Adventure travel doesn’t get any better than visiting the pristine shores and unparalleled wilds of Antarctica. The world’s southernmost continent, Antarctica is the ultimate destination for travelers who want a dose of excitement on their vacation. An endless frontier of untouched wilderness, glistening ice fields, and snow-capped peaks, this is a land unspoiled by human development.

Whether you hope to watch an emperor penguin chick hatch and take her first steps, go on an intrepid hike, or just sit back and make great memories with your family, Antarctica has something to offer every traveler looking for a once-in-a-lifetime vacation experience. Here’s our step-by-step guide to planning an incredible international expedition to the remote recesses of the frozen continent.

Getting to Antarctica

Dining in Antarctic waters

Most sightseers travel to Antarctica’s frozen shores by cruise ship. Cruises departing for Antarctica leave exclusively from ports in the Patagonia region of South America. Among the southernmost cities in the world, these ports include Ushuaia, Argentina, and Punta Arenas, Chile. Excursions heading out of these ports cross the famed Drake Passage before taking passengers to the Antarctic Peninsula, the northernmost region of Antarctica and a favorite spot for travelers visiting the Antarctic.

Alternatively, globetrotters hoping to explore the South Pole can also get there by air. A great option for vacationers who might not be comfortable sailing on the Drake Passage’s choppy seas, flights to Antarctica originate in Punta Arenas and take sightseers to King George Island in a mere two hours. Just north of the continent’s mainland, King George Island offers easy access to a variety of tours and cruises that head to all of Antarctica’s most important sightseeing destinations.

Packing for the Expedition

While an expedition to Antarctica is the thrill of a lifetime for most nature-loving globetrotters, packing for a trip can be a bit of a head-scratcher. By and large, tour operators advise vacationers to focus only on essential gear that will make the continent’s extreme weather all the more bearable. When it comes to clothing, sightseers should remember to dress in layers and have a pair of waterproof pants at the ready. Since temperatures typically dip to 30 degrees Fahrenheit during the warmest months, you are also encouraged to pick up wool gloves, socks, and a hat.

As you’re getting ready for your trip, remember that many tour companies provide their own waterproof parkas as a gift to passengers to keep warm during land excursions and as a memento to remember their time on Earth’s southernmost continent. Some companies further mandate waterproof boots provided by the ship to leave less of an impact on Antarctica’s fragile ecosystem. Other items recommended items include UV sunglasses, a portable charger, and a bottle of sunscreen. Since pharmacies and grocery stores do not exist in Antarctica, be sure to remember standard toiletries and medication as well. Seasickness medication like Dramamine is especially important if you think you might have trouble adjusting to turbulent seas.

Experiencing the Frozen Continent

As one of the few places in the world that is relatively untouched by civilization, Antarctica offers a variety of activities that make for one-of-a-kind adventure experiences. By far the most popular draw is the continent’s amazing assortment of breathtaking wildlife. While Antarctica’s colonies of majestic penguins are the stuff of legend, visitors heading to the White Continent also adore watching cute baby seals frolicking in the snow. Meanwhile, hiking and kayaking tours also let you explore the ins and outs of the South Pole and provide plenty of opportunities for stunning photographs.

When you’re not experiencing Antarctica’s outdoor beauty, take a load off and listen to a lecture given by a member of your expedition’s team of experts. Catering to scholars with many different interests, lectures on Antarctica cruises cover a variety of topics, including wildlife conservation, glaciology, and even environmental photography. After expanding your mind, test your bravery with a polar plunge…a true signature event on cruises to Antarctica’s frigid waters!

Choosing the Best Tour

Antarctic Peninsula. Photo by Shutterstock.

Picking the right expedition to fit your interests is one of the most important steps in making your Antarctica trip a success. Tours of Antarctica usually have an itinerary of 11 days but can range anywhere from 8 days to 25 days. Shorter cruises often focus on the Antarctic Peninsula, but longer expeditions branch out and take passengers to destinations like the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. As you might expect, larger packages mean steeper prices, with shorter expeditions averaging around $5,000 and longer ones costing upwards of $50,000.

Ship size is also an important factor, especially if you hope to go ashore and enjoy Antarctica’s wildlife. Regulations put forth by several different treaties and tour associations prohibit ships with 500 or more passengers from conducting landing activities. Smaller ships, particularly those with fewer than 100 passengers, are not only able to conduct these landings but also provide more frequent and intimate shore excursions, allowing travelers to maximize their time on land.

Best Times to Visit

A trip to Antarctica wouldn’t be complete without admiring penguin colonies

The Antarctic travel season runs from November to March, the summer months of the Southern Hemisphere. This is the region’s mildest time of year, when temperatures typically hover between 30- and 40-degrees Fahrenheit, but they can reach as high as 50 degrees. December and January are considered the best months to visit Antarctica and provide exceptional wildlife viewing opportunities. Penguin eggs begin hatching in mid-December and proud mama and papa penguins seem to love showing off their babies to adoring guests. As the hottest months, December and January are also enjoyable because there is less snow and ice, making it easier for ships to launch land excursions.

Travelers with an interest in whale watching should consider going to Antarctica in late February and March, when pods of whales descend on the region to feed off the great variety of marine life in the Southern Ocean.

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Visiting Sustainably

The best tours of Antarctica prioritize sustainability and environmental stewardship. Engaging in sustainable practices preserves the continent for future generations. When considering tour companies, look for expeditions that are focused on minimizing their impact on the environment. Simple policies like reducing carbon emissions and avoiding plastic waste help cruise lines to maintain the continent’s signature gleaming glory.

Environmental sustainability further translates to respect for wildlife. Guides with most Antarctic tour companies help passengers adhere to policies whereby guests can enjoy Antarctic wildlife while protecting animal wellbeing. Among the most common wildlife policies that remain standard across most tour companies is to keep a minimum of 15 feet away from animals and to never touch or feed wildlife.

FAQS:

Q: What travel documents are required for a trip to Antarctica?
A: Travelers need a valid passport. Depending on your nationality, you might also need visas for Argentina or Chile if you are flying through those countries to reach Antarctica.

Q: Are there age restrictions for travelers to Antarctica?
A: While there are no specific age restrictions, some tour operators may have minimum age requirements, typically around 8 to 12 years old. It’s best to check with your tour provider.

Q: How physically demanding is a trip to Antarctica?
A: Most tours are designed for people in good health and offer activities ranging from moderate hikes to more strenuous excursions. Travelers should be prepared for cold weather and possible seasickness.

Q: What types of accommodations are available on Antarctic cruises?
A: Accommodations on Antarctic cruises range from basic cabins to luxurious suites. Most ships provide comfortable, heated rooms with private bathrooms and amenities.

Q: Can I use my phone and access the internet while in Antarctica?
A: Phone and internet access are limited and often expensive. Some ships offer satellite phones and internet for an additional fee, but connections can be slow and unreliable. Think of a trip to Antarctica as a chance to disconnect from the world and really focus on the wonders of our planet.

Q: Is travel insurance necessary for an Antarctic expedition?
A: Yes, travel insurance is highly recommended and often required by tour operators. It should cover medical expenses, trip cancellations, and emergency evacuations.

Have you been to Antarctica? Would you add any other tips for this amazing adventure? Let us know in our comments section below!

Editor’s note: All images by Sucheta Rawal, unless otherwise noted. The author of this post may either have a relationship with or received other compensation from the product or service providers that are featured in this writing.