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Practical matters

Antarctica is not your average travel destination. Here you will find additional practical information to help you prepare for your trip to Antarctica.

  • What types of expedition cruises are there?
  • Good physical and mental health
  • Is seasickness common?
  • What sort of clothing is recommended?

Different types of cruises - There are several expedition cruises available. Which one suits you best depends on your time and budget.

  • "Classic" expedition cruise

    To experience the unspoilt wilderness of Antarctica, an expedition cruise from Ushuaia (Argentina) is the most common option. Expeditions lasting 11 or 12 days are available. Two days are required on both the outward and return journeys to cross the Drake Passage, the strait between Tierra del Fuego and the Antarctic Peninsula. In Antarctic waters, accompanied by highly experienced guides, you will go ashore by zodiac to explore the flora and fauna. The guides also give regular interesting talks on board.

    Example: Classic expedition cruise

  • Long expedition cruise

    Longer expeditions last 19–20 days and include a visit to the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. This dream trip is an absolute must for birdwatchers. The Falklands boast a highly diverse range of flora and fauna, and the first glimpse of South Georgia’s landscape is sure to set many a heart racing. It is home to 200,000 king penguins. South Georgia is also historically significant; there you will find the grave of the famous English polar explorer E. Shackleton and many reminders of the whaling era.

    Example of a long expedition cruise

  • Exclusive Antarctica air-and-cruise holiday

    Would you like to enjoy a wonderful expedition cruise to Antarctica but don’t have much time? Then the so-called Air Cruise is the ideal way to travel for you. You combine a flight with an expedition cruise. A short expedition from Ushuaia, Argentina, normally lasts around 11 to 14 days. By combining this with a flight, you can shorten such an expedition to just 6, 8 or 10 days. The same unforgettable experience in this beautiful polar region, in a shorter time.

    Example air-cruise

  • Active Base Camp Cruise

    Would you like to take part in lots of activities during your expedition cruise, without having to worry about the extra costs involved? Then book the Basecamp Cruise. The name says it all: the ship sails to various locations, where it moors for a few days and from where you can enjoy all sorts of activities. The programme includes snowshoe hikes, mountaineering along snow-covered volcanic craters and ice walls, kayaking amongst ice floes and camping on the pack ice.

    Example of a base camp cruise

Other practical matters

Your health

When travelling to Antarctica, you are expected to be in good physical and mental condition. This is necessary, amongst other things, to be able to take part in the various expedition activities, including walks and Zodiac trips. Although all the expedition vessels we work with are in very good condition and offer the best possible comfort, you should not expect the luxury of a spacious 5-star hotel.

Seasickness

Sailing around the Antarctic Peninsula causes virtually no problems with seasickness for anyone. However, you must prepare well for the crossing of the Drake Passage, as you will be sailing on the open sea and at the point where two oceans meet. This can be a rough crossing with the ship pitching and rolling heavily. Seasickness is quite common here. To prevent seasickness, you can take preventative medication. It is also important to keep eating small amounts of food throughout the day. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids and get enough rest. Above all, you’ll be fine – and it’s only on the open sea, so it’s just temporary.

Clothing for Antarctica

A trip to Antarctica is similar to a winter sports holiday. You can also compare it to a winter sports holiday when it comes to the clothing you’ll need. Think: warm boots or good walking shoes, thermal tops and bottoms, thermal socks, waterproof trousers, a warm hat, jeans or fleece trousers, T-shirts and a fleece jacket.

Fancy going on an Antarctic cruise?

Do you have any questions about booking a cruise to Antarctica, would you like a bespoke travel proposal, or would you like to arrange an appointment at our office? Please feel free to contact us. Send an email to info@sapapanatravel.nl or call us on +31 73 610 62 04. We’d be happy to help.

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