General information

  • Time Zone

    GMT + 12 hours

  • Climate

    Antarctica ‘Home of the Blizzard and White Desert’ is the coldest continent on Earth. The average temperature in the interior regions throughout the year is about -57°C, with the minimum temperature being -80°C during the winter season. During the summer near the coast temperatures can reach a maximum of between -2°C and 8°C. Over all Antarctica is windy and extremely dry and colder than North Pole.

  • Languages Spoken

    English will be used for all communication during the expedition.

  • Electricity Plug Details

    220V, Type C

  • Food

    Breakfasts and lunches are normally served buffet style, while dinners are served plated. À la carte meals are made at the time of your order, allowing our chefs to prepare each dish to your individual needs, ensuring you receive top-quality meals during the course of your expedition. Soft drinks and juices are available during meals and when the bar is open; beer

    and wine are served with dinner; and coffee, tea and water stations are available around the clock – all included in the cost of your package. Spirits, premium wines and champagne are available at extra cost which can be billed to your shipboard account.

  • Clothing & Equipment

    Polar weather is very variable; temperatures may hover around the freezing mark and winds can be strong. The continuous daylight warms sheltered areas so that you may sometimes find it warm enough for t-shirts. However, you may encounter snow squalls, fog and white-outs during an expedition and should be ready for any conditions.

    So here is the list of recommended items:

     

    FOR SHORE LANDINGS

    • Base layers (wool, synthetic or a blend)
    • Mid-layer warm/fleece top
    • Mid-layer warm/fleece pant
    • Wool and synthetic sock (3 to 4 pairs)
    • Neck warmer or balaclava
    • Warm hat that covers ears
    • Waterproof pants (mandatory for every Zodiac ride)
    • Waterproof gloves and glove liners
    • Sunscreen
    • Sunglasses with UV protection
    • Spare set of gloves
    • Down Jacket 

    FOR ON BOARD

    • Comfortable casual clothing (pants/jeans, shirts, sweaters)
    • Lighter shirts (in case the ship gets warm)
    • Comfortable non-slip closed-toed unheeled shoes

    (NOTE: Flip flops, sandals or slip-on shoes should not be

    worn on board due to safety concerns)

     

    SUGGESTED ITEMS

    • Waterproof, lightweight backpack or dry sack
    • Swimsuit (for the Polar Plunge!)
    • Binoculars
    • Camera with charger and extra batteries
    • Extra memory cards
    • Earplugs
    • Eye masks for sleeping
    • Moisturizer and lip balm (polar air can be drying)
    • Seasickness, indigestion, headache or other medicines as required
    • Ski goggles (for Zodiac cruising on snowy or windy days) 

    Note: You can loan of insulated waterproof boots and expedition parka on board. 

  • How To Get There

    Ship based expeditions depart from Ushuaia, Argentina while Fly and Cruise expeditions depart from Punta Arenas, Chile. Depending upon your choice of expedition, you need to book flights in and out of either of the 2 locations

  • Medication & First Aid

    While our ships have a doctor onboard with ample medical supplies, it will help for you to carry some easy to access medicine on the trip, for headaches, seasickness, diarrhea, constipation, and some re-hydration. powders like Electral etc.

  • Internet

    Satellite phones will be used by the guides. Wi-Fi connectivity will be unreliable due to the remoteness of the journey.

  • Group Size

    Depends on the ship capacity.

  • Money to Carry

    Please carry some cash in US Dollar or Euros along with Argentine Peso. All major cards are accepted in Argentina, however we recommend carrying a combination of cash and cards for your travel.

  • Tipping

    All tipping is optional and by no means mandatory, however if you feel that your staff and drivers have performed at a satisfactory level, it is a great way to let them know you appreciate their efforts.