Antarctica is Earth's last great adventure — a pristine continent of ice and extreme beauty. Expedition cruises offer the only way for tourists to experience this white paradise.
Attractions
Drake Passage is the notorious strait between South America and Antarctica. Antarctic Peninsula offers most landings with penguin colonies, icebergs and research stations. Deception Island is an active volcano with hot springs.
Paradise Bay rightly bears its name with spectacular glaciers and ice formations. Lemaire Channel is often called the "Kodak Gap." Port Lockroy is a historical British research station and now a museum.
Expedition Etiquette
Antarctic Treaty prescribes strict rules: Take nothing with you, leave nothing behind. 5-meter rule to penguins. Group size maximum 100 people ashore. Boot disinfection mandatory before every landing.
Zodiac rides require warm, waterproof clothing. Expedition leaders have absolute authority over safety and environmental protection.
Travel Time & Weather
Antarctic summer: November-February (best travel time)
November: Early summer, lots of snow, penguins breeding
December-January: Warmest time (-2°C to +8°C), 20+ hours daylight
February: Whale watching optimal, penguin chicks fledge
Temperatures: -5°C to +5°C in summer
Wind: Can be extreme, up to 100 km/h
Weather: Changes quickly and unpredictably
Costs & Booking
Expedition cruises: €8,000-€25,000+ per person for 10-20 days
Last-minute deals in Ushuaia: 30-50% cheaper but risky
Luxury expeditions: €30,000+ for premium ships
Additional costs: Equipment, tips, optional activities
Booking: Recommended 12-18 months in advance. Travel insurance with Antarctic coverage is essential.
Currency & Practical
No official currency - everything goes via the expedition ship. US dollars or euros for tips and souvenirs. Card payment possible on board. International credit cards work on the ship.
Internet: Limited and expensive via satellite. Cell phone: No reception except on the ship. Electricity: 220V on European ships, 110V on American ships.
Important: Antarctica changes everyone — it is not a normal journey, but an expedition into the most extreme ecosystem on Earth!
Important Phone Numbers
Ship emergency call: Via satellite communication
IAATO (Tourism Association): +1 401 295 4111
Argentine Coast Guard: +54 11 4317 0100
Chilean Navy: +56 32 2208 8000
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