travel to antarctica from new zealand

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The Best Ways to Get to Antarctica & the Subantarctic Islands from New Zealand

Nz pocket guide is 10 years old. thank you for trusting us with your trip for over a decade, cruises to antarctica and the subantarctic islands.

You won’t find New Zealand’s southernmost islands in any brochures or guidebooks. Get well and truly off the beaten track to the remote southern oceans! New Zealand might be one of the main gateways to Antarctica for scientific expeditions, but there are very few ways to you can explore New Zealand’s most protected islands and even Antarctica itself for leisure. However, that doesn’t mean that it’s impossible. Once or twice a year each New Zealand summer, a couple of cruises depart taking a limited number of passengers to the Subantarctic Islands and Antarctica to observe a vast array of wildlife and see extreme landscapes. We list some of the top (but limited) cruises available to Antarctica and the Subantarctic Islands from New Zealand!

For more places to visit from New Zealand, check out the 10 Countries Easy to Visit from New Zealand .

5 Reasons to Make New Zealand Your Departure Point to the Antarctic & Subantarctic Islands

• New Zealand is super easy to access through the international airports available in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, Queenstown and Dunedin
• Get a taste for the Subantarctic before you leave! New Zealand is also the habitat for penguins, albatross and sea lions that also inhabit the Subantarctic Islands
• There are multiple departure cities, such as Invercargill, Dunedin and Christchurch (the latter if you’re lucky enough to be taking a flight). Check out the must-do experiences for Invercargill , Dunedin and Christchurch !
• Get easy access to New Zealand’s closest Subantarctic island, Stewart Island! All you need to do is catch a ferry from Bluff with Real Journeys (more info on Viator and Tripadvisor ) then start doing the 10 Incredible Things to Do on Stewart Island .
• Visit areas that are already on the tours, such as Milford Sound and Doubtful Sound, as featured on the Subantarctic expedition with Zegrahm Expeditions (see below).

Ross Sea Antarctic Cruising: In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton Cruise

Exodus Travels and Heritage Expeditions offers the ultimate adventure out at sea exploring the subantarctic islands on the way to Antarctica on a month-long excursion. Wildlife, dramatic landscapes and historic sites are the themes of the Ross Sea Antarctic Cruising tour, which includes visiting historic Antarctic huts and modern scientific bases, visiting penguin rookeries and peering at the grand Mt Erebus and Mt Discovery. A stop at The Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell islands break up the long journey down to the Ross Sea and Antarctica.

Accommodation is on the Spirit of Enderby, an ice-strengthened expedition vessel carrying 50 passengers in twin-share cabins. On-board is also a bar, dining room, library, lounge area, sauna and a lecture room. The tour departs and ends in Invercargill, with the cruise departure from the Port of Bluff.

Tour Highlights

Duration : 30 Days Maximum Group Size : 48 Destinations : Invercargill , Bluff , The Snares Islands, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island, Ross Sea, Franklin Island, Possession Islands, Ross Ice Shelf, Ross Island, Campbell Island. Age of Passengers : 18+ years old

Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand Cruise

A small-ship cruise operating in January annually, the Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand cruise with Zegrahm Expeditions gives passengers a unique look at New Zealand’s far-flung islands. The 18-day excursion takes around 100 guests on Caledonian Sky expedition vessel, kitted out with luxurious cabins and public spaces including a dining room, lounge with a piano, a bar, viewing deck, sun deck, a library and a small gym.

Starting from Dunedin, the Zegrahm Expeditions cruise sails to the Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island, Cambell Island and The Snares Islands to observe multiple albatross and penguin species. The cruise then loops back to New Zealand, stopping by Stewart Island then through Milford, Dusky, Breaksea and Doubtful Sounds to embrace the scenery of the glacier-carved fiords. The tour then comes to a close in Queenstown.

Duration : 18 Days Maximum Group Size : 100 Destinations : Dunedin , Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island, Campbell Island, The Snares Islands, Stewart Island , Ulva Island, Dusky Sound, Breaksea Sound, Doubtful Sound, Milford Sound and Queenstown . Age of Passengers : 40-80-year-olds

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific

Departing twice a year, in January and December, Heritage Expedition’s Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific cruise takes you to some of the most remarkable wildlife reserves in the South Pacific, stopping by a selection of Subantarctic Islands. The eight-day cruise departs from the Port of Bluff near Invercargill, stopping by The Snares, Auckland and Campbell islands for some serious bird-watching. Think penguins, fernbirds, tomtits, albatross, teals and snipes!

Like the tour mentioned above, the Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific uses the Spirit of Enderby, which carries up to 50 passengers across 28 twin-share cabins. Guests have access to a bar, dining room, library, sauna, lounge and lecture room.

Duration : 8 Days Maximum Group Size : 48 Destinations : Invercargill , Bluff , The Snares Islands, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island. Age of Passengers : 18+ years old

More About Islands Near New Zealand

• 6 Tropical Islands Near New Zealand
• Chatham Islands (New Zealand) – Guide for Backpackers
• 10 Things You Did Not Know About New Zealand Wildlife

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

• Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2024])
• Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2024])
• AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2024])
• Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2024])
• NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2024])
• Waka Kotahi NZ Transport Agency (Road and transport tips - Updated [2024])
• DriveSafe (Road safety - Updated [2024])
• Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2024])
• Safe Travel (NZ travel advisories - Updated [2024])
• Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2024])
• TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2024])
• Ōtautahi Christchurch (Regional tourism website)
• Christchurch City Council (Local council website)
• Environment Canterbury (Local council website)

Our editorial standards : At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

This article has been reviewed and published by Laura, the editor-in-chief and co-founder of NZ Pocket Guide. Laura is a first-class honours journalism graduate and a travel journalist with expertise in New Zealand and South Pacific tourism for over 10 years. She also runs travel guides for five of the top destinations in the South Pacific and is the co-host of over 250 episodes of the NZ Travel Show on YouTube.

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Roos Sea Antarctic Cruises F rom New Zealand and Australia

Adventure travel, cruises in antarctica with cool antarctica and antarctica travels.

Information : Request Contact | Antarctic travel | more details | fly to Antarctica | FAQ's | clothing | boots Regions : Antarctic Peninsula | South Georgia | South Shetland Islands | Falkland Islands | Arctic

  Travel to the Ross Sea / Commonwealth Bay Region - Eastern Antarctica

Cruises to Eastern Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand usually leave from Invercargill / Port of Bluff in New Zealand ( 2 - map below) Invercargill has an airport, Bluff, 30km away by road has a deep-water port. Less frequently trips may leave from Hobart in Australia 1 . They may also leave/return from Dunedin in New Zealand which is about 180 km / 110 miles from Invercargill.

Departure and return may be to the same port or leave from one and return to the other in either direction. It takes about seven days sailing to reach Antarctica from Australia or New Zealand, the journey there and back is usually broken up with visits to the wildlife rich Macquarie Island 3 and others such as Snares, Auckland and Campbell Islands that lie between Macquarie and New Zealand.

On reaching Antarctica trips usually spend their time either in the Commonwealth Bay area 4 or the Ross Sea region between Cape Adare 5 and McMurdo 6 with possibly a short trip along the front of the Ross Ice Shelf R

1 - Hobart - Australia 2 - Invercargill / Port of Bluff - New Zealand 3 - Macquarie Island 4 - Commonwealth Bay 5 - Cape Adare 6 - McMurdo / Scott bases R - Ross Ice Shelf

• Mount Erebus - t he world's southernmost active volcano.
• Historic huts and sites - from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration from 1898-1922. Scott, Shackleton , Mawson and Borchgrevink's the oldest in Antarctica from the first overwintering here in 1899. These huts were all left behind , sometimes used later or available for emergencies, they are now preserved as historic relics and time capsules that can be visited.
• The Ross Ice Shelf - which presents a 600 km long wall of ice between 15m and 50m high , the world's largest floating ice shelf about the size of France.
• Isolated scientific bases - including the largest in the Antarctic, the American base at McMurdo Sound.
• Emperor Penguins - t he birds of the deep south that rear their young in the depths of the Antarctic winter, the largest of all penguins.
• Sub-Antarctic Islands - o n the way south and on the return journey back north, Snares, Auckland, Macquarie and Campbell islands, these are oases of abundant wildlife, especially bird s which nest here in their almost countless thousands.

In the Wake of Scott and Shackleton, Ross Sea, Antarctica 2025

  Travelling to the Antarctic Peninsula From Australia and New Zealand

If you live in or near Australia or New Zealand it is well worth considering travelling to South America and visiting the Peninsula Region of Antarctica . Also, once you have travelled to South America, there is about half the world in between you and home again with a whole wealth of opportunity to visit many other counties on your outward or return journey .

A trip to the Antarctic Peninsula from South America is much shorter than to the Ross Sea region due to the reduced distance and therefore the length of time spent at sea. If this is your first trip to Antarctica then it may be better to visit the Peninsula where the trips start at 6 days and are less expensive, it is also possible to fly from South America to Antarctica and join your ship there, an option that is not available in Eastern Antarctica. Wildlife is also much more plentiful around the Peninsula so for the majority wanting to see the beautiful scenery, penguins, whales etc. the Peninsula is the best option.

Cruises usually leave from Ushuaia in Argentina, Flights usually leave from Punta Arenas in Chile.

Shorter trips visit the Peninsula 6 and nearby islands such as the South Shetlands 5 . Longer trips may also take in the Falkland Islands 3 and / or South Georgia 4 and possibly some other landings en route.

Cruises most commonly go down the western side of the Peninsula as they are less likely to encounter problematic sea ice that is more often found on the Eastern side in the Weddell Sea.

1 - Ushuaia, Argentina, 2 - Punta Arenas, Chile 3 - Falkland Islands, 4 - South Georgia 5 - South Shetland Islands, 6 - Antarctic Peninsula

Eastern Antarctica, Ross Sea Region v Antarctic Peninsula Cruises

• Remoteness - You will see few if any other ships and get a greater feeling of isolation and being at the end of the world, this is a little visited part of the planet. You are going where the world's biggest icebergs are and the most extreme weather conditions.
• Greater chance of rough seas due to longer spent crossing the open ocean which can take 6-7 days in each direction, no flights available.
• See Emperor Penguins, the birds of the deep south that rear their young in the depths of the Antarctic winter, the largest of all penguin species.
• See Mount Erebus, the world's southernmost active volcano and the Ross Ice Shelf, a 600km long wall of ice between 15m and 50m high.
• Visit the huts of Scott, Shackleton, Mawson and other Heroic Age explorers depending on where your cruise goes. This is the area where much of the early exploratory history of Antarctica was played out and where historical remains still stand.
• Exclusivity - of the people who go to Antarctica, only a small proportion visit regions other than the Peninsula, there are relatively few trips here and they are often fully booked up well in advance.
• Trip length of 26-30 days, sometimes there may be the possibility of a semi-circumnavigation over a similar time period from the Ross Sea to the Peninsula.
• It takes 2 days to cross the Drake Passage to reach the Antarctic Peninsula, rough seas are possible though short-lived, you can also fly across it in 2 hours on a fly-cruise trip.
• Varied mountainous scenery with glaciers and icebergs, some of the most beautiful scenery on earth.
• The most wildlife rich area, with huge penguin colonies, and many other breeding birds, seals are common and whales may be seen. The sub-Antarctic islands you may visit en route are particularly wildlife rich, especially South Georgia.
• Historic preserved British Base, now a working Post Office at Port Lockroy, you may also visit other currently active research bases and historic sites.
• Easier to reach, The closeness of the peninsula to the tip of South America  means that travel time to reach Antarctica here is much less than in the East. It also means that a greater portion of the trip is spent in Antarctica rather than travelling there and back.
• A larger number and variety of trips available, duration from 6-24 days, a wide range of ships and choice of travel dates and itineraries.

Antarctic Peninsula Sample Cruises - 2024 / 2025

Air-cruise, fly the drake sample cruises - 2024 / 2025, south georgia with the falkland islands and / or antarctic peninsula sample cruises - 2024 / 2025, contact me about my trip to antarctica, please complete the form and an antarctic expert will contact you.

Departures from late October to late March

Our partner company, Antarctica Travels , passionately help people to reach their ultimate destination.

All enquiries will be answered from our office in Patagonia, Argentina.

Dozens of trips - unique combinations of ship + itinerary

Choice of ships - 67 to 199 passenger capacity

Prices from $5,900 per person

6 to 28 days

Please note - we cannot help directly to find employment in Antarctica, please do not use this form to request any other information than for Antarctic tourist trips

• New Zealand To Antarctica

Antarctica Cruises, Tours & Trips From New Zealand

Embark on an epic expedition from New Zealand to Antarctica with these Antarctic cruises, tours & trips from New Zealand’s Invercargill, Dunedin & Christchurch ports.

