Antarctica

Best Time to Travel: 

The earliest expedition cruise ships depart in the last days of October and the final voyages return over the Drake Passage in early April.

October and November is prime time for landscape photographers. With the austral spring not yet sprung, the snow will still be lying deep, crisp, and even around the Antarctic Peninsula. Animal activity may be a little subdued, depending on the weather, and it’s unlikely that you’ll see whales this far south just yet. Penguin activity, on the other hand, will be gathering pace, with both breeding and laying eggs common at this stage of the season.

February and March are perfect for Cetacean fans. Locations including Wilhelmina Bay will be packed with feasting humpbacks – exhibiting behaviors such as bubble-net feeding and breaching. Here and around the Peninsula, their spouts appear so numerous it could be mistaken for a misty forest.

In February you can still catch activity around penguin colonies. By March, most of the colonies will be emptying as the penguins leave for sea.

Suggested Itineraries: 

The best way to get to Antarctica is by cruise. Be sure to hop on a Zodiac boat to really experience Antarctica—take in stunning views of icebergs and wildlife, even sandy beaches. From your Zodiac boat, you can hop in a kayak. Sea kayaking in the frigid waters of Antarctica is easily one of the most awe-inspiring ways to explore the rugged coastline of the world’s southernmost continent. Keep your eyes open for minke whales, penguins, and leopard seals, some even splashing and playing in the waters.

A stop at Deception Island is a must on any expedition across Antarctica, if only for the cool name. Home to thermal pools set in dormant volcanic craters, plan to don a swimsuit and brave the frigid breezes to unwind in the naturally warm water.

Send yourself a postcard from Port Lockroy, the southernmost post office in the world. Once a British research station, Port Lockroy was renovated in 1996 and is now a museum and post office that sees three visiting ships each day. It’s also home to a huge Gentoo penguin colony.

Lemaire Channel is unquestionably one of the most breathtaking places in the world. So beautiful, in fact, Lemaire Channel is referred to as "Kodak Gap" for its utterly photogenic nature.

things to pack: 

• Merino wool base layers

• Fleece-lined leggings

• Thick wool socks

• Fleece half-zip

• Waterproof/windproof pants

• Polarized sunglasses

• Waterproof/windproof gloves, hats, hand and toe warmers (the chargeable ones are great)

• Staple clothing items that can be worn for dinner and everyday wear around the ship

• Dramamine

• Most ships will provide you with a souvenir windproof jacket & boots to wear while you are on the boat