antarctica travel writing

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]

17 awesome things to do in antarctica (2024 guide), quark ultramarine review – best polar expedition ship [2024], travelling in antarctica: at a glance.

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.

Antarctica and the Traveler’s Ego

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I thought I would come back from Antarctica in triumph, my fists raised in exultation. Hey, I can say I’ve been to seven continents now! And you know the Polar Plunge? I did it WAY south of the Antarctic Circle! Also, here are dozens of adorable photos of me surrounded by penguins!

Instead, I’m returning from Antarctica in tears. No destination has ever made me feel more grateful, nor more insignificant. Everyone who has asked me about my trip as received the same response: “It’s the best place I’ve ever been.” 

I had no idea Antarctica would be the most beautiful place I’ve ever visited. Nor did I expect this trip to be the most spiritual experience of my travels. Antarctica turned me inside out, changed my priorities, and turned me into a more thoughtful traveler and human being.

But first, here’s how it began.

Why do people want to travel to Antarctica, anyway?

I spent several days asking this question of my shipmates on Quark Expeditions ’ Ocean Diamond . Most of my fellow passengers came from Australia or North America; they ranged in age from teenagers to seniors, a great many of them over 55.

“Why are you here?” I asked. “Why did you take this trip? What made you choose to come to Antarctica?”

And strangely, everyone struggled a bit when answering, hemming and hawing before admitting the real reason.

“Because it’s my seventh continent,” was far and away the most popular answer. Just behind it? “Because I can. Because it’s there.” And the ever-popular, “Why not?”

It’s far from an unusual ethos — early 20th century French explorer Jean-Baptise Charcot named one of his ships the  Pourquoi-Pas. He later gave an island the same name.

When I pressed my companions for more, I occasionally got a more detailed response — “Because I love penguins.” “Because climate change means it might not always be like this.” “Because I’m getting older and I want to do these adventure trips while I’m able.” But the vast majority of responses were rooted in Antarctica being their seventh continent, the ultimate achievement to check-off.

Everyone had a bit of ego in their response. People were traveling here because they wanted to feel more important, more experienced, more special. They didn’t just want to visit somewhere remarkable, they wanted to become more remarkable as a result of having visited.

I find that interesting.

Ask strangers why they’re visiting Italy and they’ll say, “Because I love Italian food.” Or “Because the Italian countryside is beautiful.” Or “Because my family comes from Italy and I want to explore my roots.” Or even “Because I grew up dreaming about taking a gondola ride through Venice and I want to have that experience.” The answers are far more concrete and specific than what I got about Antarctica.

For me, I came to Antarctica because I wanted to be impressed.  One of the realities about travel is that the more you experience, the more difficult it gets to be impressed. Remember how excited you were to see cobblestone streets in Europe? Decades later, do you even notice cobblestones anymore? Or cathedrals? Or palm trees?

But everyone I know who has been to Antarctica told me that THIS would be the place to TRULY enchant me and leave me in wonder. It’s the kind of destination that is so big, so remote, so untouched, that nothing I had seen before would be able to compare.

So yes. I was here primarily to be blown away — but I have to admit that there’s ego behind my own answer as well.  I did want to say that I’ve been to seven continents. For myself, but also for my career. I’ve always felt that in order to be taken seriously as a global travel expert, I need to have travel experience on all seven continents. I hate the phrase “on six continents,” even as it decorates my site and all my bios — it’s like an asterisk saying SHE’S GOOD, BUT NOT GOOD ENOUGH!

And so I went to Antarctica for several reasons: to become a more experienced traveler and for the boost it would give to my career, but also for the landscape photography opportunities (particularly mountains and ice formations), the wildlife (and especially penguins), and the opportunity to work with Quark Expeditions (which I’ve wanted to do for years, as they’re the best in the polar expedition business), who invited me to join them on this trip as their hosted guest. All that, and to be blown away.

I could not have predicted just how powerful of a destination Antarctica is. It would change me, and it would change all of US.

Antarctica caused the death of my ego.

I thought I’d come back bragging that I jumped into the Southern Ocean beneath the Antarctic Circle, and instead, I’m becoming teary trying to describe the stillness of Paradise Harbour in a late afternoon.

I thought I’d return with so many beautiful photos of myself playing with penguins, and instead I have one good shot but mostly crappy selfies of myself with my face covered up to stay warm.

I thought Antarctica would be just another destination. It wasn’t. It was THE destination I’ve been waiting for my whole life. And as I write these words while crossing the Drake Passage, I’m bereft at the thought of Antarctica slipping away from me with every rise and fall of the swells.

Antarctica wasn’t there to serve me, and it won’t serve you, either. It’s not a national park with a friendly ranger stationed nearby. It’s not an Instagram backdrop just waiting for you to pop in for perfect selfies. It’s wild, unpredictable, and can change at a moment’s notice. It’s dangerous. It smells. Even the journey there pushes your body to its physical limits.

If you forget your sunscreen in Antarctica, you’ll be red and peeling the next day. If you dare to walk too close to a fur seal, it will charge you head-on. If you make yourself up and do your hair for perfect portraits, you’ll be wet and mascara-stained in minutes. If you don’t have your wide-angle lens on, of COURSE a fleeting double rainbow will suddenly appear and you’ll have to make do with your inferior lens or — god forbid — your smartphone.

Why visit Antarctica, then?

Reason #1: Because Antarctica is the most impressive, moving, devastating, beautiful, striking, and gratifying place I’ve ever visited.

I have no words to describe how much Antarctica shakes me to my core. I can make an attempt with photos, but even my best shots won’t remotely convey the beauty, the scale, the power of the seventh continent.

Every day, something happened that made me gasp. An immense glacier shaped like the bow of the Titanic . A seal catching a penguin in its mouth. A perfectly smooth bay filled with snapping, crackling ice forms. Whales surrounding us in every direction, their calls echoing in stereo.

Antarctica made me feel like I was traveling for the first time ever. It redefined what it was to explore.

Reason #2: Because Antarctica’s scale is times a million.

Have you been to Perito Moreno Glacier in Argentina? I haven’t yet, but my friends have ( check out Dave’s post on it here ) and it’s famous for its size, beauty, and blue color. Most people visiting Patagonia make hiking Perito Moreno a priority.

Now, what if I told you that Antarctica has glaciers that look just like Perito Moreno — only they’re much bigger and LITERALLY IN EVERY DIRECTION YOU LOOK? Tens, hundreds, thousands of miles, all full of incredible and far better glaciers! There is no comparison to Antarctica!

Years ago, I hiked Sólheimajökull Glacier in Iceland . No offense to Iceland or the glacier…but comparing it to Antarctica’s glaciers is like comparing a child’s tricycle to a sports car. They’re not remotely in the same league.

Reason #3: Because Antarctica is the most isolated and pristine place I’ve ever been.

Antarctica has no indigenous human population, leaving it as a beacon of nature. (Side benefit: only in Antarctica do you get to enjoy the history of exploration without colonialism or exploitation of locals.)

Antarctica belongs to no country and the Antarctic Treaty is in place to protect it as a destination of peace, devoted to scientific exploration. Because of that, you don’t see any pollution. No trash. Expedition ships don’t even dump human waste in the ocean here — they bring it back to Ushuaia or wherever they came from.

(Chile did make an effort to strengthen its claim on Antarctica, though. How? They sent Chileans to get married there. Argentina upped the ante — they sent several pregnant women there to give birth! The first Antarctica baby was born in 1978.)

There are so few places on the planet where you can go and experience life at it was lived for thousands of years. Antarctica is one of them.

Reason #4: Because Antarctica’s wildlife is insane.

It’s not as abundant as it once was — the whaling industry did quite a number on the whale population, which has had an effect on other species as well — but going out wildlife-viewing in Antarctica will leave you spellbound. 

Imagine hundreds of penguins jumping in and out of the water, landing about two meters from your kayak before hovering underwater and “Nope-Nope-Nope-ing” as they jump away from you. Yes, that happened to me, and that was one of the best moments of my trip.

Or being out in a bay so resplendent with whales that it seems like every zodiac is watching a different pod. And then suddenly a giant humpback rises out of the water just meters in front of your kayak, rising and rising and looking like it’s going to flip over onto you. Yes, that happened to me as well, and I’m pretty sure you can pinpoint the moment when all the kayakers’ drysuits went from dry to not-so-dry.

Or coming around a corner of an iceberg on a zodiac and finding two seals popping up from a hidden corner. Both tossing their heads in such a human-like way that you feel like you’ve sneaked up on a couple that definitely shouldn’t have been doing what they had just been doing. That playful moment was something I personally experienced as well.

Those wildlife sightings are not exceptional for Antarctica. You know why? Because I saw all three of them in a single day, in Danco Island and Wilhelmina Bay. That’s pretty much a typical day — or, well, the closest thing you can get to a typical day in a place as wild as Antarctica.

Reason #5: Because Antarctica is the most beautiful place I’ve ever been.

I think about the most beautiful natural environments I’ve been lucky enough to visit. The Faroe Islands, raised up on cliffs on top of the sea. Wadi Rum in Jordan, its bright red-orange sands changing color by the minute. The riverfront villages in Laos, bright blue mountains rising in the background. Silfra in Iceland, the underwater rift exploding in shades of indigo, turquoise and everything in between. The land-before-time feel in Karijini National Park in Western Australia.

Antarctica is EVEN MORE BEAUTIFUL than those places. That’s high praise, but I mean every word of it. The Antarctic peninsula isn’t the slab of snow you may picture; instead, it’s nonstop mountains — jagged gray mountains springing up from the sea. There are fjords. There are the aforementioned glaciers, gargantuan and stacked like frosting, rivulets of azure running through the ice. Each land form peeks in and out of misty clouds, offering you tantalizing glimpses of the peaks.

And as we cruised through Lemaire Channel, one of few ships to make the passage in early 2018, I gasped as I saw something I never could have imagined — a waterfall made from gently falling snow, dry and sparkling.

Also, we were under a flat gray sky for nearly the entire trip, and STILL it was that beautiful. Tropical islands don’t look good in gray; Antarctica looks stunning under all circumstances.

Reason #6: Because Antarctica humbles you beyond measure.

Antarctica laughed in the face of my insignificance. 

Once on a zodiac cruise, we actually saw gentoo and chinstrap penguins hanging out together — a very unusual occurrence — and we were taking photos like crazy. Just then, a big wave sent us asunder, pushing us into the shoreline. Our guide quickly gunned the engine and reversed the zodiac. In a worse moment, that could have been fatal.

When we made our first landing near a penguin colony, at Port Charcot, my supposedly waterproof gloves had failed and my fingers were cold, wet, and on their way to freezing. Had I not had a warm ship (with a well-stocked gear shop, thank God) nearby, I would have lost my fingers within a day.

And there was a moment when a leopard seal began stalking the kayaks and we had to form a raft to scare it off. It easily could have attacked a solo kayaker, a drysuit no match for those teeth, sharp like a crocodile’s.

Moments like these were reminders of our fragility in this severe environment, as well as the professionalism of the Quark staff who kept these encounters from becoming deadly.

Antarctica Changed Us

My shipmates may have had ego-driven reasons to visit Antarctica, but after a full week on the continent, that went out the window. Almost nobody mentions the seventh continent anymore. Now, all anyone can talk about are the incredible whale sightings, the beauty of the glaciers and icebergs, and the feeling of being one with this unspoiled environment. And how they can’t wait to return. They MUST return.

Antarctica killed our egos. I didn’t even think that was possible. Over the course of a week here, we were taught the most valuable lessons — that we are insignificant, that we are at the mercy of Mother Nature, and that life will go on long after we’re dead.

Gone are my own worst impulses. For the first time, I kept my documentation obsession in check. I spent a good half hour sitting on a rock watching young penguins play in the water — because I enjoyed watching them. This was the definition of photographer’s gold, and I didn’t take a single shot. I had penguin shots already; I didn’t need more. I am grateful that I spent my time in Antarctica enjoying these moments, rather than chasing down the elusive perfect photo that was unlikely to materialize anyway.

