antarctica travel blogs

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.

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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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!

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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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Antarctica: A One Week Expedition Itinerary

This may come as a surprise to those of you who have been part of our journey for the last few years, but when Adam and I booked our cruise to Antarctica in 2016, we did so without having any confirmation about where we would go or what we would do once we got there. It was the longest, most expensive itinerary upon which we have ever embarked, and the only thing we knew for sure is that our cruise ship, the Ocean Diamond, would depart from Ushuaia, Argentina before traversing the Drake Passage and ultimately arriving at the frozen continent. It seemed counterintuitive even to us; after all, for the time and financial commitment involved you would think we would meticulously plan every last detail of the trip to ensure it lived up to our expectations.

Antarctica appears on so many bucket lists for a reason: for some it’s a chance to set foot on all seven continents, and for others it’s an opportunity to experience one of the few places on Earth that is unspoiled by more typical tourism. Whatever the reason, it’s a place worth learning about and experiencing. It’s a journey that will leave you in awe of and inspired by the planet we call home.

Antarctica: A (Very) Brief History

The first recorded crossing of the Antarctic Circle was by the famous British explorer Captain James Cook in the 1770s, but he never saw the actual continent. In the decades that followed, several expeditions reported seeing or landing on Antarctica, including American sailor Nathan Palmer’s reported sighting of the continent in 1820 and American John Davis’s reported landing at Hughes Bay in 1821. Mercator Cooper is often credited with the first documented continental landing in 1853, and after that it was a parade of brave explorers—including Robert Scott, Earnest Shackleton, and Roald Amundsen—who pressed further and further toward the magnetic pole at 90° south.

When you think about the fact humans first laid eyes on Antarctica only 200 years ago it’s remarkable that visiting such an isolated place as a tourist is possible.

Our One Week Antarctica Cruise Itinerary

On the first day of our cruise, when Adam and I joined our fellow travelers for the first of many daily debrief sessions with our ship’s staff, our expedition leader Woody asked for a show of hands: how many people in the room had received an itinerary from our travel agents? I glanced around the room to find not a single hand went up, a relief to me since I had never seen a list of places we would visit, either. Woody laughed, noting there’s a reason for that; it’s just not possible to plan an itinerary months, weeks, or even days in advance. There are too many variables. Weather, ice coverage, and even wildlife sightings would factor into how we spent our time at sea. “It’s an expedition!” Woody told us, a statement greeted by warm laughter at the time, but ultimately that phrase would both guide our voyage and grant us the freedom to simply embrace what Antarctica gave to us each day.

We didn’t know what our itinerary would look like when we arrived, but the itinerary Antarctica offered was perfectly balanced between stunning scenery, incredible wildlife, unpredictable weather, and opportunities to explore on the water and by foot. While our itinerary may not be representative of what every Antarctica cruise will offer, this is what we had the chance to experience during our visit.

Deception Island, South Shetland Islands

Just north of the continent of Antarctica we made our first stop in Whalers’ Bay at Deception Island.

We had about 90 minutes to explore the island, and we started at the site of the former Norwegian Aktieselskabet Hektor whaling station and the British Antarctic Survey base, both of which were evacuated in 1967 following a volcanic eruption. Like a remote ghost town, abandoned buildings dot the landscape, including an empty aircraft hangar and a variety of dilapidated structures that once housed crews conducting meteorological and geological research. Not far from the whaling station we encountered our first Antarctic native, a sleepy Weddell seal whose stillness was interrupted only briefly when he stretched, washed his face, and rolled over before resuming his nap. The seal captured our attention until the wind carried the loud screeching of a penguin colony to us, and we rushed to watch as several groups of Gentoo penguins teetered across the terrain as they emerged from the cold water and began their trek to their nesting site. I stayed captivated by the penguins near the water as Adam climbed to Neptune’s Window, a scenic vantage point where he could see icebergs bobbing in the water.

Wilhelmina Bay, Antarctica

Our first glimpse of the continent proper came from Wilhelmina Bay, which was first discovered in the late 1800s by Adrian de Gerlache.

On the way back to our ship we passed a large iceberg with a single penguin standing on top of it, surveying the landscape just as we were. As we picked up speed, the curious tuxedoed ambassador toddled toward the edge of the iceberg as if to try to catch and join us for the rest of our visit. I felt a bit sorry to leave him behind.

Cuverville Island, Antarctica

Not far from Wilhelmina Bay we set foot on Antarctica again, this time on Cuverville Island. Also discovered by Adrian de Gerlache, Cuverville Island is home to the largest Gentoo penguin colony in the region.

I gained a bit of respect for the penguins, too. Although they are, for the most part, well-suited for the climate, their stubby legs make it difficult for them to move with grace or precision on land. We watched as they tripped, stumbled, and fell in their efforts to get to their destination. I wondered how evolution could have failed them in such a comical way. I was also grateful that they don’t fear humans; while few of them approached us, they didn’t seem bothered at all by our presence, and they would waddle within mere feet of us as if we were just some different, more brightly-colored yellow penguin species.

Lemaire Channel

Yet another de Gerlache discovery, the Lemaire Channel is just seven miles long and between half a mile and one mile wide. As the ship navigated the icy waters I couldn’t help but feel like we were floating on glass; the channel was so clear and so still that it could have easily been mistaken for a window into the water. The Lemaire Channel was also full of ice; we crunched our way through smaller pieces as we avoided larger icebergs.

The ship glided by a Weddell seal sunning himself on an ice sheet, and not far away we watched as fifty penguins on a similar ice sheet collectively decided to jump back into the water in unison. Set amongst the towering snow-capped peaks of Booth Island on one side and the continent itself on the other, we couldn’t believe how dramatic and spectacular the Lemaire Channel can be.

Penola Strait

It was in the Penola Strait that we learned just how fickle Antarctica can be. The skies quickly and severely changed from blue to gray, and when the wind picked up even the Ocean Diamond had difficulty holding anchor as the zodiacs rushed to safely deliver us to the ship. In a way it was a welcome change from the picture-perfect weather that we were almost used to enjoying; Antarctica is wild and untamed, and we had just a taste of it in the Penola Strait.

Paradise Harbour and Almirante Brown Base

Our first and only true continental landing came at the Almirante Brown Base in Paradise Harbour, a heavily glaciated area that houses an occasionally occupied Argentine base.

Brown Base itself was great and provided lovely views of the area, but for almost all of us the star of the show was standing on the continent itself. The excitement was palpable when we splashed into the water and walked over the rocks to the steps that led up to the base, then past the building to Antarctica. We spent a big part of our time taking photos to commemorate the moment we officially arrived at our seventh and final continent, including a few favorites of us with an Antarctica flag we bought in the Ocean Diamond’s Polar Boutique. It’s one of the moments we will remember with complete clarity for the rest of our lives.

Danco Island, Antarctica

The walk up to the best viewing spot on the island was steep and a bit unforgiving, and we were exhausted by the time we completed our journey to the top of the hill after regularly sinking into deep snow drifts. We relaxed (and cooled down) by staying stationary for most of the hour we had there, picking a spot right next to a huge group of penguins so we could observe them. I had to laugh when I watched one penguin narrow his eyes, toddle up to another penguin’s nest, and steal a pebble from it to take to his own mate’s nest. While the nesting penguin loudly protested the burglary, a third penguin wandered up and stole a pebble for himself. It looked a bit like bullying, and I realized no part of the animal kingdom is immune to drama.

Graham Passage

We also had a chance to see a particularly photogenic leopard seal who seemed very curious about the visitors clad in bright yellow parkas circling his resting spot.

Southern Ocean

On our last day in Antarctic waters, north of the Lemaire Channel in the Southern Ocean, we had what would be the most incredible experience of the entire trip. As the Ocean Diamond began its trek back to the Drake Passage, we encountered an enormous pod of 40 to 50 humpback whales who had just arrived from warmer climates where they spent their winter. They hadn’t eaten in months, and for more than an hour we had the surprise privilege of watching the whales as they surfaced and dove to feast on the krill population in the water. There were so many of them—so many water spouts as they surfaced, so many flukes as they dove—that it was overwhelming. The pod surrounded our ship, and no matter where we looked we could see up to a dozen whales on the horizon and even beneath our ship . We couldn’t have imagined a better Antarctica sendoff from a continent that was always so full of surprises.

When about a dozen orcas—killer whales—emerged on the scene I wondered if this were somehow scripted. How could we be so lucky to witness two different types of whales in such close proximity? It wasn’t scripted, of course: we were just lucky. We watched again as the orcas expertly swam around and even under our boat in an attempt to separate a humpback calf from its mother, a big meal if they were successful. The orca weren’t successful while we were in the area, which is perhaps better for us as far as our memory of the event is concerned.

The 90 minutes we spent watching the whales from the ship’s deck are without question the most surprising gift Antarctica gave to us, and along with the moment we set foot on the continent it is the most memorable part of our trip. In that moment I was happier than ever that we didn’t have a concrete itinerary to follow. There’s no way we could have planned for our whale encounter, and it highlighted why expedition travel can be so exciting—and so gratifying.

Final Thoughts…

Adam and I put a lot of trust into our expedition team, and they never once disappointed us. Woody and the Ocean Diamond’s captain Oleg plotted a careful journey that left plenty of room for changes based on the conditions and opportunities that arose. The rest of the expedition team shared so much enthusiasm for every location we explored that it was impossible to not share in it. When it became clear we wouldn’t make it to Port Lockroy because the conditions weren’t suitable for a visit we weren’t disappointed at all. Sure, we wanted a passport stamp, but not at the expense of missing out on a penguin colony or another chance to glide past gorgeous icebergs.

If you are wondering about the cruise experience itself, check out this post about the experience we had on the Ocean Diamond! We’ll also have a third post next month that shares some tips for how you can plan your own Antarctica vacation of a lifetime. In the meantime, here are a few more pictures of incredible Antarctica.

Related Posts

Ready to plan your Antarctica adventure? Here are a few more posts to help you get started!

What to Put on Your Antarctica Packing List

10 Tips on How to Plan an Antarctica Cruise

Antarctica: Zodiacs, Camping, Polar Plunge, & More

* From time to time, our travels are directly impacted by a service or company. In this case, we booked a cruise to Antarctica. We selected this trip independently and based on our own research and travel needs. We were not offered and did not receive compensation of any kind from the cruise company, or any other party in exchange for our review.

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Antarctica Travel Guide

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

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

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

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

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

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

Popular City Guides

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

Our Highlight

Table of contents

Table of Contents

Fast Facts about Antarctica

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

Things to See and Do in Antarctica

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

Antarctica Travel Guides

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

Accommodation

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

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

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

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

The Best Ways to Get Around Antarctica

Getting to antarctica:.

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

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

When to go To Antarctica

The season for Antarctica travel is from November to February.

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

Where to Stay in Antarctica

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

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

What to Pack for Antarctica

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

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

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

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

Travel Guide: Best Booking Resources

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

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

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

Antarctica Travel Guide: Related Articles

19 Best Things to Do in Antarctica In 2024

Fascinating Facts About Antarctica

Antarctica Photography – 8 Easy Tips and Tricks

15 Epic Things to Do in Antarctica Travel Guide

• Antarctica / Outdoors

Looking for the most epic things to do in Antarctica? Don’t miss these unique places and activities.

Visiting Antarctica is an adventure like no other, and what’s so special is that no two trips will ever be the same. Unlike other cruises with guaranteed stops, you will be on a discovery cruise that builds your itinerary day by day. Because of the unpredictable Antarctica weather, the captain and discovery team constantly monitored where we could go next. 

Though you have no control over your day-to-day itinerary, the ship you travel on can determine your options. Here’s what you need to know.

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: March 1, 2024

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What you need to know before you go.

• Best Things to Do in Antarctica

Map of the Best Things to Do in Antarctica

Essential tips, planning checklist.

When visiting Antarctica, you’ll notice that all the cruises are discovery cruises. That means there is no set itinerary , and the crew decides where the ship will go daily.

First, IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) rules only allow smaller expedition ships to land to help protect the wildlife and land. Larger cruise ships can only sail by .

Second, being on a Class 1A ice-rated and Polar Class 6-rated ship like Scenic Eclipse II allows you to pass the Antarctic Circle and go further south than most ships. These Scenic Eclipse luxury yachts were the first of their kind and were specifically built to navigate Antarctic waters and pass the Drake Passage safely.

Lastly, the longer your cruise is, the more opportunities you’ll have to see wildlife, visit destinations, and do more activities. You may have poor microclimates everywhere some days, and you want to maximize your chances since getting to Antarctica is already a long journey.

We may have had a unicorn trip with mostly great weather. It was nice to see the captain and staff get excited. One person we met who had been working his 100th trip to Antarctica said it was his first time being able to visit number 13!

See More: 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Antarctica

Best Places to Visit in Antarctica

Below are the places we visited on our trip so you can follow along in the order of our travel itinerary. Hoping the weather allows you to see these magical places, too!

1. Detaille Island

-66.8666663,-66.7936327, map

Highlights: Research Station Base W’s historic huts, Adelie Penguin Colony Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Antarctic Shag, Weddell Seals, Crabeater Seals, Whales, Brown Skua, Petrels

Detaille Island was our very first stop in Antarctica. We didn’t know what to expect, but looking back, it was the perfect introduction. It had everything: our first wildlife encounters, beautiful icebergs, and historic huts.

The UK Antarctic Heritage Trust maintains the island and the huts , which are like living museums . It was a former British research station, Base W, operating between 1956 and 1959. You can see an Adelie colony from far away, but we also saw one solo Adelie hopping around near our landing site.

