Antarctica tours – FAQs

Antarctica is best visited November to March when the weather is warmer and the sea ice has melted enough to get closer to the island shore. 

Our Ocean Endeavour ship accommodates up to 200 customers. You'll be put into small groups of around 10 for planned activities and onshore excursions, including Zodiac trips.

On any given day, half the ship may venture out in these small groups: one half may be out in Zodiacs while the other half explores onshore. All passengers take part in planned activities.

The climate in Antarctica is the coldest on Earth, with cold summers and freezing winters. The warmest month is January with averages of around 10°C.

Internet access is available on most Antarctica ships at a cost. Alternatively, there may be a ship-based email system where you will have an email account to stay in touch with family and friends. Because of the remoteness of Antarctica, connections can be slow, so all ships charge for data used rather than time spent online. Please refer to your detailed pre-departure information for more information on Internet facilities on your ship.  

Can my family and friends contact me while I’m on board an Antarctica cruise in the case of an emergency at home?  

Yes. There is a number to call the ship and you can purchase data for the wi-fi onboard, although the connection is intermittent and not to be relied on.  

While you can't embark on an expedition to the world's seventh continent alone, you can travel solo on a group trip to Antarctica.  

This means you'll still have plenty of free time to do your own thing (and use the ship's excellent amenities) but also have the comfort of knowing expert leaders are handling the pesky logistics.  

You can also choose from a variety of accommodation arrangements, from single cabins to room-sharing, depending on your preference. 

Deciding on the Antarctica cruise that suits you best comes down to figuring out the time of year you want to go, the itinerary, and how long you want the cruise to be.  

As Antarctic trips are seasonal, they tend to book out quickly. Our advice is to book as soon as you've made the decision to travel – you can look at availability on the trip page.   

International flights are available for booking approximately 11 months prior to trip departure date. Please contact us to discuss booking options. 

Most cruises depart from and end in towns in southern South America, including Ushuaia (Argentina) and Puerto Madryn (Argentina). Some cruises include visits to the nearby Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas) and South Georgia. 

Antarctica is best visited November to March when the weather is warmer and the sea ice has melted enough to get closer to the island shore. 

Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access on our ship. While some of our ships have lifts that access some areas of the ship, other areas can only be accessed by stairs and so passengers need to be mobile enough to keep themselves steady and be able to get around reasonably without being assisted.  

We can help you to further clarify whether this trip is right for you.   

Cancellation conditions are laid out in the ‘Special Conditions’ section of the Booking Conditions page. We will endeavour to allow changes to your booking, but please note that fees will apply (with a penalty of up to 100%) depending on when the changes are made.  

The cost of an Antarctica cruise largely depends on the departure date, the length of the cruise and the type of cabin you book on the ship, but most cruises start from AUD$11,000.  

All of our Antarctica cruises will give you the opportunity to step off the ship and take part in excursions to get an up-close look at wildlife, but there are other ways to get a perspective of the Great White Continent. Examples of included activities are:  

• Hikes to remote alcoves with an experienced guide   

• Zodiac cruising   

• Yoga   

• Polar plunges  

• Shore landings  

• Daily briefings and insightful lectures.   

• Additional optional activities like snowshoeing can be booked on board, and activities like photography programs, ice camping and sea-kayaking (some kayaking experience is essential) must be booked prior to departure and incur additional costs. Spaces are limited, so please enquire at the time of booking.

• On departure, you will be provided with rubber boots and a waterproof outer shell jacket to use during your trip, as well as an insulated inner jacket, which is yours to keep at the end of the cruise.  

• Transfers from the airport to your pre-night hotel with breakfast, transfers from your hotel accommodation to the Ocean Endeavour for embarkation and transfers to the airport on return to port are also all included.  

• You may also use the onboard gym, sauna, pool and jacuzzi and on-board yoga classes. On all our polar expeditions, you have the option to step off the ship onto our fleet of sturdy Zodiac boats. Opportunities for bird and wildlife watching are the backbone of our expeditions. Groups are hosted by world-renowned naturalists and ornithologists, giving you insights into the Antarctic environment and its wildlife.    

• Comprehensive pre-departure information ensures the essential details are taken care of. On board, comfortable accommodation and all meals are provided, with coffee and tea available around the clock.  

