Lightfoot Travel’s Polar expert Olie gives you the lowdown on visiting the White Continent.
01.
Choose a small cruise ship
The key to enjoying Antarctica to its fullest is to leave the ship behind as much as possible. As only 10 passengers from a ship can step foot onto Antarctica at any one time, you should always choose a smaller ship. When booking ships for clients I always choose a small ship that carries c. 150 passengers. If your cruise ship carries more than 200 passengers it limits the amount of time you can get out and about exploring, and if you're on a larger ship you can't disembark at all.
02.
Have an adventure
One of my all-time travel highlights in Antarctica was kayaking silently amongst huge icebergs and getting up close to wildlife. Other experiences include camping on the ice like the famous explorers, snowshoeing or - if you're a fan of ice baths or cold water swimming - taking the famous polar plunge. It's a rite of passage for expedition passengers to Antarctica and involves throwing yourself into the very cold water!
03.
How you can avoid the Drake Shake
Whilst sailing through the Drake Passage certainly turns the excitement levels up a notch (on quieter days you will experience the Drake Lake – a relatively tranquil cruise across the water), if you sail on the day when the water is rougher you will experience the famed Drake Shake with your cruise ship staff battening down the hatches. While some travellers view the Drake Shake as a badge of honour, others who have poor sea legs and are prone to sea sickness might want to avoid it.
If you want a smoother option, instead of cruising from Argentina across the Drake Passage and onto Antarctica, you can fly from Chile to King George Island and step onboard your cruise ship there.
04.
Book early for great savings
Smart travellers will book an Antarctic cruise well ahead. An early booking can bring you great savings, but it can also mean that you have your pick of the cabins. Your Lightfoot Travel Designer will help you navigate your way through the dizzying array of expedition ships on offer and will create a trip that fits your needs and budget.
Let us help you experience Antarctica with a tailor-made itinerary that suits you. Enquire now and chat with Olie about your specific requirements.
Antarctic, Falklands, South Georgia Expedition
- See the enormous colonies of King penguins, elephant seals and fur seals found on South Georgia's beaches
- Renowned for its explorer history, visit the grave or Ernest Shackleton at Grytviken
- Incredible birding, South Georgia is home to 100 million sea birds including Albatross, petrels and penguins
- The Falkland Island offers great history and wildlife viewing opportunities
- The pristine Antarctica peninsula caps off this true expedition voyage
Atacama Desert & Icebergs of Antarctica
- Enjoy a sunrise breakfast at the El Tatio Geysers in the Atacama Desert, Chile
- Fly across the Drake Passage, a unique and fast way of reaching Antarctica
- Sit amongst the huge penguin colonies of the Antarctic Peninsula
- Kayak amongst gigantic blue icebergs in the Antarctic
- Toast your adventure with a stay in the Chilean Winelands
Fly & Cruise Antarctica
- Cruise the Antarctic so you can access remote ice-berg-filled bays and little-explored locations
- See Antarctic wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds
- Glide amongst icebergs and wildlife on a sea kayak
- Snowshoe to remote locations for magnificent Antarctic views
- Avoid the notorious Drake Passage with this unique fly and cruise trip
