by Verónica Bravo
Travel Specialist in Trips SouthAmerica
Each cruise to Antarctica from South America is different, but we have gathered here some general tips that you can bear consider before buying your next trip to Antarctica to make your experience more comfortable and rewarding.
Last month I went on an amazing expedition cruise to Antarctica departing from Ushuaia, Argentina and I must say that it was a unique experience that I’ll never forget. I was on the Ocean Endeavour by Intrepid / Chimu Adventures and all in all, it was 14 days long and I could experience first-hand what it means to go to one of the most amazing places on Earth.
So, based on that trip and my professional experience in the travel industry for many years now, I have gathered here my Top 5 Tips to travel to Antarctica on a cruise from Ushuaia.
Choose to travel during the Austral Summer.
The Antarctica cruise season goes from late October to mid-March. December and January are the most popular months to visit since daylight hours are long and also, and you can have an average daytime temperature of -1C (compared to -15C during the beginning or end of the season).
In terms of wildlife, penguin chicks and seal pups are best seen in December and January, while February and March are the whales watching time, with the Humpback whales as STAR on the ocean.
On the other hand, from the point of view of price, the beginning and the end of the season are the cheapest times to travel.
Take enough motion sickness medication for the Drake crossing.
To reach the Antarctic Peninsula, ships must cross the Drake Passage, an area where the Pacific and the Atlantic Oceans converge and create one of the roughest seas in the world. In fact, it is said that during a crossing, and subject to the weather you can either have “the Drake Lake” or “the Drake Shake”, and you can compare that second option to be similar to a washing machine.
Because of that, on a trip to Antarctica ensure you have packed plenty of anti-nausea medication, and in case of running out, guest services on board will usually offer some free of charge. If in doubt about which is the best medication for you, or if you could use motion sickness patches, always contact your doctor before.
Extra tip! The option to fly over the Drake is a possibility as well. Instead of a 50-hour crossing, it will be reduced to just 2 and once in the White Continent, you will tour the area on a cruise. These flights leave from Chile.
Pack wise and dress in layers
The rule for a trip to this destination is layers, layers and layers.
The weather in Antarctica can be really changing, even on the same day, so my suggestion is to definitely be prepared for different kinds of weather (and wind!) during this expedition. Thermals and waterproof (NOT water-repellent) clothes are a MUST when preparing your suitcase.
Additionally, most cruise lines will lend you a waterproof parka and a pair of thick boots to wear on each landing but you will definitely need to bring along some extra thermal clothes. Ski clothes and gloves work very well, too. If you do not have any or are travelling light, there are some ski clothes rental stores in Ushuaia that offer these; just plan to be a day earlier in Ushuaia to do some shopping.
On board the cruise, the temperature is really comfortable and the dress code is sport / casual. If there is a Captain’s welcome cocktail, perhaps you could dress fancier, so it is always useful to bring along a nice shirt.
Get a Travel Insurance and check the pre-embark reading material and required documentation
Since no government owns Antarctica, no Visa is required to enter there – if you think about it’s actually not a country but rather a whole continent!
However, you do have to get a permit but, in the case of expedition cruises, it is the shipping company that processes these permits, so tourists do not have to do anything more than complete the pre-embark documentation provided by the cruise. On the other hand, you must have the documents in order to enter Argentina or Chile, depending on where your adventure begins.
You must also have a comprehensive travel insurance, covering trips to Antarctica. Check thoughtfully the small print in the insurance since due to the remote location of this travel destination, it is essential you have coverage for unfortunate circumstances such as long delays, trip interruptions or even trip cancellation and emergency evacuation by air, repatriation and medical fees up to at least US$200,000.
Be prepared for unpredictable itineraries
Cruises do have a set route around Antarctica before the departure and in fact, you should check it out before confirming a trip since some itineraries include certain locations to watch a specific kind of wildlife or access a particular sector of the continent, that could be, or not, interesting for you.
Nonetheless, you have to be aware that the weather plays an important role during the whole trip. This means that you have to be flexible and not get obsessed to know the specific program and the locations of the landings, only until half an hour before happening. Good weather and wind play a fundamental role and you will only debark if it´s safe enough, and of course, the crew and the expedition guides will find the appropriate alternatives if something cannot be visited.
To Travel to Antarctica is definitely a once-in-a-lifetime experience that very few have achieved. Visiting this magical destination is a great way to relieve stress and discover more about this continent and the planet, but don’t forget to keep these five essential tips in mind to help you achieve a vacation you’re sure not to forget.
We look forward to receiving you in South America!!
