Antarctica First-Time Visitor Guide
Antarctica rewards preparation, flexibility and respect for an environment that controls every schedule. This guide combines lessons from our ten-day expedition with clearly identified general planning guidance.
Choose the right expedition
Start with the experience you want: an expedition voyage with shore landings, a cruise-only itinerary, or a fly-and-sail program. Review ship size, number of guests, expedition staffing, included equipment, landing opportunities and medical support. Weather, sea and ice determine the actual route, so no operator can guarantee every landing.
Our route and ship experience
Our group of thirteen embarked in Ushuaia aboard an Atlas Ocean Voyages expedition yacht carrying approximately 171 guests. A docking incident delayed departure by a day, reinforcing the expedition team’s essential lesson: the itinerary is only a plan; Antarctica decides the schedule.
Prepare for the Drake Passage
Our crossing rolled and swayed but was gentler than the stories we had heard. Travelers in our group who prepared for motion sickness did better than those who waited for symptoms. Discuss appropriate options with your own physician; a medication that suited members of our group may not be appropriate for everyone.
Packing essentials
- Moisture-wicking or merino base layers
- Thermal leggings and a fleece mid-layer
- Warm socks, waterproof gloves, beanie and neck gaiter
- Polarized sunglasses, sunscreen and lip balm
- Comfortable closed-toe footwear for the ship
- Waterproof outerwear if your operator does not provide it
Atlas supplied our insulated waterproof landing boots and expedition parkas. Confirm exactly what your operator provides before buying or packing bulky gear.
Insurance, health and transit documents
Antarctica has extremely limited emergency and medical services. Consider comprehensive travel, medical and evacuation coverage and check the entry requirements for every transit country. U.S. travelers should review the current State Department Antarctica guidance.
Biosecurity and wildlife
Before each of our landings, clothing and equipment were inspected and boots were cleaned and disinfected. Follow all expedition instructions, never feed or touch wildlife, keep the required distance, avoid carrying seeds or soil, and take nothing from the landscape. Read the current IAATO preparation guidance.
Continue planning
Explore the Antarctica Planning Hub, review our ten-day itinerary, or compare seasons in the best-time guide.
Verify current health, insurance, entry, operator and environmental requirements before booking.