As for dynamite selfies? HA. I have exactly one shot of me that I really like, the one at the top of this post, the one that looks like I’m lecturing a crowd of penguins. It’s quirky and unplanned and I think it represents my personality. Two or three other shots of me are decent, not great. The rest are terrible. AND THAT IS OKAY.

The travel blogging industry may have shifted in the direction of pretty-girls-posing-in-ballgowns-in-increasingly-exotic-places, and I do feel pressure to create content like that. But one reason why that’s never quite worked for me is because I sell reality — not fantasy. I always have. “You’re so honest” is the #1 comment I get from readers. That doesn’t exactly jive with unrealistic photo shoots.

Had I wasted my limited time trying to set up and pose for perfect shots of myself that would get lots of likes, I would have missed the best impromptu moments of life in Antarctica. I lived actual, real life in Antarctica, not an Instagram photoshoot with a little free time tacked on at the end. And for that reason, I couldn’t care less that I didn’t get those photos of myself with penguins.

I like the new version of me that Antarctica made.  A quieter version of myself. A more inquisitive version of myself. More of an athlete, more of a scientist, less solipsistic, far less self-conscious. A traveler who let go of her expectations, only took what she was freely given, and was profoundly changed as a result.

I feel like nothing else will ever measure up to Antarctica. Have I ruined myself by experiencing the best place in the world at the tender age of 33? I sure hope not, but if I did, it was absolutely worth it.

The strangest thing? I keep catching glimpses in the mirror and not recognizing myself. Maybe it’s the Antarctic air, the lack of fluorescent lighting on this boat, or the fact that I took a dip in the near-frozen Southern Ocean, but I look so much younger. I’m Benjamin Buttoning before my own eyes.

Antarctica Will Change You, Too

If you enjoy travel in any small amount, you MUST visit Antarctica within your lifetime. You will get so much out of it. It IS an expensive trip — Quark’s Antarctica trips start at $6,695, though keep your eyes peeled for sales — but you receive SO much value in return. I recommend saving Antarctica for a milestone birthday or occasion. Book ahead, especially if you want to kayak — those slots go quickly. If you do decide to visit, I have some valuable advice for you.

Don’t try to control the trip. Antarctica is in charge, and Antarctica will be controlling YOU. Don’t fight what it gives you, whether it’s foggy weather, rough Drake seas, or if there are no adorable penguin chicks — accept it and work with it.

Dress for protection, not style. The climate will NOT be kind to you here. A beanie worn on top of a buff pulled over your mouth may be ugly as hell, but nothing keeps your head warmer. Don’t bring cute clothes; dressing improperly can put you and others at risk and there’s no such thing as sexy waterproof pants. Forget the makeup, too; the ocean spray will ruin it. I wrote a guide to packing for Antarctica here.

Don’t go crazy on the content creation.  I guarantee that you’ll take tons of photos, but take time each day to relax, be quiet, and take it all in — without documenting it. I say this especially to my fellow photographers. I understand that your mind is constantly framing shots and that you have a but-what-if-this-moment-passes mindset. Turn off that part of your brain momentarily. Your trip will be SO much better for it.

Say yes to everything. There’s a humpback whale on the starboard side? Run up and go see it, because it could be the best sight of your trip. Feeling tired one afternoon? Don’t skip the excursion, because that’s the time your zodiac will witness a calving iceberg. Feeling cold and wanting to go back to the warm ship? Hike to the top of the hill anyway. This is not a place to choose the easier option.

Submit.  Accept what Antarctica gives you, and don’t wish for something better. Everything you get will be a gift. You’ll soon learn its value.

Antarctica has changed my life more than any other destination.

And with that, this is not a one-and-done destination. I’m desperate to come back already. I need Antarctica. Would I go back next year? YES! Hell, would I go back every year and bring a different loved one with me each time? ABSOLUTELY!

It’s not about pride, or ego, or going there because it’s there. It’s because this place has the power to transform your life.

It’s Antarctica. Where the ice is blue against a steel-gray sky. Where paddle is a noun and porpoise is a verb. Where I finally learned to surrender.

More on Antarctica:

• A Typical Day on an Antarctica Expedition Cruise
• Kayaking in Antarctica: What You Need to Know
• A Smart Antarctica Packing List
• Solo Female Travel in Antarctica
• My Favorite Moments in Antarctica

Essential Info: I traveled to Antarctica on Quark Expeditions ‘ Crossing the Circle: Southern Expedition in March 2018. The 2019 voyage starts at $8,995. The kayaking supplement is $995, which includes kayaking throughout the voyage, but starting this summer in the Arctic Quark is offering one-day “paddling excursions” that are better suited for people with less experience who don’t want to kayak every day. Quark often has sales — I recommend following them on Facebook and checking out their website. Additionally, some people can get deals by flying down to Ushuaia and jumping on a last-minute discounted trip — though this is risky! You never know what will be available. If you’re looking to kayak, book as early as possible, as kayaking slots are limited and sell out quickly. While Quark has Antarctica-specific evacuation coverage for emergencies, you need to have your own travel insurance as well. For my trip to Antarctica, I used World Nomads , which I highly recommend for both Antarctica and elsewhere.

This post is brought to you by Quark Expeditions , who hosted me in full on this trip and covered most of my expenses including the full cost of the expedition, kayaking supplement, two nights’ accommodation in Ushuaia, and round-trip airfare from New York. I paid for all incidentals, staff gratuities, gear excluding the Quark parka, and all expenses in Ushuaia excluding the hotel. All opinions, as always, are my own.

What destination changed your life?

I visited Antarctica in early 2017 for 32 days onboard the M/V Ortelius to the Ross Sea and Antarctica as an independent press & media representative with  Oceanwide Expeditions . All opinions are my own. 

The Antarctica Travel Guide

Updated January 2024,  The Antarctica Travel Guide was originally written in June 2017

Everything about Antarctica will have you constantly picking your jaw up off the floor, whether it be the darling penguins, the massive seals, whales, or the gem in the crown: Antarctic Ice. Wanting to visit the world’s most remote continent? In this Antarctica travel guide, you will find all the information you need to know in order to start planning your trip!

Need Travel Insurance and Evacuation Services for Antarctica?

Start shopping for travel insurance plans over at  IATI Insurance . Readers of the Adventures of Nicole get a 5% discount off your plan.

The Adventures of Nicole partners with Global Rescue to offer the world’s leading medical evacuation and security advisory services. To travel with peace of mind, shop evacuation coverage at Global Rescue .

Antarctica Quick Tips

• Start saving:  Antarctica will likely be one of, if not the most expensive trips you’ll ever take.
• Ask important questions before booking:  Anything from if you need to bring your own jacket and boots to notifying of allergies and dietary restrictions.
• Decide how you want to travel to Antarctica:  Cruise, yacht, or flight.
• Research which months fit your interests best:  Different months in Antarctica offer up different wildlife, ice, and daylight.
• Know where you want to go:  Different cruises and yachts offer different itineraries.
• Seasickness strikes most Antarctica travelers:  The Drake Passage is notorious for its rough seas, as well as the remainder of the Antarctic waters.
• Pack all medications and necessary items:  You aren’t going to have any shops to pop into during the duration of your Antarctica travels.
• Read up before you go: A great start is the Bradt Antarctica wildlife guidebook .

How To Get To Antarctica

You can get to  Antarctica  three ways: By cruise ship (most common), by chartered yacht, or by flight.

By and far the most common way to get to Antarctica. There are many sailings each year that leave from South America to Antarctica and back, there are a few sailings that depart from New Zealand and Australia as well.  

Most cruises range from 6 to 23 days in length, however, there are a handful of longer trips typically offered each year.

During the summer season October-March there are cruises that depart almost daily. One important thing to note; It usually takes between 2 and 3 days to cross the Drake Passage when sailing between the Tip of South America and Antarctica, each way. So remember that accounts for 4-6 days of your cruise alone.

Choosing An Antarctica Cruise

• It is best to choose a ship that takes 100 passengers or less. These ships (typically taking 50-100 passengers) can get to places that the bigger ships cannot.
• In accordance with  IAATO  (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) regulations, ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to make landings on the continent. Choose carefully.
• Cruise ships typically only allow 100 people at a landing site. Therefore, if you go on a ship with 200 passengers, for example, 100 people will go ashore and must be brought back before the next group of 100 can land. This will likely limit the time on land to only 1-2 hours per landing.
• Larger ships tend to be more comfortable and luxurious.
• Not all cruises are created equally. They can offer different routings and different activities. The Antarctic Peninsula is the most common area for ships to visit. Cruises such as Oceanwide Expedition’s  M/V Ortelius  have helicopter landings as part of your itinerary, some cruises will include kayaking and even camping. Some ships are more luxurious than others.
• From personal experience, I recommend cruising to Antarctica on  Oceanwide Expeditions ‘ Ross Sea Crossing cruise from Bluff, New Zealand to Ushuaia, Argentina in February-March of 2017. They have experienced and knowledgeable staff. I have included their booking form below so that you can begin searching cruises.

Where Do The Ships Leave From?

Most ships will depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. Other common embarkation points are Punta Arenas,  Chile ; Bluff/Invercargill,  New Zealand ; Christchurch New Zealand; and Hobart,  Australia  (Tasmania).

Chartered Yachts

Several chartered yachts do trips from South America to Antarctica. Many will include stops in the Falkland Islands  (Islas Malvinas)  as well as South Georgia.

Most yacht trips tend to last between 3 and 6 weeks. Many of these chartered yachts are members of IAATO. Yachts can be a rewarding experience for people looking for a more adventurous Antarctic trip.

Yachts won’t be as luxurious as larger ships but will give more flexibility and freedom. I personally have met Darrel Day who owns  Spirit of Sydney  and does expeditions down to Antarctica from Ushuaia during the summer season.

Yachts are a great option for scientific researchers, film crews, skier/snowboarders, mountaineers, kayakers, divers, and whale watchers.

It is possible to fly to Antarctica, as there are 28 landing strips and 37 helipads. This is the least likely way to visit the continent as the weather is extremely unpredictable in and around Antarctica. Flights are typically restricted to the summer months (because of daylight).

DAP Airlines  offers flights to King George Island in Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile.

Antarctica Flights , based in Australia offers overflights to Antarctica (they do not land in Antarctica, they only fly over it) from Sydney and Melbourne. Prices per passenger for one seat range from $1,199 to $7,999.

Some cruise companies offer ‘Fly & Cruise’ options but expect these to cost substantially more than just cruising.

*Note that weather in Antarctica is erratic and flights are often delayed. 

Cost To Travel To Antarctica

Let’s face it: Antarctica is  NOT  cheap, and it only gets more expensive as time goes on. When I announced I was going to Antarctica on my blog this was probably the #1 negative feedback I got in e-mails and comments from readers.

Yes, getting to Antarctica is expensive. But what are your other options to get there? Yeah, that’s what I thought.

Unfortunately, this is a trip that will require some saving but fear not, there are ways to get to Antarctica for much less than what you find when you begin a search online. One thing to consider is taking one of the shorter trips to Antarctica, these, of course, come in much much cheaper.

Other factors that can affect the cost of your trip will include flights from home to your embarkation point and of course back home,  travel insurance  (yes, it is required), and if you need to purchase cold-weather gear or travel gadgets.

Tips To Save You Money Traveling to Antarctica

• Keep an eye out on Antarctic cruise and yacht company’s websites and sign up for their e-mail lists. From time to time, you will find deals and sales. For example, the 32 day Ross Sea trip I did with Oceanwide Expeditions’ original price for a quad room (the cheapest available) was a little over $24,000 per person! Eventually, the trip did go on sale for $17,450. Yes, I know: it’s still expensive. It’s more than I spent to purchase my car in 2012 brand new! But nonetheless, that is nearly a $7,000 savings.
• Watch online for last-minute deals. These cruises don’t want to leave port with empty berths. Sometimes cruise companies will begin slashing prices to fill the vacancy and at least break even. With that said, many of these trips (especially specialty cruises) tend to book up well in advance.
• Cruise prices tend to be somewhat cheaper in November, late February, and March as there isn’t as much wildlife to be seen making these sailings less popular than their December and January counterparts.
• For travelers on a stricter budget with flexibility that are already in Ushuaia, there is the possibility of going to the port each morning to see if there are any ships departing with any empty berths and ask for ‘dock price’. As mentioned before these ships don’t like to leave with empty berths and are likely to offer big discounts. There are reports from travelers claiming to have paid $3,500-$4,000 for 10-12 day cruises to Antarctica which would usually run in the $8-12,000 range. Remember that demand for sailings to Antarctica is skyrocketing and getting on last-minute is proving more difficult as time goes on and prices for these trips are getting higher.

