Undertaking an expedition cruise to Antarctica is the pinnacle of adventure, a journey to the southernmost reaches of the planet, where untouched landscapes and awe-inspiring wildlife converge in this frozen wonderland. From the towering icebergs and snowcapped peaks of the Antarctic Peninsula to the charismatic penguins of South Georgia, each day is a unique chance to experience the mysteries of this pristine wilderness.

This guide takes you through the most frequently asked questions about travelling to Antarctica! Discover the best time to undertake this polar journey, ensuring optimal conditions for wildlife encounters and stunning landscapes. Get insider tips on selecting the ideal expedition cruise with the help of our Expedition team and how to pack for the everchanging Antarctic conditions.

Whether you're a seasoned explorer or a first-time adventurer, this guide will help to plan your trip, ensuring your expedition to Antarctica is a seamless, enriching, and unforgettable experience at the edge of the world.

What's it like exploring Antarctica?

One of the joys of an Expedition Cruise to Antarctica is that there is no 'typical day'. Flexibility is key, as conditions can be unpredictable, and the safety of passengers and crew is the top priority. One thing we can be certain of is that we are ready from Plan A to Plan Z - each day is dynamic and filled with a variety of activities that take advantage of the unique environment and locations.

Even though your expedition ship is specially designed for sailing amongst the waters of Antarctica, there are limits on where it can go. Our small expedition boats allow us to easily navigate the icy maze, getting you closer to the rich wildlife and breathtaking landscapes. Where the conditions allow, we will use these boats to get ashore for land exploration including hikes, snowshoeing, or if lucky a night spent sleeping out on the ice.

Or what could be better than drifting alongside icebergs or past penguins diving into crystal-clear water? Where the conditions allow, you can take to the water in sea kayaks for a more intimate experience with these frozen landscapes.

How can I get involved with the Science & Education program?

For over 20 years we have been exploring Antarctica, during this time we have been proud to have helped and supported hundreds of scientists, research projects, universities, and organisations to undertake world-leading research.

The onboard Science & Education team aims to unlock your inner scientist with numerous hands-on experiences, helping you better understand the world around where we sail. From researching the impact of climate change on animal populations and sea ice to getting a better understanding of migratory patterns of marine life or meteorological observations in partnership with NASA. We have multiple Citizen Science Projects for you to get involved with.

We are occasionally joined onboard by various international research groups, universities, or scientists. They use the expedition boats to access the remote parts of Antarctica, in return many often run guest lectures or workshops for you to get involved with. When you get on board, speak to a member of our Expedition Team who will be able to provide more information about the projects taking place on board your ship.

Sitting at and around the South Pole, Antarctica experiences some of the harshest weather conditions on Earth rendering it uninhabited for many months of the year. During the Antarctic winter (April to September), the continent sits in darkness with winds reaching up to 100 mph (160 kph) and temperatures as low as -34 degrees Celcius (-30 degrees Fahrenheit).

In contrast, the best time to visit Antarctica is during the summer months of late November to early March, when the continent experiences milder temperatures, less sea ice, and longer daylight hours, making it more suitable for exploration. It's during this time that the waters, air, and land come alive with the arrival of an array of wildlife species, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds, as they return to the continent for breeding.

What to pack for an expedition to Antarctica?

Even though Antarctica is cold enough to be the only uninhabitable continent on the face of the planet, you are not going to freeze while you're visiting. When you're packing for your Antarctic Expedition there's one piece of sage advice you should always carry with you: "There's no such thing as bad weather, only bad clothing."

To help you prepare we recommend packing the following for your expedition to Antarctica:

Don't forget you will receive a a reusable aluminum water bottle, which is yours to keep at the end of the expedition.