can you travel to antarctica | PREPARING ANTARCTIC TRAVEL: THE COMPLETE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO TRAVELING ON THE WHITE CONTINENT

PREPARING ANTARCTIC TRAVEL: THE COMPLETE PRACTICAL GUIDE TO TRAVELING ON THE WHITE CONTINENT



How to prepare a trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to prepare your trip at the end of the world!
Penguin colony in Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...

Summary of the article
 (Click on the titles to go to the section you are interested in or read the whole article :))
1 - The best trip of my life, a trip to Antarctica
2 - Should we travel to Antarctica at the time of global warming?
3 - How to choose a cruise in Antarctica? (Route, budget, size of boats, activities, which company to choose ...)
4 - How to find a cruise in Antarctic Cheap and last minute?
5 - What to put in your suitcase for a trip to Antarctica? (As a bonus, the checklist to pack your suitcase for Antarctica)
6 - Health, Safety and Visas in Antarctica
7 - The itinerary of a trip to Antarctica
8 - Traveling alone in Antarctica
8 - More practical information on Antarctic cruises
9 - Where to sleep in Ushuaia before and after the cruise?
10 - What to visit in Patagonia before or after a trip to Antarctica?
11 - How to get to Ushuaia?

The most beautiful trip of my life, a trip to Antarctica
The best trip of my life was in Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...

Take a trip to Antarctica with one of Antarctica's leading adventurers, G Adventures. Click on this link to learn more about the different Antarctic trips offered and book your adventure of a lifetime at the best price!
When a friend, an acquaintance, a stranger announces his next departure for Antarctica, I am piqued with jealousy. When a friend tells me that she will live there for several months, I'm ready to drop everything and apply for the Antarctic Post. When I look at my photos, when I reread the Antarctic trip story that I wrote four years ago, I'm ready to book the first flight ticket to the end of the world, for Ushuaia, to find the first boat on the departure. The nomad in me is already sedentary, where it is impossible precisely and everything is finally explained. Antarctica, the last frontier, the last continent, where the nomads imagine adventures worthy of explorers, a life that no one has, a land immaculate, wild, unknown, an unreachable dream. The chilly girl that I am laughing softly, because the most beautiful landscapes are for me those of ice and snow.
Breathtaking landscapes in Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
In November 2017, the Antarctic cruises season has just started and I can almost see myself there, seasick sailing in the Drake Passage, setting foot on the continent for the first time, meeting with emotions penguins, seals and whales, pushing my sports limits snowshoes and on foot, sleeping on the ice floe, diving in icy polar waters, contemplating a sunset, dreaming while watching this infinite, these abysses, these mysterious and distant horizons virgin lands.
When I think of Antarctica, it takes my guts to the head, it makes my heart ache, it makes me turn my head, it gives me a smile, it convinces me more than ever that the Earth is beautiful and incredible .
Sunset on the Antarctic or when Antarctica takes you to the guts - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
So if you too are dreaming of a trip to Antarctica, if you are planning your polar expedition or if you want to know everything about preparing for your Antarctic cruise, you are in the right place. Here is the complete guide to know everything about the white continent and prepare for a trip to Antarctica!
Should we travel to Antarctica at the time of global warming?
Should we travel to Antarctica at the time of global warming - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...

These days, when I am asked what is my favorite country, I often answer Argentina, so as not to face too many questions. After all, this is not really a lie and even if it is difficult for me to answer this question, Argentina is actually my favorite country, in the strict sense of the word "country", because it is the one of the countries that I know best and has touched me the most. But deep inside, I'm still thinking about this trip to Antarctica, this unique and exceptional journey to the ends of the earth. Antarctic haunts me, four years later. I left a piece of me there. As small pieces of my being walk freely in Patagonia, a piece of my soul remained there, on an iceberg, to contemplate the horizon. My heart tightens when I think about it, tears come to my eyes, memories break and I can not control the flow of emotions that seizes me.