When To Go To Antarctica

Tourism is pretty much limited to the Antarctic summer from November to March. Why only November through March? That comes down to the lack of accessibility in the winter due to thick ice locking in the continent and darkness.

Antarctica is shrouded in darkness from May to July as the polar winter sets in. Because of these factors, Antarctica’s summer is the best. Expect prices to be more expensive in the months of December, January, and early February as there are more wildlife spotting opportunities.

November:  Pristine ice is abundant for photographers looking to shoot the perfect icy blue hues. Many penguins start to head ashore.

December:  Days get longer and night disappears as the calendar approaches the solstice. Later in the month on the Antarctic Peninsula the cute, fluffy chicks hatch, and rookeries are full of birds. Humpback whales show up back in Antarctic waters.

January:  Ice is beginning to break up allowing expeditions to reach beyond 66ºS  (the Antarctic Circle),  this is the time to access the historic huts of Scott & Shackleton .  The baby penguins are cute and fluffy and their parents are busy feeding the needy chicks. Temperatures tend to be on the warm side and can reach as high as 15ºC/60ºF. Days are still quite long.

February:  Chicks are very active and curious. Young penguins begin to molt, penguin rookeries are full of cute birds. February is the best time to spot whales and with the ice receded to its maximum is the best time to head as far south as possible by ship or yacht.

March:  Penguins are very curious at this point in the year and very attracted to the color yellow. March is the best time to catch the stunning sunsets and sunrises you see in photo books as the days start to get shorter and the sun finally starts dropping below the horizon fully at night. Whale sightings are still optimal this month and if headed to South Georgia expect to see plenty of King and Macaroni penguins.

Where To Go In Antarctica

Antarctica can be divided up into 5 sections as shown on the map below. The Antarctic Peninsula (purple), Ross Sea Ice Shelf (pink), South Pole (black dot, dead in the middle), West Antarctica (blue), East Antarctica (green).

Antarctic Peninsula

Antarctica’s premier destination. This is the most visited part of the continent and easy to see why! Not only is it easiest to access- only 800 km (500 mi) between Cape Horn in South America and Livingston Island  (Shetland Islands)  Antarctica, but it’s the most visually impressive.

A stegosaurus-like spine of mountains runs along the peninsula and is in fact, the continuation of the Andes Mountains. Popular destinations on the peninsula include the Lemaire Channel , Port Lockroy, Deception Island, Palmer Station, Andvord Bay, and Vernadsky Station.

The Ross Sea & Ice Shelf

The typical destination for cruise ships departing from Australia and New Zealand. The Transantarctic Mountain Range is viewable from McMurdo Sound along with the famed volcanoes- Mt. Erebus and Mt. Terror.

Another important feature is the Ross Ice Shelf, which is the biggest ice shelf in the world. For history buffs- many historic huts are accessible in the Ross Sea, including Scott’s, Shackleton’s, and Borchgrevink’s Huts.

Popular destinations in the Ross Sea region include McMurdo Sound, McMurdo Base (US), Scott Base (NZ), Ross Island, The Ross Ice Shelf,  The McMurdo Dry Valleys , Cape Adare, Cape Hallet, and  Franklin Island .

Learn more about the rarely visited  McMurdo Dry Valleys , McMurdo Sound , and  Franklin Island

Reachable by expedition and typically depart from Punta Arenas, Chile by flight.  Antarctic Logistics ,  White Desert ,  Arctic Odysseys ,  Ice Trek , and  Polar Explorers  all offer expeditions to the South Pole.

Prices start at $40,000 per person and go up from there. At the South Pole sits Scott-Amudesen Station as well as the Ceremonial South Pole.

West Antarctica

This is the whole of the continent falling in the western hemisphere (except for the Antarctic Peninsula). Much of Western Antarctica is vast, barren, nothingness.

Mount Sidley- Antarctica’s highest volcano and Vinson Massif- Antarctica’s highest mountain all fall within Western Antarctica. In contrast, the lowest place on Earth not covered by ocean- the Bentley Subglacial Trench is here. Very few visitors make it to Western Antarctica.

East Antarctica

This is the bulk of the continent and it sits in the eastern hemisphere. Barren is a great descriptor. Home to Vostock Station- the holder of the world’s coldest ever recorded temperature. Mawson’s hut and The South Pole of Inaccessibility are two of the more popular tourist draws for this rarely visited region.

What To Do In Antarctica

There are so many options for activities in Antarctica. Ice, wild landscapes and wildlife are the usual draws for most visitors.

• Wildlife Viewing:  Penguins and Seals and whales, oh my! Find yourself sitting amongst curious penguin chicks with the bravest of the youngsters climbing right up onto your lap! Antarctica is a birder’s paradise- you’ll be lucky to peel your eyes away from your binoculars the entire trip both in the Antarctic and Subantarctic with Petrels, Albatross, and Cormorants at every turn. Whale watchers will have plenty of opportunities to view the largest of the mammals usually in the months of February and March. And finally, the seals will steal the show.
• Hiking:  Quite a few landing sites give visitors the chance to trek into the frozen expanses.
• Photography:  There’s a photo op just about every minute of any trip to Antarctica. The main show-stealers will be the ice and up-close wildlife. Even if you aren’t into photography you’ll likely find yourself snapping photo after photo.
• Zodiac Cruising:  Zodiacs are the main transport that cruise ships use to ferry their passengers onto the ground. These excursions will likely include zodiac cruises where you’ll likely find yourself face to face with the Seventh Continent’s wildlife.
• Kayaking/Paddle Boarding:  Many yachts and ships carry kayaks and some even have paddleboards aboard. A lovely quiet experience to have paddling between ice floes with penguins and seals watching you as you float on by.
• Mountaineering:  The Antarctic Andes and the Transatlantic Mountains are just a start. This is a harsh wilderness alluring to explore but only the most prepared should dare.
• Skiing/Snowboarding:  Easy to arrange on many yachts. Looking to say you’ve shredded on every continent? Here’s your chance!
• Camping : Want to sleep overnight in Antarctica? No problem! Many sailings include camping excursions on the peninsula. Personally, my dream would be to go back, late-season and camp-  but this is mostly because I’d love to get lucky and get a shot of the southern lights, the milky way, and some ice!
• Scuba Diving:  Extreme divers with the proper certifications can dive off the coast of this frozen stretch of the planet.
• Polar Plunge:  Take a jump into the icy cold waters. A good bragging right when at a bar back home.

Packing For Antarctica

This is a tough one. Everyone feels and experiences cold differently. I will list below the absolute essentials. 

Remember Antarctica is likely warmer than you imagine  (trust me, it still isn’t the tropics) , but for where you’re probably visiting you can plan to leave the extreme Arctic gear at home.

When on land you will be moving around and walking so you will stay fairly warm so long as you’re not sitting stationary. Layers are essential.

Required Documents

• Passport – Make sure it’s got at least 6 months validity.
• Visas – If the ship departs a country or arrives in a country you need a visa to visit. You are responsible for arranging it if necessary. Contact your nearest embassy for details.
• Warm water and windproof jacket – The most important thing in the jacket you bring is that it’s waterproof. There’s a good chance you’ll get splashed with water on zodiac rides. Some ships/cruise lines include a jacket in your ticket price. Check with them when you book to find out if you really need to bring your own or not.
• Waterproof Pants –  Snow/ski pants are a good option. Rain pants with a couple of layers underneath can do the trick as well.
• Hat –  Most of your body heat escapes through your head, so if you’re cold cover your noggin.
• Gloves –  A heavier pair for colder days and a thinner pair for warmer is a good idea.
• Scarf or Balaclava –  When the wind picks up, this is always the first part of me to get cold if I forget one.
• Knee-high rubber boots  (Wellies, gumboots, galoshes…) – Most every landing in Antarctica is a wet landing,  i.e. stepping off your zodiac into the water and wading through shallow water to the shore . The most important is that the boots are fully waterproof and sturdy with a slip-proof sole. Good boot brands to consider are  Muck Boots or and  Xtratufs . Some ships/cruise lines provide rubber boots, check when booking to find out if you need to bring your own.
• Comfortable Shoe –  Think something easy to slip on and off (preferably no laces) incase your lying in bed and the ‘ WHALES, HUNDREDS OF WHALES EVERYWHERE! ‘ announcement comes across the intercoms. Some ships have exercise rooms aboard if you plan to use it bring sneakers too.

Note: Leave the formal wear at home, some cruises do have a captain’s dinner in which you might want to look presentable, but formal wear is not expected. Bring comfortable clothing, and remember the ship is heated!

• 2 Tees – Good for layering and days at sea.
• 2 Long Sleeves – Again, layering and days at sea.
• 1 Tank – For warmer days onboard or extra layers.
• 1 Hoodie or Sweate r- Good for colder days to wear under a jacket.
• 2 Thermal pants/lined leggings – Wear under rain pants for extra warmth.
• 1 Sweatpants   (optional) – Good option for lazing about on sea days.
• 1 Pair Athletic Shorts  (optional)-  If you tend to run warm you’ll end up wanting these on the days above the Antarctic Convergence, it’ll get really warm in the ship.
• 2 Pairs of Regular Socks – For warmer days and for wearing with your ship shoes.
• 2 Pairs of Thermal/hiking Socks – Good for cold days and layering up in boots.
• Undies – I think two should suffice, you can pay to have laundry done on board or wash them up in your bathroom sink.
• 1 Bra – if you have the parts necessary for one.
• 1 Sports Bra – Same reasoning as above.

Accessories

• Sunglasses – Ever heard of snowblindness? It’s real and it hurts.
• Goggles – Especially if going skiing, but work great for windy zodiac trips where you don’t want to worry about them blowing away.
• Electrical Converter with Adaptor –  Keep charged. Many ships are equipped with Euro 2-round pin sockets.
• Camera + Camera Gear –  All largely dependent on what you shoot with and how into it you are. Make sure to have all necessary batteries and accessories  (tripod, filter, lenses, shutter release, etc.)  to go with.
• External Hard Drive  or Spare  SD /CF Cards – You’ll likely take more pictures than you will expect. Bring extra space! Or film in the case you still shoot on a film camera.
• Waterproof Bag /Backpack – Something to carry your electronics ashore with.
• Binoculars –  For wildlife viewing.
• Water Bottle –  You are allowed to bring plain water with you ashore.
• Sun Cream-  Yes you can still get sunburnt when it’s cold.
• Thick Lotion/Oil-  Antarctica is the driest place on Earth.
• Prescription Medications-  This should be a no-brainer. Any Rx med you take,  BRING IT WITH YOU!  And be sure to bring enough to get you through the entirety of your trip.
• Sea Sickness Patches or Pills-  Better to be safe than sorry, many people do get seasick. It can usually be purchased on board from ship medic if you’re on a cruise.
• Soap-  You will probably have some in your cabin already if you need anything special it is best to bring your own.
• Shampoo – Same as mentioned above about soap.
• Conditioner – If you have long hair you’ll need it. Bring something thick, it’s extremely dry here.
• Tampons/Pads/ Diva Cup – If you have a vagina and it still does that bleedy thing every month.
• Laundry soap – If you plan to do your own laundry aboard you’ll need laundry soap. Some cruise ships have a laundry facility for you to use, otherwise, you can always wash some clothes in your shower. Most cruise ships offer a laundry service, but this is an additional cost and can be expensive.

