How Do I Get There?

Most departures are from the port of Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego, Argentina. From there, the best way to reach Antarctica is by ship that provides a guided expedition.

Where Do Trips Start and Go?

Popular destinations include: the Antarctic Peninsula region; the Weddell Sea; the Antarctic Circle, and Falklands Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. These 10-21 day journeys include a two-day crossing of the Drake Passage. (The Drake Passage can be a wild ride or if you’re lucky, a Drake Lake) Peninsula trips always include the Shetland Islands; the longer trips (18-21 days) include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands with more sea days.
TRIP TRIVIA: Antarctica is the southernmost landmass on earth. The tip of the closest continent, South America, is almost 600 miles away from the Antarctic Peninsula.

What’s On the Agenda?

-Though expeditions vary. Trips primarily go to ice-free coastal zones from November to March, during the continent’s summer. Days are long (up to 20-plus hours), and temps can occasionally climb to 5°+ C along the peninsula. There are onboard presentations given by experts covering wild life, geology, glaciology, history, and photography. Weather and ice rule! The crew transports passengers from ship to land in Zodiac landing craft (rubber rafts with outboard motors). Landings are typically geared toward penguin colonies, historic sites, research stations, and interesting terrain and features for hiking. Alternatively there are zodiac cruises to experience the spectacular sights. You don’t need documentation or visas to visit Antarctica, unless travelling to other countries en route.

What Does It Cost?

Anything between $4,500 to $20,000 Cost depends on the length of the trip, the ship, itinerary, and optional adventure options.

How Do I Sign Up?

Our small company specializes in Antarctica and Arctic cruises. We have excellent knowledge of the area and ships; a large selection of trips to choose from. For more info Contact Us.

What Do They Eat?

Plant life in the Antarctic region mostly consists of mosses (bryophytes), lichens, algae and fungi, with a rare species or two of flowering plants on the Peninsula. The Antarctic food chain is fairly simple. Antarctic krill is the keystone species of the eco system, Krill is a tiny shrimp-like invertebrate that lives in large swarms of up to 10,000 to 30,000 individuals per cubic meter. Whales, penguins, seals, squids, fish, albatross and many other sea birds all eat krill and krill in turn eat phytoplankton.
TRIP TRIVIA: What gives the snow that attractive pink color reminiscent of an Antarctic twilight? Drift a little closer and you smell the powerful aroma of penguin guano. The pink cast comes from a heavy load of krill in the penguins’ diet. Want more gruesome details? Leopard seals also prey on penguins and other seals and sometimes on the tubes on Zodiac rafts. Who eats the leopard seals? Orcas, if they’re around. Orcas eat everybody except for humans (usually), who made them disappear near South Georgia due to over-hunting in the early whaling days.

How Do They Survive The Antarctic Cold?

Blubber and feathers. Insulation is the keyword.

How Do They Survive All The Attention?

The Antarctic Treaty System maintain an important check on the region. The 1980 Convention for the Conservation of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR) is part of the Antarctic Treaty System. Its objective is to conserve the marine life of the Southern Ocean. In 1978, the United States passed the Antarctic Conservation Act in 1978, designed to protect mammals, birds, plants and ecosystems.
TRIP TRIVIA: The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) is a form of self-regulation for the tourist industr to protect the environment.

A Frozen Desert

The Antarctic interior is a cold, windy and dry desert. Its snowfall is equivalent to less than 2 inches (50 millimeters) of rain per year. Antarctica is the windiest place on earth. Katabatic winds peel off the polar plateau to gather speeds of up to 185 mph (300 kilometers per hour) on the coast. It’s a land of blizzards and snowdrifts. Winter temperatures on the plateau can range from -40 degrees C to -70 degrees C, while summer achieves a balmy -35 degrees C. The coasts and the Peninsula are much warmer.
TRIP TRIVIA: Some tourists have been seen in their shirtsleeves, sipping those fruity drinks (sans umbrellas) while riding the bows of ice-ready ships. They’ve even been caught swimming in the warm volcanic waters near Deception Island in Whaler’s Bay.
Weather fronts don’t usually reach the Antarctic interior, where the air is too cold to hold much moisture anyway. The little snow that does fall tends to stay for a very, very long time because it’s never warm enough to melt it! The coasts, on the other hand, can get heavy snowfalls of up to 1.22 meters (4 feet).

What does Antarctica Look Like?

