If you’re looking for a trip outside of the ordinary tourist traps, you should definitely consider giving Antarctica a try. These small, ice-strengthened ships will give you the opportunity to take in the dramatic scenery, but once in this pristine wilderness you will take zodiac (motorised dingy) cruises and make landings ashore to get up close and involved in all that this magical land has to offer. The low season lasts between April and October. So seasickness is something I would have to look out for. If you’re looking to get ashore as much as possible then it’s a good idea to avoid ships that carry more than 500 passengers. The weather in Antarctica is about as variable as you could ever imagine.
Unsurprisingly, Antarctica travel is expensive. How much do you want to spend on your trip? I hadn’t even thought to go but your post has made me think its possible – and made me realise how much planning I’d need to do! We welcome your questions or comments to this article. If you’re looking for a trip outside of the ordinary tourist traps, you should definitely consider giving Antarctica a try. This dramatic landscape offers the perfect backdrop for fun, exploration, contemplation and adventure.
So here's how to plan a trip to Antarctica – the top 10 questions answered!
Be sure to partner with a professional and experienced tour operator and do lots of research up-front. Passing through the Lemaire Channel with glacial walls towering high on both sides, leading to islands that are home to huge penguin rookeries, Elephant seals and countless seabirds. Contact me for the most up to date information on special offers and we can help you find the right trip at the best price to suit your style and budget. Despite the growing popularity of Antarctica cruises, it’s still a sparsely visited region and offers some of the most pristine stretches of untouched land left for people to explore. If possible, try to keep your camera in a waterproof bag to avoid damage during zodiac excursions. Mix them up on a beach with some oversized elephant seals and some more boisterous fur seals and you truly are in a nature lover’s paradise! There should be at least a few days dedicated to offshore activities in which to explore the major geographic and historic sights. It is wise to prepare for the physical exertion of balancing on a swaying vessel, landing on rocky shores and walking up hills by getting in some exercise in the weeks ahead of your trip. Thanks for subscribing. When booking a cruise, double-check to make sure that you will actually be setting foot on the continent and not just sailing through. Great post and great advice Meg. We rarely suffer with seasickness so hopefully this would be the same when we go there. Antarctica is my dream destination. Even if you have an idea of what to expect from your trip to Antarctica, you can be sure that the journey will far surpass your expectations. Thermal underwear. Sunglasses and lip balm are great for sun protection too.
I was down in Ushuaia last Summer and I met some people who were getting ready to sail to Antarctica. Have an open mind and try to be tolerant of others. So when you’re planning for an Antarctic trip you’re going to be looking to head out somewhere between November and March. You may not think the coldest, driest, windie ... Antarctica is one of the last untouched front ... Ushuaia, Argentina, is the southernmost city ... You can share the above image on your site vi ... To even the most seasoned globetrotter, Antar ... Antarctica is a wild and relatively undiscove ... Sign-up now for special travel deals and insights available to members only. They require more work, but they also come with a sense of pride and accomplishment that you’re not going to find in your trips to regular tourist hotspots. However, a visit to the seventh continent is not only about checking boxes. Refer to our guide, for more tips on getting an Antarctica tour on a budget. Bigger ships are less susceptible to the movement of the ocean. Or, if none of these appeal to you, see all of our Antarctica cruises. Antarctica is a vast and remote wilderness and a trip to Antarctica promises to be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It is a journey that requires serious commitment and a lot of preparation.
Most trips departing from South America don’t include crossing the actual South Pole. When we eventually get to that part of the world, I think for us it would be the clothing aspect to look at (especially when we need new clothing for cold conditions as ours is quite dated). Sunblock. By February, the sea has warmed attracting legions of krill making it a prime time for the feeding Humpbacks, Minkies and Orca whales. Small ship expedition cruising is what these trips are about. To go where very few go, is definitely an adrenaline generating thought. The Antarctic season stretches from November to February, outside of which you simply cannot get there by ship.
Unpredictable of course! You can follow in Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps of exploration and survival during the Endurance expedition, to his final resting place in this magnificent land. An Antarctic summer lasts approximately five months, starting in November and ending in April. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. You should also anticipate wind, rain and fog, together with some great big waves.