At a time of global warming, melting ice and threats of mass tourism, should we travel to Antarctica? I obviously do not have a definitive answer, but I think it is essential to ask the question before leaving.
When I left for the South Pole in 2013, I had just started traveling and I was not very aware of environmental or environmental issues and I never really asked myself. Quark Expeditions guaranteed us an environmentally friendly journey, enforced the Antarctic Treaty's mitigation measures, and took measures onboard to protect the continent's environment and wildlife. To know that tourism was limited, all the more because of the prohibitive prices and that measures were implemented, was enough for me. Today, with hindsight, I ask myself many questions and even if my dream is to return to Antarctica very soon, I do not know if I could do it under the same conditions.
Should we travel to Antarctica at the time of global warming - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Antarctica is the last frontier, the most unspoiled place on the planet, the last place where man has not yet begun to destroy everything. Apart from the scientists who reside there for a given period and the fauna, there are no inhabitants and the continent is protected by an International Treaty signed in 1959 to preserve the peace, also ratifying that the nuclear tests there would be prohibited. Illegal or legal and regulated fishing, exploitation of mineral resources for science or offshore, tourism ... commercial activities already have their place on the white continent and are not always simple to control because of the size of the continent and harsh conditions of this environment. Tourism is not new in Antarctica and after a peak of 46,000 visitors in 2007-2008, new rules have brought down figures around 30,000 visitors a year making tourism in Antarctica (about 20,000 disembarking) . However, since 2016, tourism is constantly increasing, bringing the number of visitors around 44,000.
Should we travel to Antarctica at the time of global warming - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Admittedly, only 100 people can descend at the same place at the same time, although large cruise ships can no longer land, but the leaders of the polar expedition have been able to organize to regulate a wise shift between them, allowing everyone 'dock twice a day. Moreover, if last-minute prices are difficult to find now, these luxury cruises have become more popular in recent years. Prices are down, the trip has become more popular and unique trips, off the beaten path are in fashion. Who does not dream of ticking on a list, the last continent to visit! Of course, and even though price discrimination is highly debatable, it usually leads to more educated tourists who pay close attention to what they do to preserve the environment, but that is never really a guarantee. Already in 2013, I remember with dismay seeing some people in our group not respect the rules, not listen when we called them to order and simply do their best to have the best photo : to exceed the limits fixed to approach the colonies of penguins, to pursue penguins, almost to touch them, to put oneself in danger for the best photo ... When I see people touch without disturbing the statues of the British Museum in spite of the panels, to climb on Centennial trees to post the most beautiful photo on Instagram, to go beyond the sacred or security limits to go to the idiot with a Gopro, how can I believe that the continent will be preserved?
Should we travel to Antarctica at the time of global warming - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
I also remember my first landing on Barrientos Island, off the Antarctic Peninsula. If I had been amazed by the grandeur and majesty of the place, I left with a bitter feeling of this first day. We were in a limited area not to disturb the penguin colony, which is very good, but I was fully aware of what mass tourism really meant, probably for the first time. People were screaming, screaming, squealing almost more loudly than penguins, and there was very little space to step back, gaze, and gaze in silence. People were taking pictures in every direction, jumping and for the first time in Antarctica, it was disappointing. We go to the end of the world to seek solitude and contemplate the beauty of the world, not to trample on it, to elbows to know who will take the best picture. I am used to it today and I learned to bring with me a reader M
P3 to cut me off from the world (often during sunrise), but it's sad. It was in 2013: most of us only had a compact camera, there were some more or less professional photographers but nothing more and there was no internet on board. Today, especially after having lived in Asia for a year and been exasperated more than once, I imagine the Gopro, the iPhone, the selfie poles, the tripods, the drones (fortunately currently banned) and the Huge cameras that half of people do not know how to use ... I know that as a travel blogger, I am part of the problem and I am well aware of it everyday. Fortunately, I have never been in the extreme and I promise you that I live more often in the moment than through the Instagram filter.
Should we travel to Antarctica at the time of global warming - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
On board a cruise in Antarctica, various measures are taken to respect the environment: all companies, whether cruises or sailboats, respect the Antarctic Treaty and organize themselves not to land more than 100 people at the same place at the same time. It's a big organization, but it seems to work very well, allowing passengers to experience a more authentic and calm, but above all to limit the damage. When you think about it, it's still a lot of people. The big ships are no longer allowed to dock and only some, which have a light fuel oil, pass off the coast, but it is still a lot of pollution and a big risk if ever there is an accident or a shipwreck. On board, there are always many conferences, to raise awareness on the various topics related to Antarctica, wildlife, history, respect for the environment and so on. Finally, there are practical measures implemented. When boarding, we must bring all the clothes we will wear outside to vacuum and disinfectant, so as not to carry micro-organisms on land, flora or insects. Similarly, we disinfect our boots at each landing ... but this does not seem to be enough and the rats have already appeared in Antarctica. Moreover, it is obviously forbidden to take tissues, food, drinks, cigarettes while disembarking, to avoid leaving any trace. In camping also, the only toilet was a basin that we would bring back on the boat after the night under the stars. Take only memories, leave only footprints is very strictly set up and when we leave, we had to erase our footprints, our footprints, as if we had never come.
Should we travel to Antarctica at the time of global warming - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
After seeing the beauty of Antarctica, becoming aware of its fragility, passengers returning from an Antarctic cruise are often the best ambassadors and advocates for the protection of Antarctica. Me who had the chance to travel to Antarctica, who am I to deny this right to others, especially when I say without shyness that it was the best trip of my life? Nevertheless, it is important in my opinion to ask the right questions before leaving, to talk about it, especially as a blogger or influencer and do everything to limit the damage once there. It would also be interesting, in my opinion, to set quotas for the year (because the increase in the number of tourists in Antarctica is not a good thing), even if it is necessary to arrive at a lottery if necessary, while keeping maybe a few last-minute places for backpackers arriving in Ushuaia in search of the end of the world. And do we really need tourist flights to Antarctica? Or log
on-site at $ 72,000 a week? Because yes, it exists, Prince Harry goes there regularly and it is a scandal.