After our landing, we went on a zodiac cruise around the area to see some of the ice formations and wildlife floating on the ice closer up.

Photo Tip: You need a long lens to shoot the penguin colony ( this is the lens I shot with ), and they were still tiny. The last photo was of a solo adelie on an iceberg.

2. Horseshoe Island

-67.8499993,-67.2102998, map

Highlights: Rocks with Malachite, British Antarctic Survey’s Station E Historic Buildings Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Weddell Seal, Crabeater Seal, Petrels, Gulls, Terns

When you walk onto Horseshoe Island, it’s hard to ignore the bright green veins in the rocks. Malachite makes them look like they’re from a different planet. Jacob kept referring to them as kryptonite.

You can walk up to a couple of viewpoints at Horseshoe Island, explore the historic buildings of Station E , or keep your eye out for wildlife. We saw a lone Adelie, Petrels with chicks, and some seals lazing in the bay.

Pro Tip: Keep an eye out for seal bones. The shoreline near the bay had many seal bone pieces all over the place that you may walk past if you’re not looking for them.

3. Bongrain Point

-67.7166667,-67.8025749, map

Highlights: Adelie Penguin Colony Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguins, Cormorants

We went on a SUP excursion at Bongrain Point, a great way to have a quieter, meditative experience (Scenic Eclipse II fully outfits you in dry suits). But the wind picked up, so we had to cut it short and head to the Adelie penguin colony instead.

The Adelie Penguins were everywhere , bathing on the shore, walking to and from their colony, and many huddled together nursing their chicks.

Since there were so many penguins moving back and forth, you had to be extra diligent to give them space ( stay at least 5 meters or 15 feet away ).

Photo Tip: Having your camera without underwater housing can be nerve-wracking, so if photography is your primary goal, it’s better to be on zodiac boats or to opt for a landing.

4. Stonington Island

-68.1833281,-67.0389247, map

Highlights: East Base of the United States Antarctic Service Expedition, British Antarctic Survey’s Station E, Huge Ice Shelf, Helicopter Tour, Polar Plunge Wildlife Spotting: Adelie Penguin, Skuas, Various Seals, Various Whales

Stonington Island was the first chance for us to see an American Base . One of the unique features here is the two out-of-commission tanks they brought down as a mode of transportation (‘Murica!). There’s also Station E here, but it wasn’t open. Across the way, you can admire a giant ice shelf where some guests saw a big ice calving .

Afterward, we did a helicopter tour to appreciate the landscape and vastness from a bird’s-eye view. We even saw some whales.

Finally, conditions were perfect for a polar plunge . Luckily, it was a rare warm, sunny day to ease us into polar plunges. After setting up, we headed to the back of the ship, where they tied a safety belt on you before jumping in the water.

Once you get out, they have towels ready to wrap you and a choice of a shot or hot chocolate to warm yourself. The anticipation of jumping in was worse than actually doing it, plus I swam so fast that my brain didn’t have time to process what just happened.

Pro Tip: Wear robes over your bathing suit during the polar plunge. It keeps you warm while waiting, and it’s nice to throw back on after.

5. Jenny Island

-67.7333324,-68.4103212, map

Highlights: Elephant Seals Wildlife Spotting: Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, Fur Seals, Weddel Seals, Crabeater Seals

We saw a massive group of Elephant Seals at Jenny Island basking in the sun and throwing their weight around. Afterward, we zodiac cruised around and saw a Leopard Seal floating on ice, too. Some guests said they saw all five seal types here.

6. Rothera Station

-67.5678406,-68.1292501, map

Highlights: Active Research Station Wildlife Spotting: Whales, Birds

Rothera Research Station was established in 1975 and is the starting point for most British Antarctic Survey missions. We didn’t stop since it was an acting station , but we got to cruise by to see the scale of the station in comparison to the historic ones we visited.

7. Fish Islands

-66.0333333,-65.419247, map

Highlights: Adelie Penguin Colony  Wildlife Spotting: Antarctic Shags, Adelie Penguins, Wilsons Storm Petrel

We zodiac cruised around Fish Islands, which ended up being one of our favorite outings.

An estimated 4000 breeding pairs of Adelie penguins , along with Antarctic shags, inhabit Fish Islands and the Minnows. They were hard to tell apart at times because of their similar color patterns. We spent hours watching three goofy Adelie penguins play. Fish Islands is also where I shot my favorite penguin photo from this trip, the “ Penguin Wedding .”

8. Grandidier Channel

-65.5833333,-64.7525803, map

Highlights: Whales Galore, Beautiful Icebergs, Stunning Mountain Scenery Wildlife Spotting: Humpback Whales, Antarctic Minke Whale, Orcas

While traveling through the Grandidier Channel, we were amazed by the beautiful ice formations and mountain scenery. Someone spotted a pod of orcas in the distance, followed by another pod . Then, two pods of humpback whales joined in. It was the craziest whale-watching experience of our lives. They were continuously peeping at us or showing off their tales.

Pro Tip: Go to the Navigation Bridge to watch whales. Scenic has an open bridge policy, and it’s the best place to stay informed since they’re always on the lookout and have more experience spotting wildlife.

Photo Tip: Make sure you always have your  long lens ready  and layers on you. You never know when you’ll have to hop outside.

9. Lemaire Channel

-65.133,-64.0025803, map

Highlights: Most Beautiful and Narrow Passage Wildlife Spotting: Humpback Whales, Adelie Penguins, Gulls and Terns, Petrel

Many call the Lemaire Channel the most beautiful place in Antarctica . It’s a narrow passage with towering mountains on both sides. We saw Humpback Whales feeding in the area as we entered the channel.

We were at a set coursed menu when passing through, but they allowed us to go up to the ship’s bow for ten minutes to see it first. Even during our meal, whales came up less than 50 feet from the window beside us.

10. Flandres Bay

-65.0207214,-63.7911339, map

Highlights: Kayaking, Ice Formations Wildlife Spotting: Giant Petrels, Brown Skua, Antarctic Shag, Humpback Whale, Seals

We kayaked in Flandres Bay. The water was glassy smooth, with stunning ice formations and mountains surrounding us. We saw very little wildlife compared to other days, like one sleeping humpback whale from a distance and a few Giant Petrels and Skuas.

It worked out perfectly as a photographer so that we could focus on the kayaking. If there had been tons of wildlife, I would have preferred to be on a zodiac since shooting on them is more manageable. We could hear some small avalanches and ice calving in the distance.

11. Port Lockroy

-64.8250761,-63.5331398, map

Highlights: Gentoo Penguin Colony, Penguin Post Office, Gift Shop Wildlife Spotting: Gentoo Penguins

The UK Antarctic Trust runs Port Lockroy. During our visit, they were not taking visitors to protect the local Gentoo Penguin colony from the Avian Flu. Instead, a handful of the team came aboard our ship to give a presentation on their work. The staff there counts penguins, maintains the buildings, runs a gift shop, and has a post office .

After the presentation, they set up a pop-up post office and souvenir shop on our ship . They had clothes, alcohol, calendars, ornaments, postcards and more. Any purchases help support the UK Antarctic Trust. We purchased a handful of postcards to mail to our friends and family. Postcards were 2.5£, and postage was 2£ per postcard.

They said the postcards can take from one to three months to deliver. Ours took about a month before they arrived on the East Coast.

Pro Tip: They also have a passport stamp to stamp your passport, or we stamped the outgoing postcards.

12. Palaver Point

-64.15,-61.7525803, map

Highlights: Chinstrap Penguin Colony Wildlife Spotting: Chinstrap Penguins, Seals, Skuas, Petrels, Gulls, Terns

After mainly seeing Adelies, we were excited to meet our first Chinstrap Penguins. They were so fun to watch and had chicks they were nursing. Palaver Point involved a short hike up to get a better vantage point of the colony. I could watch them all day! You can watch our fun video of them here.

13. Spert Island

-63.8499943,-60.9889249, map

Highlights: Beautiful Glaciers, Caves Wildlife Spotting: Elephant Seals, Leopard Seals, Chinstrap Penguins, Gentoo Penguin

The staff was excited when we headed to Spert Island. We had people on our ship nearing 100 voyages to Antarctica who had never been because conditions didn’t work out.

Just when we thought the trip couldn’t get better, Spert Island wowed us with its ice formations and sculptures carved out by nature. They were the most beautiful we’ve seen on the entire trip.

14. Fournier Bay

-64.5166127,-63.1103215, map

Highlights: Ice Formations, Pancake Ice Wildlife Spotting: Leopard Seals, Petrels, Antarctic Tern

Using a scope, we guessed that one iceberg was over 900 feet tall . We saw all ice forms here: glaciers, ice sheets, icebergs, growlers, brash ice, and pancake ice.

15. Neko Harbour

-64.8375963,-62.7515093, map

Highlights: Gentoo Penguin Colony, Continental Landing Wildlife Spotting: Gentoo Penguin, Humpback Whales, Fur Seal, Brown Skua, Petrels

Our final stop was Neko Harbour, where we made our continental landing and finally saw the Gentoo Penguins . I loved seeing their penguin highways. They were deeper highways than the other colonies, perhaps because they were larger penguins.

They also had the youngest chicks, some only a few days old. Since it was our last outing, we stayed as long as possible to watch them nurse and steal rocks from each other. When we returned, a few curious humpback whales swam beside the ship. They were so close I had to take off my long lens.

• Choose your Antarctica cruise wisely! Some have limited stops, while others do sail-bys only. Scenic was an amazing trip because we got the chance to go further South than most ships.
• All activities like zodiac cruises, kayaking, SUP, and polar plunges can happen at multiple destinations, but it’s all weather dependent. Kayaking and SUP have limited spots that they fill by invitation only. They do their best to make sure every guest who wants to has the opportunity to do it at least once. You can also ask to be put on a waiting list in case someone decides to cancel.
• If you plan on photographing wildlife , have a long lens with you. I mainly used this lens for any of our excursions. We also brought a 2x Extender but rarely used it since the wildlife was close enough.
• For more tips on planning your Antarctica trip , check out our post on the 17 Things You Need to Know Before Visiting Antarctica .
• Get comprehensive insurance for your trip.
• Download these helpful language apps .
• Arrange a rental car for your trip.
• Get airport lounge access .
• Buy a travel charger to keep your devices charged.
• Get a new backpack for your trip.
• Pack the appropriate shoes for your trip.
• Don’t forget your in-flight essentials .

Do you want to visit Antarctica? What do you want to see most?

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

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A complete guide to Antarctica

Updated On 9th March, 2024

Antarctica is a remote, precious and pristine continent. A place untouched by humans, pure to the core and like no other I’ve witnessed on this planet.

Antarctica was the experience of a lifetime and I will never forget it. I jumped onboard a ship operated by Albatross Expeditions and in this blog post, I will share my experience of Antarctica with you. I will share the best things to do in Antarctica along with my top tips and honest review of this adventure.

Honestly, it was  ‘Am I here?’  moments over and over again. As I hiked across the thick compacted snow on the Antarctic Peninsula, I continued this surreal conversation with myself, rhetorical questions; ‘Am I here? Yes, Is this Antarctica? Yes’. 

‘Am I actually in one of the remote places on the planet? Are those real whale blows on the horizon amidst the 100 or so icebergs?’

An epic adventure; each day was greeted by iceberg castles outside the porthole window, each evening dinner accompanied by tail flukes from humpbacks and each beautiful day was filled with zodiac cruising and treks amongst Earth’s precious wildlife.

So, if you’re a nature or wildlife enthusiast, you’re in for a treat. My name is Kate from  Catch Cait  and I’m here to share with you some of the most beautiful moments as well as key tips and tricks for your journey down south to the phenomenal wonder that is Antarctica.

Getting to Antarctica

The best / easiest way depends really on your budget and your exact location. I had been travelling from Texas, United States for literally a year before I even arrived at ‘fin del Mundo’, quite literally, the end of the world. I have been backpacking and hitchhiking for a long time, so below is an insight into how I did it.

The town I bought my ticket in was Ushuaia, Argentina and while I sat for days looking at departing ships, wondering how would I get there without spending thousands, I eventually concluded, it’s either now or never. I was banking on a possible marriage with a captain, however that never came to fruition so I just bit the bullet and bought the ticket.

I spent a few days shopping around at different operators in the small town of Ushuaia. I eventually found a great deal, for a 17-day trip, which would stop at South Georgia, also known as The Galapagos of the Polar region. Your choice of itinerary depends on your desires. I chose this one as I am super passionate about wildlife, therefore South Georgia was the place to go. However, you can choose other voyages like crossing the circle, that one is really if you are an iceberg fanatic.

Budgeting for Antarctica

Ok, so yes, you must have savings to get to Antarctica. This is a must. Most voyages set you back thousands, anywhere from 6000-20000 and above. This is influenced by expedition type, operator, and how far in advance you buy your ticket. The best thing is, once onboard, food is inclusive and the company I took even included boots, a stunning Antarctica jacket and a memoir book for capturing all those amazing moments. 

Just be sure to read the small print beforehand.

The expedition included stops at the Great Wall Chinese Base Station, 3-4 days in the Antarctic Peninsula and a final 3-4 days in South Georgia & the Sandwich Islands. The ship was the Ocean Atlantic, with an ice-class rating of 1B, operated by Albatross Expeditions. 