The wildlife may be less plentiful but this is the time to see penguins mating and building nests for their young. The Classic 10-11 day trip takes you on an awe-inspiring journey down to the Antarctic Peninsula giving you around 6 days exploring the peninsula and surrounding Islands. It still has the mystery and excitement of visiting a truly new world :), Glad you found the planning tips helpful – definitely on the boots – a lot of cruises do provide these for you, and usually have a lot of different sizes to accommodate all. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Growing up in the north east of England, Andrea had earned her back-packing stripes around the world and already had 8 years’ experience before she joined Travel Nation as a round the world specialist in 2011. Also, it’s easier to swap out layers when they get wet instead of counting on one or two bulky layers. After all, it’s not like you can just hop on a flight or train to squeeze in an extra activity or two that you missed the first time around. If that is your objective, look for a tour that specifically mentions. I was lucky enough to make my own Antarctic expedition a few years ago, and I'm passionate about making sure other people get to experience our southernmost ice cap on one of these once-in-a-lifetime trips. It sounded like an amazing adventure!You are lucky to have had this experience. Required fields are marked *, Designed by Elegant Themes | Powered by WordPress, The Best Way to Start Planning an Antarctica Trip. Listen carefully to any health and safety precautions provided by the tour. I would be so stoked to visit and photograph this magnificent continent. Thanks Vicki – yes, you can definitely get to Antarctica via working on cruise ships if you’re interested in that; a really great way to experience the continent without having to pay! I am actually looking into doing Antarctica cruise during the summer but I was a bit afraid from those freezing temperatures. Most expedition ships depart Ushuaia – the southernmost tip of Argentina. Photo credits: Dietmar Denger for Oceanwide Expeditions. Bragging rights. Thanks Danik – yes, it’s definitely the type of destination where you would need to make sure you have quality clothes, especially when it comes to staying warm and waterproof :). While it is not strictly necessary to be young and fit to travel to Antarctica, it certainly helps to be in good physical shape.
During winter, Antarctic temperatures drop to fifteen or more degrees below zero. The sun bounces off of the snow and ice, making for a mighty bright glare. Language Exchange by Solo Female Travelers, Facebook Groups: Growth Hacking, Marketing and Monetization, How to Prevent Motion Sickness on Your Next Trip, Côte d’Azur: Top Things to do in the French Riviera, Three Things to Consider Before Booking a European Getaway, Shopping Online is the Best Way to Support Local Communities Right Now, International Love: Maintaining a Long Distance Relationship, 7 Things To Know Before Travelling by Overnight Train in Vietnam, A Travelers Guide to Tap Water: Countries Where The Drinking Water is Unsafe. December to January has the most daylight (up to 20 hours) and is the time where many penguin chicks will be hatching making it a highly popular time to travel. It will include a few of the Antarctic Islands which are rich in wildlife.
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To reach the Antarctic Circle you need a little longer, and you can expect even more dramatic ice scenery. Remember – motion sickness medicine is preventive, not a cure.
Your tips for planning for this adventure are really very useful. When it comes to Antarctic tours, the sky is the limit, literally. Brilliant post!! On board, you’ll be able to listen to lectures and get first-hand information and guidance from the crew, which is all part of your package. To see the unique landscape. A mid-range tour will last 12 days to two weeks. In summer, temperatures hover around zero, ranging between two and minus two degrees Celsius. How to Pay for an Antarctica Trip This will definitely be my most expensive undertaking (check out my Antarctica budget ). Heading to the Antarctic regions is definitely THE adventure. So, the earlier you start planning, the better chances there are for you to secure a tour of your choice, at your price. Within Antarctica’s waters you will also encounter whales including great humpbacks, Southern Right and Orca whales, to name but a few.
Be sure to partner with a professional and experienced tour operator and do lots of research up-front. Oddly enough this means that (depending on where you’re from) you might be going into warmer temperatures in Antarctica than you’re experiencing at home.
But it’s something every traveler should pre check :). Megan is an Australian Journalist and award-winning travel writer who has been blogging since 2007. Glad we could help with some practical planning tips Veronika :) Have an incredible time in Antarctica this summer! Will all equipment work there? One advantage of a larger vessel is that the chances of motion sickness are lower. PIN THIS TO YOUR TRAVEL PINTEREST BOARDS ↓. Definitely needs a lot of prior planning, but is absolutely within reach :).
At this time the landing grounds are the most untouched and the icescapes perhaps at their most pristine. You will be very well looked after onboard, and the meals will be wonderful and plentiful. DON’T FORGET TO PACK THESE FOR YOUR CRUISE: CLICK PHOTO ↓, SPREAD THE WORD!