Tailor-made Antarctica vacations shaped around your passions

Part of the allure of Antarctica is simply being in such an otherworldly place, surrounded by ice, snow, and emptiness. You’ll journey through ice floes, and observe wildlife including several species of penguin, seals, and (with luck) whales. Depending on your vessel and weather conditions, you might have the opportunity to camp on the ice, sit among a colony of penguins, take on a short trek, visit a scientific research base, or go kayaking.

Where exactly you go in the continent, and where you make shore landings, depends entirely on local weather conditions, which can be very changeable. Certain cruises visit the sub-Antarctic islands of South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. All Audley’s expedition cruises to Antarctica visit the Antarctic Peninsula, which includes the South Shetland Islands. You can read more about all of these Antarctic and sub-Antarctic places to decide where’s right for you.

There are no hotels in Antarctica, so you’ll stay on board your expedition cruise vessel for the duration of your time there. Almost all cabins are en suite and have a window or porthole. However, there’s a range of vessels to choose from — some are larger than others with more extensive facilities, while some are slightly more modern or European in feel, but all are equipped with expert guides, along with a fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks, to help you make the most of landings. You can browse our collection Antarctic expedition cruise vessels to find one that matches your preferences.

Penguins are your constant: look out for Adélie, macaroni, chinstrap, and gentoo species. Seals, from Weddell to leopard seals, are also common. Less easily spotted are whales, which include Blue, humpback, and minke whales. Out at sea on the Drake Passage, you might see wandering albatrosses, Arctic terns, and Antarctic shags. You can find out more about the continent’s rich wildlife-viewing possibilities in our guide to Antarctica’s wildlife.

It takes around 20 hours to fly from the USA to Ushuaia, in the far south of Argentina (via Buenos Aires). You’ll then board your expedition cruise at Ushuaia for the two-day crossing of the Drake Passage to reach the South Shetland Islands, and then the Antarctic Peninsula.

Although you travel to, and around Antarctica on an expedition cruise vessel, there are numerous options when it comes to exploring. Depending on your vessel and weather conditions, you can explore by Zodiac (motor-powered dinghies), by kayak, and on short walks on land.

Antarctica’s time zone is UTC-3.

You don’t need a visa to visit Antarctica, as no country owns the continent. You’ll need to travel via Argentina, but US citizens don’t require a visa for stays of up to 90 days. Technically, if you’re a resident of a country which has signed the Antarctic Treaty (of which the USA is one), you’ll still need permission to visit — but your specialist will arrange this for you.

No, no specific vaccinations are required to visit Antarctica. However, before your travel, it’s a good idea to check with your doctor, and to be up to date with all the recommended vaccinations for life in the US. You can also check the suggested vaccinations by visiting the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention website.

Most trips to Antarctica involve a two-day crossing of Drake Passage, the strip of ocean between Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of Argentina, and the South Shetland Islands just off the Antarctic Peninsula. This stretch of water can be quite rough, and seasickness is common. Your doctor can advise on which medication or preventative measures are right for you.