Scott & Shackleton's Antarctic - Ross Sea Expedition

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• With Partner/Friend
• With Family
• As Part Of A Group
• Emperor Penguin
• Photography
• Exploration Heritage
• Antarctic Peninsula
• Antarctic Circle
• Falklands/S. Georgia
• Weddell Sea
• Ross Sea/E. Antarctica

Antarctica Cruises & Tours

Explore Antarctica on an out-of-this-world adventure 

With us, it’s good trips only. And as far as good old-fashioned adventures go, this is the big one. You’ll cross the infamous Drake Passage and set foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. Explore ice-dotted bays by Zodiac. Marvel at waddling gentoo penguins and spot migrating blue whales. The reasons why you should visit Antarctica are endless. By travelling with us, you'll experience this incredible part of the world in a way that builds human connection and gets closer to nature while respecting the environment. 

'Antarctic cruises' doesn't really do it justice. These are Antarctic adventures. 

Our Antarctica trips

The ocean endeavour: inside our expedition ship, why choose us.

Our Ocean Endeavour is built tough; designed to handle the harsh Antarctic wilderness with ease while ensuring your safety at every step of the adventure.

Our experienced expedition team are at the top of their fields. You’ll find out everything you want to know from our Antarctic experts, including naturalists and ornithologists.  

We don’t call them hands-on, feet-on adventures for nothing. Get closer to the action with, not one, but two daily excursions on land and, via Zodiacs, at sea. 

Our onboard creature comforts will warm you up after your Antarctic outings. Expect 3-course meals, 24/7 tea and coffee and fascinating evening seminars.  

We’re committed to providing the highest safety standards, which is why the Ocean Endeavour, and all our operations teams undergo regular safety audits.

We’re deeply committed to being a responsible business and take considered steps to minimise our impact, support vital research and promote conservation in the Antarctic.  

Antarctica tour reviews

Filter by rating

Journey to the Antarctic Circle (Ocean Endeavour)

Articles of Antarctica

Giant daisies, polar bears and a full circle moment: how Liz Carlson is living out all of our wildest dreams 

My trip to Antarctica was like grown-up summer camp at sea 

12 hours in the shoes (or muck boots) of a traveller visiting Antarctica  

When your day job is leading expeditions to the bottom of the earth in Antarctica 

Globetrotters share what it’s like to spend your birthday with Intrepid

This is what it’s like to collaborate with real scientists in Antarctica

Everything you need to know about the Ocean Endeavour

Arctic vs Antarctic cruises: How to choose your polar expedition

Antarctica Optional Experiences

Antarctica Camping

Polar Kayaking Adventures

Antarctica Snowshoeing

Antarctica photography

Antarctica Day Paddle

Antarctica Stand-up Paddleboarding

Extend your adventure

Beyond the Ocean Endeavour

Popular regions

Antarctica at a glance.

(UTC+13:00) New Zealand

CALLING CODE

Electricity.

Type A (North American/Japanese 2-pin) Type B (American 3-pin)

Learn more about Antarctica

Eating and drinking.

Eating and drinking in Antarctica is done aboard your expedition ship, with all meals provided for the duration of your journey. Tea and coffee, as well as soft drinks and juices, are ready to greet you when you come back from a shore landing and at meal times, while alcoholic beverages are also available, but for an additional price.

Breakfasts and lunches tend to be buffet style, while dinners are typically served tableside and usually feature three courses. The range of food is diverse, with professional chefs preparing a wide selection of gourmet dishes, and a vegetarian option is always included. Afternoon tea, with pastries or cookies, is also provided every day.

If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know before the trip starts. If you have a more restrictive dietary requirement (vegan, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, etc) it is likely you can be catered for. Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for a kosher diet.

There may not be any stores on the Antarctic Peninsula, but that doesn't mean you can't do any shopping. The Ocean Endeavour has its very own polar boutique equipped with every little knickknack and thingamabob you might need to help commemorate your journey to the seventh continent (think all the essentials, clothing and souvenirs).

Geography and environment

Encompassed by the Antarctic convergence (an uneven line of latitude where the cold waters of the Antarctic merge with the warmer waters of the world's oceans), Antarctica is both cold and remote, located in the Southern Hemisphere. Due to its south-polar position, the Antarctic continent is covered in ice and experiences very harsh conditions unsuitable for permanent human residency.

While plenty of animals live in Antarctica (such as various species of whale, penguin, seal and bird), there are very few humans that call Antarctica home, instead using the region as a base for research. There are no cities in Antarctica but there are several research stations positioned on the continent belonging to various countries like Russia, the United States and Australia.

History and government

Antarctica was formed around 35 million years ago and remained undiscovered until around 1820 when Russian explorers spotted the mainland. However, this may have only been the first documented discovery of Antarctica, as it's believed that Pacific Islanders may have reached the white continent in 650 AD.

There were many attempts to set foot at the South Pole in the early 20th century, so much so that it was dubbed the 'Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration', with many trying and failing until a Norwegian explorer by the name of Roald Amundsen reached in 1911. Exploration didn't stop there though with a total of 17 major expeditions launched in the following years from 10 different countries, the last one being Ernest Shackleton's last ill-fated voyage in 1917.

Antarctica isn't owned by one single country, instead governed internationally through the Antarctic Treaty system signed in 1959 by 12 countries who had sent scientists to Antarctica during and around that time. These countries included Argentina, Australia, France, Japan, New Zealand, the United States, and the United Kingdom.

Further reading

Antarctica travel faqs, where is antarctica.

Antarctica refers to the seventh continent of the world and is largely situated in the Antarctic Circle - a line of latitude sitting at around 66.5° south of the equator - at the base of the globe.

The Antarctic refers to the region made up of south polar zones that include the seas and some outlying islands. 

What country is Antarctica in?

Antarctica isn't part of one single country, rather it is a continent governed under a series of recognised guidelines and agreements called the Antarctic Treaty System.

What are the possible landing sites in Antarctica?

Each expedition includes stops at various landing sites around the Antarctic but when you stop at them and for how long often depends on the weather, as well as sea ice and wildlife movement. 

What types of animals live in Antarctica?

While Antarctica may not be hospitable to human life, there are plenty of animal species that call the seventh continent their home. This includes penguins, whales, sea birds, seals, and more. 

What is it like travelling solo on a cruise to Antarctica?

While you can't embark on an expedition to the world's seventh continent alone, you can travel solo on a group tour to Antarctica.

This means you'll still have plenty of free time to do your own thing (and use the ship's excellent amenities) but also have the comfort of knowing expert leaders are handling the pesky logistics.

You can also choose from a variety of accommodation arrangements, from single cabins to room-sharing, depending on your preference. 

When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

Antarctica is best visited in the summer months from November to March when the weather is warmer and the sea ice has melted enough to get closer to the island shore.

What is the weather like in Antarctica?

The climate in Antarctica is the coldest one on Earth with cold summers and freezing winters. The warmest month is January with averages of around 10°C (50°F).

What do I wear in Antarctica?

You have to be prepared and thorough when packing for Antarctica due to its remote location. Make sure you bring lots of layers, gloves, sunscreen, and moisturiser among other items.

Is there internet, wi-fi, email or telephone access available on the ships?

Internet access is available on most Antarctic ships, at a cost. Alternatively, there may be a ship-based email system where you will have an email account to stay in touch with family and friends. Because of the remoteness of Antarctica, connections can be slow, so all ships charge for data used rather than time spent online. Please refer to your detailed pre-departure information for more information on Internet facilities on your ship.

Will my mobile phone work in Antarctica? 

Your mobile phone will not work during your Antarctica cruise as the continent is still considered extremely remote and doesn't have the right telecommunication infrastructure in place.

Can my family and friends contact me while I’m on board in the case of an emergency at home?

Yes. There is a number to call the ship and you can purchase data for the wi-fi onboard, although the connection is intermittent and not to be relied on.

How do I choose an Antarctic cruise?

Deciding on the Antarctic cruise that suits you best comes down to figuring out the time of year you want to go, the itinerary, and how long you want the cruise to be.

How much does a cruise to Antarctica cost?

The cost of an Antarctica cruise largely depends on the departure date, how long the cruise goes for, and the type of cabin you book on the ship but most cruises start from AUD$7,000.

How fit do I need to be to travel to Antarctica?

While the destination itself might conjure up images of nefarious voyages only the fittest can endure, you only need to be in good health and be able to move around freely to participate in and enjoy Antarctica's numerous activities and adventures.

If you have an average fitness level (and above) you are compatible with Antarctica travel, so you don't need to spend hours in the gym before considering booking a trip. 

How do we meet our responsible travel targets in Antarctica?

This question is something we thought long and hard about before deciding to run our own ship in Antarctica. We’re deeply committed to being a responsible business and understanding the impact we have on the places we visit. All Intrepid trips are  100% carbon neutral , but we are driven to do more, from committing to science-based decarbonisation targets to and recently updating our  Seven-point Climate Action Plan . 

We’ve approached responsible travel in Antarctica with three areas of focus that we believe will create the greatest positive impact: inspiring travellers, supporting science and protecting the environment. 

Does my trip to Antarctica support The Intrepid Foundation?

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. In fact, we make a donation on behalf of every traveller. Trips to Antarctica directly support our foundation partner, WWF.

WWF-Australia is a well-established conservation organisation helping protect our natural environment. Donations from our trips help their pioneering whale research and conservation efforts to establish marine protected areas around Antarctica and save whale species from extinction. 

Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Want to learn more about Antarctica?

Want more of a taste of what an adventure to the Great White Continent would be like? Our free guidebook shows you what wildlife you might see, the places you might go, how to be a responsible traveller, gives you tips on what to pack and more.  

Full list of Antarctica FAQs

If your question hasn't been answered,   read our full list of Antarctica FAQs   or contact us.

Can’t find what you’re looking for or want to know more? You can  contact us  24 hours 7 days a week, with any burning (or shall we say freezing?) questions. Our Antarctic specialists are here to help.

TRAVEL to ANTARCTICA – Tips and Information Guide (2024 Update)

Here is our complete guide to tell you everything you need to know to travel to Antarctica, based on our experiences of visiting and working on the White Continent six times. 

It may just be the number one bucket list adventure for millions of people around the world – travelling to Antarctica!

The remoteness and expense of this incredible destination makes it an unrealised dream for many, but we’re here to help you on your journey to experience it for yourself!

The White Continent is a truly unique place. From its phenomenal landscapes to diverse wildlife, nowhere else on the planet comes close to its beauty.

And that’s not the only things that make it unique. From a political point of view, did you know that there it is the only continent on earth with no official government and no permanent residents?

That’s because in 1959 a couple of countries signed a treaty that over 40 nations follow to this day.

Visiting Antarctica is an experience that everyone should have at least once in their lifetime.

Whether you would love to hang around with emperor penguins or go  kayaking in the company of humpback whales , or perhaps even climb one of the world’s seven highest summits, there are plenty of reasons to want to pack your bags and  t ravel to Antarctica !

So read carefully and find out why you should stock up on chocolate, what you should bring on your expedition and how to make the most of your trip!

Antarctica Travel Guide

We’ve been lucky enough to travel to Antarctica 6 times, with more trips booked in the near future, and we can safely say it was by the far the most incredible place we have ever visited.

That being said, it’s not an easy trip to make, and it’s especially not a cheap one, so if you’re lucky enough to have the opportunity to embark on a voyage, you’ll be one of only 100,000 people a year that actually visit!

In order to get the most out of your trip you need to be well prepared, so make sure to read through our detailed and informative  Antarctica Travel Guide .

After our very successful tour to Antarctica this season, we are going to be running another exclusive adventure down to the Peninsula in 2025, this time crossing the Antarctic Circle! Check out the  tour page  if you’d like to learn more.

Planning on exploring other parts of the polar regions? Don’t miss our brand new complete guide to help you  travel to South Georgia !

Best Antarctica Cruise – Ultimate Guide to Who & How [2024]

17 awesome things to do in antarctica (2024 guide), quark ultramarine review – best polar expedition ship [2024], travelling in antarctica: at a glance.

Here are the basics about travel to Antarctica.

Main Destinations

South Shetland Islands, Port Lockroy, Errera Channel, Lemaire Channel, King George Island

Primarily USD on ships.

ENTRY / VISA:

Visitors to Antarctica do not require a visa, however permits are necessary. These will be acquired on your behalf by the tour operator you are travelling with.

English, Spanish, Russian and others depending on the bases.

Travelling to Antarctica comes with inherent risks such as cold weather exposure and possible wildlife encounters. The remoteness of the destination means medical assistance is not instant. All tour operators have trained medical professionals onboard and will mitigate risks to the best of their ability.

ELECTRICITY:

Depends on the ship you are travelling on.