This is a big place – over 14 million square miles – that encompasses different ecosystems and terrain. In a nutshell, you have some volcanic mountains, sand dune like snow drifts, oases in the form of dry valleys, crevasses (big cracks in the ice), glaciers and more glaciers, and ice shelves near the coasts. The Peninsula itself is a major mountain system with rock and glaciers and many islands. Lucky tourists can watch glaciers calve, though they usually hear them before they see them. Don’t forget the surrounding seas and straits, which are littered with blue icebergs and bobbing bergy bits. In the winter, it’s constantly dark at certain latitudes. In the summer, it’s constantly light. The twilight skies can be colorful, as can the southern lights glowing near the South Pole. Other visual treats include diamond dust – tiny ice crystals that form ground-level clouds – and sundogs, which are atmospheric phenomenon that display a bright spot next the sun.

Who Dwells There?

Antarctica’s harsh conditions and geographic location translate to “desolate” in all languages except penguin-speak. That’s what makes it so attractive to adventurers.

Cold… Cold… And Getting Colder

The first explorer to circumnavigate Antarctica was James Cook, He crossed the Antarctic Circle four times, making his first official crossing in January 1773. Though he failed in his British commission to find the southern continent, he discovered and claimed South Georgia Island, which he named after the king of England. Based on his experience with ice, fog, snowstorms, intense cold, and treacherous navigation around vast “ice hills or mountains,” Cook concluded that the southern continent – if it even existed – would never be explored.

Forty plus years after Cook, Russian captain Thaddeus Bellingshausen was the next explorer to circumnavigate Antarctica. He helped complete the survey of South Georgia’s coast and the South Sandwich Islands. In 1823, British whaler James Weddell pushed further south than his predecessors. John Biscoe, an ex-Royal Navy seaman, and the Enderby Brothers sailing company penetrated the Circle in 1831 and indisputably sighted the continent. Frenchman Jules Sebastien Cesar Dumont d’Urville landed a boat on a small islet near the mainland in early 1840. His crew killed a few unlucky penguins and named the area Adelie Land, after Dumont d’Urville’s wife. By sailing the coastline in the 1840’s, various British, American and French expeditions verified that there was indeed an immense southern continent. In 1898, Adrien de Gerlache founded in pack ice and his crew was the first to winter in Antarctica. Carsten Borchgrevink landed at Cape Adare in 1899, where his British crew built huts and were the first to winter on the Antarctic mainland. Many historians consider this the first real landing on the continent. Nationalism in early exploration was quickly replaced by the search for profit. Many sealers and whalers exploited the waters and islands around Antarctica throughout the late 1800’s and early 20th century. Some key species of seals and whales nearly became extinct.

TRIP TRIVIA: Gerlache dislike for penguin and seal brought on scurvy until his ship doctor Frederick Cook convinced him of the importance of penguin meat.

Who’s A Hero?

Charles Wilkes, an inexperienced American who led six ships to Antarctica and only brought back two. Despite years of polar experience in the Arctic, James Clark Ross also experienced trouble during his 1842 expedition when two of his ships collided while avoiding icebergs. He discovered Victoria Land, verified that the edge of the Barrier ice was indeed floating, and discovered an active volcano, Mt. Erebus (so named by Ross). While these early explorers do not receive the recognition of those of the Heroic Age, they catapulted Terra Incognita from being a notion to a geographic reality.

The Heroes and Their Heroics

The four big names of the era were Britain’s Captain Robert Falcon Scott and Sir Ernest Shackleton, the Norwegian Roald Amundsen and Sir Douglas Mawson of Australia. Scott undertook two expeditions to the White Continent, the British National Antarctic Expedition/Discovery 1901-04 and the ill- fated South Pole Expedition/Terra Nova 1910-12. Roald Amundsen´s expedition to the South Pole/Fram of 1909-11 with sledge dogs took the coveted prize of the South Pole. Douglas Mawson, expedition aboard the Aurora in 1911-14 did not set out to reach the Pole but succeeded in exploring some 2,000 miles of coast. On one of the sledge journeys, Mawson returned as the only survivor in his party of three. Ernest Shackleton, undertook three expeditions the British Antarctic Expedition/Nimrod 1907-09 and the well-known Imperial Transantarctic Expedition aboard the Endurance and lastly the Quest expedition 1921 -1922. The extraordinary feats of these wonderful men will be on the Agenda.
TRIP TRIVIA: Most Antarctic Peninsula cruises to South Georgia and the Falklands stop at Grytviken whaler’s cemetery, to toast Shackleton at his gravesite.

What camera should I take?

Film and digital cameras both work well. New digitals have a quicker click to shot response time to capture whales breaching or glaciers calving. If you do happen to take a film camera, make sure it accepts a variety of film speeds.

