Planning a trip to Antarctica is unlike planning for anywhere else on Earth.
Remote, uninhabited, and governed by extreme conditions, it’s a place that requires careful timing, thoughtful logistics, and a spirit of adventure. But for those who make the journey, the rewards are extraordinary: vast, ice-covered landscapes, abundant wildlife, and an overwhelming sense of scale and solitude.
In this guide, we answer the most common questions about travelling to the White Continent – from the best time to visit and how to get there, to what you’ll see, do, and need to pack. Whether you’re considering a boutique expedition cruise, a private yacht charter, or a luxury camp on the ice, here’s everything you need to know.
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
The extreme weather in Antarctica means that the season is short. It runs from November to March, the austral summer, when conditions allow for expedition cruises and wildlife encounters.
During this period, there’s no single ‘best’ month to visit Antarctica – each month offers something unique in terms of weather and wildlife.
November brings pristine snow, dramatic light, and early penguin courtship, making it ideal for photographers.
December and January are peak summer, with warmer temperatures, newly hatched chicks in penguin colonies, and the midnight sun offering nearly 24 hours of daylight.
February to early March is prime for whale watching, as receding ice opens up new routes for deeper exploration and wildlife remains abundant.
How do I get to Antarctica?
The most common way to reach Antarctica is by sea, as part of an expedition cruise. This usually involves crossing the infamous Drake Passage, a 48-hour journey from southern South America. Around one in four crossings encounter rough seas, but modern ships are equipped with advanced forecasting systems, and highly experienced captains can often adjust course to avoid the worst of the weather. For those willing to take the risk, crossing the Drake Passage is often one of the highlights of a trip to Antarctica, as wildlife sightings can be spectacular.
For anxious sailors or those short on time, a fly-cruise to Antarctica is an excellent alternative. We recommend the Magellan Explorer, a small luxury expedition vessel custom-built for polar exploration. Your journey begins in Punta Arenas, Chile, with a flight aboard ‘Bigfoot’, a specially designed aircraft built to handle Antarctica’s ever-changing conditions. In just two hours, you’ll land on King George Island, where you’ll embark on the Magellan Explorer ship by zodiac.
As flights to Antarctica are weather-dependent, we suggest leaving some flexibility at the beginning of your trip – Chilean Patagonia is an ideal place to spend a few days while you wait for the go-ahead.
What will I do in Antarctica?
A trip to Antarctica is all about getting into the elements. You’ll disembark your ship most days for guided adventures, either by zodiac or on foot.
Zodiacs are sturdy inflatable boats that typically carry 8–12 guests. They’re used daily in Antarctica to navigate icy channels, reach remote landings, and get closer to wildlife – from breaching whales to lounging seals.
Landings on foot often involve visiting penguin colonies, remote research stations, or historic sites tied to early Antarctic exploration. For the more adventurous, there’s the chance to heli-ski on remote glaciers, kayak through iceberg-strewn waters and kite ski across vast snowfields.
Education plays a huge part too. Onboard experts lead lectures and informal talks on everything from glaciology to history and seabird behaviour. We recommend taking The Story of Shackleton’s 1914-1917 Expedition by Ernest Shackleton with you to read during any downtime.
For the bold, the polar plunge awaits – a bracing leap into near-freezing water. Not for the faint-hearted, but worth it for the serious endorphin high!
What are some of Antarctica’s geographic highlights?
Along the Antarctic Peninsula, standouts include Deception Island, a flooded volcanic caldera where you can hike black-sand beaches and take a polar plunge, and Neko Harbour, one of the few landing sites on the mainland itself. Wildlife-rich areas like Cuverville Island, Paulet Island, and the South Shetlands offer unforgettable encounters with penguins, seals, and whales.
For those venturing further, South Georgia is a world of its own, with towering peaks, vast king penguin colonies, and Shackleton’s grave at Grytviken.
For the truly intrepid, the Geographic South Pole, Atka Bay’s emperor penguin colony, and inland ice camps open access to Antarctica’s rarely visited interior.
What wildlife will I see?
The abundant wildlife in Antarctica is one of its greatest draws. Penguins are a highlight of any trip – you’ll see chinstraps, Gentoo, and Adelie, and they often gather in their hundreds, if not thousands.
You’re also likely to see whales – minke, humpbacks, and orcas are the most commonly sighted, particularly from February onwards.
Birders will be thrilled by the variety of species, including the wandering albatross, Cape petrel and predatory skuas. Seals – including elephant, Weddell and leopard seals – are often spotted both on land and in the water.
For those with a strong interest in wildlife and photography, South Georgia is a must. The jewel in the crown of the Antarctic region, it’s home to the vast King Penguin colony of Salisbury Plain – over 100,000 breeding pairs – as well as beaches alive with elephant seals and fur seals.
How far in advance do I need to book?
We would recommend booking your Antarctica adventure as early as possible, as our favourite expedition ships and cabins often sell out well in advance – particularly for peak season departures.
As a general rule, aim to book at least 12 months in advance, though 18 months is preferable to secure your preferred vessel, itinerary, and cabin type. This is especially important for small ship charters, fly-cruise options, and voyages that include South Georgia or the Falkland Islands.
How long do I need to visit Antarctica?
We typically recommend allowing 7 – 14 days for an Antarctica expedition, depending on the route, vessel and style of travel. Our shorter fly-cruise itineraries – ideal for those looking to skip the Drake Passage – start at around 7 days, offering immersive access to the Antarctic Peninsula with expert-guided landings, Zodiac excursions, and wildlife encounters.
For those with more time, there are extended voyages of 14 days or longer, which may include the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, or even the South Pole. These longer trips provide deeper exploration, broader wildlife viewing, and a more comprehensive Antarctic experience. We can also arrange private yacht charters with flexible, bespoke itineraries.