An amazing crew, a stylish ship, huge buffets; deserts, sushi, homemade cakes each day and would you believe, a champagne celebration on entering the Antarctic circle. I couldn’t quite get the swing of this luxurious style. I had been staying in hostels for so long and then landed on this sort of titanic feel of an atmosphere; lounges, dining rooms, piano bars, beautiful clear windows where one could watch the diversity of wildlife from their dining table. It was all a bit surreal, to be honest. 

We had a sauna, gym and teatime with delicious scones each day at 4 pm, oh and not to forget the surprise chocolates on the bed at night. It felt super cosy to be wrapped up in white robes amid Antarctica eating handmade chocolates. 

As I think back, I am smiling, it was full of those moments, you know, where you have to pinch yourself over and over again.

Accommodation on board:

Before you choose your accommodation, consider what your priorities are if you are prone to seasickness.

The travel agencies will normally offer different types of berths and cabins, however, be assured that the more choosy you get, the more you pay. I wanted the most economical option so I took a two-berth cabin on the lower end of the ship. Please also remember you spend very little time in the berth, so I didn’t see a point in forking out loads of money when all I would do is sleep there. On another side note, they may pop you in with a random stranger, so again, make sure you are comfortable sharing. Ask all these questions beforehand.

Regarding bedding and comfort, I loved my cabin; had a view of icebergs and whale blows at the base of the ship, it was epic. The days were long and exploring/adventuring was the highlight each day. One day, we did get really bad weather and had to abort a mission. The weather is quite temperamental on that side of the world. See the photos below. We had to make it back to the ship real quick. Hot showers and warm blankets made the frozen continent’s weather doable and comfortable.

The berth was super luxurious, with plenty of comforts; robes, slippers, nice lighting and TV which played beautiful wildlife documentaries. There was also a speaker in each cabin,

Where our expedition leader would wake us each morning with our itinerary for the day. I always remember that, the morning call, the daily temperatures, the lectures, the crossing distance overnight and the fun adventures of the day. I smile remembering this.

Getting around Antarctica

This is an interesting topic, as you pretty much are ship-bound for most of the journey. However, depending on your expedition, you will more than likely have 1-2 outings each day, along with lectures and fun events. There is so much to do onboard, you most certainly will not be bored. There is even a library, plenty of books 🙂

The transport for the adventure outings was done by zodiacs, and small powerboats, ideal for navigating the icy waters of the Southern Ocean. If we were travelling long distances on particular days, there were plenty of wildlife lectures organised, including games nights, and karaoke and you could even pop to the sauna, gym or yoga sessions.

The Zodiacs are very comfortable boats. You would depart the ship on the lowest level, boots on, and down the stairs into the polar paradise. There was a structured system for leaving the ship to ensure the full safety of all passengers. We also had ship ‘identity’ cards whereby we would scan on each departure and entry. This ensures we don’t leave anyone on the white continent. Although I quite liked the idea of staying amongst the cute penguin colonies.

Eating and drinking whilst in Antarctica:

If you’re anything like my mum, who had no idea about Antarctica, and her first reaction was ‘What are you going to eat ?’, then not to worry, there is so much food on board, you might even have trouble coming off the ship. I can honestly tell you, the majority of us were on diets by the end of it. We had huge buffets, endless choices, and the most diverse array of flavorful desserts. We also had an a la carte menu to celebrate the journey at the end as well as an outdoor BBQ, (yes it was pretty cold) and a cooking class. It was amazing and the food was top quality. You could also bring snacks if you wanted but there were strict regulations about what you could and couldn’t bring onto the Antarctic Continent. 

We attended mandatory briefings several times throughout the expedition to ensure no flora or fauna would be disturbed. After all, it is the only continent worldwide where indigenous humans have never inhabited. Some scientists live there during the summer months. Fortunately, we did have the opportunity to visit the Chinese base station and it was super cool to view their housing, land vehicles and artefacts. I even got my passport stamped. That was amazing!

Top things to do in Antarctica…

1. swim. do the polar plunge..

Jump from the maiden ship into the iceberg-rich waters. An unforgettable moment and a shot of vodka once back on board.

2. Get a picture with the most epic, vibrant coloured King Penguin. 

Tip : Don’t ever approach wildlife, just bend down, stay still and allow them to come to you.

3. Do some yoga on the top deck.

Whilst you may think being on a ship for three weeks is lovely and relaxing, I also craved movement. Gym and Yoga sessions set me up for the day. Also, it’s pretty cold down there, so you have to find ways to heat up.

4. Make friends with the people around you.

This journey is once in a lifetime. I was a solo backpacker, so it was nice to spend some precious moments with like-minded folk. The crazier the company, the more fun, I believe.

5. Slide down the Antarctic Peninsula.

The location we docked had some beautiful mountainous terrain and a perfectly laid-out snow slide. It was epic, give a little scream and it’s that much more fun.

6. Attend a church service in South Georgia, Grytviken.

This was an unplanned event. We landed when the local navy was docked in the harbour. I went straight to the old Norwegian church to hear the male choir songs. It was a rather unusual experience, although I did enjoy it, I just didn’t expect to be on a Sub-Antarctic Island listening to the navy sing such beautiful melodies.

7. Visit the captain’s deck, if permitted, to whale watch.

Luckily on our trip, the captain was super kind and invited passengers to observe the oncoming whale flukes, blows and many birdlife, including albatrosses.

8. Have a drink/cocktail in the piano bar and listen to some harmonious melodies.

The rocking motion, iceberg views and feeling within your soul will not be beaten.

9. Visit the whaling station, and old ruins and take a guided tour of Grytviken.

So much history lies here and it is vitally important that we, as humans, dependent on the ocean, understand the implications the whaling years had upon our marine life. It is quite eerie to visit a place where thousands of whales were slaughtered, however super extraordinary to experience it and learn from it.

10. Attend a cooking class, or whatever is on schedule on the ship’s itinerary.

Not every day will you have the opportunity for an outdoor adventure, so take up the other ones on offer. This one I try to make dumplings, but the ladies just laugh. They said it didn’t appear to be a dumpling, although I’m still quite proud and you know, the movement of the ship had an influence.

11. Get a seal Selfie.

Millions of seals line the coasts of South Georgia, so it’s a must to get a selfie with one. Be aware though, these seals are not as friendly as they look. They do chase you, don’t worry though, we had some pre-training on how to defend ourselves should one approach us in a non-friendly manner.

12. Make friends with the dining staff on your boat

Imagine, these guys are working season round, so maybe 6 months plus away from their families at sea. It’s such a nice gesture to be amicable and it made the journey more enjoyable for them too. This was Alvin, he used to sing songs at dinner, and this one was dedicated to me. Oh my, I was a bit shy, if I’m honest.

13. Pretend you’re a penguin. 

These memories will last for a lifetime so why not smile and be a bit playful? Here is me, pretending to be a real-life penguin. Can you tell the difference?

14. Whale watching is a MUST.

To be honest, I didn’t sleep a whole lot of hours on board. I was too excited. I wanted to capture as many moments as I could. When the sun was rising, I was making my way to the upper deck and boy did I get a good glimpse of wildlife. Sometimes, there was not a soul to be seen, just the captain’s crew. Oh my, lots of snoring below, hehe.

15. Be present.

This expedition flew by and like time, it did not stop. It’s so important to practice mindfulness, especially when experiencing such life-changing experiences. I took some moments once docked on the islands to fully appreciate what was in front of me; eyes, ears, nose, all senses engaged. I still can feel the presence and power behind each one of these photos. I hope that you can too 🙂

16. Record, write, and document as much as you can.

This is essential, otherwise, where would memories go? So much of life gets buried within the busyness of our minds. I made it a priority of mine to write in my diary each night; experiences, wildlife encounters, feelings and of course, gratitude. We also had no access to the internet, however, sometimes there was a WhatsApp connection, so, at a very odd time, I would update my status there.

“If Antarctica were music it would be Mozart. Art, and it would be Michelangelo. Literature, and it would be Shakespeare. And yet it is something even greater; the only place on earth that is still as it should be. May we never tame it.” ― Andrew Denton

Have you ever been to Antarctica?

What questions do you have? Any tips? We’d love to hear from you.

Love Kate  from  Catch Cait

You can see more of Kate’s adventures on her Instagram  here.

Did you find this post helpful? I’d love you to share it with me.

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Things to do in Antarctica | Travel Guide for Adventurers

Home > Blog > Antarctica > Things to do in Antarctica | Travel Guide for Adventurers

Last updated on March 07 th , 2024

While ‘visit Antarctica’ may be high on many travel wish lists, not everyone is aware of how many incredible things to do in Antarctica there are. Beyond seeing majestic icebergs and waddling penguins, of course. There’s so much more to the White Continent, including a raft of thrilling activities to immerse you in everything that makes a trip here so special.

To help raise awareness (and excitement), we’ve compiled a complete list of what to do in Antarctica. Use this handy guide to see what’s on offer and what aligns with your favourite hobbies and activities. We’ll even plant a seed or two about new activities you can try on your journey, perhaps ones that embolden – Polar Plunge, anyone?

Best Time to Visit Antarctica

While there are highlights on every sailing, understanding the best time to visit Antarctica allows you to match a trip to your interests, wildlife goals and expectations.

Aurora Expeditions sails to the White Continent from October to April. Ironically, it’s during these sun-drenched months that Antarctica’s melting sea ice invites a smoother passage.

Here’s a quick guide on the best time to visit Antarctica:

• October & November: best for pristine landscapes, abundant sea ice, ski/snowboard touring, camping on ice, showshoeing and bonus adventure opportunities.
• December & January: best for stable weather, more landings, sea kayaking, snorkelling and a wealth of newborn babies and juveniles across the continent
• February & March: best for whale watching, epic sunrises and sunsets, scuba diving and colourful algae blooms

For a more in-depth guide, read our comprehensive  Best Time to Visit Antarctica blog .

How to get to Antarctica

As world expedition leaders – we’ve been sailing to polar regions for more than 33 years – you may think your only option to reach the White Continent is by sailing. Not so! While crossing the infamous Drake Passage is considered an Antarctica rite of passage by some, it’s also possible to bypass it one way with our Fly/Sail itineraries.  Antarctica can be as accessible as you want it to be  (weather permitting, of course).

When considering how to get to Antarctica, there are two key start and end points: Argentina’s Ushuaia, and Chile’s Punta Arenas. Both are in the stunning Patagonia region, a destination known for its craggy snow-capped peaks and abundant wildlife.

If you’re travelling by ship, you’ll start and end your Antarctica expedition in Ushuaia. Designed for rugged, remote areas, our purpose-built ships increase your comfort and safety. A fact you’ll appreciate when crossing the  Drake Passage .

If you’re flying one leg, you’ll fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island. There, our Zodiac boats will be on standby to whisk you aboard the  Greg Mortimer  or  Sylvia Earle .

Learn more on  how to get to Antarctica here , including how to reach  Ushuaia and Punta Arenas . Discover Ushuaia-based itineraries here and  Punta Arenas Fly/Sail itineraries here .

Things to do in Antarctica: Top Activities & Experiences

While we love our purpose-built expedition ships and designed them for your utmost comfort, what we love more is getting you off them and immersing you in Antarctica proper. We do that by offering a range of activities and experiences that connect you to this awe-inspiring continent.

Because it’s hard to choose a favourite Antarctica activity, use our handy infographic or A-Z guide below to choose activities that are the best fit for you.

Alpine Trekking & Climbing

Keen to feel like an intrepid explorer? Then you’ll love the invitation to join an  alpine trekking and climbing excursion . Thanks to over a decade climbing the world’s most remote peaks, our expert guides know the best routes to showcase what makes Antarctica alpine trekking so spectacular.

Did you know?

Growing up, our founder Greg Mortimer was quick to show an interest in rock and mountain-climbing, and despite breaking his pelvis at the age of 15, his love for the sport didn’t falter – instead, it grew to new heights.

On 3 October 1984, Greg and his expedition partner Tim Macartney-Snape became the first two Australians to reach the summit of Mt Everest, and even more impressively – they did so without the aid of supplementary oxygen. From there, Greg would go on to climb K2, Chongtar and Annapurna II – again, without supporting oxygen.

With countless snowclad peaks rising high across the skyline, there are ample routes to ascend. Some may only have ever experienced the footprints of Aurora Expeditions’ expeditioners and Expedition Team, which we think is pretty cool! As you marvel atop an alpine pass, experience life in its most raw form. It’s just you, your new trekking mates and the expanse of one of the most pristine landscapes in the world.

Our alpine trekking and climbing trips can range from four to 10 hours with the aim of at least two peaks and/or a glacier pass. Alpine trekking is available for travellers with moderate fitness, some trekking experience and previous use of crampons and an ice axe.

Antarctic Wildlife Encounters

You probably need no introduction to the range of  Antarctica wildlife  you can encounter on an expedition; it’s one of the major drawcards to visit the region, after all. With a fleet of  Zodiac boats , we’re all set to get you as close as possible to the wildlife residents, while being safe and following  IAATO guidelines .

Watching a  penguin  waddle right past you – be it a colossal  Emperor , a Gentoo or a rock-stealing Adélie – makes your heart expand with joy. Most of the 18 species that call Terra Australis Incognita (the continent’s original Latin name, translating to Unknown Southern Land) home are seemingly unfazed by humans.

Spying  whales in Antarctica  is also high on traveller wish lists. Orcas and minke whales thrill every time they are spotted on board – even when it’s a night-time announcement over the PA system from your Expedition Leader, encouraging expeditioners to rush to see them in your PJs. The elusive blue whale, while gigantic, is harder to spot, with the occasional privileged few bestowed the honour.