While our Antarctica cruises have lots of included activities, there are certain add-ons and upgrades that will be at your own expense. When booking your cruise, you're welcome to ask us about international and domestic flights as well as transfers to and from your destination. We can also arrange trip accommodation post-trip.  

• Optional activities such as sea-kayaking, photography workshops and camping need to be booked prior to your journey, while activities like snowshoeing can be booked on board.  

• Tobacco, alcohol, special beverages, souvenirs, laundry services and any communication charges are not included and need to be purchased separately.   

• Travel insurance, visa and passport fees are at your own expense.  

•  Life jackets, waterproof outer shell jackets, insulated inner jackets and boots for minors under 16 years of age at the time of travel are not included.  

• Please be advised that due to our supplier in the region, there are limited sizing options available for jackets. We suggest that travellers who require larger or smaller than average-sized garments bring their own to ensure they have correctly fitting attire. Contact us if you have questions about the outerwear we provide.  

There is no specific upper age limit on our trips. We welcome travellers over the age of eight to join us on our Antarctic expeditions, provided those under the age of 18 are accompanied by a legal guardian.  

Please note that height and weight restrictions apply for excursions by Zodiac and some optional activities have separate age limits.  

It’s best to contact us directly to discuss specifics. Check the Essential Trip Information for physical rating and activities involved to see if a trip is right for you.   

Due to the nature of polar expeditions, the minimum age for children to take part is 8 years and those under the age of 18 must be accompanied by a legal guardian.  

In addition, there is a minimum height and weight restriction for riding in a Zodiac (the smaller inflatable speedboat used on excursions and for boarding).  

Age limits also apply to optional activities. Children are not commonly travelling on these trips, but it is still possible. We can discuss your options with you.  

If you are travelling alone, you will be paired with someone of the same gender to share a cabin with. If you don’t identify with the gender assigned on your passport, please let us know at the time of booking and we’ll be happy to work with you to organise a rooming configuration that you feel comfortable with.    

If you don’t want to share your space, mention it to our customer service team when booking and they may be able to organise your own room – we call this a single supplement – depending on availability. You will need to pay a single supplement charge.  

If you're travelling solo and would prefer not to be paired up with a fellow traveller to share a room, ask your booking consultant if the cruise you’re interested in offers a 'single supplement' so that you can be allocated a room alone – this is subject to availability and an additional charge. 

While you can't embark on an expedition to the world's seventh continent alone, you can travel solo on a group trip to Antarctica.  

This means you'll still have plenty of free time to do your own thing (and use the ship's excellent amenities) but also have the comfort of knowing expert leaders are handling the pesky logistics.  

You can also choose from a variety of accommodation arrangements, from single cabins to room-sharing, depending on your preference. 

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller, i.e. you. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and which country or countries your Arctic expedition begins and ends in.  

As a rule of thumb, most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months’ validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.  

All of our Antarctica trips have a low physical rating of one or two, which means they are accessible to people of all levels of fitness with no major mobility issues and do not require any physical preparation.  

Activities onshore and excursions involve a bit of walking, but all are optional. You’ll be visiting sites where, at times, you may have to cross uneven ground and take on challenging conditions underfoot. You will have support stepping on and off the Zodiac boats.  

Most ships do not have lifts, so you will also need to be able to climb multiple sets of stairs per day when traversing the ships.  

If you have any concerns, please speak to one of our expedition leaders onboard before taking part.  

You can learn more about our physical rating system here and read the ‘Is this trip right for you?’ section under the trip you're interested in to find out specifics.  

Travel insurance is absolutely necessary on all polar trips and is a condition of travel. When selecting your policy, it should be comprehensive and cover medical expenses, including emergency repatriation. We strongly suggest the policy also covers personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, loss of luggage and personal effects. We can organise travel insurance for you at any stage prior to travel.  

Vaccinations vary from country to country. We strongly recommend you visit your travel doctor to discuss health requirements for your trip. Some vaccines need to be administered a few weeks before departure, so allow plenty of time.

You have to be prepared and thorough when packing for Antarctica due to its remote location. Make sure you bring lots of layers, gloves, sunscreen, and moisturiser among other items.

The waters of the Antarctic can be rough, especially when crossing the Drake Passage. If you feel that you are particularly susceptible to seasickness, it is a good idea to talk to your doctor before departing.  