TRANSPORTATION:

The only commercial airport is on King George Island, with charter flights available from Punta Arenas, Chile. Transport around the continent for tourists is primarily done onboard expedition ships and zodiacs.

Don’t Forget to Pack the Most Important Thing: Travel Insurance !

TOP 5 TRAVEL EXPERIENCES IN ANTARCTICA

With so much to see and do in Antarctica, it really is hard to pick the top experiences.

However, we think that to truly appreciate Antarctica you need to plan to do these 5 activities during your visit.

Step Foot on the Continent

The quintessential experience for anybody visiting Antarctica is to officially step foot on the seventh continent. Make sure you book a tour on a ship that carries less than 500 people (less than 200 ideally) to ensure you can do this.

See our recommended Antarctica cruise operators here .

Go Kayaking or SUPing

Zodiac cruises and shore landings are incredible, but nothing quite beat the silence and connection to nature that you get from kayaking!

Read about how to go kayaking in Antarctica .

Camp Under the Stars

If you love adventure and want real bragging rights, you need to experience the fun of camping the night amongst penguins and icebergs.

Learn about camping in Antarctica .

Do the Polar Plunge

Who would jump off of a perfectly good ship into the frigid Southern Ocean? You, you absolute badass! And you’ll get pictures to prove it.

Zodiac Cruise with Whales

In our opinion, the zodiac cruises you take in Antarctica are often better than the shore landings, particularly if you have epic wildlife encounters. Travel late season for humpback whales!

How to Get to Antarctica

EXCLUSIVE – We have partnered with the world’s top polar tour operator, Quark Expeditions, to offer readers of NOMADasaurus a very special deal on any trip to Antarctica or the Arctic! Contact us ([email protected]) if you’d like to learn more.

READ MORE: Check out our latest guide on how to choose the  best Antarctica cruise !

Departures from South America

• Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands
• Puta Arenas in Chile
• Buenos Aires in Argentina
• Santiago in Chile

Departures from New Zealand & Australia

Can you fly to antarctica.

BE SURE TO CHECK OUT THESE  OTHER AMAZING THINGS TO DO IN ANTARCTICA

READ MORE...

What to Wear in Antarctica – Ultimate Travel Packing List

Sea kayaking in antarctica – the ultimate guide for 2024, the ultimate guide to camping in antarctica (2024), crossing the drake passage to antarctica (how bad is it), how to travel to antarctica responsibly (must read), best places to visit in antarctica.

There are plenty of amazing places to visit in Antarctica, and while you are limited to where the ship can go based on weather conditions and permits, every location is sure to blow your mind.

At just 1600m wide, the Lemaire Channel is one of the most spectacular vistas on the entire Antarctic Peninsula. Navigating through is never guaranteed, but if conditions allow, it’s an experience you’ll never forget.

Cuverville Island

Cuverville Island lies between the Errera Channel and the Gerlache Strait, and is home to over 7,000 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins.

Deception Island

Deception Island is the caldera of an active volcano, and skilled captains can sail their expedition ships right into the heart of it. It is home to an old, abandoned whaling station.

Hanusse Bay, Antarctic Circle

Hanusse Bay lies south of the Antarctic Circle, and is a wintry, iceberg-riddled and wildlife-dense location on the Peninsula.

Visa Requirements for Antarctica

Antarctica doesn’t belong to any one government or jurisdiction, and for that reason, no visas are required.

That being said though citizens of nations that have signed the Antarctica Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection (USA, Canada, EU and Australia) are required to get prior permission before visiting.

Don’t worry though, as this is organised through your licensed tour operator.

5 Interesting Facts About Antarctica

• It’s the coldest continent in the world, with the temperatures in wintertime dropping below -73°C (-100°F). The lowest temperature ever recorded on Earth was in Antarctica, and it was a very balmy -89.2°C (-128.6°F).
• There are no permanent residents of Antarctica, only transit residents (around 1,000), that are usually scientists or workers living in different research stations spread all over Antarctica
• Since Antarctica is situated in the southern hemisphere, winter is from May to October, and summer is from November to April.
• Antarctica is actually a desert! That might be surprising to a lot of people, because when we think of deserts we think of hot, dry, large sand surfaces. Since it doesn’t rain or snow in Antarctica it’s considered a polar desert.
• Antarctica holds 90% of the world’s fresh water!

Keen to learn more? Check out our full list of our favourite  facts about Antarctica !

The Best Time to Travel to Antarctica

Unless you are working for a government organisation, the only time to travel to Antarctica is in the summer.

But what month should you visit in? Well that depends on what you want to see, and what your expectations are.

Read our complete guide on the  best time to visit Antarctica , or read on for more information.

Some may argue that early season is actually the best time to visit Antarctica, because you can see it in its most undisturbed form.

After the long, cold winter, the landscape is covered in a fresh blanket of snow and ice, leaving everything looking clean and pristine (and quite other-worldy).

In terms of wildlife it’s possible to see whales, but not as much as later in the season as the water temperatures are still too cold.

If you visit at this time of year though expect to see lots of penguins, seals and birds.

The main downside to coming in November is that the temperatures are lower and polar ice is still breaking up, which means some areas of the continent are not accessible.

Peak Season – December to February

The peak season coincides with the brief summer, and is by far the most popular time to visit the continent.

Temperatures are at their highest and you get up to 20 hours of sunlight a day!

Whales are starting to visit the waters, baby penguins are plentiful, the birdlife is incredible and you’ll have a much better chance at seeing Antarctica with blue skies.

When we say it is the most popular time to visit though, we mean it. While the tour operators are strictly controlled to where and when they can visit certain areas, you may see other ships around and the foot traffic at the popular spots like Deception Island is much higher.

March to Early April

Late summer in Antarctica is the best time for whale spotting, and while a lot of the other animals have started their migration, you’ll see huge amounts of humpbacks, whales and minkes frolicking in the waters.

This time of year you will have access to almost all areas as the polar ice would have melted.

But with the temperatures slowly starting to drop as the season transitions to winter, it can be unpredictable, and snow storms are more frequent.

We personally believe travelling in the shoulder season is best!

Travel Itineraries Suggestions

When you book your trip to Antarctica your itinerary is more or less determined by whichever journey you sign up for. You can’t deviate from this, so it’s important to pick an itinerary that encompasses everything you’d like to see and do.

Most standard Antarctica itineraries start and finish in Ushuaia, and go for 10 days. This includes 2 days each way to cross the Drake Passage, and a few days exploring the Antarctic Peninsula.

If you have more time, and would like to see extra places, we recommend looking for a voyage that visits the Falkland Islands and South Georgia as well. These kind of trips usually last for around 17-20 days.

These archipelagos have tremendous wildlife viewing opportunities, and are filled with fascinating history, such as the story of Sir Ernest Shackleton.

If you want a very in-depth Antarctic Peninsula adventure, you can look at crossing the Antarctic Circle, but only a few select companies do this mission.

We crossed the Circle in 2024 with Quark Expeditions and it was an incredible experience.

Budget for Travelling to Antarctica

We’re going to level with you – A tour to Antarctica is not cheap.

But when you compare everything you get to see and do, as well the remote location of the destination and just what is involved on an expedition, it is actually quite fair.

You can expect to spend anywhere from USD$500 per day right up to $3,000 per day, and this depends completely on the itinerary, the company and the type of berth you want to sleep in on the ship.

If you’re looking to save money on an Antarctica tour, the only way you can do this is to book a ticket last-minute.

Different Styles of Antarctica Tour Packages

When you’re doing your research on trips to Antarctica you might be amazed to see a huge difference in price from one company to the next. So why the fluctuation?

This often comes down to two things – the quality of the ship you will be travelling on, and the reputation of the company.

Cheap Antarctica Tours

Not all companies are created equal, and you need to take this into consideration when booking your trip. If a tour company is super cheap, there’s probably a reason for that.

The service of leaders and staff might not be as good, the ship might be much older, and you might only get a limited number of days on the actual continent.

We’ve seen trips for as cheap as USD$5000. Remember though, you get what you pay for.

Our Secret Tip –  Want to go with a reputable and responsible company to Antarctica, but aren’t ready to pay huge amounts? Book the cheapest cabin on the ship.

You still get the exact same service, same guides, same destinations, same activities, except you’re not paying a huge amount for a fancy room. And the truth is you won’t be spending much time in your cabin anyway, so save your money and just book a cheap berth with a good company.

There are plenty of luxury cruise ships that visit Antarctica, and if this is what you’re into, then perfect.

These ships will have all the creature comforts you’d expect to find on a high-end cruise ship, with hot tubs, swimming pools, masseuses, elevators, etc.

Luxury Antarctic cruises might include charter flight tickets to the Ushuaia too, so you can avoid any complicated flight itineraries and add maximum comfort during your trip.

Sometimes they are part of longer South America trips that start in places like Montevideo in Uruguay or Buenos Aires, and finishing up in Valparaiso in Chile.

But these tailor-made experiences comes at a hefty price, which can go up to $25’000 (or more)!

Is this the best way to visit Antarctica? In our opinion, sometimes – it depends.

You do get what you pay for. You’ll have a newer, better ship with nicer cabins, higher quality food and potentially more experienced expedition staff.

We’ve travelled at both ends of the spectrum – on super budget trips with companies like Intrepid, and high-end luxury ships with Quark Expeditions.

Both had their pros and cons. It comes down to your budget.

Last Minute Antarctica Cruises

So what about these last minute Antarctica cruises that people talk about? Is it really possible to cruise to Antarctica for less than USD$5000?

Short answer, yes. However last minute means last minute, and you’ll often have to travel to Ushuaia and register your interest with a number of tour operators in the town.

If an opening comes up (such as someone cancelling their trip) you’ll be on a waiting list to join the tour. But you may only be given a day or two’s notice, and you may end up spending a week or more down in Ushuaia waiting to hear.

A family we met managed to score some last-minute Antarctica tickets after waiting more than 3 weeks in Patagonia, and when they got the word that it was happening they had 36 hours to drop everything and get to Ushuaia in time to jump onboard.

If you have the time and funds to stay down in southern Patagonia for a few weeks this can be a viable way to visit Antarctica cheaply.

Can I Work on a Cruise Ship to Antarctica?

Yes, you absolutely can. But the idea that you can literally just show up at the dock and get a job cleaning rooms or working in a kitchen is unfortunately not true.

The employees of these companies have months of training and maritime-grade certifications before they are sent on a trip to Antarctica and often have to sign long contracts.

Sorry, to be bearer of bad news, but no, y ou can’t show up in Ushuaia and get a one-off job on a cruise to Antarctica.

Insider’s Tip – Book A Small Group Expedition

Very few people know this when booking their travels to Antarctica, but if you end up on a ship that has more than 200 passengers onboard, your time on the continent is severely limited!

That’s because IAATO rules states that no more than 200 people from any one voyage can get off the ship at any one time, and no more than 100 people can step foot on the continent at once, so if your tour has more than this, you’ll end up spending a lot of time waiting on the ship while the other group is off exploring.

If you have between 100-200 people onboard, you do what’s known in the industry as a ‘split landing’ – basically half the group go ashore while the other half zodiac cruise, then you swap midway through the excursion.

In our expert opinion this isn’t a bad thing. We personally prefer zodiac cruising anyway.

Even worse though, if you end up booking a large cruise ship with more than 500 people onboard, IAATO regulations mean nobody gets off the ship.

That means you won’t even get the chance to do anything more other than simply look at the landscapes from afar.

And while this is still pretty amazing, in our opinion you’re paying all this money to go there – you may as well actually step foot on Antarctica!

Here’s an article to give you some more  tips on how to choose a tour.

Top 5 Places to Visit in Antarctica

Antarctica is one of the most isolated places in the world and as such it has managed to maintain its pristine nature with minimum human impact (although climate change is reeking havoc down there).

For anyone wishing to enjoy the dramatic landscapes covered in polar ice and beautiful wildlife, make sure your cruise includes our top places to visit in Antarctica!

The Lemaire Channel

The Lemaire Channel is a narrow passage on the Antarctic Peninsula that is stunningly beautiful to navigate. On all sides you’ll be surrounded by towering peaks, tumbling glaciers and glistening icebergs.

It’s also a dream come true for marine life lovers, as you can spot all kinds of seals and even whales, including humpbacks and orcas!

No matter how cold it gets, we guarantee you won’t go below the deck in fear you might miss something!

Deception Island always proves to be a highlight of people’s travels to Antarctica as it is incredibly beautiful, and has a human element to it with the old whaling station.

But why the name Deception Island? That’s because even though it looks like just an island, it’s actually a caldera of an active volcano!

The waters here are a tad warmer than the rest of the seas around, making it a popular spot for people to do the polar plunge.