Accommodation

If going by ship or yacht, that will be your accommodation. Cabins on cruise ships can vary in comfort depending on how much you’re willing to spend.

Some trips include camping expeditions in which your tent is typically provided. These are questions to ask upon booking.

Antarctica Travel Insurance

Antarctica is remote, like really, really remote, so operators require proof of a travel insurance plan. Make sure the plan you choose has medivac coverage as you will likely have to be medivaced in the event of an emergency.

Some insurance plans also have little stipulations buried in fine print so deep most people would never actually find it such as the coverage only being good for on-ship activities. So the minute you step foot in a zodiac or helicopter your coverage will stop until you’re back on board… and insurers wonder why we HATE them.

I used  Global Underwriters  to insure my trip. I have used Allianz Travel Insurance,  World Nomads , and First Allied in the past. Another insurance that comes with good reviews is  battleface . I personally didn’t use World Nomads or Allianz for coverage in Antarctica because I didn’t trust their murky conditions of coverage and I have since read the World Nomads does not cover anything that happens off the ship. I do recommend that you choose a plan with repatriation coverage.

The biggest dangers in Antarctica would likely be getting too close to a seal and being eaten, losing an eye to a penguin peck, frostbite/frostnip, slipping on ice, and busting your ass or a hip  (or any body part for that matter) , falling overboard, etc.

Just like anywhere else, pay attention and be careful. People on more extreme expeditions such as visiting the South Pole, scuba diving, or skiing have more dangers to be concerned about than the typical visitor to Antarctica.

Have Any Questions About This Antarctica Travel Guide?

Ask your Antarctica travel questions in the comments section below.

More Posts from Antarctica:

McMurdo Dry Valleys: Visit Mars Without Leaving Earth

Off The Beaten Path New Zealand: Campbell Island

Antarctica Travel Guide

Franklin Island: Ice Glazed Volcanoes On The Fringe Of Antarctica

10 Reasons To Visit Antarctica

10 Reasons To Visit The Ross Sea

Visiting McMurdo Sound, Antarctica

Sailing The Lemaire Channel

Preparing for Antarctica

I’m going to Antarctica!

6 thoughts on “antarctica travel guide”.

This is brilliantly describe awesome piece of writing.

Woah! I’m really digging the template/theme of this website. It’s simple, yet effective. A lot of times it’s very difficult to get that “perfect balance” between superb usability and appearance. I must say you’ve done a great job with this. Additionally, the blog loads extremely fast for me on Opera. Exceptional Blog!

Woot! Spendy for me but it is now on the list of maybe someday trips! Great job on the guide. Best yet! Thanks!

Oh thanks Carl! It is a spendy trip no doubt. I do have some exciting news coming up soon about an upcoming Antarctica trip in the next year!

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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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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.

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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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Middle east, latin america, north america, everything you need to know for your trip to antarctica.

“Welcome to Antarctica – the most beautiful place in the world today!”

That was the salutation that gently woke me up each morning during my trip to Antarctica. The heavy Italian accent made me smile the first morning this greeting came blaring over the ship’s intercom system. The second time, it was the knowledge that it was true. Antarctica is the most beautiful place on Earth.

A trip to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. With no permanent human habitation and logistically tricky access, it’s no surprise that the “White Continent” is one of Earth’s most isolated and untouched places.

Like so many of Earth’s most majestic natural landscapes, it’s a place where no amount of flowery language or expertly taken photographs can do justice. There’s nothing like witnessing the breathtaking sight of icebergs and glaciers up close, watching penguin colonies waddle their way down snowy slopes, or whales breach as you kayak through one of the most remote and beautiful places on the planet.

Throughout my ten-day expedition voyage with  Poseidon Expeditions to the Antarctic Peninsula , I stepped outside my comfort zone, faced new challenges, and connected with nature in a profound way.

It sounds a bit Woo Woo, but my trip was truly a transformative experience. The type of experience you want to share with anyone that will listen, but also protect at all costs. To visit Antarctica is to become an ambassador for a remote and distant place that most can only dream of experiencing for themselves.

In this post, I’ll go over why you should consider visiting Antartica, how to get to Antarctica, what to know before you book your trip to Antarctica and some of my favorite Antartica experiences.

Getting To Ushuaia – The Beginning Of Your Antarctic Expedition

Antarctica may be challenging to reach, but it’s well worth the effort! The small town of Ushuaia is located in the southernmost tip of Argentina, and it’s the starting point for most trips to Antarctica  – including the one I went on! There’s no fast way of getting to Ushuaia, but it is relatively straightforward:

First, find a flight to Buenos Aires. Buenos Aires is the capital city of Argentina, and it has an international airport (Ezeiza International Airport) that receives international flights from all over the world.

From Buenos Aires, you’ll need to take a domestic flight to Ushuaia. Several airlines operate flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia, including Aerolineas Argentinas, LATAM, and Flybondi. You can book your flight directly through their websites or online travel agencies.

When Is The Best Time To Visit Antarctica

The best time to visit Antarctica is during the summer months, from October to March. During this time, the temperature is at its mildest, and the sea ice has melted enough to allow easier access to some landing sites. The long daylight hours also make it possible to spend more time exploring the continent. During the summer, there are micro-seasons to be aware of when planning your trip.

Visiting Antarctica In Early Summer (October and November)

Early summer is the Antarctic awakening. Snow and ice are plentiful, and millions of ocean-going penguins and seabirds return to Antarctica to begin their breeding season. Courtship rituals take place, and they lay their eggs. In South Georgia island, gigantic bull elephant seals battle for control of harems on the beaches.

Visiting Antarctica In High Summer (December and January)

High summer delivers the warmest weather, nearly continuous daylight, and frenetic wildlife activity. This is the best time to observe fluffy penguin chicks in their nests. Vast numbers of whales arrive in Antarctica to begin feeding, and king penguins and fur seals pack South Georgia’s beaches.

Visiting Antarctica In Late Summer (February and March)

A late summer cruise to Antarctica is the prime time for viewing maturing penguin chicks and seal pups. An abundance of young animals and their predators set the stage for dramatic events and fantastic photo opportunities. Late summer is also the best time for whale encounters of all kinds.

The timing for my trip to Antarctica

My expedition was from February 8th to the 19th. We had a mix of different weather and saw all kinds of different wildlife. I have zero complaints about when we went, but if I were to go again I think I would like to visit during high summer – probably early to mid-December.

How To Choose An Antarctic Expedition

Choosing an expedition to Antarctica can be a daunting task. Once you start researching, you’ll inevitably find quite a few Antarctica tour packages offering a range of trips with different itineraries, accommodations, and activities.

Ultimately, the best option for choosing a polar expedition to Antarctica depends on your preferences and priorities. The following factors can help you decide what type of trip to Antarctica would be best for you:

Itinerary : Consider the itinerary of each expedition in Antarctica and what sights and activities it includes. Some polar expeditions may focus more on wildlife watching, while others may emphasize visits to research stations or historical sites. Choose an itinerary that aligns with your interests and preferences.

Size and Passenger Count : It’s critical to note that larger cruise ships cannot make landings in Antarctica. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) limits the size of vessels that can make landings to those carrying 500 passengers or fewer. On the other hand, an Antarctic cruise line with a smaller ship carrying between 50 and 200 passengers can navigate the polar waters more efficiently and make landings in the continent’s more remote and pristine areas.

Accommodations : Consider the type of accommodations offered and what level of comfort you require. Do you prefer a basic cabin or a luxurious suite? Keep in mind that the level of comfort often correlates with the cost.

Reputation : Look into the reputation of the tour operator you are considering. Read reviews from previous passengers, and check if the operator has any accreditations or certifications. Expertise: Look for an operator with experienced staff and crew members knowledgeable about Antarctica and its unique environment.

Environmental Responsibility : Consider the environmental impact of the expedition and look for an operator that follows strict environmental guidelines. The best Antarctica cruises take steps to minimize their impact on the region.

Price : Antarctic expeditions can vary wildly in price, so consider your budget when choosing an operator. Flexibility: Consider the flexibility of the itinerary and activities offered. Some Antarctica expeditions may provide more flexibility regarding what activities you can participate in or how long you can stay in specific locations.

How Much Does A Trip To Antarctica Cost?

If you’re wondering how much is a trip to Antarctica, the cost of a trip to Antarctica can vary widely depending on several factors, including the itinerary, duration, level of comfort, and activities offered.

Generally, a trip to Antarctica can cost  anywhere from $5,000 to $25,000  or more per person. Some of the factors that can affect the cost of a trip to Antarctica include the following:

Itinerary : Longer trips with more stops and activities are more expensive than shorter, more basic itineraries.

Level of Comfort : The level of comfort offered can range from basic camping to luxury accommodations with private balconies and en-suite bathrooms.

Activities : Some trips offer more activities, such as kayaking, mountaineering, or camping, which can increase the cost.

Time of Year : The cost of a trip to Antarctica can also vary depending on the time of year, with peak season (December to February) typically being more expensive than shoulder season (October to November and March).

Operator : Different tours to Antarctica have different pricing structures, with some offering more budget-friendly options and others catering to more luxury-minded travelers.

Timing your trip to Antarctica

Cruise lines like to fill their ships before setting sail. This often means they will offer discounted prices as the departure date approaches. I met a girl on my trip to Antarctica who purchased her ticket two days before departure for 50% off.

Of course, this only worked because she was already in Ushuaia and had the time and flexibility to wait for the right opportunity. By waiting until the last minute, you risk missing out altogether. But if you have the luxury of time, it’s something to consider.

By the same token, there are often “early bird” discounts as well. So you can potentially save money by committing to a trip well in advance of the departure date. 

It’s important to note that the cost of a trip to Antarctica often does not include additional expenses such as airfare, visas, travel insurance, tips, and optional activities. For instance, the kayaking and camping experiences offered by Poseidon Expeditions each cost around $300 per person.

These extra expenses can add up quickly, so it’s helpful to decide which activities you’re interested in participating in and budget accordingly.

Tipping on your trip to Antarctica

Tipping for excellent service is a time-honored tradition in the cruise industry. Amounts are at the discretion of each guest, but the standard is generally between $10-20 per person, per day of the trip.

Gratuities are usually pooled and shared between the hotel and catering staff and the expert expedition team. Poseidon Expedition provided us with information about the tipping procedure as well as suggested amounts the day before disembarkment. 

Sailing To Antarctica With Poseidon Expeditions

Until recently, I’d never seriously thought about visiting Antarctica. It’s not that my interest wasn’t peaked; Antarctica just always seemed somehow out of reach. Then, about a year ago,  Poseidon Expeditions  offered to host me on one of their voyages to cruise Antarctica.

I did a deep dive into the company and was impressed by what I saw – positive reviews, lots of repeat passengers, and a commitment to environmentally responsible expeditions.

Now it was just a matter of deciding where to go. Poseidon offers expeditions all over the Arctic. Including many places at the top of my bucket list – like Greenland and Svalbard. So many choices, so little time!

But the possibility of a trip to Antarctica captivated my imagination. Sailing with Poseidon Expeditions to Antarctica offers a unique opportunity to experience the polar region’s untouched wilderness and awe-inspiring beauty. Only later did it occur to me that I would also be checking off my 7th and final continent—never a goal of mine, but a fun fact nonetheless.

My Experience on the Antarctic Expedition Cruise

I chose Poseidon’s ten-day  Antarctic Peninsula – “Realm of Penguins and Iceberg”  trip aboard their Sea Spirit expedition ship. It was an incredible experience! Everything it promised to be and more.

Built-in 1991, their exposition ship—Sea Spirit—felt like home by the end of my ten days on board. Not only were the spaces cozy and welcoming, but the small ship size allowed a pleasant familiarity to blossom between the crew and passengers.

It’s been almost a month since I disembarked, and I’m still communicating with some of my fellow passengers. Friendships were forged over daily tea dates in the library and multi-course dinners. Over time I’ve realized that few things bring people together, like a shared sense of adventure. And as it turns out, a trip to the bottom of the Earth is no exception.