Seals are one of the few mammals adapted to life in these chilly, chilly climes. Look for elephant seals in their dense colonies (you will probably hear them first), Weddell seals or maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a predatory leopard seal in action.

Remember to look up, too. The majestic wingspan of an albatross impresses, as does the friendly Antarctic petrel who often fly in synchronicity with our ships.

Camping on the Ice

While fluffy pillows, thick duvets and the cosy warmth of your Aurora Expedition cabin is the number one place to retreat after a full day experiencing the wilds of Antarctica, there is one activity that is absolutely worth the sacrifice of those creature comforts:  camping in Antarctica ! Yes, really.

There is nothing in the world quite like sleeping out in nature at the end of the world. No tents, no heaters, just you, a camping mat, a top-notch thermal sleeping bag (you’re welcome) and the tranquillity that time spent out in raw nature affords. Forget the white noise machine you might have tried to block out urban din back home; or the Spotify playlist of waves crashing on a beach to help you fall asleep; here the crackling ice, bustling penguin colonies and the distant fall of calving ice is the only soundtrack you need.

Will you sleep deeply when you go camping in Antarctica? Probably not, but you’ll leave with a different kind of peace than a good night’s rest affords, and some bragging rights.

Hiking represents one of the best things to do in Antarctica to experience the region’s wilderness areas, historic ruins and pristine beaches. We aim to get your feet on ice or land as often as we can – weather permitting, we aim for 2-3 landings or Zodiac cruises a day.

For the ultimate hike, why not follow in the footsteps of Antarctic legend Sir Ernest Shackelton on our  Shackelton’s Crossing  trek across  South Georgia ? Enjoy a far more safe and informative journey as you traverse this historic alpine passage on foot or skis on this challenging add-on offering. Alongside the mesmerising glaciers and mind-blowing scenery, our expert guides will bring to life Shackleton’s 1916 record-breaking journey. So much so, it’ll almost feel like you were there with him.

We’ve been leading intrepid travellers across Shackelton’s route for over 20 years. Travelling across South Georgia’s rugged terrain, from King Haakon Bay to Stromness, the trek takes two to three days, crossing anywhere from 35 to 50 kilometres (21 to 31 miles). This is a once-in-a-lifetime journey for adventure lovers with alpine trekking or mountaineering experience.

Psst: love hiking? Why not add on a  Patagonia trekking tour  pre- or post-Antarctica?

Polar Plunge

Are you bold enough to take the Polar Plunge? Forget the ice bath trend, this is the ultimate ice bath and a rite of passage during our polar expeditions. It’s number one on our  top 10 Antarctic bucket list experiences !

As the name suggests, the Polar Plunge is a take-your-breath-away dip into Antarctica’s frigid waters. While it’s not for everyone, it is a challenge that fills our expeditioners with pride and a sense of achievement. In fact, we’ve witnessed some incredible personal transformations, with expeditioners pushing boundaries by taking the plunge and being left feeling like they can conquer anything.

The Polar Plunge happens with the support of our encouraging Expedition Team and ship medic. And more importantly, our onboard Photography Guide will be on hand to take photos for proof and posterity.

Post-plunge, enjoy the Jacuzzi and sauna to warm back up, though the warmth of knowing what you’re capable of will last far longer than the time you spend soaking and steaming.

Sea Kayaking

Kayaking anywhere is a fun pastime, however, when you’re in Antarctica, sea kayaking represents one of the best ways to be up close and personal to the wonders of this enchanting environment. No noise to disturb the peace except the gentle plop of your oar hitting the water and the creak of a turning glacier nearby. No need to get wet (more on those options later), nor experience required.

Sea kayaking  in Antarctica has the potential to get close to wildlife (while respecting guidelines and safety considerations), so ensure you bring a dry bag for your camera or phone, or use one provided during your activity briefing. Kayaking with whales is a life-achievement-unlocked moment, with penguins and seals coming in at a close second and third.

Our experienced guides will lead you through the ice floes, brash ice and even icebergs, sharing more about the flora and fauna you pass. Sea kayaking is an optional add-on activity with additional fees, which allows you to explore the region’s scenic wonders with a small group of like-minded travellers. If the conditions are favourable and with the exception of days you’re not at sea, you will have the opportunity to participate in this program once or twice a day on most Antarctic sailings.

Scuba Diving

Did you know Aurora Expeditions pioneered commercial  scuba diving in Antarctica  in 1998, when we organised the first dive trip to the South Pole? Since then, qualified divers have experienced the thrill of immersing amid glaciers, icebergs and marine life.

Our Scuba Diving Guides are experienced at judging the ice conditions and weather, while identifying wildlife-spotting opportunities to enhance your dive experience. When you’re deep underwater, you can truly grasp how colossal icebergs truly are – especially with the visibility of these crystal-clear waters. Dotted amid Antarctica’s unique marine ecosystem, there are also long-abandoned shipwrecks from failed South Pole missions.

No two dives are the same, with ample opportunities to scuba available on good-weather sailings. Our Scuba diving Antarctica program is an add-on activity with an additional cost. Find out more the rules around polar scuba diving on the  Required Experienced tab here .

Skiing & Snowboarding

For ski and snowboard enthusiasts, hitting Antarctica’s slopes is a bucket list item. Who doesn’t want to be one of the few in the world that gets to tick that seventh continent off?

Skiing and snowboarding in Antarctica  is a far cry from the packed resorts, long ski lift lines, and crowded après ski bars you’ve been to previously. This is a back-country adventure with you and up to nine other people, and a passionate, experienced slope-loving guide.

Extended to experienced skiers and snowboarders, there are approximately six excursions offered per sailing. Time on the slopes ranges from two to six hours. While  every trip is different , you can expect to descend some the region’s prime snow-capped peaks and alpine bowls. There may even be a penguin rookery at the foot of the slope serving as the ultimate welcoming committee.

Skiing and snowboarding here is an off-piste adventure you’ll be talking about for decades. While you don’t need specific back-country ski experience – you can learn that as you go –you’ll want to be comfortable on advanced ski runs and off-piste. A decent fitness level is required for the varied snow conditions and sometimes challenging terrain.

Snorkelling

While many have snorkelled off a tropical beach, few have donned fins and snorkel to explore the icy Antarctic waters. We’ve been leading Antarctica snorkelling trips for 10 years now and invite you to join those handful of adventurous travellers wanting to try something different on a fun-filled Antarctica snorkelling adventure .

Under the guidance of our safety-focused Snorkelling Guides, you’ll witness wildlife and scenery unlike any you’ve seen underwater before. If you’re lucky, you might witness the enchanting mobility and speed of a penguin plunging headfirst or get up close to the local marine life.

We aim to snorkel daily (weather permitting), utilising our crew’s experience to find rich and varied places to snorkel, including shipwrecks, sheltered bays and untouched offshore islands. No need to pack your gear; we’ll supply the fins, mask and snorkel, plus a drysuit, gloves and hood for your comfort.

Snowshoeing

If you’ve ever tried walking up layers of freshly laid snow, you’ve probably spent more time laughing as you fall sideways than actually getting anywhere fast. This would be true if you were to tackle Antarctica’s snowy peaks, too. Unless you go  snowshoeing !

For over 6,000 years, snowshoeing has been keeping humans out of deep and burdensome snow, including  polar explorers . Channel Shackleton or Amundsen energy when you embark on a snowshoeing adventure with Aurora Expeditions, with no experience necessary, nor any special gear (we’ll supply that). The only thing you need is reasonable balance, average fitness and a willingness to give it a go. Rest assured, our expert guides will run a short training session before you set off.

Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity ideal for accessing some of Antarctica’s best vantage points. For the little effort exerted on this mildly aerobic activity, the rewards are plentiful. A typical Aurora Expeditions Antarctica sailing has an average of six snowshoeing excursions (of course, weather permitting).

Environmental considerations & responsible travel

Everything that makes an expedition with us so appealing is also what puts it at risk. Antarctica’s environment is fragile, therefore it’s important operators like ours commit to protecting the ecosystem when sailing in Antarctica, the Arctic and beyond.

With a clear  Sustainability in Action  blueprint, we do our bit to minimise our footprint. Our ships are  100% climate-neutral  certified and fuel-efficient, thanks to their  X-Bow® technology . We also run a participatory  Citizen Scientist  program. On board, during your shore expeditions, and on Zodiac cruises, you’ll learn from our subject matter experts as they share new discoveries to deepen your connection to Antarctica and the planet. To learn more about our actions and commitment to responsible tourism,  read our 2022-2023 Impact Report .

There’s so much more on offer when you know what to do in Antarctica to maximise your journey. Whether it’s a snowshoe escapade or alpine trek or an underwater peek at life beneath the waves, there are ample Antarctica activities to connect you to this incredible destination.

Featured Expeditions

Browse some of our most popular Antarctic expeditions or download or order our latest brochure to view the full range of itineraries. For a limited time unlock up to 20% off* your 2024-25 Bucket List Antarctica adventure . To book, contact our expert team or  request an online quote . Not sure which expedition is right for you?  Read this . You’ll also love our handy guide on  preparing for your first trip to Antarctica . We’ll see you in Antarctica soon!

Antarctic Explorer

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Antarctic Explorer Fly/Sail expedition.  Early Antarctic explorers returned from their voyages to the deep south with tales of a magnificent, ice-covered land teeming with life. Experience the...

From USD $ 15,836.00 /pp

Antarctica Complete

Welcome to our Antarctica Complete expedition. Experience unparalleled adventure and discovery on your ultimate Antarctic voyage. If you want to see it all, this is the trip for you. Be transported...

From USD $ 32,295.00 /pp

Spirit of Antarctica

Welcome to Aurora Expeditions’ Spirit of Antarctica expedition.  Embrace the spirit of polar exploration on this classic expedition to the coveted white continent. Sail across the famed Drake Passage to and...

From USD $ 10,556.00 /pp

24-25 Antarctic Season Brochure

Dive into life changing adventures in Antarctica in our inspirational brochure. Choose from 25 expeditions ranging from 9 to 23 days, including classic itineraries and three brand-new itineraries onboard the Greg Mortimer and our newest ship, the Sylvia Earle .

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The Top Bloggers You Should Follow If You Want to Travel to Antarctica

Antarctica. The final frontier. The most remote and difficult continent to visit. The ultimate travel adventure.

Although human beings have colonized most of the world, we have yet to permanently set up shop in Antarctica. This frozen continent is only accessible from November to March and it has no towns or villages – just a few odd expedition huts and research stations spread out across the icy wilderness.

However, although there are very few people in Antarctica, there are no shortage of living things. This continent is alive with wildlife and many species thrive here, including whales, seals, penguins, albatrosses and many more.

If you want to travel Antarctica it is not as easy as just catching a train or a cheap flight. You’ll need to embark on  a thrilling expedition into this icy world. As soon as you step foot on the continent of Antarctica, you will be left awestruck by the building-sized icebergs, the craggy mountains, the blinding white expanses of ice and snow and the incredible blue of the sky. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and the air smells more pure than anywhere else in the world.

If you are planning to travel Antarctica, the best way to research this destination before you go is to read the blogs of travelers who have actually been there .

I love doing this, as these bloggers are sharing their real experiences. They will be able to offer you first-hand travel stories that will inspire you and allow you to anticipate what your experience will be like. They will also be able to offer priceless advice from their own experience that you can use for your Antarctica trip.

So, here are some fantastic bloggers that you should start following right now if you are planning to travel Antarctica.

Want to Travel Antarctica? These Bloggers Show You How

Nellie from wildjunket.

Nellie Huang is a passionate travel writer and her blog, WildJunket, is an excellent travel resource. I highly recommend you follow it if you haven’t already.

Nellie has written a lot about her adventures in Antarctica. She took a freezing polar plunge , went penguin spotting , sailed through the Drake Passage and went on a cruise through Lemaire Channel – one of the most photogenic parts of Antarctica.

Nellie’s great well-written posts will give you more of an idea of what to expect when you travel to Antarctica… and her gorgeous photos will get you excited for the trip.

Megan from Mapping Megan

Megan is an Australian journalist who has been traveling the world for several years with her American husband Mike, a photographer. Megan’s blog is awesome and she has a ton of great Antarctica content to read before your trip. She says that even though many people rave about Antarctica, it was actually better than she expected. “It is one of the rare destinations which actually exceeds and surpasses the hype.”

It’s obvious that Megan loved Antarctica – she writes about it with a lot of passion and excitement. She offers some very useful tips for travel in Antarctica . She has also created a guide to the Must-Do Activities in Antarctica , such as kayaking, wildlife watching, camping, photography, snowshoeing and more.

Plus, before your Antarctica trip you should also read her guide The Best Way to Start Planning an Antarctica Trip – which contains advice on what clothing to wear, how to deal with seasickness and more.

Alesha and Jarryd from NOMADasaurus

Alesha and Jarryd are travel writers and photographers who have been traveling around the world together since 2008. Their travel blog is incredibly inspiring and is packed with great posts. They were just in Antarctica earlier in 2017, so they can tell you first-hand what it was like

If you are interested in adventure travel experiences on your Antarctica trip, you can read about their adventures kayaking at Cierva Cove on the Antarctic Peninsula . They even went camping in Antarctica and had vodka shots in the southernmost bar in the world , an active research base. Here is a link to all of their Antarctica blog posts , so that you can read up before your trip!

