A cruise to Antarctica is one of those unique trips that with a lot of luck one can indulge in once in a lifetime and for that very reason, we want it to be special.
Now, since the prices are quite high, it is important to be very clear about what each option includes and everything we need to know in advance. Next, we answer all the questions that you will surely be asking yourself.
How do I get to Antarctica?
There are two ways of transportation to get to the white continent:
- By plane: there are usually flights to King George Island and scenic flights. And although you get there faster, this is not the cheapest option.
- By boat/cruise: Cruise travel is everyone's choice. Based in Argentina and 1000 kilometers away, Ushuaia is the city with the closest port to reach Antarctica. Most of the companies offer itineraries that start from here but others also depart from ports such as Punta Arenas or Puerto Madryn.
Clearly there are companies that work from South Africa, Australia and New Zealand but budgets and distances increase much more. For this reason, to get to Antarctica it is best to travel from South America.
When can you travel?
The season to travel to Antarctica is short and runs from October to March. However, the recommended date to travel is from the end of December to February, the days are longer with 20 hours of sunlight! The temperatures are a bit higher (-2 ° C to 3 ° C) due to the more sunny days. It is a good time to observe the fauna, the births and young of penguins, cormorants, seals and sea lions. Whale season is at its peak.
Something to keep in mind in these months is that the dates of Christmas and New Year are always reserved well in advance, anticipate! Another fact is that the first and last cruises of the season are usually the cheapest for several reasons: the weather is more unpredictable, so the itinerary is subject to conditions. It is not the breeding season, so the fauna is “less tempting”. There is more chance of gray days and, therefore, photos with less quality.
The best cruise proposals
Sailing through the Antarctic Peninsula
The Basecamp cruise travels through carefully selected areas in Antarctica, stopping at places where you can engage in outdoor activities such as mountaineering, glacier hikes, and kayaking. For those who love adventure, there is also the possibility of spending a night in the rugged coastal campsites. Passengers who do not wish to participate in these activities can enjoy Zodiac excursions (speedboats) and easy walks along the coast that focus on wildlife. All activities are free.
The Basecamp Ortelius cruise ship runs for 12 days. The boat begins in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in the world, located on the shores of the Beagle Channel. The circuit will begin in this channel that will be navigated throughout the night of the first day, continuing through the Drake Passage to the Antarctic Convergence. Then it will continue through the South Shetland Islands. From day 4 to 9, you will sail directly to Antarctica, passing the Melchior islands and the Schollaert channel between the Brabant and Antwerp islands. Other points that include navigation are the Neumayer Channel, Port Lockroy, the Booth, Pléneau and Petermann islands. Also the Bahía Paraíso and the Canal Errera. Throughout the tour, you will be able to see several species of albatrosses and petrels such as Gentoo penguins, blue-eyed cormorants, leopard seals, crabs, humpback whales and Adelie penguins.
Antarctic Peninsula with whale watching
This adventure to the
Antarctic Peninsula with whale watching lasts 13 days. It takes place on board the Hondius Cruise, a new and advanced Oceanwide ship that meets the most modern and high demands for ships. It has capacity for 170 passengers and luxury accommodation.
On this expedition, you will spend most of your time observing landscapes and wildlife alongside naturists and biologists, but you also have the option of participating in a wide range of interactive activities on board. These workshops are as engaging as they are informative, covering topics on navigation, astronomy, geology, botany, and cooking. Presentations are also held that explore the fascinating life of polar whales, land mammals, and birds.
The Cruise begins and ends in the city of Ushuaia. The first days you will navigate the Beagle Channel and the Drake Passage. On the fourth day they will enter Antarctica and will be able to visit: Cuverville Island, Neko Harbor and Paradise Bay. In these places you will see gentoo penguins and brown skuas. During the zodiac and kayak rides you will be within easy reach of humpback whales and minkes. Then the excursion will continue to the Islands: Pourquoi Pas, Horseshoe, Stonington and Hanusse Bay, where there will be whale watching and you will be able to see an important variety of mountains full of glaciers. Near the Antarctic circle during days 9 to 12, you can also do humpback whale watching and zodiac rides, where you will see other species such as gentoo penguins, leopard seals and crabeater.
Polar Circle - Antarctic Peninsula
This navigation heads south of Antarctica across the Polar Circle, where few ships reach. The vessel used is El Plancius, a reinforced ice boat with 53 cabins for 116 passengers, conference rooms, a restaurant and viewing decks.
The Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise lasts 12 days and can only be booked from March to November.
