater, followed by his favorite ski fleece and then his ski jacket. These were perfect and he was never cold.

For our accessories we added on a wool neck buff around our necks (or my son wore his REI balaclava), a hat, 2 pairs of gloves and sunglasses. Several folks on our boat brought their ski goggles which came in handy on the snowy days!

I wore my simple touchscreen cotton gloves, which were fine because it wasn’t too wet on our trip, but ideally you should have waterproof gloves. My son wore these mittens that I bought for myself – he LOVED them! Again not waterproof, but they were super warm and we didn’t really encounter too much rain. 

Mittens are always better than gloves as it allows air to circulate and keep your fingers warm. Try for some that have finger holes to take photos without having to remove your gloves every time. I learned this the hard way in Finland in -35 degree temperatures!

Other Antarctica Clothes to Consider

A must for any true polar adventurer is to partake in the Polar Plunge. To do this, you will need your swimwear . This is also helpful to have if your boat has a pool, jacuzzi or sauna. We brought our planning for many adventures in it, but it only was used during the polar plunge, which was well worth the anxiety and excitement!

If you plan to use the gym on board, you can also bring workout gear . Again, we brought this and did not ever have time to use the gym. My son went once, but I never made it. There were always too many other things happening for me to pull myself away from!

One item that we brought that was really useful was a waterproof backpack . We took this one , which was light and great, but if you need something with more structure you can consider this one . 

Lastly, many passengers brought foot and hand warmers which they said really helped them stay warm. If you are prone to getting super cold, this is something to consider bringing as well. 

Not clothes, but one thing you might want to bring with you is an Antarctica flag ! We got this one before we left and we were so happy to have it! 

Full Antarctica Packing List

• Wool base layers (read my post with of our favorite wool brands and clothes )
• Fleece jacket or other warm middle insulation layers 
• Waterproof pants or waterproof snow pants. (This is really the most important thing as the zodiac boats often get quite wet with splashing water not to mention it might just rain!)
• Ski jacket (not needed if your ship provides an expedition parka)
• Wool thick socks (You don’t need as many as you think. You can reuse them easily!)
• Underwear (I took 6 pairs of these wool undies and did a small load of wash in the sink!)
• Pajamas (I took these wool pants that can be lounge pants and PJs)
• Waterproof ski Gloves/Mittens 
• Neck Gaiter (We have one from Nui Organics )
• Hat &/or Beanie
• Leggings, joggers or jeans (for the boat)
• Long sleeve shirts
• Short sleeve shirts (only 1 or 2 max for warm ship days)
• Comfy closed-toed shoes for the boat (slip resistant are great!)
• Bathing Suit
• Flip flops or crocs for the sauna
• Workout clothes
• Waterproof Dry Bag
• Camera with a zoom lens and tons of extra memory cards
• Power banks for travel days and in case a camera dies quickly due to the cold
• Seasickness medication & other meds you may need
• Plug adapter or small power strip

Top Tips to Consider when Packing for Antarctica

Bring small bags.

Regardless of what ship you are on, or how large your cabin in, I highly recommend bringing small bags to Antarctica. There is never too much space to store large suitcases, especially if there is more than one of you in the room. This is especially true if you are sharing a room with a stranger in a twin share room. We brought one small backpack each with our camera gear and a small carry-on size suitcase for everything else. Even bringing our winter jackets and snow pants, we were able to fit it all in.

Pack Lots of Layers

One of the best ways to pack lightly, but know that you have enough warm clothes is to pack plenty of layers. Thermals, mid layers and then your waterproof outer layers. I love my merino wool, so that is what I recommend to take if you have it or can afford to invest in a few quality pieces. It really is the best clothing for travel, a cold climate and even hot weather. I have worn my wool from the steamy jungles of Uganda to the frigid negatives in Finland . 

Bring Waterproof & Wind Resistant Gear

While your inside layers should be breathable merino wool, your outer jacket should be both wind resistant and waterproof layers. The weather can change in an instant in the Antarctic so you need to be well covered. The zodiac boats often get wet as well with splashes, so best bet is to have waterproof trousers or very good snow pants, a waterproof jacket in case your boat does not provide this type of gear as well as a waterproof bag or backpack to store your camera gear in case of a sudden downpour. I was very happy with my REI snow jacket with my Patagonia puffy under. This kept me warm and dry. 