Today, even though I have been dreaming since my return, I do not know if I would go back to Antarctica. If I go back, I would like to be able to go back on a smaller boat with less impact, with a company that is really aware of the ecological damage, maybe on board a sailboat, hitchhiking or with a scientific mission or military, to be only a tourist who accompanies a mission already planned. What do you think?
To read more about the impact of Antarctic tourism:
Human impacts on Antartica - Threats to the environment - Overview
Human impacts on Antartica - Threats to the environment - Tourism
Conservation in Antartica - Protecting the environment
How tourism could change Antartica, our last wilderness
The Antarctic is left defenseless to tourism
How to choose a cruise in Antarctica?
That's it, you've decided to go on a trip to Antarctica, but you do not know how to choose your Antarctic cruise? Although the choice is limited, these shipments are offered by many companies and there are different options. So how do you make the right choice for your Antarctic expedition?
How to choose a cruise in Antarctica? - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Where to go on a trip to Antarctica?
First you have to define where you want to go. Antarctica is a vast continent and although not all places are accessible, it is important to know where exactly you want to go. Departures are mainly from Patagonia, Chile and Argentina, but there are also departures from Oceania, although trips are much longer and expensive. Do you want to spend as much time as possible in Antarctica or just a few days coupled with exploring other places like the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Cape Horn, Ushuaia, the Fjords of Chile ... among other things. There are even departures from Montevideo in Uruguay and from Santiago de Chile, so the offer is vast.
Would you like to cross the Arctic Circle, go further inland, go from New Zealand to Argentina via Antarctica, land a few times or just see the icebergs from the bridge?
How to choose a cruise in Antarctica? - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
By defining this already, it should help you reduce the number of offers. For my part, with a limited budget and starting at the last minute, I had very little choice, but what was important for me was to spend as many days as possible on the Antarctic continent. So I left 10 days, spending 7 days on the continent (and yes, the passage of Drake is more or less long!). I would have loved to leave 15 days and added a stop in the Falklands or South Georgia and this is the kind of option that interests me for a future trip to Antarctica.
There is no point in spending too much time on the places you want to visit on the Antarctic Peninsula, as there is a good chance you will not be able to choose them. The stops are very dependent on weather conditions and what companies have been able to reserve as landing places when arranging with other companies. For our part, we could not cross the Lemaire Channel as it was planned at the base, because it was frozen, but our captain found another place to occupy our morning. Do not worry, wherever you go, it will be absolutely beautiful!
When to go to Antarctica?
The Antarctic cruise season runs from November to March and there are regular departures from that time from Ushuaia in Argentina. The peak season, with the highest prices, runs from December to early February. As the season progresses, there will be fewer tourists, but many animals will have already left. In December and January, there is about 20h of brightness per day and we did not have the night during our entire trip once on the peninsula, which leaves time to do more things. Temperatures are also milder. Penguins incubate their eggs in December and babies are born in January In February and March, you will be able to see more little penguins and moults and it is supposed to be an ideal time to observe the whales. In November, the ice breaks, the nature is more immaculate, it is even more an adventure and it is the period of reproduction and nesting penguins.
How to choose a cruise in Antarctica? - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
It's up to you to decide which period interests you the most, but as you can see, there is no bad time and every month has its advantages. For my part, I was there at Christmas and it was a great time. We had a mild weather, could see a lot of animals, with the exception of killer whales, and it was just easier to find last minute deals around Christmas dates.
What activities to do during a trip to Antarctica?
Nowadays, adventure is at the heart of expeditions in Antarctica and going to Antarctica does not seem to be enough. Skiing, climbing, sea kayaking, camping, snowshoeing, polar diving ... there is something for everyone, but keep in mind that it always adds a few hundred dollars to your budget.
For my part, I was fortunate that there were withdrawals and I was able to participate in camping at the last minute for $ 350. Sleeping under the stars in Antarctica in a small, small group is truly unique and I would recommend it to anyone. I dreamed of kayaking to get closer to the wildlife and in small groups, but there was no room and it costs a thousand dollars more. However, be aware that all these activities have an additional impact on wildlife, even if you pay attention. And even without doing all these activities, a trip to Antarctica is still a unique and extraordinary experience and you will go out every day, several times a day, on foot or by zodiac to explore the continent and it's already a lot. I also had the opportunity to snowshoe, a free activity that allowed us to go further in the snow and of course a polar dive, open to all foolhardy.
Camping in Antarctica:
Camping in Antarctica and sleeping under the stars is a unique experience, out of the ordinary and absolutely magical, listening to the silence of the Antarctic. I even woke up next to three penguins: read the full story of my Antarctic camping experience here.
Camping in Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Polar diving in Antarctica
Polar diving in Antarctica is an invigorating, icy and adrenaline-filled experience for crazy people like me! Strangely, it has cured me of my coldness in the water and I swim a lot more in cold water. Since then, I swam in winter in an ice hole dug in the sea in Finland and in the Strait of Magellan for my birthday. To read the full story of my polar dive in Antarctica, click here.
Polar diving in Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Snowshoeing in Antarctica
Snowshoeing in Antarctica is a rather sporty experience, which allows you to go on more snowy terrain and to go further, because it is less dangerous than walking on some crevasses. I really recommend it, even if you are not very sporty like me at the time! The story of our snowshoe tour in Antarctica is here!
Snowshoeing in Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Meet animals in Antarctica
Wildlife watching is the main activity in Antarctica: birds, seals, whales, orcas, leopards and penguins! No guarantee to see everything, or to see all kinds of penguins, but you will undoubtedly see a wide variety of animals and you will not get tired. For our part, we have not seen killer whales, but a leopard sea napping and yawning and that's really crazy! You should know that Antarctic animals are not normally hunted, have never really been in contact with humans and are not really afraid of us. They often approach themselves because they are very curious and you will undoubtedly live unique and magical animal moments, impossible to live anywhere else in the world. Click on the link to discover my encounter with penguins in Antarctica.
Meet wildlife and seals on a trip to Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Discovering Antarctic Landscapes
Beyond Antarctic wildlife, we come here to discover the beauty of these pristine places. Snow, ice, icebergs, mountains and grandiose and immense landscapes in the program. These are obviously the most beautiful landscapes I've seen in my life and I still wonder if they are real. Discover some landscapes of Antarctica here.