Do I need a back-up camera, just in case?

Compact cameras make perfect back-ups. Take extra batteries, battery packs and digital camera cards. Rechargeable batteries are a good idea.

How will the cold environment affect my camera?

Temperatures are typically above freezing. Even so, lower temperatures and condensation can present challenges, and salt water spray is a bigger problem than the cold. For chilly, wet and windy days, carry cameras and batteries close to your body. Keep them inside your coat, pockets, or outer layer.

What do I use for photo file storage on the trip, since I’ll probably take a lot of pictures?

If you have a full-size Digital SLR and want to review your pictures on the fly, you need some storage capability. Many Digital Media Cards store up to 4 GB of data. If you’re simply shooting pictures that you plan to tweak slightly and print out for friends and family, then shoot JPG. Take at least 2 or 3 memory cards, depending on their size.

How do I transport my camera gear to shore in snowy, cold and wet conditions?

Zodiacs aren’t necessarily tech-friendly, since salt spray or water can permeate the smallest opening. There are many waterproof and floating bags on the market. Even a Zip-Lock plastic bag works, especially if you place the camera and bag inside your day-pack.

How do I stay warm while taking photos? Do gloves get in the way?

Try polysynthetic glove liners when shooting outdoors. You can always wear them under your thicker fleece or ski-type gloves. You can also use the gloves that feature “flip back” fingertips.

Should I take a tripod?

It’s a good idea if you want close-ups of lichen or long- range telephotos of the landscape or wildlife. Compact lightweight tripods with retractable legs, and even monopods that double as hiking sticks are all useful. When shooting from the ship, it’s not a good idea to rest your camera on the railing. The engines can create vibration. Use a beanbag or even a pillow to reduce the chance of a shaky shot.
TRIP TRIVIA: One tip overrides all the others when photographing in the Polar Regions. Respect your subject. Whether it’s a penguin or fur seal, keep a respectful and safe distance to prevent stressing out the wildlife. IAATO Guidelines regarding distance from wildlife varies. Your naturalist guides will give you the specifics before your landings. In general, stay back from penguins a minimum of 20 feet and even more, if you’re photographing nesting penguins. For seals, it’s a minimum of 50 feet – though fur seals can cover that distance in about 3 seconds!! Penguins don’t read the rules either – they’ll waddle right up and introduce themselves. There are no trees in Antarctica, so it helps if you get down near the ground instead of towering over the animals. You’re guests in their house. Maybe even in their dining room, as you’ll quickly find out if you’re too close to a hungry polar bear!

How many people on the ship?

Vessels usually carry between 45 to 110 passengers.

What is the age range aboard?

Passengers on a typical voyage range from their 30s to their 80s – with a majority usually from 45 – 65. Our expeditions attract independent-minded travelers from around the world. They are characterized by a strong interest in exploring remote regions. The camaraderie and spirit that develops aboard is an important part of the expedition experience.

How much room is there for luggage?

There is storage space for empty luggage in the cabins under your bunk. Alternatively some vessels will stow your baggage safely elsewhere on the ship.

What clothes do I take to wear on the ship?

Shipboard clothing is informal and casual. Jeans, slacks, casual shirts and deck shoes or running shoes are the normal garb.

What clothes do I need in South America?

It will be mid- summer in South America. In Buenos Aires the temperature is likely to be between 20°C and 30°C or even higher. In Tierra del Fuego the weather is changeable and colder than Buenos Aires. Once again, casual clothing with a windproof or fibre-pile (polar fleece) jacket, long pants and closed shoes in Ushuaia, as it can get cold.

How do I keep myself dry and warm?

You can certainly get away with any good waterproof jacket and waterproof overpants and warm clothes underneath. Remember layering is the best way to dress in Antarctica.

Do I need to buy waterproof gear for my trip?

If you do not own waterproof gear or do not want to carry too much luggage, it’s possible to rent good waterproof jackets and over pants in Ushuaia as well as on board some vessels. We highly recommend bringing good quality fleece or thermal clothes to wear under your waterproofs.

How many pairs of gloves do I need?

It is best to take two or three pairs of gloves. Some people like to take rubber washing-up gloves or the heavier fleecy lined rubber gloves used in freezers to keep their hands dry, particularly in the Zodiacs when going from ship to shore. Light woolen or synthetic gloves in combination with heavier ski-gloves or mittens work well.

How do I keep my cameras dry?

When you are traveling from ship to shore, there is a big risk that a splash from the sides of the Zodiac will wet your camera, or worse still you could drop it in the water. A waterproof camera bag is a must and a small cloth or pack towel to dry your lens is also a handy item.

