Where to start planning an Antarctica excursion?

Hello,

The most beautiful way to visit Antarctica is obviously by cruise. Most ships depart from Ushuaïa, and it doesn’t make much difference to leave from Puerto Williams instead.

However, it’s important to know that Antarctica isn’t regulated by a single state but only by a protocol and the common sense of the cruise companies that go there. A good number of them are part of IAATO, which sets strict rules. Some companies have ratified IAATO to the dismay of others because they tend not to follow the rules and rely on the fact that there’s (unfortunately) little oversight. So, first and foremost, my top tip is to thoroughly research the company!

Not to mention that disinfection, the use of jackets, etc., is very strictly controlled and must be taken seriously!

Next, it all depends on your budget, but since IAATO sets a maximum number of people who can land at the same time, a small boat ensures you’ll land more often to get up close with the colonies, whereas larger boats offer landings on a rotating basis. Plus, smaller boats (preferably electric or LNG-powered) guarantee less noise and therefore more wildlife encounters.

For a full tour, I’d say a minimum of 10 days because you’ll already need 1.5 days for the Drake Passage crossing (so 3 days total).

Finally, among the must-sees are obviously the penguin colonies, but again, depending on the time of year and the itinerary, you won’t see the same colonies (I’m thinking of the famous Emperors at Snow Hill, whales, etc.). Every itinerary offers something different, and they’re all just as beautiful as each other—it all depends on what you want to see!

Hello everyone,

I’ve been thinking about an Antarctica excursion for a while now and it really appeals to me, but I’m not sure how to start my research. First, is it better to leave from Chile or Argentina (assuming you’re not departing from France)? Is it more reassuring to travel on a large ship or a medium-sized one? What aspects should I check (total number of days, landings, well-known or lesser-known companies, local agencies, etc.)? What are the must-sees and what’s unnecessary? Thanks for sharing your experiences. Best, Dominique

Hi Dominique, We’ve been to Antarctica twice. The first time was with Ponant, a ship with two hundred passengers. It was an expedition cruise that allowed us to go ashore in groups of 100 people—more than that is not allowed. It was a magnificent cruise, as Antarctica is the most beautiful place on the planet. The itinerary changes depending on the weather, and everything is done to ensure you have an unforgettable experience. The catch is that once you’ve seen Antarctica, all you want to do is go back. But given the budget, it’s hard to do that every year 😅 So, we returned two years later with an American company (HAL) on a much larger ship and a significantly lower budget. This time, though, there was no landing—it was purely scenic navigation.

For us, it was a great complement because the first time, we didn’t have very favorable weather. On this second trip, we had amazing weather.

You can also find cruises on sailboats for a more rustic experience, which is likely closer to nature, silence, and wild landscapes.

It’s good to know that all ships (except sailboats) end up visiting the same sites, taking turns...

No matter how you go, you’ll be dazzled. I truly hope your dream trip comes together.

Hi Catherine, thanks for your reply—it gives me some leads for my research. As you said, given the prices and the fact that it’ll probably be a once-in-a-lifetime trip, it’s best not to make a mistake and choose the right option. Dominique