Don’t Forget Sunscreen & Sunglasses

While it might be cold, the sun is still strong on sunny days and these are two items you will regret if you don’t take them. A lot of people on our trip took ski goggles which could have been useful when it was snowing quite a bit, otherwise a good pair or polarized sunglasses will help you find the whales! Sunscreen is also useful for the little bits of your face that are exposed. You will be surprised how quickly you can burn on sunny days.

Camas & More

If you do bring a camera, make sure to bring extra batteries, SD cards and even power banks. There is nothing like leaving the ship with a full battery to see it is dead after only a short time on land. The cold often makes batteries die very quickly and eronosly even when they get too cold. Carry around your cord and a power bank in your waterproof backpack and you will be fine. Add in the SD cards as well as you never know just how many photos you will take!

Just for reference, the camera lenses that we took were a Sony 70-200 F2.8 and a Canon 75-300. Even though the Sony camera lens was much better quality, the photos from the 300 zoom with a tripod ended up being much better as you cannot get that close to the penguins or other wildlife. If I were to go again, I would consider a 100-500 lens. 

Travel & Medical Insurance

Most cruises will require you to include travel and medical insurance, so this isn’t something you can skip out on this time. This trip is a major investment, so we highly recommend budgeting for good insurance. You can check wholesale retailers like SquareMouth or I particularly like FAYE Travel insurance . Make sure whatever you get covers you for lost luggage, medical repatriation at whatever level your ship requires (ours was $100,000) and covers the cost of your entire trip – flights and cruise. 

Stock up on Medications

Additionally, most boats will have pills for you to to take, but it’s useful to have your own to start before you board the ship. That said, we really liked having these patches. They are only homoeopathic but worked well for us. Otherwise you can also get a prescription patch. Lastly, I also liked these bands which were easy to wear without even thinking about it. 

Just a word on seasickness – once you get to the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula you shouldn’t feel the water too much as there tends to be very calm water here – almost glasslike at times. 

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Norwegian Cruise Line Cancels Over a Dozen Voyages in 2025 — What to Know

Guests impacted by the cancellations will receive a full refund and a 10% discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit towards any sailing through Dec. 31, 2025.

Courtesy of Norwegian Cruise Line

Norwegian Cruise Line is canceling over a dozen cruises 2025.  The cruise line is nixing multiple voyages throughout next year, Norwegian confirmed to Travel + Leisure on Friday. "The recent 2025 itinerary cancelations are a result of varied events including the ongoing situation in the Red Sea and Israel, modified dry dock schedules for ship enhancements, a full ship charter, and lastly, to accommodate the demand for shorter close-to-home voyages to the Bahamas," a spokesperson for the cruise line told T+L.

The affected itineraries are as follows:

• Norwegian Epic - , Feb. 20, 2025, Nov. 1, 2025, Nov. 11, 2025
• Norwegian Jade - Mar. 4, 2025, Mar. 13, 2025, Mar. 24, 2025
• Norwegian Pearl - Apr. 19, 2025, May 5, 2025, May 16, 2025, Oct. 15, 2025
• Norwegian Sky - May 27, 2025, Jun. 5, 2025
• Norwegian Spirit - Jan. 1, 2025, May 17, 2025
• Norwegian Star - May 18, 2025, May 29, 2025, Jun. 9, 2025,
• Norwegian Viva - May 27, 2025, Sep. 20, 2025, Sep. 29, 2025

The spokesperson also shared with T+L that guests impacted by the cancellations will receive a full refund and a 10% percent discount in the form of a Future Cruise Credit towards any sailing through Dec. 31, 2025. "In addition, we understand the inconvenience and frustration this disruption may cause affected guests, so we have shared alternative sailings similar to their original booking," the spokesperson added, encouraging impacted guests to head to contact the company at 1-800-327-7030 for more information.  

In February 2024, NCL also announced it would no longer dock in Venice, Italy, due to restrictions of the waterways.  “While we have made every effort possible to maintain these calls to Venice, the tender operation and overall experience this provides our guests has fallen short of the standard we aim to deliver,” a spokesperson from NCL told T+L at the time.  Despite the cancellations, the cruise industry continues to rebound since COVID-19 closures. The industry is expected to grow to 130 million global passengers in 2026, which is up from 73 million global passengers in 2022, according to a 2023 report from the Cruise Lines International Association.