It's also recommended that passengers come equipped with motion sickness tablets or patches and avoid eating greasy foods or consuming alcohol. There is a doctor on board to assist in severe cases.

While our crew members hail from various countries and speak multiple languages, all announcements made on board are in English and all passengers or their travelling companions must be able to understand them.  

Yes, our ship is equipped with life jackets. You will wear a life jacket every time you step off the ship and into a Zodiac boat or if you choose to go kayaking and/or stand-up paddle boarding.  

An Antarctica cruise can be as active or as low-key as you want it to be. While a trip to Antarctica provides many opportunities to get off the ship, it’s up to you whether you want to venture further afield on a Zodiac boat or explore onshore. Some optional activities need to be booked before departing.  

People who travel to Antarctica are generally more experienced travellers who understand the expedition-style travel experience. You will likely find a diverse group of ages and nationalities on board.  

Our Ocean Endeavour ship accommodates up to 200 customers. You'll be put into small groups of around 10 for planned activities and onshore excursions, including Zodiac trips.

On any given day, half the ship may venture out in these small groups: one half may be out in Zodiacs while the other half explores onshore. All passengers take part in planned activities.

Yes. A licensed doctor and emergency doctor are assigned to each sailing.  

Unfortunately there is no wheelchair access on our ship. While some of our ships have lifts that access some areas of the ship, other areas can only be accessed by stairs and so passengers need to be mobile enough to keep themselves steady and be able to get around reasonably without being assisted.  

We can help you to further clarify whether this trip is right for you.   

There is a designated outdoor space for smoking on the ship.

All Antarctica trips between 2024 and 2025 are chartered on Intrepid’s Ocean Endeavour. 

We charter expedition ships to Antarctica. These ships are purpose-built for navigating the icy climate while providing the best onboard experiences for guests. 

An ice-strengthened ship is made of and reinforced by steel and used to navigate waters dotted with ice. Most of the ships that cruise to Antarctica and the Arctic are ice-strengthened ships.

Icebreakers are used if there is a reason to break ice free, such as for trade routes and patrols. They have higher fuel consumption and are run by gas turbines or a nuclear generator.

Our ship is accompanied by a fleet of sturdy, inflatable Zodiac boats. These small vessels fit 10 to 12 people and are used to transfer passengers from the ship to the shore. Essential to all polar cruise, they’re also used to navigate closer to the ice and get a good view of marine life.

The food served on our ship is excellent. Breakfasts and lunches tend to be buffet style, while dinners are typically served tableside and usually feature three courses. The range of food is diverse, with professional chefs preparing a wide selection of gourmet dishes, and a vegetarian option is always included.  

If you have any dietary requirements or food allergies, please let us know before the trip starts. If you have a more restrictive dietary requirement (vegan, gluten intolerance, fructose intolerance, etc) it is likely you can be catered for. Unfortunately, we are unable to cater for a kosher diet.  

Afternoon tea, with pastries or cookies, is provided every day.

Cabins vary in size, including what storage space is available. There are wardrobes and drawers to allow you to unpack completely and some ships have a mud room so that you don’t need to store wet gear in your cabin.  

We recommend that you travel with soft luggage so that once emptied, it can go under your bed or the bottom of a wardrobe.  

Basic toiletries, such as soap, shower gel, and shampoo, are provided in your room's ensuite.

Are there hair dryers in cabins?

Yes, hair dryers are available in rooms on all polar trips.  

Yes, all cabins have power outlets. Refer to your pre-departure information for what type of adaptor is needed. A good tip is to take a power bank so you can plug in everything you need to. 

Yes, all ships have laundry facilities on board.  

There is no currency in Antarctica. The unit of currency in Argentina is the Argentinean peso; in Chile, it is the Chilean peso and in Uruguay, it is the Uruguayan peso.  

If your Antarctica cruise includes the Falkland Islands, the currency of the islands is the Falkland Islands pound, although the GBP is accepted as well.  

If you visit Port Lockroy Post Office on the Antarctic Peninsula, USD is accepted, as is the GBP and EUR.  

Our ship accepts EUR and USD. Major credit cards, particularly Visa and MasterCard, are widely accepted on board. In general, all onboard purchases made during the cruise are charged to your cabin and settled at the end of the trip. 

Will I be able to change currency on board an Antarctica cruise?  

