- Traveling to Antarctica has evolved as more and more people want to visit the seventh continent. Initially, travelers had to sail the Drake Passage both ways. The Drake Passage is the often-turbulent body of water between South America and Antarctica. Now, many operators offer a variety of ways to experience Antarctica based on the client’s time schedule, budget, etc. You can still sail both ways; you can fly down and cruise back; you can cruise down and fly back; or you can fly both ways. Sailing the Drake both ways has probably the least risk of delay. Sailing to Antarctica and flying back is probably the second less risky. Flying down then sailing back, third. And flying both ways – riskiest. Keep in mind that although flights are frequently delayed due to weather, the weather on the Drake itself can also cause ship delays. Ultimately, Mother Nature is in charge.
- There are also different types of sailings to experience Antarctica. You can cruise – whereby you have a pretty set itinerary and know where you will be each day. Excursions are not as strenuous and often include guided lectures about the continent from the deck. You still get to see a ton of amazing penguins and wildlife, but the activity level is not as strenuous. Or you can do an expedition, where the major difference is that you never know where you will be from day to day due to weather conditions, etc., and you can expect some more strenuous excursions.
- If you choose an expedition, recognize that you need to be fit for the journey. Some days you might be hiking steep glaciers, other days you are climbing in and out of zodiacs in high sea swells.
- Whichever type of trip you decide on, fly in at least one day early. Sometimes, flights are limited to one per day and if you miss it, you miss your chance at a trip of a lifetime. If you can swing two days early, the peace of mind is worth it.
- On an expedition, you will be asked in advance if you have any medical conditions. Be honest! The ships have great medical teams but keep in mind you can be multiple sailing days away from receiving any kind of advanced medical care or from reaching an airstrip for an evacuation. We had an elderly gentleman on our trip who had open heart surgery three months prior to the trip. He suffered an aneurysm on the expedition and the ship had to turn around and get him to an airstrip to be evacuated. Antarctica is the most remote place in the world and the conditions can be extreme. Please take the medical survey seriously and have your travel advisor give you honest feedback on what type of trip is the best fit for you.
- It’s nice to have one nice “top” for the Captain’s dinner but for the rest of the expedition, fitness clothes and layers are the most important.
- Shoes – very important! Pack a pair of slip-on moccasins, clogs, etc., with a grippy bottom. The mud room is where you launch from for zodiac, kayak or snorkeling tours. It is also where you put on your issued muck boots. Having slip-on shoes for these outings is a huge time saver and much easier to navigate, especially when you are bundled up in bulky ski pants, gloves, etc! Bring a pair of sneakers as your second set of shoes in the event you want to grab a workout, your moccasins get wet, etc.
- Don’t overpack. Do laundry onboard instead. Partway through the cruise, the ship often offers a laundry promotion so take advantage of that … or bring your own detergent and rinse out your clothes in the sink. Most of the bathrooms have heated floors or racks so clothes dry quickly.
- Have an open mind and be flexible. Mother Nature will happen. Plans will change. But if you let yourself get immersed in the nature and truly experience the wonder of Antarctica, you will come back forever changed.
- Lastly — Do the Polar Plunge!!!!!!!!!! Granted, the temperature of the sea is about 0 degrees and although it shocks your system, the plunge only lasts a minute or so while the memories last forever!