Should I bring binoculars with me?

Investing on a good pair of binoculars is recommended. Some vessels rent good quality binoculars on board. Contact us for more information.

Should I bring along my own walking poles?

Yes, if you have trouble walking over uneven ground. Some of our landings can be on slippery rocks or deep snow. We may go for longer extended walks.

Do I have to be really “fit” and in good health to join this expeditions?

You must be in good general health and you should be able to walk several hours per day. The expedition is ship-based and physically not very demanding. Although we spend as much time as possible ashore, you are welcome to remain aboard the ship. +

To join most excursions, you must be able to negotiate the steep gangway from the ship to the water level to board the Zodiacs. Staff will assist you in and out of the boats. This will become progressively easier with practice.

What happens if I get Seasick?

Our experience is that a small percentage of people do feel sea sick and most are fine after a day or two. If you feel that your are particularly susceptible to seasickness do talk to your doctor who will advise on medication. We have a doctor on board and the ship is equipped with a small medical clinic.

What kind of medical services are offered aboard?

If you have special needs, please contact our office directly.

A qualified physician will be on board throughout the voyage. Any applicable fees for services rendered on board will be debited to your shipboard account and presented for settlement at the end of the voyage. Passengers requiring special medications should bring sufficient quantities to last the duration of the expedition. If you are under regular treatment you should bring a summarized medical history as well. It is essential that persons with any medical problems and related dietary restrictions inform us well before departure so we may brief the ship’s staff accordingly. If you use a hearing aid that might be turned off at night or would otherwise require special assistance in case of an emergency, please advise the reception desk at the time of boarding.

Do I need travel insurance?

Travel insurance is strongly recommended. Trip cancellation and in the unlikely event of medical evacuation can be very expensive.

I have dietary needs. Are there options for me?

Please indicate dietary needs on the Personal Information Form sent to us before boarding the vessel. The galley is equipped to prepare or serve most special dietary needs.

Are there restrictions on what can be done while ashore?

We are particularly concerned with the protection of the wildlife, environment and cultures in all of the areas we visit. Conservation issues are covered in the briefings on board and the expedition staff will assist you ashore.

“Do not leave anything but footprints. Do not take anything but memories”

What will the weather be like?

In the Polar areas the weather is always an unknown factor and it can be changeable. Temperatures can be cold, wet and windy, though not perhaps as cold as you might expect. On calm sunny days it can feel quite warm.

Is the ship air-conditioned? What is the temperature?

The ship is air-conditioned and the temperature ranges from 15° C to 25° C. We keep a good flow of fresh air through the ship by leaving some of the main doors open to the outer decks.

How do I pay my bill aboard?

In most vessels, upon embarkation, a shipboard ‘chit’ account is automatically opened for your convenience and covers all onboard purchases, including bar charges, gift shop purchases, laundry, medical services, communication, etc. An account for payment will be presented on the final day of the voyage. Final payment can be made using cash, travelers’ checks or major credit cards e.g. Visa and MasterCard. All prices are in US dollars. Personal cheques are not accepted on board.

What sort of money do I take and how much?

We recommend that you take US dollars for use in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and on board the ship. Travelers cheques in Argentina can be difficult to change, even at hotels. ATMs are available throughout Argentina.

What should I do about Tipping?

Most vessels will recommend USD10 per passenger per day while on ship.. It is divided equally among crew and staff. Nevertheless it is a personal decision whether to tip or not.

What sort of electrical adapter should I take for my battery charger, my razor or my hairdryer?

In most of the vessels, the electrical supply on board is 220 volts 50 Hertz. You will need a European two plug (round pin) adapter. For exact information on electrical supply check your vessel description or contact us.

Do you have facilities on board to download digital images from my camera?

Some vessels do have a computer or two to download your digital images. You are welcome to bring your own storage device or laptop. There is power in the cabins for your devices.

Will we hear announcements while aboard the vessel?

Announcements on board will be made in English and relayed over the public address system including wildlife sightings, disembarkation announcements and itinerary and weather updates.

Can we visit the Bridge?

As often as maritime regulations and weather conditions allow, the Bridge is open for visits. This is an excellent area to watch ship operations and look out for wildlife.

How does the Cabin Service work?

The cabin attendants will clean all cabins on a daily basis. Towels will be changed as desired but, for environmental reasons, we ask passengers to change towels only when necessary. Bed sheets will be changed every third day.

Is there a library aboard with reference books?

Yes, most vessel have an extended list of reference Polar bibliography and the library provides a quiet room to write your journals or look at your photos.