Antarctica Cruises is the ultimate Travel Experience.
Explore the White Continent on a modern cruise, hike over the ice, kayak between floating glaciers, and spend the night beneath the amazing colors of the Antarctic sky.
Traveling to Antarctica is seasonal due to its extreme weather conditions. The most popular time for traveling to Antarctica is during the Southern summer (between November and March), when temperatures are relatively milder, wildlife is abundant, and there is 24-hour daylight.
Antarctica is rich in wildlife. Visitors can expect to see various species, including penguins (such as Emperor, Adélie, Gentoo, and Chinstrap), seals (like Weddell and Fur seals), numerous bird species (albatross, petrels, and terns), and if fortunate, whales such as humpback, minke, and orca.
Antarctic cruises offer a variety of activities, including zodiac excursions for up-close wildlife encounters, guided shore landings to explore penguin colonies and scientific stations, wildlife watching from the ship, kayaking, photography workshops, and educational lectures by expert naturalists.
Packing for an Antarctic cruise requires preparation for extreme cold and changing weather conditions. Essential items include waterproof clothing, sturdy boots, gloves, a hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a camera! Your travel specialist will provide a detailed packing list before your trip.
Safety is a priority due to the extreme conditions. Cruise ships have experienced staff and medical facilities to handle emergencies. Health concerns often revolve around seasickness, sunburn, and the effects of extreme cold. It’s crucial to follow guidelines, dress appropriately, and listen to instructions from the expedition leaders.
Yes, children are allowed on many Antarctica cruises. However, minimum age requirements can vary among different itineraries. Typically, children around eight or older are permitted.
Why go on an Antarctica Cruise?
Because you need to see that once in your life. While other destinations’ landscapes resemble some regions you may have been, Antarctica is unique.
Don’t forget that it is a land of explorers, even today, even more than Patagonia was once. This is why taking an Antarctica cruise is the best way to travel to this continent. Technology and human capital are crucial to succeed in a trip like this.
The Antarctic vessels are prepared to endure thin ice and are sufficiently strong to cope with the unpredictable weather of the area. Scientists and tour specialists will also make you feel safe. There are highly trained people in this destination.
Best Destinations to Combine with Antarctica Cruises
Ushuaia in Argentina
Ushuaia is the capital of the Tierra del Fuego. Here is where people come to explore Tierra del Fuego National Park, The Jail “At the end of the world”, and try the best seafood in Argentina.
But also, Ushuaia is the privileged port for Antarctic cruises. Many depart from here, pass through the Beagle Channel, and sail into the challenging water of the Drake Passage.
You can combine your Antarctic trip with three days before or after the Antarctic expedition and visit the natural highlights of Ushuaia.
El Calafate in Argentina
If your Antarcti cruise departs and returns to Ushuaia in Argentina, it is straightforward to fly to El Calafate. This is not a chance to waste.
El Calafate is still Patagonia but north to Ushuaia. You can plan a couple of days in El Calafate (let’s say, 3) to see the Perito Moreno Glacier, navigate the National Park, and take a relaxing ranch day in a typical Patagonian location.
Puerto Natales in Chile
Once your Antarctic cruise is over, you can extend your trip to Puerto Natales in Chilean Patagonia. This little village is known to be the gateway to another amazing destination – Torres del Paine National Park.
Torres del Paine is a minimum 5-day trip. At least if you want to enjoy some serious trekking and camping on the many refuges of the so-called W Circuit inside the park.
If this sounds like too much, you can always make a day trip to see some of the famous viewpoints inside the park and return to Puerto Natales. Milodón Cave is another 1-day attraction you can visit from Puerto Natales, an archeological tour of the wildlife living in the area thousands of years ago.
Punta Arenas in Chile
This city is in southern Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park. Which means that you will be even closer to the magnificent Chilean Fjords. Navigation through the many water roads is usual and an unmissable tour of this area.
Travel Tips to Explore Antarctica
Be Prepared
Be Prepared
Although we count on doctors on board, if you suffer from Nautia on trips, remember to take some extra medication with you.
Tipping
Tipping
Normally, on an Antarctic cruise people use to tip 10-20 USD a dar per passenger. This is not mandatory, but rather completely up to you.
Connection
Connection
Although we are in the XXI century, the Antarctic is still a challenging destination for communication. So, don’t get frustrated if your phone doesn’t work.
Drake Lake or Drake Shake?
Drake Lake or Drake Shake?
Experts sailors invented two ways of classifying the mood of the Drake Passage-Drake Lake, when waves are gentle, and Drake Shake when it’s time to fasten your seatbelts. While some prefer to fly instead of sailing to Antarctica, the Drake Passage offers a variety of wildlife to observe, but only from a ship.
The Emperor Penguin
The Emperor Penguin
Pay attention, because there is nowhere else in the world you will see Emperor penguins. They live only in Antarctica and are the biggest type of penguins, measuring up to 4 feet tall.
Be Good with Wildlife
Be Good with Wildlife
You will see amazing species on this trip, but it’s forbidden to touch them. The same, when taking pictures, you need to prioritize the animal. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, abort the mission. The same with vegetation. It is prohibited to take with you and bring foreign vegetation to Antarctica.
Be Prepared
Although we count on doctors on board, if you suffer from Nautia on trips, remember to take some extra medication with you.
Connection
Although we are in the XXI century, the Antarctic is still a challenging destination for communication. So, don’t get frustrated if your phone doesn’t work.
The Emperor Penguin
Pay attention, because there is nowhere else in the world you will see Emperor penguins. They live only in Antarctica and are the biggest type of penguins, measuring up to 4 feet tall.
Tipping
Normally, on an Antarctic cruise people use to tip 10-20 USD a dar per passenger. This is not mandatory, but rather completely up to you.
Drake Lake or Drake Shake?
Experts sailors invented two ways of classifying the mood of the Drake Passage-Drake Lake, when waves are gentle, and Drake Shake when it’s time to fasten your seatbelts. While some prefer to fly instead of sailing to Antarctica, the Drake Passage offers a variety of wildlife to observe, but only from a ship.
Be Good with Wildlife
You will see amazing species on this trip, but it’s forbidden to touch them. The same, when taking pictures, you need to prioritize the animal. If it doesn’t feel comfortable, abort the mission. The same with vegetation. It is prohibited to take with you and bring foreign vegetation to Antarctica.
In these hand-picked articles from our Travel blog you will find useful information for your next trip