From the informative lectures and the expert team onboard, to the incredible expedition in Antarctica, landings, activities and wildlife experiences, to the great food and even the hot tub on board, every aspect of this Antarctic expedition cruise was a trip of a lifetime. 

The expedition staff and crew members made my trip to Antarctica exceptional, going out of their way to accommodate everyone. The informative lectures during our Drake Passage helped us get the most out of our Antarctic experience. Plus, their passion for the environmental sustainability of Antarctica was evident in everything they did.

Choosing An Expedition Company That Prioritizes the Environment

Antarctica is one of the few places on Earth still largely untouched by human development. The landscape is pristine, and the wildlife is abundant, making it a perfect destination for nature lovers. Of course, you can love a destination to death, a danger the expedition staff was well aware of.

The crew took the rules and regulations in place to minimize human impact on the environment very seriously. We weren’t allowed to take our backpacks off or sit on the ground. No exceptions.

Crossing The Drake Passage To Antarctica

The Drake Passage is the body of water between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. The passage is known for its unpredictable weather and often rough seas, and it is not uncommon for waves to reach heights of 30 feet or more. Most Antarctica tours and cruises complete the crossing in 2-3 days, but it could take longer, depending on weather conditions.

On the way to Antarctica, our crossing was relatively mild – it wasn’t a “Drake Lake,” as it’s fondly referred to when waters are exceptionally calm. But still, nothing to write home about. The return journey. . . not so much. I’m sure conditions can get a lot worse than we had them, but for a day and a half, everyone onboard got the opportunity to put their sea legs to the test.

Besides being generally more hazardous to move around the ship, seasickness is the biggest concern when crossing the Drake Passage. I’d be lying if I didn’t say that quite a few people looked a little worse for wear those last few days.

However, a little Dramamine right before bed did the trick for me. I’m not particularly prone to seasickness, but I didn’t see the point in taking any chances. Plus, they were dispensing it like candy at the front desk. Motion sickness medication works best if you take it before you need it. So that’s what I did – zero regrets.

Highlights From My Trip To Antarctica

During our first mandatory lecture on board, our expedition leader told us to keep in mind that we were currently embarking on an expedition of Antarctica – NOT a cruise.

The main distinguishing feature was that we needed to let go of ridged ideas about your trip to Antarctica itinerary, expect the unexpected, and learn to go with the flow. I didn’t give this little nugget of wisdom any thought at the time.

But in hindsight, it’s an essential feature of Antarctic expeditions. Once you board any trip to Antarctica, you must be willing to relinquish all control.

It’s essential to approach an Antarctic expedition with an open mind and prepare to adjust your plans and itinerary based on the conditions on the ground. Even during the summer, when conditions are at their mildest, strong winds, high seas, and dense sea ice can sometimes make it difficult or even impossible to make landings or visit certain areas of the continent.

Moreover, wildlife sightings can never be guaranteed. This might mean changing course to take advantage of good weather or changing the timing or location of landings to avoid difficult conditions.

I bring this up now because I’m going to list some of my favorite places from my trip to Antarctica. The thing is, I had no idea we were going to stop at these places.

If I were to sign up for another Antarctic expedition, it would likely be a completely different itinerary, with different landings, weather, and certainly different animal sitings. Antarctica is like a box of chocolates – you never know what you’re going to get!

Danco Island

On the third day of our expedition, we woke just offshore from our first landing. Danco Island is a small, crescent-shaped island located off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It will always hold a special place in my memory as being the first real taste of Antarctica – and my goodness, was that taste yummy.

In some ways, I wish it hadn’t been first because it ended up being my second favorite Antarctica trip location. Right after breakfast, we waited anxiously to hear our group called to the zodiac platform over the intercom. 

When it was finally our turn, we sat shoulder to shoulder, whizzing past icebergs and jumping penguins. My face was frozen, but the discomfort of fresh air felt rejuvenating after two days of lounging around the ship.

Mario, our expedition leader, greeted us as we pulled up to the beach. He gave a quick demonstration on how to disembark the zodiac cruise safely, pointed out the trail the team had already marked off, and explained that penguins had the right-of-way. We had two hours to explore at our leisure. We could hike to the top of the island for 360° views. Or not. Of course, we did.

Orne Harbour

Orne Harbour was our second landing during my trip to Antarctica. By the time we arrived, the weather had deteriorated, and at first, it sounded like our second landing of the trip might not land at all. I was disappointed.

Orne Harbour was our first (and perhaps only) “official” continental landing. Plus, it would be our first chance to see the Chinstrap Penguins. But before I could get too disappointed, our fortunes changed yet again, and before I knew it, we were plowing through large chunks of ice on our way to Orne Harbour’s shore.

From the landing point, it was a short but steep climb to the chinstrap colony and spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and the Sea Spirit waiting for us in the dark water below.

Port Lockroy

Port Lockroy is one of the most popular destinations for any trip to Antarctica due to its unique history and stunning scenery. The base was primarily used for scientific research, but it also served as a secret military base during World War II. The station was eventually closed in 1962 and remained abandoned until it was restored and opened as a museum in 1996.

One of the unique things about Port Lockroy, and my favorite thing about it, is that it has the only post office in Antarctica! The post office was established in 1944 and has been operating ever since. During the summer, the post office is staffed by volunteers working for the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust. These volunteers sell postcards, stamps, and souvenirs to visitors and process and send mail.

Sending mail from Port Lockroy is a right of passage and a very popular activity for visitors to Antarctica.

Before our landing at Port Lockroy, the makeshift gift shop on the Sea Spirit opened up so that people could buy postcards to prepare for the post office. Unfortunately, they quickly ran out, and I couldn’t purchase any.

I wasn’t too worried because I figured I could buy some at the shop in Port Lockroy. WRONG! They were also sold out! I’m not sure if this is common, but out of a preponderance of caution, I suggest picking up some Antarctica Post Cards in Ushuaia before your departure.

Port Charcot

On most Poseidon Expedition trips to Antarctica, there is an opportunity to camp under the stars on land. The excursion is limited to 20 people, and was booked out before I joined the trip. Despite the poor odds, I went to the camping safety brief and put my name on the waitlist.

At the end of the second day on the Antarctic Peninsula, they announced that that would be the night. Much to my surprise (and secret delight), eight people who had signed up decided they didn’t fancy the idea of sleeping out in the sub-freezing conditions after all.

Quin and I both got off the waitlist, and at 9 PM, we boarded the zodiac excursions and headed for Port Charcot.

On shore, we dug out small shelters in the snow and set up camp. As the light faded, the clouds cleared to reveal striking views of the bay and nearby mountain peaks. I snuggled deep into my bivvy and eventually was lulled to sleep by the distant chatter of gentoo penguins. Not much sleep was had at Port Charcot, but it was an experience I wouldn’t soon forget. 

Niko Harbor

If the next Avatar movie were snow-themed, Pandora would look like Niko Harbor. With its vast expanses of ice, snow, and glaciers, towering mountains, and abundant wildlife, Niko Harbor stood out among the other beautiful places we saw on our Antarctica expedition. It was the creme de la creme of the Antarctica trip.

Ironically, our time in Niko Harbor started with bad news. At breakfast, the expedition team announced that they couldn’t make it to shore, so our morning landing was canceled. Instead, we would go on a zodiac expedition.

As fate would have it, that was the best possible thing that could have happened. Because unbeknownst to us, there was a surprise waiting for us among the towering glaciers and shimmering blue icebergs of Nico Harbor. Whales! Oh, so many whales.

Only a few minutes after our zodiac hit the open water, we received the first call over the radio. There were two whales just north of us. As we slowly made our way in that direction, another call came in, then another, and then the calls didn’t matter because they were everywhere.

It was hard to know which direction to look. Only one thing was certain: no matter where you looked, you would see a whale. It was one of the most beautiful experiences of my life.

Once In A Lifetime Activities Not To Miss On Your Antarctic Expedition

Camping In Antarctica

Camping in Antarctica is a truly unique experience, allowing visitors to spend a night under the Antarctic sky and get a sense of what life is like in this extreme environment. This unique experience is usually organized in small groups and includes all necessary equipment and safety measures.

Many people asked me whether I thought this experience was “worth it.” For me, the answer is yes. That being said, I am an outdoor adventure photographer and camping in extreme environments is well within my wheelhouse. It was not a comfortable night, and I didn’t get much sleep, but I knew that going into it. I don’t think camping in Antarctica is for everyone, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.

Polar Plunge In Antarctica

If conditions allow, most expedition ships offer an opportunity to jump into the water of Antarctica – generally from one of the Zodiacs. Cold water isn’t for everyone, but if you’re tempted, I’d highly encourage you to try it!

Participating in a polar plunge can be a thrilling and unique experience, and it’s a rite of passage for visitors to Antarctica. The cold is short-lived, but the memories last forever! Plus, it’s one of the only free optional activities. At least on our ship, it was!

Keep in mind that the water temperature in Antarctica can be well below freezing, and the shock of the cold water can be dangerous for some people.

Sea Kayaking In Antarctica

Kayaking is a peaceful and intimate way to explore Antarctica’s waters on your Antarctic adventure, allowing visitors to paddle quietly among icebergs, glaciers, and wildlife. This activity is usually led by experienced guides and requires some previous kayaking experience.

What To Pack For An Expedition To Antarctica

I wrote a separate blog post with everything you need to pack for Antarctica ! In it you’ll find a complete list of everything I packed for my trip, including clothing and camera gear.

The key to packing for Antarctica is layering. Antarctica has some of the most temperamental weather in the world, so it’s critical to be prepared for whatever Mother Nature throws your way.

You want to bring clothing and gear that can withstand harsh and unpredictable weather conditions. For landings and other excursions you’ll need thermal underwear, fleece jackets, down jackets, and waterproof outer layers. You’ll also want to bring comfortable clothing for days on the ship. 

Frequently Asked Questions About Antarctic Expeditions

Is antarctica a country.

No, Antarctica is not a country. The Antarctic Treaty System, with 54 signatory countries, governs the continent.

Who owns Antarctica?

No one owns Antarctica. The continent is governed by the Antarctic Treaty System. Today, there are 54 signatory countries to the treaty, designed to protect the region’s environment and promote scientific research.

The treaty sets aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve and bans military activity on the continent. It also allows for freedom of scientific research and international cooperation and coordination supporting that research. The treaty has successfully maintained peace and stability in Antarctica and has become a model for international cooperation in the peaceful use of resources.

How cold is it in Antarctica?

Antarctica is Earth’s coldest, driest, and windiest continent. Temperatures can reach as low as -128.6 degrees Fahrenheit (-89.2 degrees Celsius), and the average temperature during the summer months (November-February) is around -20 degrees Celsius (-4 degrees Fahrenheit).

Are there any towns in Antarctica?

While there are research stations and bases in Antarctica, there is no permanent human habitation on the continent.

Will I see Polar Bears in Antarctica?

No. Polar bears are native to the Arctic region, located at the opposite end of the Earth from Antarctica. If you’re interested in seeing polar bears, it’s best to visit the Arctic region, such as the Svalbard archipelago or Canada’s northern territories, where polar bears live in their natural habitat.

What animals will I see in Antarctica?

Antarctica is home to a unique and diverse array of wildlife that has adapted to survive in the harsh and extreme conditions of the continent. You’ll likely see various species of penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds.

How is Antarctica’s environment protected?

Antarctica is protected by several international agreements and protocols designed to preserve its unique environment and ecosystem. The Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959 and ratified by 54 countries is the most important.

The treaty designates Antarctica as a scientific preserve and prohibits any military activity on the continent. It also protects Antarctic flora and fauna and requires all visitors to follow strict guidelines to minimize their impact on the environment.

In addition to the Antarctic Treaty, there are several other agreements that protect Antarctica, including the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Seals, the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources, and the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

These agreements address fishing, tourism, and waste disposal in Antarctica. They are designed to ensure that the continent remains a pristine and unique environment for generations to come.

Please note that some of the links above are affiliate links, and I may earn a small commission on any purchase made – at  no additional cost to you . As always, all ideas and opinions expressed in this post are entirely my own.  I appreciate your support!