Seriously short on time? White Desert offers a one-day Antarctica day trip from Cape Town, with private charter flights, three hours on ice at Wolf’s Fang camp, and a champagne picnic at a nearby nunatak – a rocky ridge protruding from an ice field.
What are the best boats in Antarctica?
We tend to prefer smaller expedition vessels in Antarctica, as they offer a more personalised, flexible, and intimate experience. Fewer passengers mean faster disembarkations, more time ashore, and a closer connection with your guides and fellow travellers.
For those looking to skip the Drake Passage, the Magellan Explorer and its sister ship, the Magellan Discoverer, are among our top picks – both purpose-built for fly-cruise Antarctica itineraries.
Those with deep pockets and a desire for privacy and exclusivity should look at Hanse Explorer and Legend, serious expedition superyachts equipped for private charter.
At the more affordable end of the spectrum, Sea Spirit offers excellent value without compromising on experience, making it a solid choice for those after a classic Antarctic adventure.
Is it possible to charter a boat in Antarctica?
Absolutely! We have a handful of ice-class vessels up our sleeve that are suitable for private charter, depending on the size of your group and your travel style. One of our favourites is the Hanse Explorer, an expedition yacht that’s tough enough for the harshest of Antarctic conditions, with just seven cabins onboard. Other superyachts come equipped with onboard helicopters, submersibles, and even (in one case) an on-deck basketball court.
Chartering a boat in Antarctica offers the freedom to shape your route entirely around your interests, whether that’s photography, high-adrenaline adventure, or scientific exploration. The on-board crew will design an itinerary that is creative, adaptable, and highly personalised.
Where can I stay in Antarctica other than on a ship?
While there aren’t any hotels on the White Continent (yet), a handful of remote Antarctic camps offer rare access to the continent’s interior for a luxurious ice camping experience.
Whichaway Camp, set beside a frozen lake, combines heated polar pods with expert-led adventures, from exploring ice tunnels and visiting emperor penguin colonies to flying to the South Pole.
Echo Camp Antarctica, a futuristic, design-led outpost, takes you even deeper inland, pairing ultra-comfortable sky pods with guided ice safaris, technical ascents, and polar plateau access.
These exclusive camps provide a level of immersion few travellers experience, opening up parts of Antarctica that are otherwise entirely unreachable – though they do come with a significant price tag.
How can I visit the South Pole?
The Geographic South Pole can be reached by private flight with specialised Antarctic expedition operators. Travelling aboard a ski-equipped aircraft, you’ll cross the polar plateau to 90° South – one of the most surreal, seldom-visited points on Earth. Flights can depart from Chile or New Zealand, touching down directly at the South Pole, or can be incorporated into a bespoke yacht expedition, with optional stops at basecamps like Three Glaciers and Union Glacier.
For those after something more extreme, it’s also possible to cross the continent in custom all-wheel drive vehicles, stopping at the South Pole along the way.
Is it easy to combine Antarctica with Patagonia?
Yes – and it’s something we absolutely recommend. Most expedition cruises to Antarctica depart from Ushuaia, at the southern tip of Argentine Patagonia, while fly-cruises typically begin in Punta Arenas, in Chilean Patagonia. This makes it simple to spend a few days in Patagonia either side of your voyage south.
Patagonia’s dramatic landscapes, from jagged peaks to windswept steppes and remote estancias, provide a striking contrast to the icy seascapes of Antarctica. Whether you’re riding with gauchos across wide open plains, hiking through the national parks of El Chaltén or Torres del Paine, or unwinding in a waterfront luxury lodge in the Lake District, framing your Antarctic journey with time in Patagonia makes for an unforgettable two-continent adventure.
What do I need to pack?
Packing for Antarctica requires some forethought. The key is layering: start with moisture-wicking base layers made from merino wool, silk or polypropylene, rather than cotton. Add a warm jumper or fleece as a mid-layer to trap heat, and top it off with waterproof outerwear – ski jackets and trousers work well.
A woolly hat, thermal gloves, and thick socks are must-haves, along with sunglasses (the glare off the ice can be intense), high-factor sun cream, a neck gaiter, walking poles, a small rucksack, and binoculars for wildlife spotting.
Your Antarctica ship will provide you with insulated boots, and some will even provide you with a parka jacket. One of our experts will let you know exactly what is provided on your cruise so you can pack accordingly.
Is an Antarctic expedition cruise suitable for solo travellers?
Absolutely. Antarctica is a wonderful destination for solo travellers with a sense of adventure. Some ships, including the Magellan Explorer, offer dedicated single-occupancy cabins – though these are limited and tend to book up quickly. Alternatively, solo travellers can choose to pay a single supplement for a standard cabin or, on some ships, opt to share.
Smaller expedition ships foster a relaxed, sociable atmosphere, with camaraderie built through daily landings, wildlife encounters, and talks. There’s space for independence and quiet observation, balanced with plenty of shared experiences, from navigating iceberg-strewn channels by Zodiac to spotting whales from the deck. For solo travellers drawn to remote places and purposeful travel, Antarctica makes a compelling case.
How sustainable is travel to Antarctica?
We take sustainability seriously and do everything within our power to minimise the impact of every journey. Working in partnership with the World Land Trust, we calculate and offset the carbon generated from each trip to Antarctica and build the cost transparently into each client’s invoice. We then go a step further by matching the amount, ensuring that every booking is not just carbon neutral, but carbon positive.
As the great Sir David Attenborough once said, “The money that is given to the World Land Trust, in my estimation, has more effect on the wild world than almost anything I can think of.”
CONTACT US
Considering a journey to Antarctica? Speak to our specialists today.
Conde Nast Traveler Specialists every year since 2017
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