Vernadsky Research Station

No trip to Antarctica would be complete without spending some time at a functioning science base, and luckily you can do just that at Vernadsky Research Station!

This Ukrainian-run base has a lot of history, and today the scientists working there open their doors to visitors.

It’s even home to the southern-most bar in the world! Read all about it in our article about  Vernadsky Research Station.

South Shetland Islands

The South Shetland Islands are a small group of islands about 120km north of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Their location makes them one of the most visited places on the peninsula, and they are a great place to visit in Antarctica because of the huge population of elephant seals and penguins.

South Georgia and the Sandwich Islands

While  South Georgia  and the Sandwich Islands don’t actually belong to Antarctica (they are part of the United Kingdom), we couldn’t write a list about the top places to visit without mentioning this place.

It has been called the Serengeti of the Southern Ocean due to the abundance of wildlife that congregates there.

You can see hundreds of thousands of king penguins hanging out on beaches, 4-tonne elephant seals battling each other for mates and the largest bird in the world, the Wandering Albatross.

South Georgia can be included on a few Antarctic cruise itineraries, so if you have the time we highly recommend visiting.

Top 5 Travel Experiences in Antarctica

So what exactly is there to do in Antarctica? Plenty!

We wrote this comprehensive guide on the  best things to do in Antarctica , but let us break down some of the highlights here.

Camping Under the Stars

Yes it is entirely possible to go  camping in Antarctica , but only if you join the right tour operator that provides the right gear.

It might sound risky because of the extreme weather conditions, but that’s why you should only do it with a company that takes all safety measures seriously.

You will sleep in winter-grade bivvy sacks with high-quality sleeping bags, and the expedition leaders will monitor the weather systems closely to make sure that it’ll be the optimum evening to do so.

The adventure won’t seem as challenging once night sets and you get thrown into a daze by views of the open sky and stars, with zero light pollution around to hide the universe.

Laying under the stars and waking up to the sun rising over the vast snowy landscape will be etched into your mind forever.

Take the Polar Plunge

How does swimming in the world’s coldest place sound to you? Well you can do just that in Antarctica, and it’s an experience that’ll give you the ultimate bragging rights.

Whether you’re jumping from a boat or do a sprint into the icy waters at the beach on Deception Island, it’s going to be frigidly cold. But the pain only lasts a minute, and you’ll have expert guides around you to warm you up with blankets and hot chocolate.

Climb Mount Vinson

For those that want a serious adventure, and have the skills to go with it, why not consider climbing the tallest mountain in Antarctica, Mount Vinson!

The mountain is 4897m high, but of course this isn’t for the average traveller to Antarctica, and you won’t find a standard cruise ship that goes there.

It’s one of the world’s seven highest summits, making it a must-do for any mountaineer looking to achieve the Holy Grail.

Kayaking With Whales

Sea kayaking in Antarctica is one of the best adventure activities on the continent, and it’s easy to see why.

Surrounded by icebergs, calm waters and huge glaciers, you can spend hours paddling around, being constantly amazed at the scenery.

This is the best way to get closer to Antarctica’s rich marine life, and if you’re really lucky, you might even have a close encounter with a humpback whale!

Hanging Out With Penguins

Hanging out with penguins is everyone’s number one item on their Antarctica bucket list.

There are six types of penguins living in Antarctica and they are one of the few animals on the continent that is pretty much a guarantee to see no matter when you go!

The guideline on interacting with wildlife on Antarctica is that you have to keep your distance, at least 5 meters away from all wildlife, but if they approach you that’s no problem!

These friendly birds are very unfamiliar with humans, so chances are they will come right up to you if you just hang out and wait.

Transport in Antarctica

Unless you’re working on a research station, the only form of transport you’ll get to experience in Antarctica is the floating kind.

Cruise or Expedition Ships

The main mode of transport in Antarctica is by ship, and you have a couple of different options – A luxury cruise ship, or a research expedition ship.

Cruise ships are comfortable and luxurious, but they might also lack the character and sense of adventure that you’d expect from a place like Antarctica.

We most recently travelled on a  polar expedition vessel called the Ultramarine , and it was amazing in that they were conducting real-life science research as we went.

Zodiacs (Inflatable Rubber Boats)

This is the most common, and fun way, to get your way around Antarctica.

They are used for getting from your ship to shore, or for just exploring around the gorgeous seas. They are open-air, which means you’re exposed to the elements, so make sure you wear plenty of protective gear.

We’ve already spoken about kayaks before, but if you have the chance to paddle around the continent you should definitely take it!

Safety in Antarctica

While Antarctica truly delivers on the promise of untouched nature and rich wildlife, one should seriously prepare to be exposed to the harsh climate and one of the most dangerous environments in the world.

But don’t stress too much about it – Chances are you’ll only be travelling to Antarctica in the summer, where the temperatures are warmer anyway.

Plus all Antarctic tours have qualified and experienced medical staff onboard, so you’ll be in safe hands.

Rough Sea Weather

When crossing the Drake Passage, which is a gruelling 48-hour journey, there’s a chance that you will encounter some rough sea weather.

Don’t worry though, because expedition ships are designed to charge through even the most turbulent of seas, so even though you might feel scared, the boats are absolutely fine.

If you’re prone to sea sickness you can take strong medication to help, or if you’re absolutely petrified we suggest booking a trip that has a flight to King George Island instead of boarding the cruise ship in Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

Walking On Ice

The key to crossing the icy sections of the continent are to have good quality boots.

Sometimes the tour operator will supply you with these boots, but make sure you do your research before you show up.

The guide will offer you some practical advice how to walk across icy sections. Usually those instructions consist of keeping a slow pace and short, confident steps where you plant your feet.

Harsh Climate

The main issue travellers to Antarctica will come across is the harsh climate, so make sure you come prepared.

You need to pack all the necessities before you come, because the right clothing is the most important factor in whether you will have a good time or not.

Learn to layer up, because the temperature can change rapidly, and the last thing you want is to have one giant, warm coat on when the sun comes out, meaning all you have underneath is a t-shirt.

The expedition leaders will keep an eye on the weather to help keep you safe in Antarctica.

Cruise Ship Safety

Most incidents that happen to cruise ships in Antarctica involves the pack ice, but this is an extremely rare occurrence in this day and age.

It’s important to know that your tour operator evaluates all risks and manages the trip around perceived hazards. Safety is their number one priority.

Today we’re able to predict icebergs, pack ice and unexposed hazards with forward-scanning sonar and ice radars, and all cruise ships have them in use.

Medical System in Antarctica

All tour operators have a medical team on-board for any possible health issues you may encounter.

The only thing up to the traveller to take care of is to make sure you get the proper vaccinations before the expedition.

The vaccines that you should be up-to-date on are:

• Measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine
• Diphteria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine
• Varicella (chickenpox) vaccine
• Polio vaccine

The risk of acquiring of any of those diseases comes from the fact that they’re easily spread from person to person, and the close living quarters.

You will be sharing same space with people from many different parts of the world which carries an increased risk of contracting a disease.

Packing List for Antarctica

Making sure to pack everything you need for your Antarctica travels is the most vital part of your travel preparations.

Some of the tour operators will supply you with adequate waterproof jacket, pants and boots, but make sure to check with them.

Check out our detailed guide on  what to wear in Antarctica  to get you prepared.

Men And Women

• Waterproof jacket
• Waterproof pants
• Boots (with the most grip)
• Thermal underwear
• Thermal socks x2
• Merino wool socks x3
• T-shirts x4
• Long sleeve shirt x1
• Hooded jumper x1
• Down jacket x1
• Wind/rain jacket x1
• Glove liners x1 pair
• Ski gloves x1 pair
• Buff bandana x2
• Sunglasses x1

Miscellaneous Items

• Camera (here’s  our list of the absolute best travel cameras on the market )
• Wide angle & zoom lens
• Spare batteries x4
• SD memory cards x4
• Waterproof cases for electronics

Travel Tips To Antarctica

• Wear layers! In some moments when you physically exert yourself you will start feeling a bit hot so then you should take off a layer. Later on when you feel cold again just put it back on – it’s important to regulate the body temperature.
• Invest in your camera equipment! This is a trip that most people only take once in their lifetime – you want to be sure to  make memorable photos of it.
• When booking your cruise make sure that somewhere it says ‘step foot on the continent’ because some cruise ships don’t allow passengers to leave the vessel!
• Think of flying to Buenos Aries before connecting to Ushuaia. It might end up a cheaper and you can arrive a day or two earlier to explore Buenos Aries.
• Buy a  good travel insurance policy ! Antarctica is so isolated and unpredictable that your travel policy should always include an emergency evacuation charge!

Table of Contents

Read our antarctica blog posts, the best time to visit antarctica – month by month breakdown.

In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Ross Sea Antarctica

• Get inspired by the possibilities.
• Build your ideal trip.
• Visit the Ross Sea region, one of the world's most remote &intriguing sites
• Experience nature on a scale so grand there are no words to describe it
• View relics of 'the heroic' or 'golden age' of exploration, including huts
• Observe and photograph penguins, seabirds, seals and whales
• Discover Antarctica via shore landings on the dynamic Subantarctic Islands
• Whale Watching
• Small Ship Cruises
• Wildlife Viewing
• New Zealand
• South Pacific
• Auckland Islands
• Campbell Island
• Invercargill
• Macquarie Island
• Port of Bluff
• Ross Island

Full Itinerary

Day 1: queenstown, new zealand, day 2: port of bluff | embark.

• Accommodation
• 1 Breakfast, 1 Lunch, 1 Dinner

Day 3: The Snares | North East Island

Day 4: auckland islands | enderby island, day 5: at sea, day 6-7: macquarie island.

• 2 Breakfasts, 2 Lunches, 2 Dinners

Day 8-10: At Sea

• 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners

Day 11-22: Antarctica's Ross Sea Region

• 12 Breakfasts, 12 Lunches, 12 Dinners

Day 23-25: At Sea

Day 26: campbell island | perseverance harbour, day 27: at sea, day 28: port of bluff | disembark.

• 1 Breakfast

Heritage Adventurer

Dates & prices, my preferred start date.

Initial deposit is 25%, and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.

Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by Bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge

See our general terms and conditions:

• Adventure Life Terms & Conditions

We are an agent for one or more providers on this trip with specific cancellation policies and terms:

• Heritage Expeditions: Terms & Conditions - Heritage Expeditions

For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.

• 27 Breakfasts, 26 Lunches, 27 Dinners
• 27 Nights Accommodations
• Accommodations as listed
• Ground transportation as listed
• Activities as listed
• Meals as listed
• Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
• House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner
• Landing fees
• All expedition shore excursions
• Programme of lectures by noted naturalists
• Pre- & Post- Cruise Transfers
• One night hotel accommodation in a twin share room (incl. dinner/breakfast)
• Travel Insurance
• Personal Expenses
• Flight costs (please request a quote)
• Additional excursions during free time
• Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
• Required Visas if applicable
• Laundry 
• Mandatory medical evacuation insurance

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Antarctica Small Ship Expedition Cruises

Antarctica Cruises & Travel Tours

Antarctica is often considered the ultimate travel destination for Australians, and the best way to visit Antarctica is on an  expedition cruise . Many consider Antarctica the last frontier and the ultimate in travel experiences.

Travel to the end of the Earth and explore the vast wilderness of the great white continent on one of our many incredible  small ship expeditions . Travellers are invited to join us as we explore the planet’s most remote continent with its unspoilt, awe-inspiring scenery and incredible wildlife encounters.

Antarctica is the fifth largest, the coldest and the driest continent on Earth. Cruises not only offer travellers the amazing opportunity to observe the abundance of wildlife it has to offer from the comfort of their expedition vessel, but also to gain inspirational insights from a dedicated and knowledgeable crew who spend their working lives traversing the icy ends of the globe. This is truly the very height of exciting travel and adventure holidays. Add the great, white continent to your travel itinerary and see for yourself what the most remote destination on the planet can offer you.

The Antarctica cruise season runs from November to March each year – with the months of November and March generally having the cheaper cruises, and December to mid-February being the peak season. Each month really offers its unique advantages. Cruises depart from South America or longer voyages from Australia or New Zealand. The voyage from South America is the more affordable and popular departure option having considerably less sea days, but the Australia and New Zealand options offer an opportunity to see the sub-Antarctic islands crossing the Ross Sea and witness the amazing King and Emperor Penguins. Luxury Antarctica cruises offer travellers a unique opportunity to explore this isolated wilderness with the comforts of a luxury hotel as they move around.

Choose from our range of fascinating trips or  contact us  and we’ll be happy to tailor the perfect itinerary to suit your requirements.

Feature Deals & Popular Tours

24/25 season deals.

25/26 Season Early Bird Deals

Spectacular South America & Antarctica

Explore Rio, Iguassu, Buenos Aires and Antarctica with huge savings this February 2025!

