Antarctica is one of those destinations that is so remote it almost doesn’t feel real. It’s typically the last continent people think of – and it’s often left off of maps! A trip to Antarctica is one that few people can say they’ve experienced – and it’s hands down my favorite trip I’ve ever taken. I wanted to compile my top tips for visiting Antarctica so you can have an epic trip as well!
Be sure to check out my simple wildlife photography tips to capture incredible photos while you’re visiting!
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1. Book early
For some reason, there are tips for visiting Antarctica that say you should buy a last-minute Antarctica cruise in Ushuaia, Argentina, but I don’t really recommend counting your eggs before they hatch. That’s just me. First, you’re not guaranteed a spot – what if they are sold out? Many cruises only go to the very tip of Antarctica just so people can check it off of their list – which is fine, but you’re missing the beauty of the continent at the same time. Some cruises only visit the islands, not the continent. In order to guarantee your ideal cruise (I mean, how many times are you going to Antarctica?) be sure to do your research & book in advance! We booked as soon as the cruise became available to book – a year and a half before the trip.
This gave me plenty of time to save for the excursions like kayaking and camping! We also got to research which cruise we wanted to do – a 16-day cruise that crossed the Antarctic Circle. If you’re flexible on departure time, you MAY be able to get a discounted rate for cruises that haven’t already filled up. Our cruise ship filled up about 8 months before our departure.
Not sure if you should go to Antarctica? Read why maybe you shouldn’t here.
2. Always look for a smaller ship.
Antarctica is very well protected, which means that only a few people can be on land at a time. So if you board a large cruise ship that can hold 500 passengers, not including the crew, it won’t make stops on land – and you would need binoculars just to see the animals. You want to look for an ice breaker since sea ice is common. I can’t recommend Hurtigruten enough! There were about 245 people on the ship. Everyone received a windbreaker jacket (they called it a parka) and on the sleeve was a place for a small patch. The guests were separated into 8 groups with animals so we knew when we were getting off the ship. The numbers were rotated by day 1-2-3-4-5-6-7-8 then 2-3-4-5-6-7-8-1 etc. We were never in a long line, and nature was protected from overcrowding.
There are a number of cruise types and ships available depending on your travel style. We opted for an expedition cruise because we liked the idea of being on land a lot. However there are luxury cruises and large cruise ships as well if that is what you prefer.
3. Pack the right clothing and dress in layers.
Yes, Antarctica is the coldest place in the world. Pack some sweaters, some long johns, t-shirts, and workout gear. The most important of your layers is the outer layer – your pants and windproof jacket. Hurtigruten provided us boots for landing – but if your cruise doesn’t include it, then get muck and water proof boots (at least mid-calf). Sometimes you may have to make wet landings and you’ll be glad you had waterproof boots. Since you’re going to Antarctica in mid-Summer (Nov-March), the temperatures will range between 15-40 degrees Fahrenheit.
I often wore a sports bra, spaghetti string, sweater and my parka. On one hike I was actually so warm that I ended up going down to my base layer – the spaghetti string. You’d be surprised at how warm you get when hiking on land!
Travel Tip: Most cruise lines offer you detailed information about what to bring. Our cruise ship provided muck boots so I didn’t have to find water-proof, mid-calf high boots to bring.
4. Understand that weather controls everything.
While this is true for most of the world, the weather can be very unpredictable. The staff of the ship always brought emergency food and water in case we got stuck on land. That never happened luckily, but the weather and the swells in the water can all change. Even though you’re visiting in the summer months, the Antarctic Summer is unlike any other summer on Earth.
Travel tip: Antarctica cruises only run during their summer (November-March). During the winter, the waters become too icy and the weather too hostile to make the trek.
5. Bring an extra pair of waterproof and windproof pants.
I know, this isn’t typically in a “top tips for visiting Antarctica” but I think it’s really important. But I’m going to tell you something that no one tells you and is probably going to kick me out of the Antarctica club, PENGUIN POOP SMELLS AWFUL. There, I said it. Guess what Antarctica has a lot of? Penguins. See all that pink underneath the penguins – that’s POOP. So while you’re walking around your pants will get some on them. Having two sets gives you a chance to rinse off (or try to). The smell on one of my pants was so bad I just threw them out rather than bringing them home.