Tracie from Tracie Travels

Tracie and her friend Jen want on an exciting journey to travel Antarctica and wrote a great blog post with some truly stunning photos . They did the journey via cruise ship, so you can get an idea of what kinds of views are possible from the decks of the ship. They were even lucky enough to see some whale pods and even some whales mating.

Tracie’s photos are simply gorgeous and they will really stir your excitement for your Antarctica trip. Tracie also wrote a guest post over on Mapping Megan about how she got a cruise ship job that allowed her to get paid to travel to Antarctica .

Matt from A Luxury Travel Blog

In this post 8 Exciting Ways an Antarctica Cruise Might Change Your Life , Matt Schwachofer explains why the Antarctic continent is unlike any other travel destination:

“Maybe it’s the unique wildlife, perhaps it’s the knowledge that you are days away from anything resembling civilization… whatever the cause, visiting the Antarctic is a bit like blasting off for a whole other world.”

In another blog, 9 Interesting Facts about Antarctica , he explains that this travel destination has a portion of every single time zone in the world. However, this means that time zones are a bit useless anyway. After all, the summer and winter seasons are either dark or light all day, so it doesn’t really matter what time it is!

Dave and Deb from ThePlanetD

Dave and Deb are impressive travelers and bloggers. A Canadian couple, they began traveling in 2007 and these days their blog is one of the biggest in the travel niche. They are very, very inspiring and anytime you are heading anywhere, I highly recommend reading any blog posts they have published about the destination.

So, of course Dave and Deb have been to Antarctica and they have written some really inspiring and helpful stuff about it .  Here are a few of their best Antarctica posts:

Antarctica Expedition Explained – What to Do on Continent #7

11 of the Best Things to Do in Antarctica

How to Pack for An Antarctica Cruise

A Zodiac Tour of Pleneau Bay, Antarctica

Follow these bloggers before you go to Antarctica.

I truly believe that reading blogs by travelers who have actually been there is one of the best ways to get an impression of what a destination will be like – especially for somewhere like Antarctica which is so far off the beaten path. 

These are some great examples from travel bloggers who have really traveled to Antarctica and have written about their experiences there. Follow them, read their posts and even try reaching out to them on social media if you have specific questions – you can really learn a lot that will help you prepare for your trip!

Have any other great blogs and resources about how to travel Antarctica? Share them in the comments below!

Kelly Dunning

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15 Amazing Tips to Explore Antarctica

Exploring Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, offering a symphony of pristine landscapes, incredible wildlife, and the raw beauty of the frozen continent.

To ensure your journey through the heart of Antarctica is not just memorable but transformative, here are 15 invaluable tips that delve deeper into the intricacies of exploring this awe-inspiring destination.

Tips to explore Antarctica

• Weather-ready attire: conquer the elements
• Plan your expedition: choosing the right Antarctic adventure
• Zodiac mastery: navigating the Antarctic waters
• Wildlife etiquette: respecting nature's residents
• Camera-ready: capturing the frozen beauty
• Educational opportunities: deepening your Antarctic understanding
• Explore beyond the shore: offshore excursions
• Embrace the midnight sun: extended exploration hours
• Responsible tourism: leave no trace in Antarctica
• Flexibility is key: embracing the unexpected
• Connect with fellow explorers: share and learn
• Gear up for adventure: equip yourself properly
• Go beyond the beaten path: seek hidden gems
• Antarctic cuisine: savor unique flavors
• Reflect and absorb: immerse yourself in the moment

Frequently asked questions

When is the best time to explore antarctica, what wildlife can be encountered while exploring antarctica, how do i prepare for the extreme weather conditions in antarctica, what types of activities are available for exploration in antarctica, how can i contribute to sustainable tourism while exploring antarctica, 1. weather-ready attire: conquer the elements.

Antarctica's weather is as diverse as its landscapes, choosing the right time of the year is essential for an Antractica trip. It is also important to equip yourself with high-quality, weather-resistant attire, including thermal layers, waterproof outerwear, and insulated boots. Understanding the importance of dressing in layers ensures comfort as you navigate Antarctica's varying weather conditions.

2. Plan your expedition: choosing the right Antarctic adventure

Selecting the right expedition is crucial. Consider the duration, activities offered, and specific areas explored. Whether your passion lies in wildlife encounters, glacier hikes, or scientific exploration, align your interests with the expedition's focus to create a truly personalized experience as you explore Antarctica.

Here are few options of trips with different lengths:

• Antarctica Express fly – cruise – 6 days
• Ultimate Antarctica Experience – 12 days
• Antarctic Odyssey including South Georgia – 21 days

3. Zodiac mastery: navigating the Antarctic waters

Zodiacs are your gateway to intimate encounters with Antarctica's wonders. Master the art of zodiac emarkation, as you will have to get in and out of these crafts several times a day, be sure you understand the sailor’s arm embrace and other techniques. Understanding the dynamics of icy waters and gaining insights into accessing remote locations. This skill enhances your exploration, offering unique perspectives of Antarctica's stunning scenery.

4. Wildlife etiquette: respecting nature's residents

Antarctica's wildlife is captivating, and encounters with seals, penguins, and seabirds are inevitable. Understanding and respecting wildlife etiquette is crucial. Maintain a safe distance, minimize noise, and adhere to guidelines set by your experienced expedition leaders for responsible wildlife viewing.

5. Camera-ready: capturing the frozen beauty

Antarctica's landscapes are a visual feast, and a high-quality camera is your essential companion. Equip yourself with a camera capable of capturing the subtle hues of icebergs, the playfulness of penguins, and the vastness of the polar landscape. Immerse yourself in the art of photography as you explore Antarctica.

6. Educational opportunities: deepening your Antarctic understanding

Enhance your Antarctic experience by actively participating in educational programs and lectures offered onboard. Delve into the history, geology, and unique ecosystems of Antarctica, gaining a profound understanding that adds depth to your exploration.

7. Explore beyond the shore: offshore excursions

While onshore experiences are breathtaking, exploring Antarctica from offshore vantage points provides a different perspective. Engage in Zodiac cruises and kayak excursions, allowing you to navigate icy waters and access hidden corners, expanding the breadth of your Antarctic exploration.

8. Embrace the midnight sun: extended exploration hours

The Antarctic summer offers the magical phenomenon of the midnight sun. Embrace the extended daylight hours, allowing for unique experiences like midnight hikes and photography sessions. Maximize your time to explore Antarctica's wonders bathed in the enchanting glow of the polar light.

9. Responsible tourism: leave no trace in Antarctica

Preserving Antarctica's pristine environment is a shared responsibility. Practice Leave No Trace principles, disposing of waste properly, following designated paths, and minimizing your impact. Adopting responsible tourism practices ensures the delicate ecosystems remain untouched as you navigate the frozen frontiers.

10. Flexibility is key: embracing the unexpected

Antarctica's conditions can change rapidly, requiring flexibility in your plans. Embrace unexpected opportunities, whether it's a sudden wildlife sighting or a unique weather phenomenon. A flexible mindset enhances your ability to explore Antarctica's wonders beyond the planned itinerary.

11. Connect with fellow explorers: share and learn

Engage with fellow travelers to enrich your Antarctic experience. Share stories, insights, and perspectives, creating a sense of camaraderie. The shared exploration of Antarctica becomes a collective journey, enhancing the richness of your experience.

12. Gear up for adventure: equip yourself properly

Pack essential gear for your Antarctic adventure . Binoculars, a waterproof backpack, and comfortable footwear are crucial. Ensure you are well-prepared for various activities and conditions, optimizing your comfort and safety as you explore Antarctica.

13. Go beyond the beaten path: seek hidden gems

While iconic sites are must-see, select an expedition cruise that ventures off the beaten path to discover hidden gems. Experienced guides can lead you to lesser-known locations, offering equally mesmerizing experiences away from the crowds as you explore Antarctica.

14. Antarctic cuisine: savor unique flavors

Indulge in the culinary offerings aboard your expedition vessel. Antarctic cuisine showcases fresh, local ingredients, providing a unique gastronomic experience. Delight your taste buds with regional specialties, adding a flavorful dimension to your exploration of Antarctica.

15. Reflect and absorb: immerse yourself in the moment

Take moments to pause, reflect, and absorb the unique beauty of Antarctica. Whether standing before a towering iceberg or witnessing wildlife in its natural habitat, immerse yourself fully in the extraordinary moments that define your exploration. Create mental snapshots that will forever remain etched in your memory.

The prime time to explore Antarctica is from November to March. This period offers milder temperatures, longer daylight hours, and more accessible wildlife, creating optimal conditions for an unforgettable expedition.

Antarctica is home to diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and various seabirds. Each species has its own unique behaviors, and exploring Antarctica provides opportunities for up-close encounters with these incredible creatures in their natural habitats.

A: Adequate preparation for Antarctica's extreme weather involves packing high-quality, insulated clothing, including waterproof outer layers. It's essential to follow the expedition's recommended gear list and be equipped for varying weather conditions, ensuring a comfortable and safe exploration.

Antarctica offers a range of activities, including zodiac cruises, shore landings, wildlife watching, and scientific lectures. Explorers can participate in guided hikes, visit research stations, and embark on kayaking or ice-cruising excursions, tailoring their experience to personal interests.

Sustainable tourism is crucial in Antarctica. Visitors can contribute by adhering to strict environmental guidelines, participating in educational programs on board, and practicing responsible wildlife viewing. Following "Leave No Trace" principles and minimizing environmental impact helps preserve Antarctica's pristine beauty for future generations.

In conclusion, these 15 invaluable tips aim to provide a comprehensive guide for those preparing to explore Antarctica. As you navigate the frozen frontiers, let each tip be a compass, guiding you through the intricacies of Antarctica's wonders.

Explore with curiosity, respect, and a spirit of adventure, allowing the frozen continent to unveil its secrets to you in every captivating moment.

My Next BIG Adventure: A Trip to Antarctica, the ‘White Continent’!

by Aileen Adalid Antarctica 27 comments

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Back in the 60s, only a handful of travelers had the desire to go on a trip to Antarctica. After the success of that ship’s voyage, it inspired more tourist explorations and cruises to the white continent; in fact, nowadays, there are about 35,000 to 40,000 people who visit Antarctica every year! Surely, what was once an elusive place deemed as only for explorers and scientists has now become a dream destination for travelers who are looking to go off the beaten track.

Newsflash : I’m actually one of those people who have long dreamt of going on a trip to Antarctica. After all, I don’t think there is any other place on Earth that is similarly pristine, remote and unique. So naturally, if someone told me years ago that I will be making that dream come true this year , I would NOT have believed them.

That’s why I’m so stoked to announce that together with Hurtigruten , I am going on their 20-day expedition called as the Ultimate Antarctica Experience!

This collaboration has actually been decided since 2016… and of course, I have been dying to announce it since day one; but I decided to keep it all under wraps because I didn’t want to jinx it until everything was final. Thankfully, all the other arrangements are done with months ago and when I finally got my Argentina visa today, I’m now going ALL OUT with the announcements.

Aaaah… somebody please pinch me though because I still can’t believe that in just a few weeks from now, I’ll be sailing off to such an amazing place that used to be just a fragment of my dreams!

Table of Contents

My Upcoming Trip to Antarctica

» The Triple ‘A’ Dream

Photo by Karsten Bidstrup / Hurtigruten

If you’ve been a reader of this blog for a while now, you would know how I have my grand ‘Triple A’ dream destinations: Africa, Arctic Circle, and Antarctica.

I wrote that plan back in 2015 and… I would have NEVER guessed that I would be checking off Antarctica FIRST before the other two. Truth be told, by the time I’ll step foot in Antarctica, it will be my 6th continent and that blows my mind a bit because I always thought that I would be declaring it as the last continent that I’ll have to conquer — but I guess not!

Now, some of you might be thinking, “ Why Antarctica?” Well… simply put: because it IS Antarctica!

Other than the reasons that I’ve already mentioned previously at the start of this article, it also helps to mention that I’ve dreamt of doing a trip to Antarctica ever since I was a child and it’s partly due to how I am a huge science buff. That being said, I’m looking forward to the kind of discussions and experiences that we will be doing during the sailing expedition with Hurtigruten. Of course this includes as well my interest for Antarctica’s wildlife called as “ extremophiles ” or species who can thrive in extreme conditions and they’re not limited to the south pole’s (cute!) penguins, whale seals, albatrosses, and whales among many others!

The pristine nature in Antarctica is naturally a given too, and I simply can’t wait to hike, kayak, polar plunge(!) and camp (if possible) as I get to witness dramatic icebergs, glaciers, lagoons, etc.

Did you know? Antarctica’s HUGE size does not only make it distinct from any other place on Earth because it is also the highest, driest, coldest, windiest, and brightest continent on our planet! If you’re curious why, read this 15 fascinating facts!

» Why I’m Going with Hurtigruten for a Trip to Antarctica

As a travel blogger, it’s a fact that I don’t just partner up with any brand. Besides, I always make it a point to collaborate with a company that I can trust and align with.

I have actually had invitations from a few brands before, but I decided to reach out to Hurtigruten instead for the trip to Antarctica. Below are some of the reasons why I wanted to spend my once-in-a-lifetime experience with them — and why you should start considering them too on your future Antarctica expedition!