South America and Antarctica Odyssey Season 24/25

Incredible value! Discover the Antarctic Peninsula, Buenos Aires, Patagonia and Chile! Don’t miss out!

Exclusive Antarctica Deals season 24/25 & 25/26

Exclusive Antarctica with Greg Mortimer, Sylvia Earle & Douglas Mawson for 24/25 and 25/26 seasons! Book by 6th June 2024 and secure an extra booking credit of AUD $500 per person!

Best Antarctica Cruise Deals

Antarctica blogs.

Navigating the Frozen Frontier: A Guide to Antarctica Expedition Cruises

By Eclipse Travel

Thinking about booking your bucket list trip to Antarctica? Then this blog post is for you! The leading Polar experts at Eclipse Travel are providing you with an overview of one of the world’s most remote and intriguing destinations. Join us as we explore the considerations involved in choosing an Antarctica cruise,... Read More...

In Search of the Emperor Penguins!

By Shae Aitken

My third trip down to Antarctica, I was extra excited about this trip, which we were in search of the Emperor Penguins in Snow Hill located in the Weddell sea which is located on the eastern side of the Antarctica peninsula.   Today, it is one of the most exclusive wildlife viewing experiences... Read More...

Penguin Safari: South Georgia and the Peninsula

By Tig Martin

Last month my friend Nikki and I joined the final voyage of the 22/23 Antarctic season aboard the Ultramarine expedition ship. Over sixteen incredible days, we sailed from Ushuaia to South Georgia, and on to the Antarctic Peninsula, before returning to Ushuaia across the Drake Passage. We wandered through king penguin colonies,... Read More...

New Zealand’s Sub-Antarctic Islands

By Leanne Dunhill

The Sub-Antarctic Islands of New Zealand and Australia lie in the Southern Ocean. These remote and desolate stepping stones to Antarctica offer rich biodiversity, breathtaking scenery and fascinating human history. They are home to some of the most abundant and unique wildlife on Earth. Many bird species, invertebrates and plants (including the... Read More...

Visiting Antarctica from New Zealand

Over the past few years I have been very privileged to visit Antarctica not once, but twice. Once from Bluff in the south of New Zealand and more recently from Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina. Since I returned from the Antarctic Peninsula in December I’ve been asked on a number... Read More...

Destinations

Polar circle tours.

Join us on a voyage of discovery to our planet’s last frontier, a mysterious and pristine paradise, with Polar Circle Tours and Eclipse. Our Polar Circle Travel packages offer you the chance to witness amazing ice formations that will ignite your imagination as you search the unbelievable landscape for the wildlife. Our Polar Circle Tours will have you traverse some of the coldest waters on the planet, see sights few will ever see, and experience what life is like for the most amazing animals on planet Earth.

Antarctic Peninsula Tours

Tick off that must-see and must-see destination that is Antarctica and choose from our range of Eclipse cruise options and packages to experience the wonder and unforgettable majesty of Antarctic Peninsula Tours.

Antarctica Fly Cruise

These Antarctic Fly Cruise and our Fly Cruise Tours reduce your precious time otherwise spent on a leisurely ship passage down to the mainland but allow you to still witness the magnificent landscape and wildlife on offer. An Antarctica Fly Cruise is a great way to experience the expansive wonder of Antarctica, while avoiding the famous Drake Passage and is perfect for Fly Cruise Tour lovers who may be shorter on time to spent getting to the wild, untamed ice island on the planet’s far south.

Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia Tours

The Falkland Islands Tours and South Georgia Tours with Eclipse are the best way to experience these jewels of the South Atlantic Ocean. These incredibly remote and wild islands are home to an abundance of wildlife. The Falkland Islands Tours will show you a rich and storied history, while South Georgia Tours will give you front row seats to what has rightly been called ‘the most staggering wildlife show on earth’. After our in-depth exploration, we are certain you will agree.

Weddell Sea Tours

Experience the wild and wonderful Weddell Sea Tours with Eclipse Travel's selection of Antarctic tours and Weddell Sea Tour packages. Fierce, cold and stunningly beautiful your Weddell Sea Tours selection will have you following in the footsteps of explorers just like Shackleton who have grappled with the contrasts of the Weddell Sea and defied the odds to see some of the planet’s most amazing natural landscapes. The Weddell Sea has an abundance of whales and seals which is of great appeal for wildlife lovers too.

Sub-Antarctic Islands

New Zealand's remote Sub-Antarctic Islands are a region of wild landscapes, unique wildlife and forgotten beauty.

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Visiting Antarctica from New Zealand

By Leanne Dunhill

Over the past few years I have been very privileged to visit Antarctica not once, but twice. Once from Bluff in the south of New Zealand and more recently from Ushuaia on the southern tip of Argentina . Since I returned from the Antarctic Peninsula in December I’ve been asked on a number of occasions which expedition I enjoyed best, why I would recommend one destination over the other or why I would recommend a longer expedition, for example over a shorter expedition. In reality a few factors assist you to make your decision regardless of whether you realise it or not.

For example:

How do you fare at sea? How long would you like to be away for? What sort of expedition are you wanting to experience? Will you already be in New Zealand? What is your desired budget/level of luxury? What would you like to see? Historic huts, particular wildlife?

From New Zealand, trip durations are around 30 days, whereas from South America it is possible to join a fly-cruise from as little as six days in duration. Due to the length of trips departing from New Zealand, and also the distance away from the Antarctic continent, the crossing of the Southern Ocean is quite a lot longer than you would be experiencing departing from Ushuaia where getting to the Antarctic Peninsula takes about two days.

Departing from New Zealand or Australia and heading non-stop to Cape Adare (first landing point in the Ross Sea region of Antarctica) will take around five days. However!! the added bonus of these longer expeditions is that they visit the Sub-Antarctic Islands giving you the chance to experience the different ecosystems, weather, scenery and wildlife the ‘Subs’ offer.

From my experience crossing both the Southern Ocean and the Drake Passage, it does get a little choppy in places. It’s to be expected. If you are not a great seafarer like me, but are really wanting to join a longer expedition I would definitely recommend visiting your GP to stock up on sea-sickness medication so you are prepared just in case. There is also a doctor on board these trips who will be available should you need more assistance. My other recommendation would be to book a centrally located, lower deck cabin which will reduce your movement. I wouldn’t take the chance of sea-sickness impacting your experience of this amazing destination.

The style of vessel I travelled on to the Ross Sea region of Antarctic was of a comfort standard. Clean, tidy, and more of an expedition style of trip rather than a cruise as such. Nowadays there a more operators visiting this region that offer a higher level of comfort if you prefer to travel with a little bit of luxury. The overall experience, knowledge of the expedition team, friendliness of the crew will be of high standards regardless of level of comfort you choose to book.

If time permits I would recommend a longer trip. What’s the chance you will return to this area again? Why not see as much as possible. An expedition to the white continent is on a lot of bucket lists and I say if you get to visit this ‘must see’ destination then why not enjoy some time in New Zealand, and in particular the Sub-Antarctic islands of New Zealand and Australia. This can be done as either a shorter trip purely visiting the Sub-Antarctic islands or as a longer trip heading towards Antarctica. There is also the option to join a semi-circumnavigation trip which commences in New Zealand, visits the Sub-Antarctic Islands and Antarctica and finishes in Argentina, South America (or vice versa). This itinerary would give you the opportunity to explore both New Zealand and South America making this into the ultimate holiday!

How did the wildlife vary between the trips? Immensely!

While on the shorter ten-day expedition from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula we saw thousands of penguins, some of which I hadn’t seen before – like the chinstrap penguin. We also saw breaching humpback whales, Orcas and a variety of different seals. The scenery on this trip was more dramatic with towering mountains reaching to the sky.

The 30-day expedition I joined in February 2017 was more varied due to the inclusion of the Sub-Antarctic Islands and the length of time spent in Antarctica. On this trip again we saw lots of seals we also saw millions of penguins including the King Penguin on Macquarie Island and Emperor Penguins on ice floe as well as Blue, Orca, Minke and Humpback whales as well as terns, yellow-eyed penguins, Southern Royal Albatross, snares crested penguins and humongous elephant seals. The landscape in the Sub-Antarctic islands is windswept, green and lush with the noise of singing birds, whereas in Antarctica there was glassy sparkling blue water, ice covered mountains, a smoking Mount Erebus, the historic huts from the heroic era and silence.

Whether you choose to embark on your Antarctic adventure from NZ or Ushuaia, I guarantee you will not be disappointed. There is no better time to visit your back yard!! (see subs blog)

Expeditions to Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic Islands operate in the southern hemisphere summer months between November and March. For further information please see our expeditions we offer here .

Contact our Polar Expedition experts to help you plan your perfect Antarctica trip today.

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Travelling to Antarctica

In the 1980s, only around 2,000 travellers visited this pristine yet fragile and dangerous region each year. In 2017-18, approximately 50,000 tourists visited the continent, with several trips departing from New Zealand’s shores.

Our approach to tourism in the Antarctic

As a party to the Antarctic Treaty System, New Zealand is required to minimise the environmental impact of travellers to the region. We do this by:

• Ensuring any activities are safe and environmentally responsible.
• Limiting visits to sites where cumulative activity will lead to their deterioration.
• Opposing the expansion of permanent or semi-permanent land-based tourism in Antarctica, especially in the Ross Dependency.
• Providing only humanitarian assistance and basic hospitality for tourist and non-governmental expeditions.

2003 New Zealand Policy Statement on Tourism and Other Non-Governmental Activities in Antarctica

• NZ Policy Statement on Tourism and other NGO Activities in Antarctica 2003 [PDF 119 KB]

The Antarctic Treaty has guidelines for visitors and tour operators to the Antarctic. These provide direction on limiting the effect on the environment and wildlife, staying safe and respecting scientific activities. It's important that these guidelines are followed. Tour operators must also make certain preparations before departure, which include advising MFAT of travel plans and getting Ministerial permission.

Find out more if you are c onsidering planning activities in Antarctica .

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Emperor Penguins - New Zealand's Ross Dependecny, Antarctica

Expeditioners photographing Emperor Penguin - Ross Sea of Antarctica

Scott Base, Ross Island

Seal Pup, Enderby Island

Southern Royal Albatross

Waiting for Albatross, Campbell Island

Shy Albatross at the Auckland Islands

Grey Headed Albatross

New Zealand Subantarctic Islands

South to Antarctica: Wilderness Cruise to New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands and beyond

Travel on this 30 day expedition from Invercargill via New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands to Antarctica - Ross Sea. New Zealand's Ross Dependency is home to Scott Base, as well as Scott and Shackleton's huts, restored by the Antarctic Heritage Trust.

Pricing and Conditions

Land fees of approximately $1257

In the case of cancellation by the contracting party HE is entitled to charge the following costs to the contracting party: for cancellations received more than 180 days prior to the departure date, a full refund will be made less a USD 750 per person administration fee. For cancellations received within 179 and 91 days of embarkation date teh full deposit will be forfeited. If cancellation occurs within 90 days prior to departure date the total price is forefeited.

Travel south from Invercargill to explore New Zealand's Subantarctic and Antarctica's Ross Sea. Very few expeditions have ever travelled this far South, well beyond the Antarctic circle. Follow in the footsteps of the great polar explorers such as Captain Scott and Ernest Shackleton. En route we will explore the UNESCO World Heritage Sites of the NZ Subantarctic Islands. In addition, spend 2 weeks exploring the Ross Sea region of Antarctica - part of New Zealand's Ross Dependency. Be welcomed to Scott Base, visit bustling penguin colonies and set foot in early explorers' huts described by Sir David Attenborough as "a time warp without parallel". Expedition cruises depart every January and February. Limited Cabins available.

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The content on this page was created by South to Antarctica: Wilderness Cruise to New Zealand Sub Antarctic Islands and beyond

This website helps visitors connect with providers of great New Zealand tourism experiences. It is not intended to give any assurance that any particular provider meets certain quality standards or legal obligations. Please contact this business for more information. See also: newzealand.com terms of use (opens in new window) .

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TRAVELLING TO Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand

Travelling to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand can be achieved a few ways. Either fly to South America or depart directly on your Antarctica cruise from Australia or New Zealand. The most popular and affordable Antarctic journey is to fly to Argentina and board your ship in the southernmost city of the world, Ushuaia. From here you can visit the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands on your Antarctic cruise. A cruise will take anywhere from 10 to 21 days when leaving from Ushuaia, if crossing directly to the peninsula you can be there in as soon as one and a half to two days.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular due to accessibility and for the plethora of wildlife found. The coast offers a dramatic mountainous backdrop being an extension of the Andes Mountain range. The entire region including the sub Antarctic Islands is home to incredible history including Shackleton’s epic journey of survival.

