Tag: Drake Passage

  • What Kind of Antarctica Cruise is Best for You?

    What Kind of Antarctica Cruise is Best for You?

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    Antarctica is about the wildest place you can go on the planet,” – Lars-Eric Lindblad

    Lindblad first took a group of 57 visitors to Antarctica in 1966, and since then, tourism has been growing in the region. According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, tourism doubled from 2010 to 2020.

    Antarctica is not a country; it is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which preserves it for peaceful and scientific use. Tourism operators must submit stringent permit applications annually, and only those that meet specific criteria are authorized to operate in the region. Traveling with an authorized operator ensures that your permit has been secured. Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required to travel there.

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    Why Antarctica is a Bucket List Destination

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    For many, Antarctica represents one of the most exotic and unique bucket list destinations. The continent sees about 170,000 visitors each season, which is small compared to Rome’s 10.5 million annual tourists. Despite its remoteness, Antarctica has never been so accessible to adventurous travelers. If you’re planning a trip to Antarctica, it’s essential to understand how to get there, what activities to do, and what your budget might look like, as most people only visit once in their lifetime.

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    How to Get to Antarctica

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    The easiest way to reach Antarctica is through Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Both cities have international airports with regular services to other parts of the world. Most Antarctic cruises depart from the port of Ushuaia, Argentina, which is about a three-hour flight from Buenos Aires. The cruise itself lasts two days as it crosses the Drake Passage.

    Alternatively, you can skip the Drake Passage by flying from Punta Arenas, Chile to King George Island, an island near the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, you can board a ship to explore glaciers and penguins within hours. However, flying can carry a higher risk of delays due to unpredictable weather conditions.

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    Antarctica Cruises from New Zealand and Australia

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    Each year, a few specialty cruises voyage from New Zealand and Australia to Antarctica. These cruises take longer than those from South America, with trips taking more than five days. Antarctic cruises from Australia and New Zealand last between 25-35 days. However, cruising remains the most popular option, offering a wider range of activities, ships, departure dates, and prices. Cruises can start as early as November, and the best time to visit Antarctica is from late spring to early fall (November to March).

    Best Time to Visit Antarctica

    The best time for penguin spotting is from late December to early January. However, if you wait too long, penguin colonies can become dirty and smelly. For peak whale watching, February or March is ideal, though whales can be spotted as early as January.

    Choosing Your Itinerary

    There are various itineraries for visiting Antarctica, from “express fly & cruise” expeditions, which can last as short as eight days, to more extensive voyages lasting three weeks or more. For most travelers, trips typically last nine to ten days, including five full days of exploration and four days of sailing.

    If you want more information about how to reach Antarctica from these point of origins, click here.

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    Types of Ships and Passenger Limitations

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    The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) limits the number of people allowed on land at any one time from a single vessel to just 100. This rule impacts the type of ships available. There are large cruise ships and smaller expedition ships, and the choice of ship affects the experience.

    Expedition Antarctica ships are smaller and offer a more immersive experience, allowing passengers to get closer to Antarctica’s landscapes and set foot on its shorelines. Larger ships, on the other hand, tend to provide quicker “cruise-bys,” offering only glimpses of the continent. Larger ships can carry 500-2,000 passengers, while expedition ships typically carry between 70 and 200 passengers.

    Benefits of Smaller Ships

    Smaller group sizes on expedition ships comply with tourism regulations and allow for more activities, including daily landings and Zodiac cruises. These types of trips offer a more intimate exploration of the Antarctic Peninsula, something not possible on larger ships.

    If you opt for a smaller ship on your trip to Antarctica, read here.

    Luxury vs. Expedition Experience

    Larger ships often provide a more luxurious experience and are more stable for those prone to sea sickness. However, don’t let sea sickness be your deciding factor—most expedition ships have doctors on board to provide medication at a low cost. Smaller ships generally offer more landing opportunities and less waiting time, given the fewer passengers.

    For those seeking a more extravagant experience, small yachts are available for the wealthy. Yacht tours, which leave from Ushuaia, offer greater versatility in terms of landing locations but are more expensive (ranging from $10,000 per day to over $2 million per trip) and more susceptible to rough seas.

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    Exploring Antarctica: Activities and Adventures

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    Antarctica offers a unique chance to experience the environment up close. Most voyages make landfall, allowing you to walk among penguins and seals, hike up to vantage points, or sit amongst glaciers, icebergs, and wildlife. Nearly every cruise offers daily Zodiac Antarctica cruises, small inflatable boats that hold about 12 people, to explore icebergs, marine life, and historical areas.