Discovering Landscapes on a Trip to Antarctica - How to Prepare for a Trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...

What budget for a cruise in Antarctica?
Traveling to Antarctica is definitely a budget, and you'll find everything from Antarctic travel fares ranging from 5,000 euros to 50,000 euros per person for stays ranging from ten days to a month, with the average usually around 10 000 euros for 10 days. Prices are down and it's worth looking at last minute prices or just over a year in advance to find a good deal. It is not uncommon to find offers around 5,000 euros per person all inclusive, with the exception of flights to Ushuaia.
Is a trip worth this budget? Yes, at least the 5,000 euros, even when you do not roll on gold! I spent almost a quarter of my savings traveling around the world at the beginning of my trip, three months after I left, and I have never regretted it. Would I be willing to spend more than that, even if I had more money? Yes, no doubt, within a certain limit of decency obviously and of course if it guaranteed a better protection of the environment.
Boat caught in the ice during a trip to Antarctica - How to prepare for a trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
This price usually includes all food, drinks during meals and sometimes an open bar, a rather luxurious accommodation, a free Gore-Tex jacket, ready boots, all daily outings, conferences and some additional activities such as snowshoes . Find out what is included before booking!
Take a trip to Antarctica with one of Antarctica's leading adventurers, G Adventures. Click on this link to learn more about the different Antarctic trips offered and book your adventure of a lifetime at the best price!
Choosing a small boat, a big boat or a sailboat to go to Antarctica?
If I do not advise going on a big ocean liner to go along the coast of Antarctica and if I absolutely wanted to go on a boat with less than 100 passengers at the beginning of my research, I realized that it was not a problem if it was well organized. There were 170 of us on board and we landed daily, twice a day, twice ashore and twice as zodiac. We have not had time to get bored, so from 0 to 200 passengers seems quite manageable.
How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Today, however, I would probably choose a smaller boat for ecological reasons, but also to be quieter and have fewer people around me during the landings.
I would probably prefer the boat. In sailing, trips are in smaller committee, more adventurous, more dangerous, longer and shake more. Do not be afraid of seasickness, being in tight quarters and helping on board. It is often also more expensive.
Which company to choose to go to Antarctica?

