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Choose a small expedition cruise ship
The key to enjoying Antarctica to the fullest is to leave the ship behind as much as possible and go exploring. As only 10 passengers from a ship can step foot on to Antarctica at any one time, you should choose a smaller ship. If your ship carries 200 people it limits the amount of time you can get off the ship, and if you are on a larger ship that carries 500 plus passengers you can’t disembark at all. When booking ships for clients I will select a ship that carries 150 passengers.
One of my all-time travel highlights in Antarctica was kayaking silently amongst huge icebergs and getting up close to wildlife. Other experiences that you might want to try while you are there include camping on the ice like the famous explorers, snowshoeing or taking the famous polar plunge.
Sailing through the Drake’s Passage will turn the excitement levels up a notch. On quieter days you will experience the Drake Lake – a relatively tranquil cruise across the water. But if you sail on the day when the water is rougher you will experience the famed Drake Shake and you’ll see 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 through the Drake’s Passage and onto Antarctica, you can fly from Chile to King George Island and step aboard your cruise ship there.
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.
Make your trip to Antarctica even more impressive. Travel to the White Continent to see the solar eclipse on 4 December 2021. The last total eclipse was almost 20 years ago. What’s unique about this eclipse is that it will move from east to west across to Antarctica. In other parts of the world it will move from west to east. This reverse eclipse will only be seen in polar regions.
The Lightfoot Team travels to Antarctica at least once a year and can recommend the best ships and expeditions. Let us help you experience Antarctica with a tailor-made itinerary that suits you. Enquire now!

From $16,610 pp
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

From $22,000 pp
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

From $11,440 pp
Classic Antarctica Cruise
- Follow in the footsteps of Amundsen, Scott and Shackleton
- Experience smaller ice-strengthened expeditionary ships led by Polar experts
- Sail across the renowned Drake Passage looking out for sea birds and whales
- Explore remote bays and islets by zodiac boat, kayak and on foot
- Traverse the Antarctic Peninsular, taking in snow-capped mountains, tabular icebergs and ice-blue waters