    For those seeking an adventure, various add-on activities can personalize the trip, including overnight camping, stand-up paddleboarding, mountaineering, scuba diving, and kayaking.

    Unpredictability and the Unique Nature of Each Trip

    No two trips to Antarctica are the same. Sea ice and weather conditions are constantly changing, requiring a flexible travel style. Good weather can lead to unexpected opportunities, such as visiting islands not originally on the itinerary, like our trip to Brown Buff and Paulet Island.

    Cost of an Antarctic Expedition

    Expect to spend between $6,000 and $50,000 per person, depending on the length of the trip and the level of luxury. The average cost is around $10,000 per person. Additional expenses include flights, pre- or post-cruise hotel stays, optional activities, and necessary gear.

    Simple expedition ships with basic amenities will cost less and focus more on adventure than comfort. Mid-range expeditions typically cost $8,000 to $15,000 per person and strike a balance between comfort and price. Luxury cruises, with modern amenities and upscale service, can cost $15,000 or more per person.

    If you want to know more about the activities you can do in Antarctica, You can read our Antarctica blog here. 

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    Final Considerations: Planning Your Antarctica Cruise Trip

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    Before booking your trip to Antarctica, consider the following questions:

    • Do you want to step foot on the continent? You’ll need a ship with fewer than 200 passengers.
    • How long do you want to stay? Weather can delay landings for several days.
    • Do you want to cruise or fly? Flying can save you time.
    • Can you embrace the “expedition” spirit, or do you need luxury?

    Good luck and safe travels!

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  • Antarctica Adventure with Oceanwide Expeditions

    Antarctica Adventure with Oceanwide Expeditions

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    Since 1993, Oceanwide Expeditions has been taking travelers on unforgettable journeys to the polar regions. Their fleet includes five ships that explore seven different parts of the world, staffed by a team of experts who ensure each trip is safe and immersive. We had the opportunity to visit Antarctica aboard the Hondius, a state-of-the-art Polar Class 6 ship, during their 12-day Basecamp cruise over the 2022 winter holiday season. Our home for the journey was a cozy twin porthole cabin, room 321. Below is a full recap of our itinerary, experiences, and an honest review of Oceanwide Expeditions.

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    The Journey Begins: Ushuaia to Antarctica

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    Our adventure started in Ushuaia, Argentina, on December 23rd. After dropping off our luggage in the morning, we explored the town before boarding the Hondius around 4 PM. That evening, we had a buffet dinner, attended a welcome speech, and set sail toward Cape Horn and the infamous Drake Passage.

    The two-day journey across the Drake Passage wasn’t as rough as expected. On the first day, the captain didn’t even need to use the stabilizers and only briefly turned them on during the second day. While sailing, we filled out activity forms, got fitted for our muck boots, and learned the rules of the cruise. Excitement was building as we were getting closer to Antarctica.

    If you want to know more about what to expect while passing through the Drake Passage, read this blog here.

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    Paulet Island & Brown Bluff (December 26)

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    Every day in Antarctica was unique. Weather permitting, we had morning and afternoon excursions, including zodiac cruises and landings. We were fortunate with the weather, allowing us to experience almost every activity.

    Our first stop was Brown Bluff, where we did a moderate mountaineering activity. We hiked across a glacier for about two hours, using snowshoes with metal spikes to grip the ice. The hike wasn’t too tricky, but a layer of fog rolled in before we reached the top, blocking the view. However, we witnessed a massive iceberg split in two, which was a breathtaking sight.

    Later that day, we visited Paulet Island, home to a massive penguin colony. Thousands of penguins waddled around, utterly unfazed by our presence. It felt like we had stepped into a nature documentary.

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    Cierva Cove & Camping at Portal Point (December 27)

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    The next day, we cruised through Cierva Cove, surrounded by towering icebergs, snow-covered mountains, and seals basking on the ice. The scenery was absolutely stunning.

    That night, we camped on the Antarctic continent at Portal Point. After dinner, we took a zodiac to shore, dug holes in the snow for our sleeping bags, and settled in for the night. Sleep was hard to come by since it never truly gets dark in Antarctica during the summer, and some of our fellow campers were loud snorers. By 4 AM, we packed up and returned to the ship. Despite the cold and lack of sleep, it was an unforgettable experience. Very few people can say they’ve spent a night in Antarctica!