6. Be prepared: There are no bathrooms, food, or water on land.
There aren’t any trees to hide behind either. Do your business on the ship. Going to the bathroom on land can harm the ecosystem. Even when we stayed overnight on land (more on that coming soon!) they only brought small toilets for Number 1. Zodiacs go back to the ship if you have an emergency, but they won’t bring you back on land.
You are also not allowed to bring food or water on land with you. Litter is harmful for the environment. The staff of the ship brings emergency food and water in case of weather. If you’re really brave, you can even camp in Antarctica!
7. Learn about the nature and wildlife of the Antarctic
You will not see polar bears or foxes down south – that’s the Arctic. You’ll see a ton of penguins, seals, and hopefully whales. The staff will be happy to explain any animals you may see, but it would save you time if you knew the basics. Our ship provided a few lectures regarding nature as well. The staff of the cruise goes on land first to mark off an animal-safe path for you to walk. Penguins don’t mind humans and will walk right up to you, but keep your distance from the seals – they can be territorial. Learning about the nature of the Antarctic is one of the top tips for visiting Antarctica.
Most cruise ships allow you to do a polar plunge to swim with penguins!
8. Prepare for seasickness.
As someone with decent sea legs (I’m no sailor, but I am comfortable on a boat), probably the most important tip for visiting Antarctica is to pack something for motion sickness. The Drake Shake (what they call crossing the Drake Passage) is real. Our first crossing on the way down there was “mild” according to the captain – we “only” had 12-15 foot waves! On the way back we had a medical emergency so we sped through the 15-foot waves. Hurtigruten required a doctor’s approval for you to go to Antarctica (there aren’t any hospitals in Antarctica either) so I simply told my doctor about the passage and he prescribed me some Dramamine patches for behind my ear.
Travel Tip: Motion sickness medicine is preventative, not a cure. So even if you’re not sure you’ll get sick, take it ahead of time just to be sure. You don’t want to miss the views once you’re through the Drake Passage because you’re in bed sick.
9. Embrace the history (and future!).
I did not think there would be a lot of history on this cruise, but we were able to stop at a few research stations. Learn a little bit about the explorers who braved the ice continent long before we had ship stabilizers and Dramamine. Some of the posts are historical landmarks and you can see cans of old food and diaries on land. Some are still being used today. We made a pit stop at Vernadsky Research base where we kayaked with a leopard seal (unintentionally) and then had a drink at the world’s southernmost bar and did some shopping at the souvenir shop! The researchers here are learning so much about our planet and its wildlife – and the impact humans have on it, since it’s so well protected.
10. Spend some time in Ushuaia before your cruise
Approximately 90% of Antarctic cruises leave from Ushuaia due to its southern location. It’s the southernmost city in the world hence its nickname “the end of the world.” We spent a few days in Buenos Aires before flying to Ushuaia for a few days. (If you also visit Buenos Aires, note that it will be summer there and in the 90’s Fahrenheit, 30 Celsius – so you’ll need some different clothing options!)
I highly recommend giving yourself at least two days to explore Ushuaia. Not only are there plenty of things to do in Ushuaia, one couple’s plane was delayed and they ended up missing the cruise! It’s better to be safe than sorry!
11. Don’t forget travel insurance
Due to the remoteness of Antarctica, this is more of a necessity than a tip, but still should be said. All tour companies require insurance to cover evacuation by air, repartition, and medical fees. Medical evacuation alone can cost $100,000 so the higher the coverage the better. You’ll also need a physical from a doctor to say you’re cleared to take the trip. If you do optional activities like camping in Antarctica, then you’ll want to be covered!
Travel Tip: Be sure to read the fine print of the insurance policy. Some policies do not cover you once you leave the ship.
Read more about Antarctica:
- How to Plan a Trip to Antarctica
- 40+ (Unedited) Photos to Inspire You to Visit Antarctica
- 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Go to Antarctica
- Taking a Polar Plunge in Antarctica
- Camping on the Ice in Antarctica
- Traveling to Antarctica with Hurtigruten
- Ethical Animal Tourism Posts on Antarctica
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