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Beautifully written. I felt like I was there with you.

Thank you 😊 Jess

Thank you so much Helene! I can’t tell you how much I appreciate you taking the time to check this post out. And glad to hear that you could visit vicariously through the words and photos.

This was an amazing post! I follow you on Instagram and find all of your work really inspiring and it’s helped me plans quite a few trips!

Thanks Niketa! You’re feedback is so helpful and definitely helps motivate me to keep writing travel guides. It’s so nice to hear that you have used some of them in your own travels! That’s the best feedback. 🙂

Sounds like it was the most amazing trip! Thankyou for all of this information. It’s all so well laid out and communicated and will definitely help me when planning my trip to Antarctica (🤞🏼in the next few years)

You’re so welcome Nicole! I hope you are able to plan a trip soon. It’s truly a once in a lifetime destination. So beautiful!

I love your in detail blogposts!❤️ Thank you for taking your time to write them! I wish we would be going to Antartica soon, but at least we know how to when the day comes due to your writings^^ We used your blogs in Mexico a few years back and we found the most gorgeous cenotes of the beaten track thanks to you. So forever grateful 🙌 and always an amazing read 🔥

Amazing! Mexico is definitely one of my all time favorite countries. So many underrated and less explored areas. Fantastic to hear that you had such a great trip. Thanks for stopping by the blog – I really appreciate it.

So good! Beautiful photos and informative blog.

As usual, beautiful content

Thanks so much Pam!

Thank you so much for this super informative post! Planning on going in a couple of years and was a little daunted by where to start. This post answered so many of my questions!

Amazing! Glad you found it helpful. It’s such a magical place. Excited for you!

Hello Thank you very much with the detailed info in the trip. We are planning to go this coming summer but still researching timing and operator but for sure duration 8-10days If you could give a little more insight to Cost, early bird specials, best time to go etc It would be great Rgds Jamil

Hi Jamil. I believe that I have actually covered all of those topics above in some detail. However, if you are looking for more information on cost, you will likely need to contact the various different expedition ships or an agency that specializes in Antarctica bookings. They should have details prices for the upcoming season.

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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

− − Content Menu

• 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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Antarctic travel writing and the problematics of the pristine: two australian novelists' narratives of tourist voyages to antarctica.

With the increasing popularity of Antarctic tourism in the last decade or so, new narratives of Antarctic encounter have begun to appear: narratives that attempt to understand how the individual traveller might relate to the continent and all it has come to symbolise. These texts,which as a group can be classed as Antarctic travel writing, differ from polar exploration narratives and from accounts of life at Antarctic bases, because their authors can be identified as tourists. Antarctic travel writing includes full-length books, such as Sara Wheeler’s Terra Incognita , Jenny Diski’s Skating to Antarctica and Peter Matthiessen’s End of the Earth , and also essays and feature articles in the media.

The aim of this article is to examine two examples of this new genre of Antarctic travel writing published in the Australian media. Both are feature articles by established Australian novelists (Helen Garner and Thomas Keneally) describing tourist trips to Antarctica, and both appeared in the Age newspaper’s Good Weekend magazine. Each article can be read as an exploration of the anxieties of the writer-cum-tourist entering an environment which has become synonymous, in the public imagination, with ‘pristine nature.’ Both Garner and Keneally are concerned with maintaining the ‘pristine’ quality of the continent, with protecting it from anything that threatens to alter its original state. Each writer, however,has a very different idea of what this state comprises.

Publication title

Department/school, place of publication, rights statement, repository status, socio-economic objectives, usage metrics.

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The Paradox of Experiencing a Place (Antarctica!) So You Can Write About It

From the time to eat the dogs podcast with michael robinson.

Time to Eat the Dogs is a podcast about science, history, and exploration. Each week, Michael Robinson interviews scientists, journalists, and adventurers about life at the extreme.

Rebecca Priestley talks about her journeys to Antarctica and the process of bringing them to life in her writing. An associate professor at Victoria University of Wellington in New Zealand, Priestly is the author of Fifteen Million Years in Antarctica , which was recently longlisted for the Ockham New Zealand Book Awards.

From the episode:

Michael Robinson: Like you, I’ve done a lot of reading on the polar regions, and I was really fascinated with the way you talk about your own experience in Antarctica. I was realizing as I read it that it was so striking to me because I don’t think I’ve read this way of writing about Antarctica before. So much of the writing about Antarctica and the Arctic regions historically has been to talk about how sublime these landscapes are or to talk about experiences of heroism or of tragedy. And here you’re talking about how freaked out you are. I guess my question is, why did you decide to write this way and how have people experienced it—the feedback you’ve gotten on this type of writing?

Rebecca Priestley: I was just being honest. I mean, I was not on any sort of heroic mission. And as for the sublime, in a way, it’s so hard to write about Antarctica, to write something that someone hasn’t written before. I guess I was a wee bit nervous about how some people might respond to it, but when I spoke to the scientists who I was spending time with—who were all men and geologists who’d been to Antarctica multiple times—and I talked about some of my anxieties and then read some of my stuff, they all related to it and they all understood that feeling when the helicopter leaves and you’re on your own. In a way, it’s wonderful. But there’s also this uneasiness. And people told me it takes a day or two before you get over that and just get into the work and focus on the work. I’ve got children, and most of the people who I was with had children, and it’s hard to be away from your family in such an isolated environment. So I guess I was articulating what a lot of people feel to some small degree, and I probably felt it in a stronger and more vocal way than they did. But they related to it as well.

Michael Robinson: I’ve had this experience in some of my travels where I feel that—you know, I’m a historian of exploration, so when I go to these places, I should be fully in the moment trying to experience it as much as I possibly can, paradoxically so I can write about it when I’m back home. And so what’s happening in my brain a lot of times is there’s almost like this ticker tape. It’s like one of these scrolling things you see at the bottom of new shows, where I’m having the experience and simultaneously thinking about how I’m going to write about it. What a strange experience that was. I was laughing when you wrote about visiting Shackleton’s hut, where there’s a visitor’s book, and there are all these effusive adjectives that are being talked about in describing the hut and Antarctica, and the only thing you can come up with is “wow.” Can you talk about the experience of trying to write about a place like Antarctica?

Rebecca Priestley: You’ve summed it up really well, because I was just wanting to be there and experience this place and fully engage my senses with it, but at the same time I was always thinking about how am I going to write about this place? And so I’d have words and phrases and sentences and adjectives going through my head all the time. I was kind of experiencing and interpreting and trying to frame sentences and paragraphs all at the same time. I’d have multiple notebooks and pieces of paper everywhere, so if the words were coming to my head, I just had to write them down straightaway to get them out of my head so I could carry on experiencing. But it did mean most of my time there was filtered through my notebook. Sometimes I did try and just be there without a pen in my hand, just to try and give myself that little bit of time to myself. But when it came to the visitor’s book, the pressure of being a writer and having to put something down in the book was just too much. I managed “wow,” maybe with an explanation mark, I’m not sure, but I was with a poet called Alice Miller, and she didn’t write anything. It was just too much. No, take that away.

________________________________

To listen to the rest of the episode, as well as the whole archive of Time to Eat the Dogs , subscribe and listen on iTunes or wherever else you find your favorite podcasts.

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How to get to Antarctica: The pros and cons of flying vs. cruising

Planning a trip to Antarctica ? The first thing you need to do is decide on how you want to get there.

The vast majority of people who travel to the White Continent reach it on a cruise vessel that departs from South America .

Such trips typically start with a two-day crossing of the notoriously rough Drake Passage — the waterway between South America and Antarctica — followed by five or six days of exploring the coast of the continent and then a return trip across the Drake.

For more cruise guides, tips and news, sign up for TPG's cruise newsletter .

But there's a second, less common way to go.

A handful of tour companies operate so-called "fly-cruise" trips to Antarctica that use hardy airplanes to fly tourists directly to the continent — no sailing across the Drake required.

On such trips, travelers still explore the coast of Antarctica by cruise vessel. But they don't board the vessel that will take them exploring until after they land on the continent.

Related: What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane

As I saw during a test of one of the fly-cruise trips this winter, it's a very different experience from the traditional sail-across-the-Drake trip to Antarctica (one of which I also did this winter — yeah, I'm a little obsessed with polar regions).

So which is the better way to go?

The short answer: There is no short answer. There are pros and cons to both, and the type of Antarctica trip that is right for you may not be the same as the type of Antarctica trip that is right for your neighbor. It will depend on several factors including your tolerance for rough seas, the time you have to travel and your budget.

Here, a look at some of the advantages and disadvantages of the two major ways to get to Antarctica.

The all-cruise option

As noted above, most travelers to Antarctica reach the continent on a cruise vessel that departs from South America — usually from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Puntas Arenas, Chile. Both are located at the very southern tip of South America. There also are a few cruise vessels that sail to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand, though this is less common.

In most cases, such vessels are expedition cruise ships — small, hardy vessels with their own landing craft that are specifically designed to travel to remote, hard-to-reach places.

Related: The 11 best new expedition ships that go to Antarctica

In many cases, the voyages are operated by small companies that are specifically known for expedition cruising, including Lindblad Expeditions , Hurtigruten Expeditions , Quark Expeditions and Oceanwide Expeditions. But quite a few more-traditional cruise lines — including Silversea Cruises , Viking and Hapag-Lloyd Cruises — also operate expedition ships specifically built for travel to Antarctica and other polar regions.

Advantages of an all-cruise trip

The biggest advantage of an all-cruise trip to Antarctica is also, for some, its biggest disadvantage (more on this in a moment): It gets you into the Drake Passage.

As mentioned above, the Drake can be notoriously rough. Indeed, it's known as one of the roughest waterways in the world. It's not uncommon to encounter waves of 10 or 15 feet during a Drake crossing and, as I've experienced myself, the waves can be much higher.

That may sound like nothing but a disadvantage. But to many travelers — including me — crossing to Antarctica in such seas is an integral part of the experience of a trip there. It's part of understanding the remarkable history of Antarctic exploration, for sure, as it offers a taste of what the great Antarctic explorers such as Ernest Shackleton and Roald Amundsen had to endure in their epic journeys to the continent a century ago. It's also part of understanding the true remoteness of Antarctica, as the journey covers such a massive stretch of ocean.

Related: These 8 books are must-reads before an Antarctica trip

Bird-loving travelers who cross the Drake Passage by ship have the opportunity to see such remarkable bird species as the giant albatross, which you normally won't find in Antarctica.

In addition, the two days of crossing the Drake Passage at the start of an all-cruise Antarctica trip gives the guides on such trips a chance to prepare you for what you're about to see. Typically on such trips, specialists in such topics as Antarctica wildlife, geology and history will hold introductory lectures during the crossing that will help you put things in context upon arrival.

If nothing else, the two days provide a much-needed period of transition for travelers who have just left the frantic, crowded, modern world and soon will be thrust into a land of utter emptiness and wonder.

For some, braving a possibly rough trip across the Drake Passage is also a rite of passage. If you've gotten to Antarctica by ship across the Drake Passage, you've earned it.

Disadvantage of an all-cruise trip

As noted above, the biggest disadvantage of an all-cruise trip to Antarctica is the very same thing that some see as its biggest advantage: It gets you into the Drake — not just once, but twice.

Some people, including me, love cruising in big waves. It can be thrilling to experience the power of the ocean in all its force. But even those of us who love big waves have our limits. For someone who is prone to seasickness even in relatively calm seas, a transit through the Drake Passage can be a downright miserable experience.

Related: Discovering the wild dreamscape of Antarctica

Note that contrary to what you may hear, the Drake Passage isn't always fraught. While waves up to 25 or even 35 feet high at times are not uncommon, it can also be almost perfectly calm, a phenomenon known as the Drake Lake.

I experienced these calm conditions myself during my outbound crossing to Antarctica on a Lindblad Expeditions trip in January. On the way back, in contrast, we hit nearly 20-foot-high seas.