• Established expert cruise provider. Hurtigruten is a Norwegian adventure journey and local transportation provider that has since operated in 1893 on Norway’s coastline. Today, they have developed into a world-leading company in sustainable nature expedition travels with an impressive expedition fleet that explores a lot of areas around the globe: other than a trip to Antarctica, they also go to the coasts of South America, the Amazon rainforests, Greenland, Iceland, Spitsbergen, and Arctica Canada. .
• Biggest Antarctica operator worldwide. Hurtigruten currently has 2 expeditionary ships that offer unique experiences in Antarctica, namely MS Fram and MS Midnatsol. In 2018, the company will even launch the 1st of two hybrid-powered expedition ships and it will be called MS Roald Amundsen. This is said to be a major step towards emissions-free travel and Hurtigruten will even further stabilize its position as the biggest Antarctica explorer operator globally — whilst also enforcing its positive stance on sustainable travel. .
• Promotes sustainable travel. It is said that anyone who comes to Antarctica should have “ no more than a minor or transitory impact ” on the environment. For Hurtigruten, they make this as a core part of their every decision: to establish sustainability and climate policies in order to scientifically reduce their environmental footprint (not only in the short term but in the long term as well) — and it surely shows in the way that they operate their ships and expeditions. It helps to mention that Hurtigruten is also a full member of IAATO and they always make it a point to comply with the guidelines of the organization. To further make the guests “Antarctic advocates”, Hurtigruten gladly delivers an educational program onboard to inform everyone on challenges of tourism, global climate change, wildlife biology. .
• Designed to suit all explorer levels, Hurtigruten has over 200 excursions and/or activities to date. .
• “Gives back” . I love a company that thinks of social responsibility. That’s why I loved how Hurtigruten has established a foundation to not only raise awareness of the opportunities and challenges in the areas that they sail to but to also financially support locally initiated projects and to encourage volunteering in worthwhile causes. For example, Hurtigruten already supports several local initiatives such as ‘Clean up Svalbard’, Association of Greenlandic Children, and conservation projects of the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctica. Clearly, your trip with Hurtigruten will go a long way! .

There’s more to love about Hurtigruten — but I’ll save the rest for another post especially after I get to actually experience the service of their crew, the ship’s facilities, the food, the rooms and MORE!

Wanna go to Antarctica? Email [email protected] w/ code IAMAILEEN to get a discounted quote![

» The 20-Day Itinerary: Ultimate Antarctica Experience

Most ships and vessels that make a trip to Antarctica depart from ports in places like Argentina, Chile, Falkland Islands, New Zealand, and South Africa. In this particular Hurtigruten expedition, it will depart from Buenos Aires, Argentina. If you’re curious how my 20 days will go, below is our rough itinerary as we explore both the Antarctic Islands and Antarctica itself.

NOTE: Since this is a remote destination, the weather, wind, and ice conditions will determine our schedule. So during our voyage, the captain will have the final say on any changes or added activities that can be done. Either way, this just shows that every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique! . To see the complete details of this 20-day expedition (about costs, the ship, year schedules, etc.), go here . Price starts at around $17,000~ per person but there are shorter Hurtigruten Antarctica expeditions that start from about $5,000~

Day 1: November 26 ~ At the Birthplace of Tango Location: Buenos Aires

Photo by Trixi Lange-Hitzbleck / Hurtigruten

The whole expedition starts at the birthplace of Tango, Buenos Aires , which is also dubbed as the “Paris of South America”.

For this day, we are free to explore the city on our own. I will be flying from the Philippines with Emirates and arriving on the 25th so I guess by this time I will have enough energy to go around. Now, this will actually be the first time that I’ll step foot in South America, so as my ‘first’, please let me know if you have any tips or ‘things-to-do’ that I should not miss out on when in Buenos Aires by leaving a comment below. Thank you!

Day 2: November 27 ~ All Aboard at the “End of the World” Location: Ushuaia

Photo by Rita Melville / Hurtigruten

On this day, we will board a flight to Ushuaia from Buenos Aires in the morning. We will embark on the MS Fram ship of Hurtigruten sometime later in the day to start our trip to Antarctica — so, we will have a few hours to explore parts of Ushuaia (a spot that’s not to miss is said to be the Tierra del Fuego National Park).

TRIVIA: Ushuaia is the southernmost town in the world. Because of this, it has been referred to as “ El Fin Del Mundo ” or the End of the World. Quite an ominous name, right? But it’s just a name of course and I can’t wait to witness the beauty that this place holds!

Day 3: November 28 ~ Crossing the Drake Passage Location: The Drake passage

This is the start of our sailing expedition and we will set course for the Falkland Islands that is located 480 km (300 miles) east of the southern tip of Argentina, and approximately 1,000 km (600 mi) north of the South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. During this time we will enjoy life on board whilst keeping a lookout for wildlife. We can even join their Expedition Team as they start their interesting lecture series to help us understand the region more.

If I say so myself, another aspect of this day that I’m excited about (other than the fact that it’s the start of our time at sea) is that, apparently, crossing the Drake Passage can be quite an experience what with it being commonly referred to as the world’s roughest seas!

They say that it will depend on the weather if we will have a rough time or not — of course, I hope for the latter but I’ll prepare myself in case the former happens. I’m no stranger to rough seas though given that I’m born in an island, but I’ll never know.

Day 4 to 13: November 29 to December 8 ~ Across Open Seas and Sub-Antarctic Islands Locations: Southern Oceans, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney

Photo by Dominic Barrington / Hurtigruten

This Ultimate Antarctica Experience is regarded as an ‘ultimate’ thing, after all, so along with this expedition, we will get to explore the Atlantic Islands too!

While we venture through the Southern Seas, we will first make a stop at the remote Falkland Islands which consist of 2 large islands and around 700 smaller ones (with a population of over 3,000 people only). In here, we will see immense colonies of albatross, rockhopper, king and macaroni penguins, caracas, and upland geese. The Falkland Islands also has a historical capital called Stanley, as well as stunning white-sand beaches.

What follows after this location will be our first Antarctic island: South Georgia . This place has magnificent mountain scenery with glaciers and beaches teeming with wildlife — from elephant seals, fur seal pups, albatross, and King penguins. We also plan to visit Fortuna Bay and some of South Georgia’s abandoned whaling stations.

Last stops before the great trip to Antarctica Peninsula will be the deserted South Orkney Islands which are a photographer’s dream due to its majestic snow-capped mountains, blue icebergs and endless wilderness. We will spend one day exploring these islands before sailing the Washington Strait to Coronation Island and Elephant Island.

Day 14 to 17: December 9 to 12 ~ Pristine Antarctica Location: Antarctica

Photo by Esther Kokmeijer / Hurtigruten

Finally, we will be arriving in Antarctica — a place dedicated to peace and science, and a place that has evolved through the millennia without human interference. As I’ve already mentioned, activities will depend on the weather but as opportunities arise we will always try to aim to launch our kayaks, pitch tents ashore, and go on unforgettable hikes to explore the most beautiful, untouched places in the area.

Throughout our stay, we will be exploring the West of Antarctica or commonly called the Antarctica Peninsula. But on our way, we will also make stops to several nearby islands such as Deception Island, Half Moon Island, and Brown Bluff wherein we can witness various unique sceneries that are not limited to flat-topped bergs, beaches sprinkled with lava “bombs”, rust-colored bluff, and so much more!

With all that said, there are also some other things that I’m excited about and which I hope we will be able to do: doing a polar plunge and stopping by Port Lockroy (to send postcards from!) for instance.

Anyhow, we will surely have days wherein we will be feasting our eyes on the various wildlife found in the peninsula and on the massive icebergs that are in striking blue colors.

Day 18 to 20: December 13 to 15 ~ Back to Drake Passage and then Disembarkation Locations: Drake Passage, Ushuaia, Buenos Aires

After some magnificent days exploring Antarctica, MS Fram will start to head north as we make our way back to the South American continent. This will be the perfect time to fondly reminisce on our expedition and to attend sessions for recapping our Antarctica experience — after all, it will take us about 40 hours to reach Ushuaia in good weather.

Come the 15th of December, it will be the end of the adventure. We will make landfall back in Tierra del Fuego and then continue with a flight back to lively Buenos Aires.

» Want a Postcard from Antarctica?

When I announced this trip to Antarctica a week ago on Facebook, a LOT of you have started to ask me for a postcard. I certainly didn’t mind doing it at first because I’ve sent postcards before when I was traveling in places like Europe and America. However… when the requests came in hundreds, I was stumped!

So as much as I would LOVE to send a postcard to each and every single one of you, regrettably, I don’t think it’s possible. HOWEVER, what I can do is that I can send FREE postcards to 10 lucky readers !

I did the research and apart from the fact that Hurtigruten can send my postcards, I can also send them from Antarctica’s Port Lockroy’s famous shop, post office, and museum called the Penguin Post Office! I aim to do it in this world’s most southerly post office so that I can also try doing a (LIVE) video coverage while I’m sending the cards — therefore, let’s hope the weather is good and MS Fram will dock to this place.

Anyhow, bottom line is: the 10 postcards WILL be sent from Antarctica and it’s not everyday that you will receive something like this for sure!

To pick the 10 lucky readers, I aim to do it in via a simple raffle. To enter and gain entries, you will just have to do the following:

• Log-in to the form below (either through your Facebook account or your email).
• Do the 2 required steps that will be displayed below in order to be counted in the giveaway. Each action will give you one entry point. * Once you finish doing these 2 required steps, it will unlock 8 extra non-required or optional steps that will give you MORE entry points for increasing your chances of winning! In fact, some of them can be done every day!
• This raffle is open worldwide.
• This raffle will start on October 18 and it will end on November 20 (12AM, GMT +8). Winners will be picked randomly and will be announced in November 11 on the ‘I am Aileen’ Facebook page .
• This raffle is hosted only by me and not by Hurtigruten. .

I’m excited to soon start this amazing voyage to the Earth’s so-called “Last Frontier” — besides, I’m certain that I’ll be in good hands given that Hurtigruten will be my expedition provider.

With all that said and done, stay tuned for the start of my trip by following the hashtag #AileenInAntarctica on social media. I was told that I would be able to get an internet connection at most parts during the journey so if possible, I’ll also make it point to try and do LIVE videos on Facebook — if not, you can always check out my Instagram Stories on @i_am_aileen.

Have you seen my latest vlog?

Hey there! I am Aileen Adalid. At 21, I quit my corporate job in the Philippines to pursue my dreams. Today, I am a successful  digital nomad  (online entrepreneur, travel writer, & vlogger) living a sustainable travel lifestyle.

My mission?  To show you how it is absolutely possible to  create a life of travel no matter the odds — and I will help you achieve that through my detailed travel hacks, guides, resources, tips, and MORE!

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How to start a successful blog, 27 comments.

The mentions are very cheerful very interesting. Thanks for the info.

It is the best destination to visit. Thanks for sharing the details about the place.

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Antarctica Travel Guide

Antarctica is at the very top of our travel bucket list and as such we have done a LOT of research!

100 years ago no more than a handful of people had journeyed to Antarctica, however today it is slowly becoming a popular travel destination.  Around 30,000 travelers visit Antarctica every year, however ecologists fear that the impact of tourism may be adversely impacting one of the most fragile environments on earth. As such, many international conventions have been put in place in order to protect the continent and its wildlife from such disturbance. Regardless of these conventions (which don’t really impact the average persons ability to travel), and eco concerns aside, Antarctica remains one of the most unique destinations on earth, and expeditions are available to the average person seeking an exceptional experience!

The majority of travelers head to the North Western most tip, known as the Antarctic Peninsular. You can only visit by traveling with an organized tour, which generally means booking a cruise . Cruises leave from Punta Arenas in Chile or Ushuaia in Argentina and set off for the South Shetland Islands, stopping at several research stations while sailing along the Antarctic Peninsular.  Some Antarctic cruises, however, also include the Falkland Islands.

A trip to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime voyage – as you make your way to the world’s most remote continent you see giant ice-bergs, phenomenally steep cliffs, ice shelves and stunning mountains.  You have the opportunity to step out of your boat for hikes through ice fields, and close up encounters with rare wildlife who are not afraid of people.

Wildlife is obviously one of the main draws for those traveling to Antarctica.  Elephant seals, humpback whales, earless seals, leopard seals, orcas and baleen whales are easy to spot as soon as your cruise departs South America, and once you have arrived, you will witness the impressive Antarctic penguin colonies!  Travelers commonly arrive in time to watch penguins begin their ‘mating and courtship process’, which I am assured is a not-to-be-missed spectacle!

Read about what it’s like to step onto the Antarctic Peninsula.  For a more detailed Antarctica map click here .

• Pros & Cons
• Travel Notes

As winter in Antarctica is severe and inhospitable, trips are only run during summer months between November and March.   The best time to go is during December, January and February.

Pros:  Traveling to Antarctica is an incredible experience which the vast majority of travelers can not say they have done.  The wildlife is impressive and rare.

Cons:  Your itinerary is dependent on ice and weather conditions.

Embassies:  There are no embassies in Antarctica.   www.iaato.org

Travel Documents:  You will require a Passport.

Health Issues:  You must travel with proper clothing to remain protected from the severe cold and wind.

Language and Currency:  English and Spanish are the primary languages spoken in Antarctica.  The Argentine Peso, Chilean Peso and American Dollar are common currencies.

Population:  While there is no permanent population on the continent, international personnel are continually coming and going to complete their work at research stations.

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

Photo Source: Waitt Foundation

A great resource I used for information on Antarctica is Rudy Maxa’s “ 100 countries, 5000 ideas “.

  Have you been to Antarctica?  Do you have anything to add?