Many sites sell and resell the same routes and operate more as a travel agency than as an Antarctic expedition provider. In my opinion, it is more interesting to book your trip to Antarctica with companies specializing in this type of trip, whether it is companies specializing in polar travel or adventure travel. I'm thinking of course about Quark Expeditions with whom I left last time, at G Adventures, Compagnie du Ponant (with the advantage of having French cruises) or at Hurtigruten.
For small sailboats, there are sometimes small businesses that have their own website, but it is important to check the references, the masters' licenses and to see if they are properly registered. If you are on site, it is interesting to talk with the captains directly, because if you spend dozens of days on a small boat, it is important to be confident and have a good feeling. It can also be very interesting to visit local branches in Ushuaia to get an idea of ​​what makes and compares.
Book your Antarctic cruise now!

I will also learn more about the environmental protection programs put in place by the various companies and I will come back to you here as soon as I know a little more.
How to find a cheap Antarctic cruise?
Traveling to Antarctica is expensive, but there are other ways to get to Antarctica cheaply: as a scientist on an expedition, as a photographer or journalist, working at La Poste in Port Lockroy (my friend Sophie has just gone on a mission, and I hope she will tell it online somewhere someday), by hitchhiking like Ludovic Hubler, leaving with the Chilean armada as a friend and this blogger, by finding a cheap Antarctic cruise at the last minute, on a cruise ship or on a sailboat.
Chenal Lemaire - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Buy a last minute ticket for a trip to Antarctica, it's possible!
That's what I did four years ago and that a number of friends have been doing aboard a cruise ship or a sailboat ever since, so it's quite possible. More and more backpackers are seizing the opportunity for a long trip to South America to get there. Concretely, the best way to find a good deal to leave at the last minute in Antarctica is to go there, in Ushuaia and go around the agencies. November and March will give you the best prices at the beginning and end of the season, but you will have less chances to see baby animals. December seems to be a good month with lots of availability and choice, especially around the holidays and the best weather and animal possibilities that the end of the season.
How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...

