It’s cold and not easy to get to, but SO WORTH IT! Today, we are talking about a bucket-list vacation and one of the last final frontiers on our planet, Antarctica! The beauty of Antarctica, with its backdrop of massive blue-toned icebergs and its wildlife, simply can’t be denied. From planning logistics on how to get there to the opportunity to observe penguins, whales, and seals in their natural habitats, this is a dream destination. And there is no shortage of unique things to do in Antarctica!
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How to Get to Antarctica
Okay, so let’s get real. Vacationing in Antarctica takes some planning! If you’ve ever thumbed through a brochure wondering what it would be like to take an Antarctica cruise, just know that your booked itinerary is merely a GUIDE!
We can pretty much guarantee that you will NOT follow the exact advertised/booked itinerary. You could probably book the same trip multiple times, and it would be different each time. Why? Because things can and do change quickly in Antarctica due to inclement weather.
If the weather does not permit, a scheduled location may be skipped. There’s also the chance that you could stop somewhere else that was not on your itinerary. Being flexible is going to be key.
Point of Departure
First, you will need to travel to your departure point for your Antarctica cruise. The most common point of departure is Ushuaia, Argentina. Some other very common departure points are Punta Arenas, Chile, and Buenos Aires, Argentina.
Drake Passage: “Drake Lake” vs “Drake Shake”
Anyone taking an Antarctica cruise has to face the Drake Passage, named after Sir Francis Drake. The Drake Passage is a stretch of ocean between South America and the Antarctic Peninsula where multiple bodies of water converge.
Crossing the Drake Passage takes approximately 48 hours and is like a box of chocolates. “You nevvah know whatcha gonna get!”
Depending on weather conditions, there could be calm seas and minimal waves, known as the “Drake Lake,” or there could be waves up to 40 feet, known as the “Drake Shake.”
While this may seem daunting, ships going through here are designed for these conditions. It is important to listen to your captain and crew during this time. They are experienced, know what they are dealing with, and may even ban you from being on the outside deck at times.
It is also HIGHLY advisable to bring medication and to take it early enough to combat those queasy effects of seasickness – just in case! A helpful hint… some people swear by remedies such as green apples, ginger, and motion sickness patches or sea bands.
Size Matters: Ships vs. Expedition Vessels
One of THE most important things to know is the difference between ship sizes and how it will affect your experience.
Larger Cruise Ships
Taking a true Antarctica cruise on a larger ship (500+ passengers) is probably the more affordable and comfortable option, and it can handle the Drake Passage a little better. You will have onboard amenities like restaurants, lounges, spas, and hot tubs.
However, due to regulations, passengers from these larger ships cannot go ashore, making this more of a scenic cruise.
While your captain will probably get you as close as possible to wildlife, you will have to view everything from the deck and won’t be able to take a smaller Zodiac boat to go ashore.
Expedition Ships/Vessels
These ships/accommodations are for people willing to forego shows, casinos, and restaurants for the more natural attractions of Antarctica.
Only small expedition ships (under 500 passengers) are allowed to make landings. It’s important to note that (again, due to regulations) the number of passengers allowed to go on shore is restricted to 100 people at a time, so guests will have to go ashore in shifts.
If you are seeking more adventurous things to do in Antarctica, we recommend taking a smaller expedition vessel of 200 passengers or less for your Antarctica cruise.
This will mean more time on shore and fewer group rotations, giving you more intimate encounters with those adorable penguins. Watch out for your shoelaces, though! These curious little creatures are known to give them a playful tug!
These smaller expedition vessels also have access to a wide number of landing sites, giving the captain greater flexibility to adjust the route for better weather and/or wildlife sightings.
What Can You See in Antarctica?
First, let’s talk about what you won’t see. There are no hotels in Antarctica, and there are no restaurants in Antarctica. This is just what we would refer to as raw beauty for nature lovers!
Whether you are taking a scenic cruise or expedition vessel, after getting through the Drake Passage, you will see icebergs of all sizes, seals, massive colonies of penguins, and humpback whales, possibly breaching right next to your ship!