The 'fly-cruise' option

Fly-cruise tours to Antarctica typically start with a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to a Chilean research base on Antarctica's King George Island, thus skipping a ship crossing of the Drake Passage. The Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva base, as it's known, has a gravel runway that is just long enough to handle some relatively small, hardy jets.

After landing at King George Island, passengers on fly-cruise trips walk to a nearby bay for a Zodiac boat transfer to an awaiting expedition cruise vessel. From there, they are quickly off on a five- or six-night exploration of the nearby Antarctic Peninsula and its environs.

At the end of the exploration, they fly back to Punta Arenas from the same base on King George Island at which they arrived.

Related: This new luxury tour gets you to Antarctica faster than most

The number of tour companies offering such trips is much more limited. They include Silversea Cruises (which just began such trips in December), Antarctica 21 and Quark Expeditions.

Such fly-cruise trips are still relatively rare. About 90% of travelers to Antarctica still arrive at the continent by ship.

Advantages of a fly-cruise trip

There are two big advantages to a fly-cruise trip to Antarctica. First, you get to skip the Drake Passage. As I already suggested above, that can be a very big deal to someone who is prone to seasickness. For people who are particularly sensitive to motion, flying there really is the only viable option for a trip to Antarctica, unless you want to risk being miserable for up to four days (don't forget you'll have to cross the Drake twice on an all-cruise trip).

For the record, these post-flight sailings don't entirely remove the possibility of experiencing rough seas. After leaving King George Island, expedition ships must cross the 60-mile-wide Bransfield Strait to reach the Antarctic Peninsula — and the strait is a body of water that can be choppy, as I saw for myself on the first night of my fly-cruise trip this past winter with Silversea. We hit seas around 10 feet high in the strait, leaving many passengers feeling queasy or worse.

Related: I just spent the night in an 'igloo' in Antarctica — here's how you can, too

But the good news is that the Bransfield Strait crossing is relatively quick. We entered it in the evening and were through it by wake-up time the next day. Once at the Antarctic Peninsula, the seas are relatively calm.

The second big advantage of fly-cruise trips to Antarctica is that they are shorter than what is typical for an Antarctica trip — something that should appeal to would-be Antarctica visitors who are limited in the number of days they can get away from work.

Antarctica trips that include ship crossings of the Drake Passage usually are at least 10 nights in length, not including the time it takes to get to and from the southern tip of South America. By cutting out the days crossing the Drake Passage, fly-cruise tour operators are able to offer an equal amount of time exploring Antarctica on a trip lasting just eight nights, including two nights in a Punta Arenas hotel — one before the flight to Antarctica and one afterward.

Disadvantages of a fly-cruise trip

The big knock on fly-cruise sailings to Antarctica over the years has been that there is a risk that poor weather at the landing site at King George Island could cause flights to and from the island to be delayed. The landings on the rough airstrip at the Chilean base require that pilots have a visual sighting of the runway.

Some companies, such as Silversea, have taken this into account in their itinerary planning. To allow for delays caused by shifting weather, Silversea has built a wide "weather window" for the charter flights to and from Antarctica into its itinerary. Silversea's trips begin and end with a night at a hotel in Punta Arenas, with downtime there built into the itinerary that creates a significant amount of wiggle room for when the flights can occur.

Related: I just went kayaking in Antarctica -- it was the most calm I've felt all year

If the weather is right, the flights to Antarctica will take place the morning after passengers arrive in Punta Arenas. But they can also shift earlier or later if the weather isn't cooperating. The flights back to Punta Arenas from King George Island can be similarly adjusted.

In addition, Silversea has booked extra nights at the hotel it uses in Punta Arenas, at its expense, just in case the flights are significantly delayed and passengers have to spend an extra night in Punta Arenas either on the way in or the way out, though such an occurrence would be rare.

I saw this weather-window strategy in action myself during my fly-cruise trip to Antarctica this past winter. The day before we were supposed to fly back from King George Island, a large storm front moved in over it with low-lying clouds and fierce winds. The storm not only made it difficult for the charter planes that were supposed to take us back to Chile to land at the island, but also made it difficult to operate the Zodiac boats that would be shuttling us from the ship to shore.

As per the plan, we arrived back at the bay at King George Island early and waited for a clearing in the weather that would allow our flights home to take place. Such a window finally appeared in the late evening of the last day of the trip. We took off for Chile at around 11 p.m., about nine hours later than we would have if the weather had been ideal.

Another possible downside to the fly-cruise trips to Antarctica is that they are typically more expensive, on a per-day basis, than all-cruise trips.

Related: The ultimate Antarctica packing guide

At Silversea, which offers both types of Antarctica trips, eight-night fly-cruise itineraries start at $16,600 per person, including flights — more than $2,000 per day.

Fares for Silversea's traditional Antarctica sailings that involve a crossing of the Drake Passage start at $11,900 per person, about 40% less.

In both cases, the fares above are highly-inclusive "door-to-door" pricing that comes with private executive transfers between your home and departure airport, international flights to South America and regional flights, airport transfers in South America, pre-cruise hotel stays, all shore tours, drinks and gratuities. Silversea also offers less expensive "port-to-port" pricing that strips out the international portion of the flights and transfers.

Bottom line

There's no right answer to the question of how to get to Antarctica, whether by ship or plane. I know which way I lean. I prefer to go by ship, as I relish the experience of following in the footsteps of the great explorers in crossing the sometimes rough Drake Passage. But other travelers will be better off, for sure, going the fly-cruise route, whether because they are prone to seasickness even in moderate seas or just can't take all that many days off for travel.

Planning an Antarctica cruise expedition? Start with these stories:

• Dreaming of Antarctica: How to book the trip of a lifetime
• Skip the Drake Passage: What it's like flying to Antarctica on a chartered plane
• 7 tips for visiting Antarctica before it's too late
• The ultimate packing list for an Antarctica trip
• These 8 books are must reads before any Antarctica trip

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• Environment

Visiting Antarctica

This guide sets out who has to apply for a permit, how to apply and explains the other rules covering travel to Antarctica.

Requirements for visiting Antarctica

The Antarctic Treaty signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 preserves the Antarctic continent for peaceful and scientific use.

The Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection, signed in 1991, is the only international agreement designed to protect an entire continent. It ensures that all human activity in Antarctica is carefully planned and managed. It enables a range of human activity to take place in Antarctica including scientific research, well-managed, environmentally sensitive tourism, and exploration. Crucially, the Protocol prohibits commercial mining and protects vulnerable areas, animals and plants.

The Antarctic Treaty does not prevent tourists, military personnel or scientific researchers from being present in Antarctica, but they do require an appropriate permit from a Treaty Party.

Permit criteria

Anyone on a British expedition to Antarctica or taking a British vessel or aircraft into Antarctica will need to apply for a permit from the Polar Regions Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ).

A British expedition is one organised in the UK (including a British overseas territory, or a Crown Dependency) or one where the last place of departure for Antarctica is the UK, a British overseas territory, or a Crown Dependency. ‘Expedition’ consists of a single person or group, undertaking a tour or journey of any purpose, including activities such as landing ashore, skiing, kayaking, small boat activities, climbing, diving or any related activity. A British (including OT or Crown Dependency) flagged vessel or registered aircraft also requires a permit even if the expedition is organised elsewhere.

You do not need a permit for:

• ships or aircraft travelling to an immediate destination outside Antarctica
• fishing vessels, unless they are conducting research fishing or are carrying out functions related to an expedition
• expeditions organised in and authorised in writing by another contracting party (country) to the Environmental Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty

If you plan to undertake commercial fishing activity in the Southern Ocean, you must seek separate authorisation for your vessel, as set out in the guidelines to CCAMLR fisheries for British registered vessels fishing for profit .

It is also unlikely that you will need a permit if you are a passenger on an organised visit to Antarctica, as your tour operator would usually arrange this. However you should confirm this with them before travelling. Contact the Polar Regions Department if you are unsure.

Applying for a permit

You should submit applications for permits as far in advance as possible. This should be at least 4 months for a new or unusual application, or at least 2 months before the date of your departure if you have previously obtained a permit for summer activities. Late applications may not be considered.

Organisers must demonstrate that they are sufficiently prepared for a visit to Antarctica. You should discuss your plans informally with the Polar Regions Department before you begin completing the permit application. This is especially important if your expedition involves specialist activities such as extreme sports, extended trips or multiple transport options.

Consistent with the agreement by the Antarctic Treaty Parties, the UK will not authorise operators organising or conducting tourist or other non-government activities to undertake any off-ship activities in Antarctica from vessels carrying more than 500 passengers. Exceptions will be made in cases of emergency and for the purpose of enhancing human safety. The UK will also not normally authorise the use of helicopters for recreational purposes in areas with concentrations of wildlife, including the Antarctic Peninsula region.

It should also be noted that for safety reasons the UK will not authorise snorkelling activities in the Antarctic.

Applying for a permit to conduct research fishing

You must conduct research fishing in the Antarctic Treaty Area in accordance with the Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), in particular its Conservation Measure 24-01 .

Research fishing under paragraph 2 of CM24-01 involves taking less than 50 tonnes of finfish. If you are proposing to conduct research fishing under paragraph 2, you must:

• confirm that you will comply with all relevant CCAMLR Conservation Measures
• confirm that you will meet the requirements of CCAMLR Conservation Measure 24-01
• complete an Expedition Permit Application Form and submit this to the Polar Regions Department
• provide the information required in CM 24-01 Annex A, Format 1

This paragraph does not apply for catches of krill and finfish of less than one tonne.

Research fishing under paragraph 3 of CM24-01 involves taking more than 50 tonnes of finfish. Any proposals to conduct research fishing of this nature will be approved at the annual CCAMLR meeting in October or November 2024.

If you are proposing to conduct research fishing under paragraph 3, you must:

• complete Sections 1 to 6 of an Expedition Permit Application Form, and submit this together with the required Research Plan to the Polar Regions Department by 12 May 2024. The CCAMLR scientific working groups will consider applications, including at the annual CCAMLR meeting in October or November 2024
• provide all the information required in CM 24-01 Annex A, Format 2

Application forms and guidance

For a land or vessel based expedition you can download the permit application form and guidance below. For further information contact the Polar Regions Department.

Expedition Permit application form ( ODT , 97.4 KB )

Expedition Permit application guidance notes ( PDF , 1.03 MB , 15 pages )

If you plan to undertake more specialist activities in Antarctica (such as wildlife monitoring or scientific research), it is likely you will need a separate permit. For further information contact the Polar Regions Department.

Specialist Permit application form ( ODT , 69.3 KB )

Specialist Permit Application guidance notes ( PDF , 1.02 MB , 11 pages )

Historic Site and Monument application form ( ODT , 69.1 KB )

Once the expedition is complete, you will need to complete these post visit reports:

Post Visit Report: Part 1 ( ODT , 50.5 KB )

Post Visit Report: Part 2 ( ODS , 147 KB )

How to contact the Polar Regions Department

Telephone: 020 7008 5000

Email: [email protected]

Polar Regions Department Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office Room W2.80 King Charles Street London SW1A 2AH

Publishing application details

Applicants should be aware that within 10 days from the Polar Regions Department confirming receipt of any permit applications, the FCDO will openly publish information relating to these applications on this website. This will include application type, applicant name, duration of visit, proposed itinerary and the contact details of the applicant. See our privacy notice .

UK Antarctic enforcement policy and procedures

The FCDO is responsible for ensuring that the UK’s Antarctic legislation is fully complied with. See our UK Antarctic Enforcement Policy and Procedures page for further details.

Comprehensive Environmental Evaluations (CEEs) received for activity in Antarctica 2023 to 2024

No CEEs have currently been received. When received, we publish the name, company, purpose and location, and date received and CEE.

Initial Environmental Evaluations (IEEs) received for activity in Antarctica 2023 to 2024

No IEEs have currently been received. When received, we publish the name, company, purpose and location, and date received and IEE.

Applications received for expeditions 2023 to 2024 season

Updated application dates for permits to conduct research fishing

Addition of 3 new permit applications from Emma Nicholson, Fay Couceiro and Claire Padian

Twenty-two new permit applications from the British Antarctic Survey added.