On the spot, by going around the agencies, you will see that all offers are quite similar. Depending on your date of arrival at Ushuaia, you will have several options, shorter or longer and more or less expensive trips, with or without stops on Islas Malvinas (Falklands) and South Georgia (South Georgia). In my time, in December 2013, there was nothing at less than $ 3,900 (the price I paid without the camping option), but the legend runs out last-minute prices at $ 2,500. It also appears that you will get a $ 500 discount if you pay in cash. You can otherwise pay with several credit cards, but still in dollars.
It is also possible to take a tour with the captains of sailboats, the marina, to make the stop-boat, see if they do not need help or if there is not had desistance to go on cruise at the last minute. There, they are adventure trips from twenty days to one month with prices starting from 8,000 €. If you come on site, you may have to wait for a while before leaving. I stayed a week in Ushuaia, some stay longer, others less. Ushuaia is a pleasant city, but if you stay for a long time, it can get expensive and you have to take it into account in your budget.
How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
If you do not have enough time to wait and find a good plan or if you do not want to take the risk of coming to Ushuaia "for nothing", but you are in the area, you can contact the agencies by e- email. I have been in contact with Daniela Ushuaia Turismo for several weeks to get an idea of ​​what was possible. Daniela is very friendly, very reliable and will do anything to find the right plan for you. She sends you the offers a dozen days in advance and you can book remotely taking full advantage of your trip to South America and coming to Ushuaia only to board the boat. I also know that companies like Quark Expeditions and G Adventures make regular offers, especially if you book a year in advance or for sales, like Black Friday in the United States. Do not hesitate to follow their social networks to keep you informed of the best offers or to subscribe to their newsletter. The Freestyle site is great for getting a glimpse of the starts of the season and knowing when it's worth coming to Ushuaia. It's a shame to land in Ushuaia, if almost all the boats left the day before (which was a bit of my case, but fortunately I love Ushuaia so it did not pose a problem). Finally, if you speak English, sign up for the Wandering Trader newsletter, it will send you the list and e-mails of all the specialized travel agencies to contact and you will get a preferential rate also.
The end of the last minute prices to go to Antarctica?
The popularity of Antarctic cruises increasing that seems to sound the death knell of last minute prices. I returned to Ushuaia in January 2016, two years after my trip to Antarctica to get an idea of ​​the prices and maybe retried my luck and the prices had doubled. There was nothing for less than $ 6,000 for 15 days and it seems that in a year or two, the last minute prices will be gone because the boats will be full. I do not know what it is for this season 2017-2018 and nothing prevents to go there to try his luck, but it seems that it becomes more and more interesting to book in advance , with prices starting at € 5,000 for 10 days by booking about a year in advance or at the time of special sales.
Take a trip to Antarctica with one of Antarctica's leading adventurers, G Adventures. Click on this link to learn more about the different Antarctic trips offered and book your adventure of a lifetime at the best price!
What to pack in a suitcase for a trip to Antarctica?
I see you coming, you'll tell me: "But at the South Pole, it's very cold!" And you're right, it's in Antarctica that are recorded the lowest temperature records in the world, but it's usually in the heart of the continent and in winter. The Antarctic cruises season takes place during the austral summer and it's not that cold! Promised. Except in the case of wind, it is not really colder than in winter in France and it is not uncommon to see the temperatures oscillate between 0 to 13 ° C, especially if there is sun. So, yes, when there is wind, you have to cover yourself well, when you throw yourself into the snow to make angels, too, but I sometimes found myself without a sweater, snowshoeing under the Antarctic sun . I also did my polar dive in a water at 0.5 ° C in a bikini, but that's another story.
Not even cold - Camping in Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Tour-du-mondiste during my trip to Antarctica, I did not have much specific equipment for the cold, having planned to mainly follow the summer and not wishing to overload my backpack of business world tour Excessive: I had with me merino wool socks, a thermal under-sweater, a little fleece, a windbreaker, a hat and gloves silk, wool gloves and nothing more! This material was supposed to be enough for all situations around the world and that was the case. Even today, I have no more and I even survive European winters without any problem.
The idea is to stack several layers to have less cold. This is the technique of the onion. You do not normally need to stack layers of cotton to let the skin breathe, but not having much else, I do with and I survive very well. For example, I survived in Bolivia in the Salar of Uyuni and South Lipez in winter at temperatures around -20 ° C at night. So do not be too stressed and spend all your money in technical clothing. What I listed above is the essential to have on a trip. For my trip to Antarctica, depending on the weather or activities, I stacked different layers (less for hiking, a little more zodiac or for camping or when there was wind). Pantyhose, leggings, two or three pairs of socks, two or three t-shirts, a little sweater, the fleece and that suited very well. Add a scarf, hat, warm Gore-tex jacket from the cruise line, ready-made boots and you'll be ready to face the cold, snow, ice and icebergs of the Antarctic.