    Danco Point & Neko Harbor (December 28)

    This was one of the most beautiful days of the trip. Danco Point and Neko Harbor were both breathtaking. We didn’t participate in additional activities, but simply exploring the land and taking zodiac cruises around the icebergs was more than enough to make the day memorable.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”15″ bottom_margin=”15″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_imageframe image_id=”9519|fusion-800″ max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”none” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”center” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ 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    Vernadsky Station & Port Charcot (December 29)

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    My favorite day of the trip! At Port Charcot, we kayaked in crystal-clear waters, paddling between massive icebergs. We saw over 20 seals, including two enormous leopard seals sunbathing on the ice. At one point, we even heard a Weddell seal singing, which was a mesmerizing sound.

    On the way back to the ship, the crew surprised us with hot chocolate. As if the day couldn’t get any better, we spotted humpback whales breaching in the distance. It would be this day if I could relive one moment from the trip.

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    Port Lockroy, Damoy Point & New Year’s Eve (December 30-31)

    [/fusion_title][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”15″ bottom_margin=”15″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_text columns=”” column_min_width=”” column_spacing=”” rule_style=”default” rule_size=”” rule_color=”” content_alignment_medium=”” content_alignment_small=”” content_alignment=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” font_size=”” fusion_font_family_text_font=”” fusion_font_variant_text_font=”” line_height=”” letter_spacing=”” text_color=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]

    The last full day in Antarctica brought strong winds and choppy waters. Cuverville and Orne Island, known for their large Chinstrap penguin colonies, had fewer penguins than expected. To top it off, we got drenched by waves during the zodiac cruise, and I learned the hard way that not all “waterproof” clothing is waterproof.

    Despite the rough conditions, we celebrated New Year’s Eve in style. The crew prepared a special dinner at midnight, followed by a party and a champagne toast. Just as we rang in 2023, a pod of humpback whales surfaced near the ship—a magical way to welcome the new year.

    [/fusion_text][fusion_separator style_type=”none” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” sep_color=”” top_margin=”15″ bottom_margin=”15″ border_size=”” icon=”” icon_circle=”” icon_circle_color=”” width=”” alignment=”center” /][fusion_imageframe image_id=”9523|fusion-800″ max_width=”” sticky_max_width=”” style_type=”none” blur=”” stylecolor=”” hover_type=”none” bordersize=”” bordercolor=”” borderradius=”” align_medium=”none” align_small=”none” align=”center” margin_top=”” margin_right=”” margin_bottom=”” margin_left=”” lightbox=”no” gallery_id=”” lightbox_image=”” lightbox_image_id=”” alt=”” link=”” linktarget=”_self” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” sticky_display=”normal,sticky” class=”” id=”” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=”” filter_hue=”0″ filter_saturation=”100″ filter_brightness=”100″ filter_contrast=”100″ filter_invert=”0″ filter_sepia=”0″ 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    Orne Harbor & The Journey Home (January 1-3)

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    On the first morning of 2023, we had the option to visit Orne Harbor, but after a late night, we chose to sleep in. The weather forecast showed worsening conditions in the Drake Passage, so we left early to avoid rough seas that could delay our return to Ushuaia.

    Sailing back across the Drake Passage was relatively smooth. The crew kept us entertained with photography contests, lectures, and movie screenings. We stayed in our cabin most of the time, watching movies and trying to keep our balance as the ship rocked on the waves. On our final night, a pod of orcas appeared as if to wish us farewell.

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    Final Thoughts: Is Oceanwide Expeditions Worth It?

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    Absolutely! Oceanwide Expeditions delivered an incredible experience. We saw all the wildlife we had hoped for—penguins, seals, and whales—up close. The scenery was breathtaking, and the crew ensured we made the most of our time in Antarctica.

    The Basecamp itinerary was perfect for travelers who want a mix of adventure and exploration. It included various activities like hiking, kayaking, and zodiac cruises without requiring expert-level skills. This made for a more active cruise, and we noticed that the average age of passengers was younger than other Antarctica cruises.

    Accommodations & Crew

    Our cabin, while the most basic option, was spacious enough for two people, plenty of winter gear, and multiple suitcases. The food was excellent, with a variety of options at every meal. The crew was friendly and knowledgeable and kept things running smoothly. The only real challenge was the rocking of the ship during sea travel days. You may read our blog here to know what to pack in your travel to the southern polar island. 

    If you’re considering an expedition cruise to Antarctica, we highly recommend Oceanwide Expeditions. It was indeed the trip of a lifetime!

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