Taking a cruise ship to Antarctica from Australia

You can also cruise Antarctica from Australia, departing or disembarking from either Australia (Hobart) or New Zealand (Invercargill, Lyttleton or Bluff). This amazing adventure visits the lesser frequented East Antarctica and it will take about seven days to arrive to the white continent, which can be broken up by visits to Macquarie, Snares, Auckland, and Campbell Islands, all rich in wildlife and nature.

Once you've arrived in Antarctica, you will spend time around Commonwealth Bay or the Ross Sea region.

A cruise to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand offers the opportunity to witness the immense natural landscapes and seascapes of this incredibly remote yet ruggedly beautiful part of Antarctica and the best chance to see emperor and king penguins. Steeped in history, East Antarctica is where the explorers Scott, Shackleton and Amundsen gained fame with their expeditions to be the first to reach the South Pole.

This part of Antarctica is also home to the historic Mawson’s Huts at Commonwealth Bay, so Antarctica tours departing from Australia and New Zealand allow you to see a unique part of the continent missed by many visitors.

One of the biggest advantages of Antarctica tours from Australia and New Zealand is that you board your ship and head straight to Antarctica—no international flights required. However, the trade-off is that you’ll spend more time at sea and the journey is longer, which means the cruise to Antarctica from Australia price is more expensive.

Where does a cruise from Australia to Antarctica depart from?

Australia and New Zealand both have acted as lesser-known cruise gateways to visit the incredible sights of East Antarctica. Here you will board your vessel and travel directly to one of the earth’s most remote and incredible locations.

Hobart in Australia and Invercargill in New Zealand both host Antarctic cruise vessels heading south for the summer. A round trip cruise to this part of the world will take about 21 days all up, including 7 days crossing to Antarctica, frequently stopping to visit remote islands such as Macquarie, Snares, Auckland and Campbell.

What is it like: The cruise to East Antarctica alone is an extraordinary journey in itself. Visiting remote islands along the way offers the traveller an incredible opportunity to witness unique wildlife, history and geology. These islands were frequented and studied by Australia’s Antarctic Iceman of the heroic age of exploration, Douglas Mawson, and continue to be examined by modern scientists today.

Reaching the continent of East Antarctica after a week of exploration is a sight to behold with large ice shelves, vast seas and icebergs greeting travellers like a giant spectacle, a reward for taking the time to get there. Here you have the best chance of seeing the famed Emperor penguin, and it is also the base for some of Antarctica’s most incredible historic moments. If weather conditions allow, it is also the place to be to visit Douglas Mawson’s huts and indulge in Australia’s first true link to Antarctica.

Getting there: Using your local airlines in Australia should offer great connections through to both Hobart or Invercargill where you will meet the vessel for your Antarctic cruise adventure.

More information: There are fewer options to visit East Antarctica than there is on the Peninsula, but they are all incredible journeys. Click below to browse our favourite journeys.

Want to travel to Antarctica first flying from Australia/New Zealand then cruising from South America?

Where: Argentina’s Ushuaia, the southernmost city of the world, is the primary gateway for Antarctica cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula as well as the sub-Antarctic islands such as South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. It is also possible to depart your Antarctica cruise from Chile’s Punta Arenas – this is where our Fly/Cruise options depart from, for those passengers who want to skip the crossing of the Drake Passage.

What is it like: The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular and most frequently visited region of Antarctica and perfect for first-time visitors. It offers the ideal introduction to Antarctica, its incredible wildlife, glacier landscapes and history.

Getting there:  LATAM flies from the east coast of Australia to Santiago where connections can be made through to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas. Leaving from Perth, you may want to consider an Emirates flight to Buenos Aires, which can both save time and money. If you’re interested in Antarctica cruises out of South America, please visit our main Antarctica Cruise page.

For the best rates for Australians travelling to Antarctica:  click here

Still wondering? Contact us for a chat, we know it’s a big decision to visit the world’s last frontier, we’d rather talk you through the options, so feel free to reach out for advice.  

WHY TRAVEL WITH CHIMU ADVENTURES

We are true polar specialists. Almost every Chimu team member has travelled to either Antarctica or the Arctic and has an average of ten years' experience in selling the region. 

We have inspected and continue to thoroughly research each individual vessel we work with, selecting only small ships with strong environmental, safety, and ethical credentials. 

We know all things polar by heart and will work with you to determine which ship and itinerary is best suited. Travellers visit the polar regions for different reasons, including wildlife, photography, snowshoeing, and kayaking, so we'll find the perfect expedition for your interests. 

From your initial enquiry until your trip ends, you'll be assigned a personal Destination Specialist who will offer a full service to your travel needs: we can book flights, insurance, and any additional travel to complete your journey. 

FEATURED Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand TRIPS & DEALS

Special deals">antarctica special deals.

Treat yourself to a trip of a lifetime to Antarctica and save with one of these incredible deals. 

All Inclusive Flight Package Antarctica Untouched

Buenos Aires, Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands

Ship:  Seaventure

START: Sydney, Australia

FINISH: Sydney, Australia

PRICED FROM

AUD 16,949*

Best of Antarctica: Pristine Wilderness with Deborah Conway

Antarctica, Antarctic Peninsula

Ship:  Ocean Endeavour

START: Ushuaia, Argentina

FINISH: Ushuaia, Argentina

PRICED FROM Was AUD 13,880

NOW AUD 11,104*

Antarctica : CRUISE DIRECT from Australia and New Zealand

Ross sea expedition: dunedin to dunedin.

Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand & Antarctica

SHIP: Le Soleal

START: Dunedin, New Zealand

FINISH: Dunedin, New Zealand

AUD 22,410*

Expedition to New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands

New Zealand & Subantarctic Islands

AUD 16,190*

Galapagos of the Southern Ocean

Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand

SHIP: Heritage Adventurer

START: Queenstown, New Zealand

FINISH: Queenstown, New Zealand

AUD 14,995*

Best of Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

SHIP: Ocean Endeavour

PRICED FROM Was AUD 13,130

NOW AUD 10,504*

Best of Antarctica: In Depth

Antarctic Sound, Lemaire Channel, Antarctic Peninsula and…

PRICED FROM Was AUD 18,580

NOW AUD 14,864*

Unexplored Antarctica Between Two Continents

Antarctica & Ross Sea

SHIP: Le Commandant Charcot

START: Santiago, Chile

FINISH: Hobart, Australia

AUD 69,520*

Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand REVIEWS

All Chimu Adventures' clients are given the opportunity to review their trip once they return home. These reviews are administered by a third party and as such are unfiltered by Chimu Adventures.

BLOGS ON Antarctica Cruises from Australia and New Zealand

Looking for blogs on Antarctica from Australia and NZ, Latin America, or even the Arctic? If so, we have you covered! The Chimu blog is updated regularly with new articles and is packed with great content on planning your trip, what to pack, and amazing adventures in each destination. 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1 . do i need a visa to travel to east antarctica.

A pre-arranged visa is not required to enter Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand.

2 . How long will it take to reach East Antarctica?

Cruises to Antarctica from Tasmania (Hobart) and to Antarctica from New Zealand (Invercargill or Bluff) can reach East Antarctica in 6 to 7 days, but most voyages break up the days at sea with visits to The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island and Campbell Island.

3 . What are the chances of seeing the Mawson’s Huts?

Unfortunately we cannot guarantee that you will be able to see Mawson’s Huts. The presence of two immense icebergs had blocked access to Commonwealth Bay for many years. In January 2016, Chimu Adventures operated the first commercial expedition to the site for 5 years, after the two icebergs finally shifted. Although access to Commonwealth Bay was possible, the huts could not be reached due to the ice floe. Cape Denison in Commonwealth Bay where the timber huts are located, is known as the “home of the blizzard”, one of the windiest places on Earth, with frequent strong katabatic winds. Your chances of seeing Mawson’s Huts will always depend on the weather and ice conditions and the accessibility of Commonwealth Bay. If you are fortunate enough to gain access to the huts and see some of the relics of Mawson’s infamous 1911-14 Australasian Antarctic Expedition, it will be an amazing experience that will give you an insight into the harsh conditions that these explorers were subjected to and endured.

4 . What are the chances of getting into Scott’s Hut?

Scott’s Hut is located on Ross Island, on the north shore of Cape Evans. Scott’s Discovery Expedition Hut is located at Hut Point on Ross Island, near to McMurdo Station, the US Antarctic Research Station and Base. Access to the huts is completely dependent on ice and weather conditions, and although every effort will be made to visit the huts, this cannot be guaranteed. In recent years the success rate of visiting Scott’s Hut has been high.

5 . Do I need to be fit to go to East Antarctica?

A high level of fitness is not necessary for cruises to Antarctica from Australia and New Zealand, but you need to be in good health as although there is generally a doctor on board the ships, you are a long way from any other medical assistance. The majority of activities are focused around shore excursions and zodiac cruising and so you need to be agile and able-bodied enough to climb into and out of the inflatable zodiacs from both the ship and the shore. On shore landings you may need to negotiate uneven and slippery ground. Shore excursions generally involve some walking

6 . Is it safe to travel to East Antarctica and the Ross Sea?

All of our tours are 100% tried and tested to ensure that when you travel with us, you are doing so in a controlled and safe environment with trained experts. We consistently monitor weather conditions and will always provide you with the best possible adventure without risk of injury to you or the vessel. While some landings and activities may need to be rescheduled or cancelled due to weather, every effort is made to have a contingency plan should such conditions become a reality during your expedition. Chimu have been the experts in Antarctic travel almost 20 years and use our vast experience and knowledge when picking the vessels we sell to provide you with an adventure that is unforgettable for all the right reasons.

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Supporting world leading science and environmental protection.

Antarctica New Zealand is the government agency responsible for carrying out New Zealand's activities in Antarctica, supporting world leading science and environmental protection. Our vision is: Antarctica and the Southern Ocean – valued, protected, understood

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In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton: Antarctica

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Tour Description

Experience one of the most remote places on the planet, the Ross Sea region of Antarctica, as well as the fascinating islands of The Snares, Macquarie, Campbell and Auckland Islands on this 28 day cruise from New Zealand.

Departing Bluff, New Zealand, this Antarctica cruise takes you to isolated and rarely visited Ross Sea region of Antarctica, as well as exploring the Sub Antarctic Islands. Go where very few travellers go! Traversing the formidable Southern Ocean this expedition cruise gives you the chance to truly follow in the footsteps of an intrepid Antarctic explorers.  Visit penguin rookeries, historic huts and sites, and be wowed by icebergs, sea ice, whales, seals and bird life.

On the way to Antarctic, explore the remote sub Antarctic Islands. The Snares, Macquarie, Campbell and Auckland Islands have their own unique natural and historic profile. The Snares boast colossal populations of nesting seabirds, the penguin population of Macquarie Island is in the millions. Seals and elephant seals line the shores of Macquarie and Auckland Islands and countless sea and land birds fill the air with their chatter. On Campbell Island, explore the nesting site of the Southern Royal Albatross. Visit the Ross Sea area of Antarctica on this cruise and experience the continent as though you were alone. Infrequently visited by Antarctic cruises the air is dry and cold here and the sun never sets. The ice is thick and vast and scores of seals, penguins and other seabirds patrol the horizon. 

Journey onboard the Heritage Adventurer, a  fully equipped and ice-strengthened ship  crewed by some of the most experienced officers and sailors in the world and staffed by a passionate and knowledgeable expedition team. This will be a remote and wild journey to remember forever!

Video Highlights

Viva's Best Bits...

King, Royal, Rockhopper, Gentoo, Adelie & Snares penguins, the rare Hooker Sea Lion, Southern Elephant Seals, Weddell seals, Sothern Royal & Sooty Albatross...see wildlife unique to this region.

"If you like wild, rarely explored and off the beaten track, then this adventure is for you! A rare opportunity to visit The Snares, Macquarie, Campbell and Auckland Islands, plus Antarcticas Ross Sea!" Tara, Team Viva

Venture into the remote Ross Sea region of Antarctica - and see where the adventures takes us - perhaps visit Antarctica’s largest Adelie Penguin rookery.

Tour Itinerary

Arrive at Queenstown, New Zealand’s world famous alpine resort town. Guests should make their way to the designated hotel where we will spend the first night of the expedition. This evening there will be an informal get-together at the hotel for dinner; an excellent opportunity to meet fellow adventurers on your voyage and some of our expedition team.

Today we enjoy breakfast in the hotel restaurant and have the morning free to explore Queenstown before returning to the hotel for lunch and departing for the Port of Bluff to embark your ship. You will have time to settle into your cabin and familarise yourself with the ship; we will also take the opportunity to conduct a number of safety briefings. You are invited to join the expedition team in the Observation Lounge and up on the Observation Deck as we set our course to The Snares and our adventure begins.

