Stepping Into The Seventh Continent: Expert Tips On How To Plan Your Antarctica Expedition

No destination has captured the attention and imagination of explorers and adventure-seeking travelers than Antarctica. The fifth largest and southernmost continent on Earth, Antarctica has the world’s largest ice desert and is home to some of the most diverse and unique wildlife on Earth. Due to its remoteness, many people may feel like visiting Antarctica is out of reach. However, with the proper planning with a travel agent from Avondale Travel and a trusted tour company, your Antarctica dreams can come true. Here are some considerations and practical travel tips you should remember as you begin to research and plan your expedition.

1. Understand Your Why

Any trip to Antarctica requires months (if not years) of planning, but it is a destination like no other. The continent is one of the last unspoiled places on our planet and features the most breathtaking sites and nature one can see. As you begin your research, narrow down why you want to visit Antarctica and what you hope to achieve. While nothing can be guaranteed and no two expeditions to Antarctica are the same, aligning your goals and “hope to sees” will help you choose the proper tour provider for you. Whether you want to see ice fields and gigantic icebergs or see penguins, seals, and whales up close, there is a tour for every type of traveler.

2. The Best Time of Year to Visit

The best time of year to visit is during the austral summer (or wet season) in the Southern Hemisphere, which runs from November to March. December and January are considered to be during the peak season with November, February, and March in the shoulder season. These months have more sunlight, with nearly 24 hours of daytime skies and a more temperate outside temperature ranging from 28°F to 46°F. Wildlife is more visible and active during the austral summer time. If your main priority is to see whales, plan a trip between mid-December and March when whales are more active.

3. How to Get to Antarctica

Traveling to Antarctica can be tricky, but well worth it in the end. Many expedition cruises depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, the most southernmost city in the world. The easiest route is to fly into Buenos Aires, Argentina and then take a smaller domestic flight to Ushuaia once you are in the country. Once in Ushuaia, there is an abundance of tour providers that offer itineraries ranging from 10 to 30 days with itineraries and accommodations for any budget and type of traveler.

Many of these itineraries include the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, but can vary, so working with a travel agent who can match up your preferences with the right company and itinerary is beneficial.

It is important to note that all cruises must go through the Drake Passage, which can be very rough with waves ranging from 12 to 20 feet, with swells up to 30 feet. It is not unusual for travelers to experience some degree of seasickness. For those who are prone to seasickness or those on a tight timeline, some tour providers offer a fly-cruise option to fly over the Drake Passage and then board a ship in Antarctica to explore the area. 

4. Consider the Cost

There is no way of getting around it, a trip to Antarctica is a significant financial investment. The overall cost will depend on the trip length, amenities on board the boat, activities included, and more. Trip costs will vary but typically start at around $5,000 per person for a standard expedition cruise with basic accommodation. The price per person can be upwards of $15,000 or more for longer standard cruises and luxury cruises. Additional activities such as kayaking and camping will be additional charges, sometimes thousands of dollars more. Specialized itineraries and private expeditions will cost significantly more, which is why it is crucial to work with a trusted travel agent to ensure you are getting the best possible experience that is worth every single dime you spend. 

5. Reduce Your Environmental Footprint

Antarctica is one of the last places on Earth that remains unspoiled. It has an incredible fragile ecosystem, and it is imperative that visitors minimize their impact on the continent. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), founded in 1991, “promotes the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.” These strict guidelines, including how many visitors can be ashore at one time, following Leave No Trace principles, and rules for watching wildlife, have been put into place to ensure that Antarctica remains protected for generations to come. Be sure to choose a tour provider that follows the IAATO principles and guidelines for responsible tourism and preserve the continent.

6. Choose the Right Expedition Company

With so many providers, it can be overwhelming deciding on the right expedition for you. A travel agency like the team over at Avondale Travel will work with you to find the best company for your adventure. If possible, choose an IAATO member company to ensure you are traveling with a company that is committed to the environmental preservation of Antarctica. 

When narrowing down your search, decide whether or not you want to make a landing on the Antarctic (C1 or C2 vessel, or up to 500 passengers) or if you would prefer to do a cruise only option (CR vessel, or 500+ passengers). Each boat size will have its pros and cons and the type of vessel you choose will depend on your wants and needs for your trip. 

7. Remember To Be Flexible

Every trip to Antarctica promises to offer visitors awe-inspiring landscapes and natural beauty that is unmatched by any other place on Earth. While every expedition will have a daily itinerary, various factors including weather and crossing the Drake Passage, can necessitate changes in the itinerary. Safety is the most important factor for both the crew and passengers and changes may need to be made in order to keep everyone safe. Certain experiences may need to be cancelled or postponed and shore landings may be impossible at times. Wi-Fi and cellular data may be severely limited or impossible during the expedition, requiring passengers to fully disconnect from the outside world. Travelers who remain flexible and open to any and all experiences will have a more meaningful and impactful expedition to Antarctica. 

No matter your goals and reasons for visiting Antarctica, an expedition to this seventh continent promises to be an unforgettable experience and the adventure of a lifetime. Whether you want to see unique wildlife like penguins or camp in the Antarctic snow, a trip to Antarctica will be an experience you will never forget. If you are ready to begin planning your trip to Antarctica, contact the team at Avondale Travel today!