46 Comments

Hi Megan, I went to Antarctica a few years ago and was mind blown. Simply the best place I have travelled to. I do have something to add – DON’T book your trip in advance. Simply turn up in Ushuaia in November/December time and book a last minute deal – you will save a few thousand $$! My girlfriend booked it that way. I have a post about it on my blog which I can send you. Totally recommend Antarctica! Safe travels, Jonny

Perfect thanks Jonny – I’ll add that information into this guide :) Perhaps you would like to write a guest post for my blog? I’ll email you about it! Super jealous of your experience – I absolutely can’t wait to get to Antarctica :D!

Oh I can’t wait to get here, looks and sounds incredibly stunning. Cheers to Jonny for that great trip, Hopefully there is a guest post on it’s way, cheers

There has indeed been a guest post since! Check out; http://www.mappingmegan.com/arrival-barrientos-antarctica/

Wow – this is one of my life ambitions and top of the bucket list! How much did it cost you?

It’s one of those expensive bucket list items. For a 10 day cruise you’re looking at around $6,000. Though if you look at rocking up in Argentina and booking a last minute cruise it can often save you thousands off your fare.

I know expense is a huge issue for most people, but I’ve recently connected with a few people who managed to find work for 6-13 months. That’s the way to do it! You make money and theres no way to spend it! It’s next level ‘helpx’ or Woofing!

Working on a cruise ship is a fantastic idea, and I’ve been toying with it for a while now but have just never managed to make it happen. I love the idea of combining earning money with a trip to a destination as isolated as Antarctica.

Great tip – thanks Charlie!

It’s on top of our bucketlist as well!!! :D

I hope you manage a trip soon!

Antarctica is such a beautiful place! I was just there last January with G Adventures. It was expensive but well worth it! You will not be disappointed in any way. I have nothing but great things to say about G Adventures. The crew and staff were amazing and had experience and knowledge about everything you can think of about the continent. But while I was in Ushuaia I did see a lot of last min deals that can save you money. Just check all your options. I hope you can make it there someday whether pleasure or business. Good Luck! Also the picture above of the Gentoo Penguin jumping out of the water was taken by my cabin mate while I was there.

Thanks for the recommendation on G Adventurs Jeff – I’ve heard about the last minute deals being a great way to go as well, so while we do usually rely on a lot of prior planning to keep our sanity while abroad, Antarctica may be one of those things which we plan to wing :D

And crazy small world re your cabin mate being the photographer – I seriously LOVE the photo, it’s easily the best I’ve found of Antarctica anywhere!

On our list of places to go too… can’t wait.

Let us know if you’re looking for any tips or further information once you choose a date :) Maybe we’ll bump into you there!

Hello, I am from India, presently in Germany and by the time I save up some money for the trip I would be hopefully working here. My doubt is – are these trips also available for nationality’s other than US? I could reach Ushuaia and book last minute deals, but for that I need special Visa right?

Can someone please guide me? =)

This has been on my list since years now and finally I am close to plan it (with money) in coming months! =)

Thanks a lot in advance… =)

Hi Charu, so psyched to hear you’ll be heading to Antarctica – you’ll have a fabulous time :) Last minute deals are available for any nationality, you don’t need to be from the USA for these deals.

Since no country owns Antarctica there are no visa requirements for travel here, however you will need to obviously check what kind of Visa requirements you need to travel to Argentina with an Indian passport.

Hope that helps! Happy travels!

Thank you for the information =)

Will find out about that and in case I have any doubts about the expedition, will knock on your blog again =)

Have a nice day =)

Sounds good, glad we could help :) – enjoy your trip!

Ughhhh, I want to go so bad. The elusive continent number 7. We’ll get there one day, its just so darn out of the way!

Definitely out of the way, but oh so worth it!! I hope you do manage a trip someday soon :)

The Fantastic land of Penguines -)

Yes indeed! One of the most amazing destinations on earth for exotic wildlife :)

Oh antarctica! The top photo with the penguins is absolutely beautiful! This has been on my list for so long…I would love to step on the ice and see the penguins from up close. Thanks for all the info!

That’s my favorite photo – have it as my computer wallpaper! I hope you have the chance to visit Antarctica soon Mar – it’s definitely a place which someone like you would absolutely love!

Oh yeah! As you say, so high on the bucket list! That jumping pinguin is so cute :D

Aren’t they just so adorable! It’s my favorite photograph hands down :)

If I do rock up to Ushuaia, will there be a trip next week to Antarctica or something or do I need to be there in Ushuaia for like a month or so?

When is the best time to go to Antarctica?

To the girl who went to Antarctica via g adventures, do you have a blog or something for your Antarctica trip? I’d love to read it.

Hi Ken – trips start running around now as the first cruises leave at the beginning of November. For actual timing though I would pull up the main cruise companies which leave Ushuaia online and check their departures, that will give you an idea of how many cruises run and when they leave.

Beat time to go is during December, January and February, so if you do wait another month you’ll probably have a better chance of jumping on a last minute cruise because they’ll be leaving more frequently.

Unfortunately it doesn’t look like Jeff (who went on the tour with G Adventures) left a blog link with his comment, though if you’re looking for more info and ideas for getting ready we have a few other posts on Antarctica from guest bloggers – here is the link to one on travel tips for a trip: http://www.mappingmegan.com/antarctica-travel-tips/

Hope that helps! Have a wonderful time :)

Thank you for your great article telling deepest about Antarctica which is most travel destination today. It is clear how to make cruise and some stops will be made. Thank you very much for your travel information.

Very glad that you enjoyed the article. Feel free to reach out should you have any further questions about travel to Antarctica :)

Wow what an incredible resource of information. Is there a way to backpack our way in Antarctica?

Hi Jo – glad you found the info here helpful. Honestly I don’t know about backpacking across Antarctica. I think the easiest and safest way is going to be going with a company who offers tours. British explorer Henry Worsley just attempted to be the first person to cross the Antarctic unaided and unfortunately he didn’t make it. So unless you have a lot of arctic experience I would recommend heading out with a commercial group.

I hope that helps a little, you could always reach out to the big tour companies and ask if they have any insight on the backpacking question. Or perhaps reach out to volunteer organizations who operate down there too.

Happy travels :)

Antarctica is the most beautiful and Fantastic land of Penguins -). I loved Penguins and want to see them in real atmosphere of Antarctica.

Absolutely is! I hope you have the chance to see these Penguins in Antarctica soon :)

Great post! I’ve always had a huge interest in Antarctica. Maybe someday :)

Thanks Christie! I hope you have the chance to visit soon :)

I absolutely want to go, although I have heard that there are some serious environmental concerns of all these tourists going to Antarctica. If it causes long term damage to our planet, I really don’t want to be a part of that.

It’s a very good point Ken – there’s a fine balance between appreciating the world and our tourism having negative effects on the environment. I’m always keenly on the watch for new environmental reports as they come out about Antarctica.

WOW…AMAZING, ANTARTICA WONDERFULL, Lost of the Island

Hope you have the chance to visit soon! :)

Antarctica….that was never on my travel list. Looks a bit expensive to me, should research more about the last minute deals you mentioned.

Definitely look into the possibility of snagging a last minute deal – you can jump on a cruise quite cheaply with that approach :)

I really love your writing style! It’s a unique style to write with great info!Thanks a lot for sharing with us and keep it up dear!

Thanks Maria :) Appreciate you stopping by! Happy travels.

Awesome I like the way you write. Antartica is my dream destination.

Glad the guide was helpful for your David – I hope you have the opportunity to visit Antarctica at some stage soon :)

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Antarctica and the Traveler’s Ego

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

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?

Find all of our Antarctica Travel Posts Below

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Is it a Good Idea to Travel to Antarctica with Kids?

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Antarctica Travel Blog

Visit one of the most secluded places in the world with our Antarctica travel blog! For millions of people, traveling to Antarctica may be at the top of the adventure list. Antarctica is a beautiful white continent and a truly unique place. From the phenomenal landscapes to diverse wildlife, nowhere else can be compared to the beauty of this content. Traveling to Antarctica and visiting its beautiful places is such an amazing experience that everyone must have at least once in their lifetime. This continent can be visited only from November to March due to its frozen space. However, although there are very few people in Antarctica, there is no shortage of living things.

Traveling to Antarctica

This continent is alive with wildlife and many species thrive here, including whales, seals, penguins, albatrosses and many more. And this beauty always attracts humans to visit it at least once. It’s incredibly quiet and peaceful and the air smells purer than anywhere else in the world. You will surely fall in love with this beauty on this eye-catching island. You must visit the Antarctica travel blog at Active Planet Travels .

It’s the trip that takes you to the end of the earth and definitely an experience of a lifetime. It’s a trip that will leave your mind searching for words to describe what you’ve just seen. There’s something about the polar regions that instantly attracts my attention. Perhaps it’s the impression of being the ultimate blank canvas? Or the beauty of a seemingly minimalist landscape, when compared with other continents’ fragmented urban landscapes. Or is it perhaps knowing you can discover something new every day you are there?

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 freshwater. Well, that depends on what you want to see, and what your expectations are.

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 wreaking havoc down there). For anyone wishing to enjoy the dramatic landscapes covered in polar ice and beautiful wildlife, make sure your cruise includes the top places to visit in Antarctica. The top travel sites in Antarctica are The Lemaire Channel, Deception Island, South Shetland Islands, South Georgia, and The Sandwich Islands.

Traveling to Antarctica | 10 Best Images Frozen in Time

2017-02-08T22:42:29-05:00 By Ronald Robbins |

Located in the southern hemisphere and home to the South Pole, traveling to Antarctica will lead you into a large frozen piece of landmass that is virtually uninhabitable.   It's no wonder [...]

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Through the eyes of award-winning wildlife filmmaker Peter Bassett

Exclusively for Tauck, join award-winning wildlife filmmaker and Tauck partner Peter Bassett as he takes you through the extraordinary experience of small ship cruising to Antarctica. Peter will describe the amazing varieties of wildlife and natural landscapes one might expect to see, and share stories from his filmmaking journeys to the “land of the austral sun.”

Peter has been a producer on many widely acclaimed landmark series with David Attenborough, including Life in the Undergrowth , Life of Birds , Life in the Freezer , and Nature’s Great Events . Invasion of the Land won Wildscreen Panda for Best Script, Golden Panda for Best Series, and was the first BBC NHU production to receive an audience appreciation index score of 90. He has over 25 years of experience managing productions with the BBC and is a specialist wildlife film producer with a 20-year track record in world class ‘blue- chip’ animal behavior films. Lion Battlefield won the Wildscreen Panda for Innovation and the six part series Predators is considered by many as one of the most groundbreaking wildlife series ever made.

Questions & Answers

Has there been a behavioral change in the penguin population due to the increased tours in Antarctica?

There has been a fair bit of research in this area, in recent years, and a Google search will provide papers/articles written on different species of penguins. There are a couple of articles on the Penguins international website and this one gives a good insight into wildlife tourism and penguin behaviour.

I also like to get information from the cool Antarctic website as this gives lots of useful information about Antarctica.

Can you recommend a good travel book to prepare for the trip and all the area has to offer?

I have so many books on Antarctica!  However, if you are travelling to the Antarctic Peninsula I use The Antarctic Peninsula: A visitor’s guide by the British Antarctic survey, and the Antarctic cruising guide by Peter Carey. I always have Antarctica: A Guide to the Wildlife by Tony Soper as this is a more gentle read and easy to fit in a small bag. My copies are quite old but they have been re-published more recently.

Is there any location where tourist cruise ships actual can see Emperor penguins?

There are no places on our itinerary where we can reliably see Emperor penguins.  We do not indicate there is any significant chance of seeing Emperors.  We can virtually guarantee our guests will NOT see an Emperor penguin.

How would the covid19 Pandemic impact what happens on the Antarctica tour: lectures, Zodiac rides, walking on the peninsula? 

Protocols for Covid19 are still being developed.  We expect social distancing and personal protective equipment will be key aspects of keeping guests and crew safe.  We also expect PCR testing and temperature and health screenings to be important aspects of a safe trip.

How many other cruise ships or tourists are present during the cruise season in Antarctica?

The number of ships visiting varies by year.  We sometimes sail past other ships but we rarely, if ever find ourselves making landings when other ships are present.  I.A.A.T.O. (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) works hard to manage schedules at landing sites in a way that minimizes the impact of tourists going ashore.

How many years has Tauck been going to Antarctica? 

Tauck’s first Antarctic program sailed in the year 2000, so over two decades of operating there!

What type of power outlets are available on the ship? 

Our ships are equipped with both a standard U.S. 110 volt and a European 220 volt, 60 cycle AC electrical outlet.

When is the best time to travel to Antarctica? 

The Austral summer.  Personally the best time of the summer is Dec, Jan, Feb, as chicks are born and tended to by their parents.

How long does it take to cruise through Drake Pass?

Ponant ships leave from Ushuaia and arrive at the South Shetlands around 48 hours later, depending on the weather conditions. They often land at Deception Island which is almost exactly 1000km from Ushuaia. (625 miles).

What causes the Drake Passage to be so rough and is there a particular season when it is calmer?  If so, when?

Is can be rough as the ocean currents at this latitude meet no resistance from any landmass, as they circle the planet. This combined with the frequent high winds experienced there can create ‘interesting’ sea conditions. But modern polar cruise ships are designed to sail here. Ponant ships have large stabilisers that combat the rolling that can sometimes occur.

There is a site that I occasionally look at to check sea conditions .  I have been lucky in that I have experienced more ‘drake lakes’ than ‘drake shakes’.  I have experienced drake lakes before and after Christmas and so it is very tricky to predict what you’ll get. Now that I have found the right medication I really enjoy the passage especially with a reasonable swell as there are so many birds flying past the cabin window!