How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Before embarking, it is asked to buy waterproof pants: if you do not have one, you will find about twenty euros in Ushuaia and it is also possible to buy on the boat, but it will be very expensive and not necessarily to your size. For my part, I bought ski gloves on the boat, because by day of wind in zodiac, my hands were getting colder, but that's all.
For camping under the stars on the pack ice, I literally stacked all my clothes and I looked like a bibendum in my waterproof sleeping bag, but I was not cold for one second and I slept very well ! And yet, I'm chilly, especially at night!
The essential checklist to prepare your suitcase for a trip to Antarctica in addition to your usual traveling clothes
Essentials for a trip to Antarctica
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- A hat
- Silk gloves
- Ski gloves
- A scarf or a scarf
- A thermal underwear or undergarment
- Merino wool socks
- Hot leggings or tights
- Waterproof trousers
- A polar
- A headlamp
- A camera, if possible waterproof like a Gopro (there is a photographer on board who will teach you a lot of things)
- Replacement batteries for your camera and SD cards in addition (I have never taken so many pictures of my life / Remember to put your camera in the inside pocket of your coat, near your heart, so that the battery is discharging less quickly)
- Binoculars for wildlife watching
- A book for the few dead times and a notebook (we had an incredible polar bookshop on board and we had movies every night, so there was no time to get bored)
- Your toilet bag and all your medications (there is a doctor and a nurse on board, but take your prescriptions)
- Sunscreen, moisturizer and labello
- A pair of light closed shoes to wear on the boat: flip-flops and open shoes are forbidden for security reasons.
- Walking sticks for hiking if you have some weaknesses of the knees
- Pellets against seasickness (even if you will be given on board normally)
Health, Safety and Visas in Antarctica

For all official information on health, security and visas in Antarctica, as usual, go to diplomatie.gouv. For our part, he was asked to have an entry permit or a visa for Argentina and that's it. At Port Lockroy you can receive a stamp of Antarctica in your passport!
How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Do not forget to take a travel insurance that covers this type of trip, especially if you do adventurous activities and insurance that covers repatriation. The cruise line will not let you board anyway if you do not have one. It is important not to go to Antarctica blindly, because by the time the rescue arrives, you will only depend on your own means and that of the boat. Antarctica is a dangerous and hostile territory and it is important to be fully aware of it. Do not forget that the conditions are extreme in Antarctica. It is important to think about the danger of crevasses, the fact that care is basic on site, extreme winds, the power of the sun through the ozone layer and the cold.
I use Chapka travel insurance for three years, for my world tour, my PVT, my nomadic life, my holidays ... It will cover you perfectly for your trip to Antarctica (except for camping, but no insurance covers this) . To subscribe an insurance, click here and to discover the comparative insurance to travel around the world, it is by here.
Remember to read the Antarctic Visitor Guidelines and follow them.
If you do polar diving, camping or other activities, you may be asked to sign a document. It's better to be able to swim for a polar dive, even if you're hanging with a small rope and being aware of health hazards.
Should I be athletic to travel to Antarctica?
It's not a necessity, but you still have to like walking and getting used to moving. I was not a great sportsman at the time, but I walked every day since the beginning of my world tour, and this for three months before this trip to Antarctica. There were hard times, when I struggled, especially when climbing in the powder, but I persevered, I was at my pace and I managed to go everywhere and to do everything, even Overweight!
Some, too tired at the end of the trip, did not make all the outings to nap and I think it's a mess!
Train before you go, walk, contact your doctor if you have a specific health problem, also think that the continent is at altitude and everything will be fine!
How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
The itinerary of a trip to Antarctica
As mentioned before, you will not choose the route of your Antarctic trip and it will depend a lot on the season, weather conditions and other boats. Be that as it may, I was not disappointed by any destination we visited. They all have their specificity and something interesting to see there, whether penguin colonies (and no, there are no penguins or polar bears in Antarctica!), Whales, seals, spectacular landscapes, icebergs or historical monuments. And yes, you will see a lot of ice and snow, but the landscapes are all different and all more fascinating than the others. I never left it.
How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
My Antarctic trip itinerary
Here are the places I visited during this cruise and the itinerary of my trip to Antarctica, in 10 days:

Ushuaia
Beagle Channel
Drake Passage
Barrientos Island
Whilhelmina Bay
Enterprise Bay
Orne Islands
Danco Island
Almirante Brown
Paradise Bay
Consumed
Neko Harbor
Chenal Lemaire
Dorian Bay
Demoy Point
Port Lockroy
Drake Passage
Ushuaia. We passed and stopped for zodiac cruises in other places that did not necessarily have a name.
Synopsis of my trip to Antarctica
Here is my trip to Antarctica in chronological order:
On the way to the end of the world
Meeting with Antarctic penguins
I set foot in Antarctica
The day I slept under the stars ... in Antarctica!
Christmas in Antarctica, an end of the world atmosphere
Antarctic Christmas: seals, whales and hats
The last day in Antarctica: guaranteed thrills
The end of the trip to Antarctica
My log book on video in Antarctica
This is the video I made during my trip to Antarctica. This is the first video I realized, it has a lot of flaws and designed as a logbook. Be indulgent!