South Shetland Islands
Most itineraries will take you to places like the South Shetland Islands, which act as a gateway to Antarctica. Here, you can see massive penguin colonies and possibly little penguin chicks, depending on the time of the year.
You will see different types of seals and may even witness leopard seals hunting penguins.
Deception Island
In addition to the marine life, you can also experience an active volcano on Deception Island. This island last erupted in 1970, forcing scientists to abandon their damaged research stations.
As you walk on the black sand beaches here, you will see steam rising from the ground. In fact, if you dig a hole here, hot water actually seeps up. And THIS makes for a wildly fascinating polar plunge with hot water on top and freezing water below!
Thousands of chinstrap penguins also come here to nest, and seabirds patrol the area looking for their eggs.
Adventurous Things to do in Antarctica
If you are adventurous at heart and really want to get your Dora the Explorer on, here are some activities for you:
Kayaking
Imagine kayaking past blue icebergs and untouched wilderness with penguins splashing near your kayak or possibly even having a whale pop up next to you!
Polar plunge
Jumping into arctic water is a special kind of – crazy! But how often can you say that you took a polar plunge and survived it in Antarctica?
Overnight Camping
(Yep, not kidding!) You can drift off under a canopy of stars, listening to the sounds of nature all around you while cocooned in a thermal sleeping bag designed to keep you snug and warm in sub-zero temperatures.
Some companies include an excursion or two in their base price, but there’s a high likelihood that each excursion will be an extra cost. Keep in mind that the range of activities offered and your overall experience are influenced by factors such as the type of ship, the number of passengers, and the weather conditions.
There are stories out there of passengers becoming irate after spending tens of thousands of dollars on their cruise and not being able to step onto this seventh continent because they were on a large ship and unable to come ashore.
To avoid this disappointment, be sure to research your chosen ship and read the fine print and reviews to be sure that your itinerary matches your Antarctic aspirations.
FAQ:
Can I fly into Antarctica? I’m nervous about being seasick.
If vacationing in Antarctica is an appealing bucket-list item for you, but going through the Drake Passage makes you ill just thinking about it, there is an easier option for you. You can take what is called the “fly-cruise” option!
By choosing the “fly-cruise” option, you can bypass the Drake Passage by taking a charter flight from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island, which is part of the South Shetland Islands. You can then board an expedition vessel from there.
This comes at a cost but is a great option for someone who really wants to focus on the exploration part of the trip and would rather have less travel time, since it would cut out a total of four days going back and forth through the Drake Passage.
You should consider that flights to Antarctica are dependent on good weather and that you could experience delays of hours or possibly even days taking the “fly-cruise” option.
When is the best time to travel to Antarctica?
First, I’m gonna say book early! The Antarctic season is a short one, lasting from November to March. Different months offer different experiences.
November: This is spring and the breeding season for many birds and penguins.
December to January: This is peak summer, providing the warmest temperatures, longer days for exploring, and lots of wildlife activities, including adorable penguin chicks hatching.
February to March: This is late summer, when the ice starts receding, making it easier to hike. While animal wildlife in general is less active, this is an ideal time for whale watching as they will be feeding like crazy during this time.
Do you have any advice on ways to cut costs?
While this strategy is by no means a guarantee, you can try waiting at a departure point like Ushuaia, Argentina, before a cruise leaves. Waiting until the last minute CAN sometimes get you on an Antarctica cruise at a deep discount, possibly up to 50% or more!
You need to be ready to leave on short notice and constantly check with tour operators, cruise offices, and local travel agents for any unsold cabins or perhaps a last-minute cancellation.
It’s important to note that this has a stronger chance of working if you are taking a larger cruise ship, which does not allow landings. This strategy COULD work for a small expedition ship, but it’s less likely since they often sell out months in advance.
So How About It?
Are YOU ready to start planning an unforgettable Antarctic adventure?
Embarking on a trip to Antarctica is truly an unparalleled adventure that will surely touch your soul with its pristine landscapes, extraordinary wildlife, and amazing excursions. It’s a journey that few take, but the lucky ones that do are left with indelible memories to last a lifetime! And it’s why we believe that you should always Travel The Unexpected!
If you’re brave enough to try this experience, check out our post on BEST Trips in the World to Take During Winter!