How many people will you have on board?  Do you charter the whole boat? 

We do not charter the entire vessel, instead we expect to have a little more than half of the 200 pax onboard.

How physically difficult is the tour? 

Going ashore is by zodiac raft.  One must be able to get into and out of the rafts.  Most shore visits allow guests to walk as much or as little as they’d like.

Since this is the northernmost part of the Peninsula what is happening with the melting of the glaciers?

You might like this link as it is the most up to date paper I have come across. Scientists believe climate change has led to a rapid glaciological response, with 87% of glaciers around the Antarctic Peninsula now receding, and many glaciers thinning.

Are Icebergs underwater more or less 90% of its total size?

I get asked this a lot… and it is all about the density of ice!  In scientific terms the density of pure ice is about 920 kg/m3 (57 lb/cu ft), and that of seawater about 1,025 kg/m3 (64 lb/cu ft), and so typically about one-tenth of the volume of an iceberg is above water. A glaciology expert on the last Tauck trip said that the actual figure is 89% and not 90%, and so 89% is submerged and we only see 11% of it above the surface, not that I can notice the additional one percent as we’re cruising past!

Are all passengers with Tauck? 

Our cruise partner, Ponant, also sells to their clients.

How would you compare the Arctic with the Antarctica?

That’s a tricky question to answer as they are such different wildife experiences for me.. and I loved visiting both places for different reasons. The Antarctic wildife did not evolve with man and so they are generally very tame and easy to see. Visiting a penguin colony is practically 100 percent guaranteed as many are in sheltered waters and easily accessible. In the arctic many places have experienced a lot of hunting and the animals are shyer as a result… and may need a little more work to find them. There are no land mammals in Antarctica but you have the chance of seeing polar bears, reindeer and arctic foxes amongst others on arctic trips. If you are a polar exploration nerd like myself, there are incredible survival stories to discover in both locations… Shackleton and Scott are the explorers most often talked about but please read about Nansen and Amundsen to name but two… incredible survival stories!

Do you go thru the Drake Passage twice, once on the way out and once on the way back?

Do the Pacific and Atlantic meet in the passage?

Yes, and one more too! The Drake Passage, is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge, and because the currents here meet no resistance from any nearby landmass, they’re some of the roughest in the world

Does one see polar bears on the Tauck trip?

Not on the Tauck trip to Antarctica.  Polar Bears are found in the Arctic.

Whose jurisdiction is it under/caretaker of the area?

Antarctica is not owned by any one nation, but a number of sovereign countries have made territorial claims to certain areas. Antarctica is governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system. The Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1959 by 12 countries who had scientists in and around Antarctica at the time.

It’s important to realize that Antarctica is the only continent without indigenous human inhabitants. A recent census calculated that there are scientists and staff from around 30 countries on about 70 bases (40 year-round and 30 summer-only), with an approximate population of 4,000 in summer and 1,000 in winter.

Is there any age restriction on the trip to Antarctica?  

Being fit is the determining factor, not ones age.  A health information sheet is required by our cruise partner Ponant.

Do small icebergs ever hit the ships?

Sometimes our vessel will make its way through ice but floating in the sea, but they avoid hitting icebergs.

Which Ponant ship do you use? 

In ’21 we will use three of our partner Ponant’s ships:  Le Boreal, Le Soleal and Le Lyrial.

Does the ship have icebreaker capabilities? 

No.  Our ships are rated Polar Class Ice Rating 1 C

What activities would people typically do on or off the ships?

Many relax and read, but keen naturalists and photographers are often on deck or on shore looking at the landscapes or looking for animals every moment they get!

Does Tauck have its guests always leave the ship to walk on the ice shelves?

When visiting the Antarctic Peninsula there are good opportunities to go ashore (weather and sea conditions allowing). On every Tauck trip I have been on I have visited many penguin colonies, and visited scientific bases as well as undertaken a hike or two in impressive landscapes. It is not 100 percent guaranteed to do everything as every Antarctic cruise is an expedition and therefore the schedule is flexible. Every cruise for me has been different, had unexpected surprises, been exciting, and I’ve enjoyed every one of them! Many birds breed around the Antarctic peninsula, as most of the snow free land in Antarctica in summer is found here. I have not walked on an ice shelf as these are not found close to the locations we visit… but you may have to walk over snow to reach some penguin colonies… and safe routes are designated by the expedition staff. But I have rarely had to walk in deep snow or over ice.

Is it dangerous to approach the icebergs considering the large sections of ice collapsing into the sea?

You’re right, icebergs often split and even roll over completely when they melt and large chunks fall off. That is why ships keep a safe distance and zodiac drivers are always aware that if blocks do drop off… they might create waves… and so always have enough time to react and drive to safety.

What kind of temperature swings will you get?

The northern Antarctic Peninsula has a maritime Antarctic climate, and so is the mildest part of the Antarctic. Temperatures are warmest in January, averaging 1 to 2 °C (34 to 36 °F), and coldest in June, averages from −15 to −20 °C (5 to −4 °F). Along the Antarctic Peninsula, temperatures as high as 15 °C (59 °F) have been recorded, though the summer temperature is below 0 °C (32 °F) most of the time.

I often do not have to wear gloves, but when you add wind chill to these temperatures things can feel very chilly, and change very quickly and so layering of clothes, a good jacket and gloves are very important.

Are the penguins afraid of humans?  

It’s not that easy to tell if a penguin is afraid… apart from when it runs away. See this tourism / penguin link .

There are very sensible IAATO rules to follow when visiting penguin colonies – don’t approach within 5 metres, avoid penguin walkways and never run or move quickly and startle them.  However, if you stop and remain quiet you will discover that many of the penguins are curious and will ‘check you out’. I’ve had them walk over to me and peck my glasses!

When exactly (what month) were you there for the first time? Asking because the first picture of your first journey seemed to show that things can turn green there.

I was visiting Deception Island in January. People often mistake the green in the photo as grass but it is in fact a green algae called Prasiola crispa. It is abundant on this spectacular colony of Chinstrap penguins … known as Baily Head.

In the 1970’s primary form of communication at least many Navy personnel was volunteers using Ham Radio! What is primary way for communication today? Satellite Telephone? 

On remote filming trips we always have at least one, usually two satellite phones with us .. just in case. I also take a Garmin GPS device, and on occasions a BGAN satellite terminal.

The ground looks very uneven.  How easy is it to walk on this land?

Walking surfaces vary widely and some are easier to walk on than others.  Aboard the vessel the expedition leader and tour directors can provide descriptions of the days walking.  We can be walking on sandy beaches, on paths through snow, over gravely scree.

How much of the ice ledge has melted?

I’m not sure which ice ledge you are referring to… did you mean ice sheet or shelf? Most of the world’s ice shelves are found around the coast of Antarctica. In recent years, ice shelves on the Antarctic Peninsula have experienced rapid disintegration.

You might find this website will provide you with the information you are after.

How many days is the trip?

This is a 12 night, 13 day program with 2 nights in Buenos Aires and 10 nights aboard our vessel.

How much time do you spend on the ground? 

Most landings that I have been on are around 1 hour 15 to 1 hour 30mins, with two outings on most days when on the Antarctic Peninsula. Sometimes this will be a shore landing followed by a zodiac cruise in order to get a better view of glaciers and ice-bergs.

If there are 200 people on the ship and only 100 can be on shore at once, does everyone get a chance to go ashore? 

Yes, time ashore is managed by our expedition leader very effectively.

Do you see any mammals? 

Yes, marine mammals; seals, sea lions, whales.

Why do the penguin feet not freeze?

The penguin leg muscles are nestled into their bodies protecting them from the cold and long tendons extend down to their feet to control movement. It is thought that certain arteries in the leg can adjust blood flow in response to the temperature in their feet, and allow the foot just enough blood to keep it a few degrees above freezing.

There is a good description of how penguins keep their feet (and themselves) warm within this general outline of how penguins don’t freeze to death!

Do the penguins have any enemies?

Yes, chicks and injured birds can be picked off by predatory birds like skuas or giant petrels.. I have seen predation by both of these predators whilst visiting colonies. They wait for parents to be off guard at the nest, and look for any signs of weakness  in the returning adults.. like a limp or blood stains. This is one of the reasons that visitors must keep their distance and not startle the penguins. Leopard seals wait off penguin colonies and ambush adults as they swim back to their colonies. and many congregate off shore when the chicks are fledging. Some seals can take a half dozen chicks in a day.

Killer whales will also take adult penguins.  There is a small bird called a snowy sheath bill that will also predate penguin eggs.

What is the difference between an iceberg and a glacier?

Glaciers are formed by continual deposition of snow at a place where it does not melt. When a chunk of this glacier breaks off and floats in the water, it is known as an iceberg. You will see both on a cruise to Antarctica… there are also different names for different sizes of iceberg.

You might like to see this article for the differences, and this one  for a nice outline of the different kinds of ice.

Is the penguin nest done by male penguin or female penguin, or both?

For the penguins you will see on the Antarctic Peninsula. both partners take turns incubating eggs, allowing each one to leave to feed for several days at sea.

However the Emperor penguin is amazing in that it is the only penguin to breed during the Antarctic winter, and when laid the female emperor penguin transfers the single egg to the top of her mate’s feet. The female goes to sea to feed while the male incubates the egg until it hatches.

How did you get started as a wildlife explorer? And photographer too?

I had a passion for wildlife films on the television and decided I wanted to be a wildife film-maker at University… and not undertake a PhD in avian physiology!  I volunteered at the Slimbridge Wildfowl trust, a place visited by film-makers and I politely pestered them all until I was given a contact at the BBC and was offered a place as a typist in their library. A year later, and after a lot of jamming my foot in the door, I was given the opportunity to go into film production starting off on the first rung of the ladder as a researcher… and then over many years became an assistant producer, producer and series producer. The filming took me all over the world and one series ‘Life in the Freezer’ meant that I lived alongside penguin colonies for many months!  I had always had an interest in taking photographs and was lucky to be able to visit amazing places during my filming trips.  However, I am only an amateur photographer… I find it easier to hire the best camera operators as they do a much better job than myself.

How close are you to where the ship Endurance froze into the ice?

The Endurance sank in the Weddell sea on the eastern side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Due to the ice conditions here, the cruise ships don’t venture very far into it… however the year before last the Tauck trip did visit the Weddell sea and landed at Snow Hill island… the location of the cabin of the Swedish Antarctic expedition of 1901, around 300 miles away from where Shackleton’s ship is thought to rest.

Shackleton’s skipper, Frank Worsely, was a very skilled navigator and calculated that Endurance was abandoned at – 68°39’30.0″ South and 52°26’30.0″ West. But don’t expect to go to the Weddell sea as usually cruise ships go on the Westerm side of the Antarctic peninsula as there is a lot more wildlife there and easier ice free waters during most seasons.

What kind of geographical changes have you observed since you first started visiting Antarctica?

As my visits are so short and the places I go to vary it is difficult for me personally to measure any differences… but there is plenty of evidence to show how global warming is affecting Antarctica.  On my first trips in 1991 there did seem to be a lot more snow falling in January than on recent trips when there seems to be more rain… but that might just be normal weather pattern variations.

Are there glaciers to see?

Lots! In fact there are over 1500 around the Antarctic peninsula. You can get views from shore landings, and from the ship, but my favourite is when the expedition staff put on zodiac cruises in bays surrounded by spectacular glaciers.

There is a complete inventory here .

Do you cross the Antarctic Circle? 

No, not typically.

Why do seals have whiskers?

Whiskers are very important sensory organs and have many sensitive nerves that can detect the slightest movements in the water. In Antarctica, the Weddell seal uses its whiskers to detect the slightest vibrations in the water from passing prey, which makes this sense very handy when foraging. And, in the dark depths of the ocean, or during the long dark winter months, Weddell seals can rely on this additional sense to guide them through the icy Antarctic waters. Some think that the seals whiskers are like having an extra set of eyes or an additional sense of touch.

What is the latest time of the year to go?  

Our cruises to Antarctica in 2021 are scheduled in January, February and December.

What is best month for chances of seeing Albatross?  

I’ve seen albatross on every trip I have made during the Antarctic cruise season (Jan to end of March) when crossing the Drakes passage… except one! The key is having enough wind for the albatross to generate lift and fly. The one occasion I didn’t see one was when the Drakes passage was like a mill pond.. I never even saw a white cap on a wave. The albatross do not breed in Antarctica but on the sub-Antarctic islands like South Georgia, and so you will be seeing many birds on feeding trips collecting food for their chick many hundreds of miles away!

When walking on the islands, do you have to remove everything that you bring onto the island including human waste?

Yes, we follow the adage, take only memories (and film images!) and leave only foot prints. Nowadays we use WAG bags for removing human waste, but when I first visited Antarctica people used to dig a hole on the beach!

Related Journeys

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Thank you so very much for giving me the link to the Antarctica talk recording. I had registered to listen but got the time wrong and was so disappointed. So you made my day!

Do you have a cruise to go to just Falkland and South Georgia?

Hello Vilaivan,

Unfortunately, we do not offer cruises to the Falkland and South Georgia Islands.

Thanks, Tauck

Thanks for all the great info regarding packing/clothing. We are so excited and wanted to inquire if we need to bring snow shoes and extra thick winter jacket or if we are able to rent/borrow from the ship during Zodiac excursions.

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