No. You will need to come prepared with local currency for any purchases made off the ship. Refer to your pre-departure information for more details.  

Major credit cards are accepted on all ships. Refer to your pre-departure information for information on currencies accepted on board.  

Gratuities are generally not included on your cruise and are at your discretion. We recommend you allow USD $15 per day for the hotel and ships’ crew and an additional amount if you wish to tip the expedition team.  

Please see the pre-departure information under the ‘Money Matters’ section of your Essential Trip Information to see if your cruise includes gratuities.  

Your mobile phone will not work during your Antarctica cruise as the continent is still considered extremely remote and doesn't have the right telecommunication infrastructure in place.  

Internet access is available on most Antarctica ships at a cost. Alternatively, there may be a ship-based email system where you will have an email account to stay in touch with family and friends. Because of the remoteness of Antarctica, connections can be slow, so all ships charge for data used rather than time spent online. Please refer to your detailed pre-departure information for more information on Internet facilities on your ship.  

Can my family and friends contact me while I’m on board an Antarctica cruise in the case of an emergency at home?  

Yes. There is a number to call the ship and you can purchase data for the wi-fi onboard, although the connection is intermittent and not to be relied on.  

Antarctica refers to the seventh continent of the world and is largely situated in the Antarctic Circle - a line of latitude sitting at around 66.5° south of the equator - at the base of the globe.  

The Antarctic refers to the region made up of south polar zones that include the seas and some outlying islands.   

Antarctica isn't part of one single country, rather it is a continent governed under a series of recognised guidelines and agreements called the Antarctic Treaty System.  

Each expedition includes stops at various landing sites around the Antarctic, but when you stop at them and for how long often depends on the weather, sea ice and wildlife movement.   

While Antarctica may not be hospitable to human life, there are plenty of animal species that call the seventh continent their home. This includes penguins, whales, sea birds, seals, and more.   

The climate in Antarctica is the coldest on Earth, with cold summers and freezing winters. The warmest month is January with averages of around 10°C.

Want more of a taste of what an adventure to the Great White Continent would be like? Our free guidebook shows you what wildlife you might see, the places you might go, how to be a responsible traveller, gives you tips on what to pack and more.    

Yes, all Intrepid trips support the Intrepid Foundation. Trips to this country directly support our global Intrepid Foundation partner, Eden Reforestation Projects. Intrepid will double the impact by dollar-matching all post-trip donations made to The Intrepid Foundation.

Eden Reforestation Projects

Eden Reforestation Projects are helping to mitigate climate change by restoring forests worldwide; they also hire locally and create job opportunities within vulnerable communities. Donations from our trips support restoration across planting sites in 10 countries around the globe.

Every tour operator in Antarctica works differently to practise and promote safe and environmentally responsible travel.   

Intrepid is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IATTO). This means Intrepid is obligated to operate within the parameters of the Antarctic Treaty System along with IMO Conventions and similar international and national laws and agreements.  

We are also a founding sponsor of the Antarctic Science Foundation which directly supports Australian science programs throughout Antarctica and work with SeaGreen on recycling initiatives and waste minimisation in the gateway city of Ushuaia.  

On our ships we take these actions:  

• Carbon offsets all expeditions 

• Only serve sustainably sourced seafood 

• Use environmentally conscious suppliers wherever possible in our supply chain 

• Carry all waste out of Antarctica 

• Have soap/shampoo dispensers available in all bathrooms 

• Responsible choose cleaning products on board 

• Do not use plastic straws 

Tourism and cruise activities in the Antarctic operate within a comprehensive framework of international and national laws and regulations to ensure the safety and preservation of the environment.   

You will be briefed during each trip on the best way to be respectful, environment-conscious and safe during the expedition.   

Top responsible travel tips for Antarctica: 

• Don’t feed, touch or handle birds or seals and don’t approach or photograph them in ways that cause them to alter their behaviour. Special care is needed when animals are breeding or moulting.   

• Don’t take ‘souvenirs’ of rocks or flora back to the ship.   

• Ensure that all backpacks and clothing that will be worn on shore are free of seeds and other foreign matter before going ashore.   

• Know the location of areas that have been afforded special protection and observe any restrictions regarding entry and activities that can be carried out in and near those areas.   

For more tips, see the IATTO visitor guidelines.