Antarctica

Understanding Antarctic Cruising

Antarctica is unlike any other cruise destination. There are no ports, no terminals, no taxis waiting at the dock. The continent is governed by international treaty, with no permanent human population. Expedition ships carry their own Zodiacs for landings, and every moment ashore is managed to minimize environmental impact.

Most Antarctic cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina—the world's southernmost city—and focus on the Antarctic Peninsula, the continent's most accessible region. The journey requires crossing the Drake Passage, roughly 1,000 kilometers of open ocean between South America and Antarctica.

This is expedition cruising at its purest: nature sets the schedule, weather determines what's possible, and the wildlife doesn't perform on cue. That uncertainty is precisely the point.

The Drake Passage

The Drake is legendary—and for good reason. The convergence of Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Ocean currents creates unpredictable conditions. You might experience "Drake Lake" (glassy calm) or "Drake Shake" (rolling swells that test your sea legs and medication supply).

Crossing Tips

• Medication: Start seasickness medication before entering the Drake, not after you feel ill. Scopolamine patches, meclizine (Bonine), or ginger remedies work for many.
• Cabin Location: Mid-ship cabins on lower decks experience less motion. If prone to seasickness, this matters.
• Rest: Sleep when you can. Rough seas are exhausting even when lying down.
• Attitude: The Drake is part of the adventure. Every explorer who came before endured it—Ernest Shackleton's crossing in a lifeboat makes modern expedition ships look luxurious.

The crossing takes approximately 36-48 hours each way. Expedition staff use this time for educational lectures and gear distribution.

Antarctic Landings

Once you reach the Peninsula, daily Zodiac excursions bring you ashore to penguin colonies, research stations, and historic sites. IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) regulations govern all landings.

Common Landing Sites

• Neko Harbor: Mainland Antarctica landing with gentoo penguins and stunning glacial backdrop.
• Deception Island: Volcanic caldera you sail into. Warm volcanic beaches where hardy souls take the "Polar Plunge."
• Paradise Harbor: Aptly named. Sheer ice cliffs, leopard seals, and heart-stopping reflection photography.
• Port Lockroy: British Heritage Site with penguin colony, museum, and the world's southernmost post office.
• Lemaire Channel: "Kodak Gap"—a narrow passage between towering cliffs and glaciers.
• Half Moon Island: Chinstrap penguin colony near atmospheric Argentinian research station ruins.

Landing Protocols

• No more than 100 passengers ashore at one time (IAATO regulation).
• Maintain 5-meter distance from wildlife (though penguins don't read the rules and may approach you).
• Nothing is left behind—not even footprints where avoidable.
• Boot washing before and after every landing to prevent species transfer.
• No food ashore except at designated picnic sites.

Wildlife

Antarctica's wildlife is the main attraction, and sightings are virtually guaranteed on any expedition cruise.

Penguins

• Gentoo: Red-orange beaks, white bonnet pattern. The Peninsula's most common species.
• Chinstrap: Named for the black line under their chin. Feisty and vocal.
• Adélie: The classic "tuxedo" penguin. Populations concentrated further south.
• Emperor: The largest species. Rarely seen on standard Peninsula cruises—requires specialized deep-Antarctic expeditions.

Seals

• Leopard Seal: Apex predator, often seen on ice floes. Distinctive spotted pattern and reptilian smile.
• Weddell Seal: Docile, rotund, and endearing. Often seen napping on ice.
• Crabeater Seal: Despite the name, they eat krill. Most abundant seal species on Earth.
• Fur Seal: Aggressive and territorial—keep your distance.

Whales

• Humpback: Most commonly sighted. Spectacular breaching and bubble-net feeding.
• Orca: Hunt in family pods. Sightings increasingly common.
• Minke: Smaller baleen whales, curious and approachable.

Seabirds

Albatrosses, petrels, skuas, and Antarctic terns accompany the ship. The wandering albatross has the largest wingspan of any living bird.

When to Go

The Antarctic season runs November through March, with distinct advantages at different times:

• Early Season (November-December): Pristine snow and ice, penguin courtship and egg-laying, dramatic late-spring light. Pack ice may limit some landing sites early on.
• Peak Season (December-January): Warmest temperatures (highs around 0°C/32°F), penguin chicks hatching, 24-hour daylight. Most crowded with expedition ships.
• Late Season (February-March): Whale feeding activity peaks, penguin chicks fledging, dramatic sunsets as daylight decreases. Receding ice opens new landing sites.

What to Pack

Most expedition ships provide waterproof boots and expedition parkas. You'll need to bring everything else.

Essential Layers

• Base Layer: Merino wool or synthetic moisture- wicking underwear (top and bottom). Cotton is forbidden—it retains moisture and leads to hypothermia.
• Mid Layer: Fleece jacket and pants. Pack options for varying activity levels.
• Outer Layer: Waterproof pants essential for Zodiac rides and wet landings.
• Extras: Warm hat covering ears, neck gaiter, waterproof gloves (with liner gloves for dexterity), UV-blocking sunglasses.

Photography Gear

• Extra batteries—cold drains them rapidly. Keep spares in inner pockets.
• Waterproof bag or case for Zodiac transfers.
• Lens range from wide (icebergs, landscapes) to telephoto (wildlife).
• Silica gel packets to prevent condensation when moving between cold outside and warm ship interior.

Antarctic Peninsula Map

Frequently Asked Questions