The closest Subantarctic Islands to New Zealand, they were appropriately called The Snares as they were once considered a hazard for sailing ships. Comprising of two main islands and a group of five islands called the Western Chain; they are uninhabited and enjoy the highest protection as Nature Reserves. It is claimed by some that these islands are home to more nesting seabirds than all of the British Isles together. We plan to arrive in the morning, and as landings are not permitted, we will Zodiac cruise along the sheltered eastern side of the main island if the weather and sea conditions are suitable. In the sheltered bays, we should see the endemic Snares Crested Penguin, Snares Island Tomtit and Fernbirds. There are hundreds of thousands of Sooty Shearwaters nesting on The Snares; the actual number is much debated. Buller’s Albatross breed here from early January onwards. There will be opportunities to view the forests of large tree daisy Olearia lyallii which forms a canopy over much of the island group.

The Auckland Islands group was formed by two volcanoes which erupted some 10-25 million years ago. They have subsequently been eroded and dissected by glaciation creating the archipelago as we know it today. Enderby Island is one of the most beautiful islands in this group and is named after the same distinguished shipping family as one of our own vessels. This northern most island in the archipelago is an outstanding wildlife and birding location and is relatively easy to land on and walk around. The island was cleared of all introduced animals (pests) in 1994 and both birds and the vegetation, especially the herbaceous plants, are recovering both in numbers and diversity. Our plan is to land at Sandy Bay, one of three breeding areas in the Auckland Islands for the Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion, a rare member of the seal family. Beachmaster bulls gather on the beach, defending their harems from younger (ambitious) males, to mate with the cows shortly after they have given birth to a single pup. Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lion numbers are in a slow decline, for reasons which are not obvious but most probably connected with a nearby squid fishery. During our day ashore there will be several options, some longer walks, some shorter walks and time to spend just sitting and enjoying the wildlife. The walking is relatively easy. A boardwalk traverses the island to the dramatic western cliffs, from there we follow the coast and circumnavigate the island. Birds that we are likely to encounter include the following species: Southern Royal Albatross, Northern Giant Petrel, Auckland Island Shag, Auckland Island Flightless Teal, Auckland Island Banded Dotterel, Auckland Island Tomtit, Bellbird, Pipit, Red-crowned Parakeet, Yellow-eyed Penguin and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross. There is also a very good chance of seeing the Subantarctic Snipe.

At sea, learn more about the biology and history of the Subantarctic Islands and the Southern Ocean through a series of lectures and presentations. We will be at sea all day, so it is another opportunity to spot pelagic species including (but not limited to) the Wandering Albatross, Royal Albatross, Shy and White-capped Albatross, Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, Grey-headed Albatross and Black-browed Albatross, Whitechinned Petrel, Mottled Petrel, White-headed Petrel, Cape Petrel, diving-petrel, Grey-backed and Black-bellied Storm-petrels. This is potentially some of the best pelagic ‘birding’ on the expedition.

Described by one Australian explorer as “One of the wonder spots of the world” this is the only place in the world where the beautiful Royal Penguin breeds. Three other species of penguins, the King, Gentoo and Rockhopper also breed here. You will never forget your first experience of a noisy ‘penguin city’, where the dapper inhabitants show no fear of their strange visitors and where you will be immersed in a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks; territorial disputes; petty pilfering and courtship displays. This all happens amongst the hundreds of Southern Elephant Seals lolling on the beaches and dunes. On arrival we meet with scientists and Park Rangers based here who will accompany us on all our landings.

Soaring albatross and petrels circle the vessel as we steam south through the Southern Ocean. Lectures now concentrate on the Ross Sea region and beyond the bow of the ship; drifting icebergs of extraordinary shapes begin to appear. Manoeuvring in close for your first ice photographs we pass the Antarctic Circle and into the continent’s realm of 24-hour daylight.

During our time in the Ross Sea region, we will visit the highlights of Antarctica’s most historic region. Due to the unpredictable nature of ice and weather conditions, a day-by-day itinerary is not possible. The Captain and Expedition Leader will assess daily conditions and take advantage of every opportunity to make landings or send you out in the Zodiacs. Our programme emphasises wildlife viewing, key scientific bases and historic sites, as well as the spectacular scenery of the coastal terrain, the glaciers and icebergs of the Ross Sea. Whilst specific landings cannot be guaranteed, we hope to visit the following: Cape Adare: A large flat spit of land, teeming with the staggering sight of Antarctica’s largest Adelie Penguin rookery: a tumult of chattering, feeding chicks, territorial disputes, petty pilfering and courtship displays. Curious penguins often come very close, offering superb photographic opportunities. Among the shifting mass of penguins we will find Carsten Borchgrevink’s Hut, the oldest in Antarctica, an overwintering shelter for the first expedition to the continent in 1899. Cape Hallett: The enormous Admiralty Range heralds our arrival; wild and extraordinary, the mountains rear up towering out of the sea to over 4,000-metres high and are bounded by colossal glaciers. We make our landing at an abandoned base site, now home to large numbers of Adelie Penguins and Weddell Seals. Franklin Island: Desolately beautiful and rugged, this is home to a large Adelie Penguin population and other nesting seabirds. We attempt a landing and explore the coastline. Possession Islands: Rarely-visited, small and rugged, these rocks support tens of thousands of penguins. Observe the birds’ busy and humorous activity, with the Admiralty Mountains forming a superb backdrop across the water. Ross Ice Shelf: The world’s largest body of floating ice and a natural barrier, at times creating hazardous weather, with sheets of snow blown at gale force by winds off the polar ice cap. Just 800 miles from the South Pole, this daunting spectacle prevented many early explorers from venturing further south. We cruise along its dizzying 30-metre high ice cliffs, perhaps lucky enough to see icebergs ‘calving’. Ross Island: Mount Erebus/Cape Bird/Shackleton’s Hut/Scott’s Hut(s) and visits to a scientific field station (Scott and McMurdo Stations are high on our wish list but ice, weather and station operational requirements often make them inaccessible). Ross Island was, and is, the ‘hub of activity’ in the Ross Sea, dominated by Mt Erebus, a monstrous active volcano named after the ancient Greek God of Darkness. The carefully preserved huts of the ‘Heroic Era’ help make the history come alive. If we can reach the bases, we will get a modern perspective on Antarctic Research. Terra Nova Bay: An Italian research station where the scientists are always hospitable and enjoy showing us around their lonely but beautiful home. They share with us their scientific research and also, perhaps, the best ‘espresso’ in Antarctica! Nearby is the German base, Gondwana Station, which is used occasionally and the South Korean station, Jang Bogo and on Inexpressible Island, China is building its fifth Antarctic base.

En route to Campbell Island, take part in a series of lectures designed to prepare you for our visit tomorrow. Pelagic species abound here as they did en route to Macquarie Island earlier in our voyage. Above all, take the time to rest and enjoy shipboard life after the excitement of the Antarctic.

New Zealand’s southernmost Subantarctic territory, the Campbell Island group lies approximately 660-kilometres south of Bluff. We visit Campbell Island, the main island in the group, and spend the day exploring the island on foot from Perseverance Harbour, a long inlet cutting into the undulating landscape. Campbell Island is a truly magnificent place of rugged scenery, unique flora and abundant wildlife. Perseverance Harbour where we drop anchor is an occasional refuge for Southern Right Whales who come here to calve. Here we will find a now abandoned New Zealand meteorological station as well as Campbell Island Shags, penguins, fur seals and rare Hooker’s Sea Lions. The highlight of our visit is a walk to the hilltop breeding sites of Southern Royal Albatross, over six thousand pairs of which breed on Campbell Island. These magnificent birds, close relations to, and the same size as, the Wandering Albatross, have the largest wingspan in the world and are very approachable, making superb photographic subjects.

At sea en route to the Port of Bluff, take the opportunity to relax and reflect on an amazing experience. This is a good opportunity to download and edit any remaining photos while they are fresh in your mind and you have the experience of our expedition team on board for questions. We will recap the highlights of our expedition and enjoy a farewell dinner tonight as we sail to our final port.

Early this morning we will arrive in the Port of Bluff. After a final breakfast we bid farewell to our fellow voyagers and take a complimentary coach transfer to either Invercargill or Queenstown Airports. In case of unexpected delays due to weather and/or port operations we ask you not to book any onward travel until after midday from Invercargill and after 3pm from Queenstown. Note: During our voyage, circumstances may make it necessary or desirable to deviate from the proposed itinerary. This can include poor weather and opportunities for making unplanned excursions. Your Expedition Leader will keep you fully informed. Landings at the Subantarctic Islands of New Zealand are by permit only as administered by the Government of New Zealand. No landings are permitted at The Snares.

What’s Included

Accommodation.

• Included Copy 20 1 night hotel, twin share accommodation (with dinner and breakfast)
• Included Copy 20 26 nights shipboard accommodation
• Included Copy 20 All meals onboard the ship
• Included Copy 20 House beer, wine and soft drinks with lunch and dinner

Fees & Services

• Included Copy 20 All scheduled landings/shore excursions
• Included Copy 20 Pre/Post cruise transfers
• Included Copy 20 Guiding and lectures by expedition team and team
• Included Copy 20 English-speaking expedition team
• Included Copy 20 Landing Fees
• Included Copy 7 International/domestic flight, travel insurance, laundry, drinks, gratuities
• Included Copy 31 Add on Kayaking (additional cost Jan 2025 departure only)

Transportation

Heritage Adventurer

140 Passengers

• Included Great for bird life - King, Royal, Rockhopper, Gentoo, Adelie & Snares penguins, Albatross and more!
• Included Sightseeing by Zodiac
• Included Opportunities to visit heritage huts and sites
• Included Shore excursions
• Included Great photos - icebergs, rugged islands, beaches and windswept landscapes
• Included Interesting flora - wild flowers on the sub-Antarctic islands
• Included Antarctic wildlife - Hooker Sea Lion, Southern Elephant Seals, Weddell seals

$ 48,500 NZD

Per person, sharing

Based on a triple cabin

Speak to your All Antarctic Cruises travel expert now

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Antarctica and Subantarctic Cruises on SALE

Suite deals - antarctica suites on sale, save up to 20% on antarctic voyages.

Discover the spectacular wildlife havens of Australia's Macquarie Island and New Zealand's Subantarctic Islands and follow in the footsteps of heroic explorers into the heart of Antarctica's Ross Sea with small ship expedition cruise pioneers Heritage Expeditions - as featured on television's Go Further South and Antarctica from Above documentaries.

SAVE 20%* on Heritage Suites and SAVE 15%* on Worsley Suites on our 2025 In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton Ross Sea voyages into the heart of Antarctica.

Enjoy all-inclusive travel aboard our luxurious 140-guest flagship Heritage Adventurer where sophisticated accommodation and gourmet fare meets carefully crafted and unique itineraries, while a fleet of 14 Zodiacs means there's a seat for every guest on every excursion.

*T&Cs apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees, 2025 departures only when booked by 31 May 2024.

Antarctica photo & video gallery, about heritage expeditions, ambassadors for conservation, pioneers of discovery, and leaders in expedition travel to the world’s best-kept secrets..

For 40 years, Heritage Expeditions has pioneered voyages to some of the most wild and biologically rich regions on the planet. Our mission is to increase awareness and conservation of the natural world through responsible expedition travel.

Expert Team

Our team of naturalists, historians, biologists and ornithologists bring an enormous wealth of experience, knowledge and passion to our expeditions, both in the field and onboard our ship during our lecture series.

Our new flagship, the 140-guest Heritage Adventurer, combines the highest passenger ship iceclass rating with an international flair and luxury amenities. Guests enjoy spacious suites, elegant common areas and cuisine prepared by top chefs.

Heritage Adventurer

Heritage Adventurer,  formerly known as  MS Hanseatic ,   is a true pioneering expedition vessel of exceptional pedigree. Originally designed for 184 guests, Heritage Adventurer now welcomes just 140 travellers ensuring spacious, stylish and comfortable voyages, and with a fleet of 14 Zodiacs to maximise the adventure. Savor daily international gourmet cuisine from talented chefs across two lavish restaurants, and settle into spacious and well-appointed accommodations each night. Enjoy 360-degree views and comfortable sun loungers on the Observation Deck, relax in the Observation Lounge with library, bar and panoramic views, and reinvigorate in the heated salt water pool, well-equipped gym, hot tub, sauna and steam room. 

Technical Specs

Year Built: 1991

Shipyard: Rauma, Finland

Classification: Lloyds 1AS, GL E4

Accommodation: 140 guests

Length: 124 metres

Cruising Speed: 12 knots

Zodiacs: 14

Antarctica & Subantarctic Seasons 2024-2025

Join us on a bucket list adventure, in the wake of scott & shackleton: ross sea antarctica.