During these 12 days you will be able to visit places such as the Shetland Islands, Hannah Point, Deception Island, Neko Port and Paradise Bay. You will be able to enjoy adventures among the icebergs through zodiac navigations, where you will see the Adélie penguins and the blue-eyed cormorant up close. When you get to Pléneau Island you will find Humpback and Minke whales. Also during all this navigation you will appreciate different species of wandering albatross, gray-headed, black-browed, light-mantled, checkerboard petrel, silver petrel, storm petrel, blue and Antarctic. In addition, you will get up close and personal with Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins, the Southern Giant Petrel, and elephant seals.
The last days of the navigation will go to the south of the Argentine Islands towards the Crystal Strait to cross the Polar Circle. They are going to make a landing at the historic British base on Detaille Island, which will be the southernmost position. The landscape is impressive with very high mountains and huge glaciers. Then they will continue north through the Neumayer Channel and the Gerlache Strait to arrive at the Melchior Islands, surrounded by a beautiful landscape and icebergs. On the 11th it will be time to return to the starting point in Ushuaia.
Weddell Sea navigation including helicopter
The
10-day sailing through the Weddell Sea will allow you to explore the Emperor Penguin settlements near the island of Snow Hill. You will also be able to visit the area and see the variety of birds and penguins, including Adélies and Gentoos. One of the most interesting points of the expedition is the possibility of taking a helicopter tour, flying over the ice of the Weddell Sea, you will be able to enjoy the magnificent landscapes of Antarctic nature.
The trip takes place in the Ortelius, a reinforced and fully equipped boat for 108 passengers, with 52 cabins, a wide open space on the deck and comfortable spaces inside. The season for this navigation is from December to March. The boat starts in the afternoon in the city of Ushuaia, following the main points such as the Drake Passage, the Antarctic Strait, Duse Bay, Seymour Island, Brown Farallon, Devil's Island and La Decepción.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetlands Islands
During this 10-day navigation you will get to know the famous
South Shetland Islands. Of volcanic origin, mainly mountainous and 80% covered by glaciers. On these islands you will also have the opportunity to see penguins and seals. You will pass through La Isla Decepción, where the Spanish and Argentine scientific bases are located. In the eastern part of the island, passengers will be able to hike through glaciers and steep peaks. Another outstanding outdoor activity is the kayak and zodiac navigations in Port Foster.
On the tour of the peninsula and the islands, you will have the possibility of seeing giant blue ice towers, snowy peaks and glaciers. In addition, the cruise has lecturers and naturalists on the deck who are in search of all species (gentoo penguins, brown skuas, petrels, seals and whales) so you can get to know all the fauna that these waters harbor. Navigation through the Antarctic Peninsula and the Shetlands Islands can only be done between the months of November and April.
Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctic Peninsula
It is the longest, they are 19 days of navigation through the
Malvinas Islands, South Georgia and the Antarctic Peninsula. The vessel in use is The Plancius, a reinforced ice boat with 53 cabins for 116 passengers, conference rooms, a restaurant and large viewing decks. All cabins have private bathroom with shower, internet and television.
The tour begins from Ushuaia through the Beagle Channel to the Falkland Islands, where a walk is made along the coast of Rosario Island and Trinidad Island to see the Gentoo, King, Magellan and Rockhopper penguins. During your stay in Malvinas you will also be able to walk the streets and each of the corners to experience the Falklands culture. From day 5 to 6 you will travel to the South Georgia Islands and cross the Antarctic Convergence. In this area you will see a multitude of birds around the boat: albatrosses, shearwaters, petrels, prions and skuas. Once in South Georgia, you will visit Prion Island, Fortuna Bay and Gryitviken.
How long are the trips?
Each company offers different itineraries set up according to your preferences, dates and budget. But since they are such exclusive trips and with such a precise logistical setup (not to mention that it is literally the end of the world and the distances are enormous), the programs can vary between 10 and 17 days.
Do I need a Visa?
No, Antarctica does not belong to any government and therefore you do not need a Visa to enter. However, you must have a permit that is managed by the same company, so you don't have to worry. Also, if you want, you can choose to stamp your passport as a souvenir. On some scientific bases, they offer it!
What clothes to wear?
Antarctica has a very cold climate throughout the year and you have to be well prepared: this means wearing all the right clothes. Normally, most companies give passengers snow boots and what's more, many boats usually have a section to rent/buy shelter.
We leave you a list of the essentials that cannot be missing in your suitcase:
- Thermal socks
- Thermal t-shirts
- Thermal pants/tights
- Special pants for the snow
- Scarf
- Gloves (several pairs, in case one gets wet)
- Cap/balaclava
- Sunglasses
- Waterproof snow jackets
If you don't have all this, and to Do not go into too many purchase costs, another good option is to rent your snow clothes in Ushuaia, before leaving.
In the city center there are several houses that offer this service.
Do I have to bring money?
Cruise companies have all services included and that's enough, but we always recommend having something extra in case you want buy a souvenir or have a whiskey preferably. The type of currency is the dollar.