Addition of two new permit applications from British Antarctic Survey

Addition of 5 new permit applications

New permit application from Dr Laura Grange added

New permit applications from Arctic Trucks and PolarX added

New permit application from Orla Doherty (BBC) added

New permit application from Tim Cochrane (Noble Caledonia) added

New permit application from Talesmith TV added.

Expedition Permit application guidance notes updated.

Applying for a Permit section has been updated.

Withdrawal of permit application from Sonja Heinrich

Updated guidance on applying for a permit to conduct research fishing section. Two new permit applications added: British Antarctic Survey (BAS) and Sonja Heinrich. Withdrawal of permit application from Nathan Robinson.

Two new permit applications added - Fred Olsen Cruise Lines and Nathan Robinson

Addition of 4 new Initial Environmental Evaluations (IEEs) received for activity in Antarctica 2022 to 2023.

New permit application added for Tom Hart.

Four new permit applications added: Robert Dougall McCallum for the vessel Nansen Explorer; Arctic Trucks; Dr Robert David Larter; and David Small.

New permit application added for Robert Dougall McCallum for the vessel Legend.

New permit application added for Christopher Aldridge

Updated Post Visit Report form: part 2

Updated post visit report - Part 1 and Part 2

New permit application added

2021-22 permit applications deleted for the 2022-23 season. New 2022-23 permit application added.

The expedition permit application form and guidance notes have been updated. The specialist permit application form and guidance notes have been updated.

Updated guidance on Applying for a permit to conduct research fishing for 2021/22 season.

Additional permit application added

Additional permit and IEE application

Additional permit applications added.

Added another permit application received and a new link to additional IEE for EYOS.

Dates updated for expedition onboard 'Legend'

Added additional permit application

Added additional permit applications received.

Added additional permit application received.

Added 5 additional permit applications, and one Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE).

Two new permit applications added to table

Added two additional permit applications received.

Added details of permit applications for 2021-22.

Added new information about permit requirements for commercial and research fishing vessels.

Added additional permit applications received. Withdrawn application removed.

Added Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) and an additional permit application received.

Added additional permit application received. Withdrawn application removed.

Additional permit application received

New application received.

Added details of permit applications for 2020-21.

Updated Expedition application form and guidance notes added

New Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE) added

Additional permit applications

Added new permit to table.

Addition of an Initial Environmental Evaluation (IEE)

New permit application received

Additional permit applications received

New permit application added.

Additional permit applications received.

Added two new permit applications to the table.

Two new permit applications added to table.

Updated details for permit applications received for 2019-20 Season

Attached new expedition permit form and guidance for 2019

Added details of another permit to the table.

Added another permit applicant

Further permit applications

Further permit applications received

Additional permit applications added to the list

Addition of IEE information

Change of postal address. Addition of further permit applications.

added another permit to table.

Additional permit application

I have added two permit applications on the table called “Applications received for expeditions from the 2018 to 2019 season”.

New information added to table.

Update to 2018/19 permit application received

Additional text explaining the requirements for visiting Antarctica, updated forms and guidance and revised Post Visit Reports.

Comprehensive Environmental Evaluation Added

permit application added

Additional applications

Addition of further permit applications

Updated permit applications for season 2017-18

Initial Environmental Evaluation added and permit applications updated

Added new applications for expeditions in the 2017 to 2018 season

page updated.

updated applications received for 2016 to 2017 expedition season

Revised formatting of permit applications

Additional Application form and Guidance

First published.

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Hiking Gear Is Already on Sale at REI, Backcountry, and More Ahead of Summer — 53 Expert Picks Up to 75% Off

Shop top deals from Patagonia, Merrell, and The North Face, hand-picked by a professional gear outfitter.

Best REI Hiking Gear Deals

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If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Travel + Leisure / Tyler Roeland

I’ve been camping and hiking for almost two decades, and the trips I’ve taken in warmer months have been some of my absolute favorites. From cool early morning starts winding down into the Grand Canyon on Bright Angel Trail to tranquil days trekking about Tyresta National Park outside of Stockholm , I’ve covered a lot of ground over the years. 

With all that mileage under my belt, plus two years of experience as a professional gear outfitter , I know a thing or two about the clothing and gear you need to have a successful excursion. Now that summer is almost here, outdoor retailers like REI, Amazon, and Dick’s Sporting Goods are offering major savings of up to 75 percent off on products perfect for your summer adventure. Whether your trails are across the ocean or closer to home, some essentials don’t change. Drawing from my years of experience and personal picks, I’ve put together a list including top brands like Osprey , Merrell , and Patagonia to make sure your summer hikes are perfect. Don’t wait — the summer won’t last forever, and neither will these deals!

As a lifelong backpacker, I find REI is always a reliable spot to pick up technical hiking gear. I prefer to wear long pants as long as I can into the summer for protection from the elements, so check out the Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants , marked down thirty percent, or the REI Co-op Men’s Trailmade Pants , a steal at just $35. Don’t forget to pack a base layer with UPF 30 sun protection, like the REI Co-op Merino 185 Long-sleeve Base Layer Top .

• Patagonia Women’s Happy Hike Studio Pants , $69 (originally $99)
• Patagonia Baggies Shorts , $41 (originally $59)
• Outdoor Research Women’s Argon T-Shirt , $40 (originally $55)
• REI Co-op Men’s Trailmade Pants , $35 (originally $70)
• prAna Men's Stretch Zion Slim Pants II , $47 (originally $95)
• Salomon Outpulse Mid Gore-Tex Women’s Hiking Boots , $80 (originally $160)
• TheTentLab The Deuce #2 UL Backcountry Trowel , $15 (originally $20)
• REI Co-op Trailmade Waterproof Women’s Hiking Boots , $42 (originally $140)
• REI Co-op Merino 185 Long-sleeve Base Layer Top , $56 (originally $80)
• Khumbu FX TA Trekking Poles , $59 (originally $150)
• Vuori Women's Vintage Ripstop Shorts , $34 (originally $68)

Salomon Outpulse Mid Gore-tex Women’s Hiking Boots

Backcountry

For epic day hikes this summer, Backcountry has you covered. Pair Osprey’s Sirrus 24L Backpack , a fantastic daypack with the brand’s cooling AirSpeed mesh back panel, with a light and protective Mountain Hardwear Women’s Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoodie , 50 percent off on Backcountry, for an unbeatable setup. And don’t forget to pick up a Patagonia pullover for chilly mornings and evenings on the trail while it’s up to 55 percent off.

• Patagonia Men’s Microdini 1/2-Zip Pullover , $71 (originally $125)
• Patagonia Women’s Maipo 7/8 Tight , $35 (originally $99)
• Osprey Packs Women’s Sirrus 24L Backpack , $135 (originally $180)
• The North Face Men’s Sprag 5-Pocket Pant , $56 (originally $80)
• The North Face Women’s Aphrodite 2.0 Capri Pant , $30 (originally $60)
• Prana Women’s Kanab Pant , $63 (originally $89)
• Black Diamond Men’s Alpenglow Hooded Shirt , $63 (originally $90)
• Black Diamond Women’s Notion SP Pant , $60 (originally $100)
• Mountain Hardwear Women’s Crater Lake Long-Sleeve Hoodie , $30 (originally $60)
• Outdoor Research Women’s Astro Short , $21 (originally $68)

Osprey Packs Sirrus 24L Backpack

As you may have noticed, sun protection is the name of the game on summer treks. Whether it’s at your local lakefront or on dusty desert trails, I can personally attest to how sun exposure can ruin a trip. Wide-brim hats, especially ones with neck coverings like the Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat (on sale for $32) are game-changing, as are breathable pants with UPF protection like the water-resistant (and best-selling) Baleaf Women's Hiking Pants , marked down to $37 and UPF sweat-wicking tops like this Baleaf UPF 50+ Hiking Shirt for 44 percent off. 

• Baleaf Women's Hiking Pants , $37 (originally $56)
• Baleaf Women's UPF 50+ Sun Shirt , $20 (originally $36) 
• Sunday Afternoons Unisex Ultra-Adventure Hat , $32 (originally $42)
• LifeStraw Personal Water Filter for Hiking, Camping, Travel , $15 (originally $20)
• Merrell Men's Moab 3 Hiking Shoe , $80 (originally $120)
• Klymit Single Traverse Hammock , $41 (originally $60)
• Adidas Women's Terrex AX3 Hiking Shoe , $64 (originally $80)
• Anker Portable Charger , $16 (originally $18)
• Asfixiado Women's Hiking Cargo Shorts , $8 (originally $16)
• Columbia Men's Tamiami Ii Ls Shirt, $49 (originally $55)
• Trail Buddy Collapsible Trekking Hiking Poles , $34 (originally $40)
• G4Free 10L/15L Packable Lightweight Hiking Backpack , $17 (originally $19)

Baleaf Women’s Hiking Pants

Trail buddy collapsible trekking hiking poles.

I love my long pants, but it’s hard to beat a pair of shorts you can take everywhere over the summer. My collection of Patagonia shorts grows every year, and I especially love their natural pairs like these Men's Lightweight All-Wear Hemp 7in Volley Shorts , a bargain at over 50 percent off. For active wear, sweat-wicking movement-friendly clothing like the Columbia Women's Pleasant Creek Stretch Short , on sale for $32, or Under Armour Men's Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve T-Shirt , a score at $12, are perfect for summer treks. No matter where you’re going, safety should always be a priority — I stash first-aid kids from Adventure Medical anywhere I can, and their Backpacker Medical Kit is a must-buy while it’s 50 percent off. 

• Nike Women’s One High-Rise Leggings , $28 (originally $60)
• The North Face Women's Aphrodite Jogger Pants , $36 (originally $80)
• The North Face Women’s Arque Hike Dress , $46 (originally $110)
• Osprey Hikelite 18 Technical Pack , $66 (originally $120)
• Danner Men's Trail 2650 GTX Waterproof Hiking Shoes , $190 (originally $210)
• Patagonia Men's Lightweight All-Wear Hemp 7in Volley Shorts , $36 (originally $75)
• Patagonia Women’s 5-inch Baggies Shorts , $28 (originally $59)
• Under Armour Men's Tech 2.0 Short Sleeve T-Shirt , $12 (originally $25)
• Adventure Medical Kit The Backpacker Medical Kit , $24 (originally $48)
• Columbia Women's Pleasant Creek Stretch Short , $32 (originally $45)

Nike Women’s One High-Rise Leggings

It’s hard to understate how important a good pair of shoes can be, especially for adventure lovers who refuse to be slowed down by blisters and rugged terrain. It’s most obvious on long trails — I’ve talked to a number of Appalachian Trail thru-hikers who say the Altra Lone Peak 7 literally saved their feet, making them a serious deal at 34 percent off. I’ve loved the roomy toe-box in all the Altras I’ve worn, and for a more classic hiking shoe, I can also vouch for these sturdy Keen Women’s Targhee III Mid Waterproof , marked down 22 percent. Even for shorter jaunts, dialing in a great fit can make all the difference. I’ve put a ton of miles on my Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud X2 sandals, a score at 30 percent off, and their super-adjustable straps make it easy to tailor their fit for maximum comfort. 

• Chaco Women’s Z/Cloud X2 , $70 (originally $100)
• Salomon Men’s Cross Hike Mid GTX 2 , $123 (originally $180)
• Columbia Women’s Newton Ridge Plus Waterproof Amped , $75 (originally $100)
• Hoka Men’s Hopara Sandals , $102 (originally $135)
• New Balance Men’s Fresh Foam X Hierro v7 , $96 (originally $140)
• Altra Men’s Lone Peak 7 , $99 (originally $150)
• Saucony Men’s Peregrine 13 , $98 (originally $140)
• KEEN Women’s Targhee III Mid Waterproof , $129 (originally $165)
• SOREL Women’s Lennox Hiker STKD Waterproof , $106 (originally $200)
• Salomon Women’s Quest 4 GTX , $165 (originally $230)

Chaco Women’s ZCloud Hiking Sandal

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