28 DAYS 7 Jan – 3 Feb 2025 SAVE UP TO 20%* 2 Feb – 1 Mar 2025 SAVE UP TO 20%* Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return

• Walk in Sir Ernest Shackleton’s footsteps at his hut at Cape Royds
• Venture back in time at Borchgrevink’s Hut at Cape Adare 
• Be welcomed ashore at research stations in Terra Nova Bay
• Visit Enderby Island in sea lion breeding season
• See the Royal Penguins on Macquarie Island at their peak
• Emperor Penguins, Royals, Kings, Adelie Penguins, whales, seals...
• Adelie Penguins are flourishing with chicks about to start fledging  
• Catch the peak flowering of the Megaherbs in the Subantarctic 
• 24-hour sunlight in the Ross Sea
• Orca feeding amongst the ice, especially in McMurdo Sound
• Navigate through pack ice that guards the entrance to the Ross Sea

SUITE DEALS! Save 20% on Heritage Suites and 15% on Worsley Suites in 2025!* *T&Cs apply, new bookings only, excludes landing fees, 2025 departures only when booked by 31 May 2024.

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Galapagos of the Southern Ocean: New Zealand and Australia's Subantarctic Islands

18 – 29 Dec 2024 Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return

22 Nov – 4 Dec 2024 Hobart, Australia to Bluff-Queenstown, New Zealand

Aboard  Heritage Adventurer

Visit remote World Heritage Sites: The Snares, Auckland Islands, Macquarie Island and Campbell Island

• Explore Macquarie Island with Park Ranger guides
• Observe the raucous antics of Macquarie Island's Royal Penguin and King Penguin colonies
• Watch lumbering Elephant Seals challenging each other on Macquarie Island
• Zodiac cruise Lusitania Bay - one of the largest penguin breeding colonies on the planet (Macquarie Island)
• Spend the day hiking the unforgettable landscapes of Enderby and Campbell Islands
• Look for the elusive Campbell and Auckland Island Snipe
• Wade waist deep through fields of flowering megaherbs
• Experience the rarely-seen early Albatross courting ritual known as gamming
• Explore wildlife-rich rugged coastlines
• Human history - Coastwatcher's Huts, early settlements and shipwreck tales

Beyond Fiordland: New Zealand's Wildest Islands

12 DAYS SAVE 15%* 28 Dec 2024 – 8 Jan 202 5

Aboard Heritage Adventurer Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and Return

• Visit remote World Heritage Sites: The Snares, Auckland Islands and Campbell Island, and explore Stewart and Ulva Islands, Fiordland (Doubtful Sound, Dusky Sound and Acheron Passage, Astronomer’s Point and Pickersgill Harbour)
• Discover the primordial majesty and unspoiled beauty of Fiordland
• Explore sea caves and observe wildlife in spectacular numbers
• Zodiac cruise glittering waterways between podocarp forests looking penguins and dolphins
• Visit some of New Zealand's most remote and iconic locations, many only accessible by expedition ship

*T&Cs apply, subject availalbility, when booked by 31 May 2024, cannot be used in conjunction with any other promotion

Indonesian explorer: bali, raja ampat & papua new guinea.

19 DAYS 13 – 31 Oct 2024

Bali, Indonesia to Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea + FREE FLIGHT TO CAIRNS* Aboard  Heritage Adventurer

• Enjoy the unforgettable of swimming with the gentle Whale Sharks of Cenderawasih Bay
• Visit Komodo National Park - land of the Komodo Dragon
• Discover Jacques Cousteau's "underwater nirvana" Wakatobi National Park
• Explore the forgotten tropical paradise of Raja Ampat
• Snorkel pristine coral gardens looking for Dugong, Parrotfish, Clownfish, Manta Rays and Pygmy seahorses
• Discover ancient rock in hidden caves on rarely visited islands
• Brilliant birding with up to 14 species of Bird-of-paradise including Red Bird-of-paradise, Wilson's Bird-of-paradise, Magnificent Bird-of-paradise and Lesser Bird-of-paradise
• Swim with thousands of stingless jellyfish of and explore Tomolol Caves
• Trek in to the lush rolling hills and tropical rainforest of the Arfak Mountains
• Thrilling culture encounters at villages largely cut off from the outside world
• Discover WWII relics and snorkel Japanese war plane wrecks

Discover the Secrets of Melanesia: Exploring Papua New Guinea, The Solomon Islands and Vanuatu

17 DAYS 30 Oct – 15 Nov 2024

Port Moresby, Papua New Guinea to Port Vila, Vanuatu + FREE FLIGHT CAIRNS TO PORT MORESBY* Aboard  Heritage Adventurer

• Discover the hidden gems of Papua New Guinea, the Solomon Islands and Vanuatu
• Travel up the Sepik River, home to traditional artists
• Be some of the first travellers in over two decades to return to the spectacular island of Bougainville
• Superb snorkeling in crystalline waters
• Mangrove Zodiac cruise in search of Dugong and crocodiles
• Meet friendly local villagers – remarkable and diverse cultural visits from island to island
• A Naturalist and Marine Biologist will also be on this expedition
• Exeptional birding including Manus Friarbird, Mussau Monarch, Superb Pitta, Roviana Rail, Solomon Sea Eagle, Beck's Petrel, Vanikoro White-eye, Kolombangara Monarch, Vanuatu Megapode and White-headed Fruit Dove
• Visit isolated Ambrym - ‘island of volcanoes' and home to traditional Rom dance
• Swimming at iconic Champagne Beach

Birding Down Under: Subantarctic and Chatham Islands

3 – 19 Dec 2024 Aboard Heritage Adventurer Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return

• Island Groups: Snares, Bounty Islands, Antipodes Islands, Auckland Islands, Campbell Island, Macquarie Island & Chatham Islands
• Incredibly rare Chatham Island Black Robin and Taiko (Magenta Petrel), and Forbe's/Chatham Parakeet
• Visit the only breeding sites of the Erect-crested Penguin and home to the world's rarest shag the endemic Bounty Island Shag in Antipodes and Bounty Islands
• Pyramid Rock, the only breeding place of the Chatham Island Albatross
• Cross the Chathams Rise, known location of Wandering Royal and Salvin's Albatross, and Cape, Westland Black and Cook's Petrel

Forgotten Islands of the South Pacific: Subantarctic Islands

28 Dec 2024 – 4 Jan 2025

Aboard  Heritage Adventurer Queenstown-Bluff, New Zealand and return 

• Island Groups: Snares, Aucklands, Campbell
• Watch Yellow-eyed Penguins make their way to and from the sea to feed hungry chicks
• Hiking on Enderby Island
• Carpets of flowering endemic daisys on Campbell Island
• Southern Elephant Seals haul out on Northwest Bay, Campbell
• Observe nesting Southern Royal and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross, and numerous endemic birds
• Rare Hooker’s or New Zealand Sea Lions and their pups on Enderby Island
• Human history - Coastwatcher’s Huts, early settlements and shipwreck tales
• Flowering Rata Forests, rolling hills of flowering megaherbs, large tree daisies
• Options to climb spectacular Mt Honey or hike Col Lyall Saddle
• Look for the elusive Subantarctic Snipe on Auckland and Campbell Islands

Unseen Fiordland, Stewart Island and The Snares: Exploring New Zealand's Remote Backyard

Choose your adventure, select your voyage(s) to receive the e-brochure, heritage expeditions.

Spanning two hemispheres — Antarctica’s Ross Sea and the Subantarctic Islands , New Zealand , Australia's Kimberley coast , Vanuatu , Solomon Islands , Papua New Guinea , Indonesia , Philippines , South Korea and Japan — we journey to UNESCO World Heritage sites, pristine nature reserves, and far-flung indigenous communities steeped in tradition.

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• NEW ZEALAND
• SOUTH PACIFIC
• SUBANTARCTIC ISLANDS
• Testimonials
• Responsible Travel
• Expedition Calendar
• Trip Reports

How to plan an unforgettable trip to Antarctica

A ntarctica. For the seasoned traveler, it's often the pinnacle of their journeys, the final continent left to conquer. For the newly intrepid, it might be their first big expedition. It doesn't matter when or how they get there, ask anyone who has gone to Antarctica and they'll tell you — nothing compares.

When planning a trip to the seventh continent, there are a lot of things to consider, from when to book to how to get there. Here are some tips and words of advice from travel professionals who know Antarctica.

How soon should you start planning a trip?

It's never too early to start preliminary research. Once you're ready to commit, try to book about a year in advance, especially if there's a specific suite you want on a ship. It's possible to book just a few months ahead, but that could make it harder to find flights. 

When it comes to cruise fares, the general rule is that companies start off with their best prices, and as the ship fills the promotions are phased out. However, while there might not be a price reduction, there are often value-added offers, like free excursions or specialty dining. 

For most people, a trip to Antarctica is a "once-in-a-lifetime experience and not a trip you want to book on your own," Rob Clabbers, president of Q Cruise + Travel in Chicago, told The Week. Look for a trusted travel adviser or expedition company, and talk to friends and relatives who may have been to Antarctica and can recommend someone.

What's the best time of year to go?

Antarctica's summer is November through March, and during this time, the sea ice has melted enough for ships to get through. There's sunlight all day, and while it's definitely not warm, the summer temperature averages 33 to 36 degrees Fahrenheit. From a wildlife perspective, if you want to see penguin chicks hatching, visit between December and February, but if it's whales you want to spot, the peak time is February and March.

How do you get to Antarctica?

Most travelers make their way to Ushuaia in the southern tip of Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile, where they board their ships or hop on a charter plane. There are also some cruises that leave from New Zealand and Australia and a charter plane that brings travelers from Cape Town. 

Crossing the Drake Passage can be rough — is there a way to avoid it?

The Drake Passage is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn and Antarctica's South Shetland Islands, and because of the convergence of oceans and different temperatures, it can be a wild ride. Ships have stabilizers that can help smooth the journey a little, and it's important to remember that not every crossing is a rough one — that's why there's the expression "The Drake Lake or the Drake Shake." 

If you're concerned, talk to your doctor before you go about medication and bands to put on your pressure points, or go all out and take one of the charter planes that flies to Antarctica, skipping the Drake Passage entirely. Clabbers finds that the "Drake Passage is part of the experience, and gets you ready for the adventure you're about to embark on."

Will the weather dictate what you see?

Definitely. Angela Pierson, senior vice president of sales and marketing for Wallace Pierson Travel in Amelia Island, Florida, told The Week captains routinely have to change their schedules and itineraries due to the ever-changing weather. "It's exciting, and you feel like you're on a true expedition with this change of pace," she added.

What's the difference between a traditional cruise and an expedition cruise?

Traditional cruise ships can hold several thousand passengers, while expedition cruises are much smaller, and usually cap out at around 250 passengers. Under regulations put in place by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), cruise ships with more 500 passengers cannot land any passengers while in Antarctic waters; these larger ships instead provide a scenic sailing from a distance, usually as part of a South America or world itinerary.

Expedition vessels are able to maneuver through narrow and shallow areas, and ice-class ships have reinforced hulls to go through the ice. Regulations are also in place for expeditions, and only 100 guests are allowed to land at one site at the same time. This is to protect Antarctica and prevent invasive species from being introduced.

What can you expect in Antarctica?

You'll see wildlife like penguins, birds, whales and seals, and ice — lots of ice. Massive icebergs will stretch for miles, "crystalline blue and unlike any color you've seen before," Ben Lyons, CEO of EYOS, told The Week. "The ice for me is what's captivating ... when you see that ice you know you're in Antarctica."

Each ship is equipped with different items, but activities could include kayaking, paddleboarding and even snorkeling. Going on a Zodiac boat through the ice fields, seeing the different shapes and icebergs as big as buildings, is "truly amazing," Clabbers said. Listening closely, you'll hear the Antarctic symphony of ice clinking then popping as it melts, penguin calls and whales inhaling and exhaling.

Is it ethical to go to Antarctica?

People concerned about climate change and burning fossil fuels may have questions about the ethics of going to Antarctica. The IAATO promotes responsible travel to Antarctica, and its members have agreed that their activities must have less than a minor or transitory impact on the environment. Before landing on shore, travelers go through a decontamination process to make sure they are not bringing an invasive species to Antarctica, and this usually involves having every inch of their clothing, down to the velcro straps, vacuumed.

Dr. James McClintock, a marine scientist at Palmer Station in Antarctica, told Lonely Planet he used to be conflicted about tourism in Antarctica, but after 10 years of research and serving as a lecturer on cruises, he has found "the benefits far outweigh the negatives." There is a carbon footprint, but he said once visitors go home, they are "ambassadors of Antarctica" and "more appreciative of the urgent need to address global climate change by reaching out to their elected representatives on this issue."