Traveling with children.
This type of experience can be shared as a family but it is recommended that children on board be older than 12 years. It is simply because they are too long trips, with most of the time on the boat and some sections are very hard (there may be high tide or storms) and these conditions can be a bit negative for them.
What activities and excursions are carried out?
First of all, it is important to note that although each company has an itinerary programmed to follow and it helps to know what you are going to visit, everything will always depend on the weather. In addition, in these unprecedented trips everything happens on top of the cruise: sleeping, eating and traveling.
But basically, there are 3 types of activities:
- Landings: are made in inflatable boats to get from the ship to land. Generally these landings are for walking activities and visits to scientific bases in the area, penguin colonies and historical places. Ideal for taking photos, walking and enjoying the frozen landscape.
- Navigations: Tours are made in these same inflatable boats to be more in contact with the landscape, see more direct icebergs and be with the local fauna face to face. They are done in small groups of people and each navigation has its special touch.
- Optional excursions: normally They are usually outside the itinerary but you can hire them independently (yes, not all companies offer them). These activities can be camping overnight in Antarctica, diving, kayaking, skiing or mountaineering.
What is the local fauna?
The animals that you will be able to observe on all the cruises are :
- Chinstrap Penguins
- Gentoo Penguins
- Adelie Penguins
- Humpback whales
- Leopard seals
- Minke whales
- Cormorants
- Albatross
In the case of the King Penguin , you will only be able to see it if your itinerary includes South Georgia Islands. And the famous Polar Bears? Many people travel to Antarctica with the illusion of crossing them, but the reality is that they live in the Northern Hemisphere.
Does it go down to earth? In which places?
As we mentioned earlier, some landings are made during the travel to Antarctica and what you visit depends on each itinerary. These are the best places you can go:
Decepción Island
It is a key point in the itinerary and Although it bears the name "island", it is actually a volcano crater. It has incredible landscapes and you can see the old whaling station. Also, the water is a bit warmer and this allows you to get into the water! crazy but yeah, it's possible to dive into this place without dying trying. If it's something you probably do for the only time in your life, why not
cheer up?
Vernadsky Research Station
In Antarctica there are several research stations where scientists from all over the world spend months working. This base is in operation, it is in command Ukraine and allow them to open their doors to curious travelers. Without a doubt, you get very interesting talks and information.
Islas Malvinas
With a great abundance of fauna and history for having been the scene of the War between Argentina and Great Britain in 1982, these remote islands are an exclusive step on your trip to Antarctica. In its capital, Puerto Stanley (Argentine Port) you will be able to see the colorful facades of the houses, English bars and its museum with the history of the first settlements and details of the war. In addition, on Trinidad Island , you can hike and observe the different types of penguins, albatrosses and cormorants that live there. Keep in mind that Falkland Islands is not included in all cruise itineraries.
South Georgia and Sandwich Islands
After Falkland Islands, we go to South Georgia and Sandwich . Although these islands are part of the United Kingdom and do not belong to Antarctica, it is an incredible place
to visit where the protagonists are the King penguins and the elephant seals. They are not usually included in all general itineraries, only some offer this option.
Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands
They are a group of small islands that are located 120 kilometers north of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is one of the most visited places by tourists and from here, you can observe the local fauna.
This is a bay near View Point and Cape Burd. Something that stands out about this place is the opportunity to fly over in
helicopter and have the best panoramic views of the immense ice walls. Once you land near an old refuge, you can take a walk. The visit to this area is not included in all the itineraries, but you can ask for it as it is worthy of do!
Channel Neumayer.
Cruisers always usually stop at this channel to go down to the permitted base and camp. Once settled, you can do some tours on foot or by kayak (always have taking into account the weather conditions and accompanied by a guide). Camping for one night in the middle of Antarctica alongside a star show in the sky is an experience that is priceless.
In case of illness, who helps me?
All cruise companies have a < b> equipment and specialized medical personnel on board for any eventuality or health problem that may arise. Likewise, we recommend that you previously make sure that the operator you hire manages all possible risks and has travel insurance to Antarctica.
Extra useful info for your trip.
- Take sunscreen: many times the reflection of the Sun On snow it can burn.
- If you have photographic equipment , remember to wear protection due to weather conditions.
- I always followed all the instructions that professional guides give you: don't take risks for a photo or get closer than what is allowed to certain animals. You have to respect the place in every way.
- Study and read a little before traveling: it is not necessary to have the knowledge of a Scientist and although during the trip, some talks are given, knowing beforehand what awaits you in Antarctica will allow you to appreciate the experiences twice. There is a lot of bibliography on the internet!
- Most importantly: enjoy. It is a unique experience that you only live once. I lived every moment!