Crossing the Drake Passage
Ah, the famous Drake passage ... the one that everyone fears, the worst piece of sea that seems to exist on earth. I was very lucky for my part, we crossed the Drake passage very quickly to go and it was not too hectic. On the way back, it moved a lot, with waves several meters high, but I was not sick. I'm not prone to seasickness and I've been sick once, waking up one way, then not at all. Most people, however, are sick even with tablets and barricaded themselves in their booths to allow time to pass. For my part, I took advantage of the conferences, observed the birds and I found it very amusing: I took the wall of my shower in the face, the affairs fall in all the directions in the cabin if one do not Drake-proof all, the waiters play the equilibrists with the coffee, the passengers valdinguent on the non-fixed seats, one staggers while walking on the boat ... A sacred experience!
Beware, sailing is worse and less stable. It's a bad time to go for those who are sick, but trust me the trip is worth it!
A typical day during a trip to Antarctica
How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...

The radio and the cheerful voice of Shane wake us up gently. It's early, but no rest for the budding adventurers we are. Ding, ding, ding! It's time for breakfast. Through my porthole, I see that the weather is nice, not too cold and that the day promises to be extraordinary. The breakfast is engulfed at full speed and we are about to land on the white continent. We get ready, put on our diapers, go through the disinfection phase and board the zodiacs for the first landing.
We cross with difficulty, a piece of frozen sea, between the blocks of ice, before berthing. The team has already prepared the ground and defined where we could go. Some last instructions and we are free to go exploring. For the more athletic and adventurous, Shane has prepared a nice hike to get high. The hike is rough, especially considering the depth of the snow, but the weather is nice, the sun shines and the penguins frolic around. From above, the view we discover on the bay is breathtaking. The ice, the icebergs, the parhelion of the sun, the turquoise blue of the sea, the tiny boat in the distance and the horizon of mountains and snow, as far as the eye can see, as if this world never ended, like if on this hill, one was suddenly entering another dimension, far from reality. We are really at the end of the world, in another world. It is already time to come back with regret, but we are ready to make new discoveries. We embark on a one-hour zodiac cruise to observe seals, icebergs and rock formations and we are lucky enough to get closer to a leopard seal and four whales. They dance around our zodiac and we can almost touch them. Moment of emotion, rare and intense, suspended moment when nature takes back all its rights, shows us its strength and its beauty.
We go back on the boat and have lunch, while the boat is sailing towards a new anchorage. While chatting with my neighbors table, I observe the landscapes that scroll through the windows. I could stay for hours contemplating the landscape, as it is changeable and grandiose. A coffee, a book on Antarctica in my hands and I sit on a couch while contemplating the landscape. Ding, ding, ding, we get active and we come out. Snowshoeing, zodiac rides, like every day, like every morning and every afternoon. It's the most pleasant and incredible everyday life. A snack, a lecture, a dinner, a chat with my backpacker friends, a polar film in my room and I fall asleep with the soft roll of Antarctica in my cabin. I dream of snow-covered landscapes, icebergs and the silence of Antarctica. Tomorrow is another day, tomorrow we will still explore the pack ice and I am the luckiest girl in the world!
Take a trip to Antarctica with one of Antarctica's leading adventurers, G Adventures. Click on this link to learn more about the different Antarctic trips offered and book your adventure of a lifetime at the best price!
Traveling alone in Antarctica

Cruise luxury requires, shipping or not, I was a little worried about finding myself in this environment that does not fit me at all. However, if I went alone in Antarctica, I never felt alone and had great encounters. Feel free to consider a solo trip to Antarctica, you will not regret it! Having paid the price of a cruise in a triple room, I was very surprised to find myself alone in my cabin, but it made me feel good to rest a little.
Antarctic Encounters - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
On the other hand, it was very easy to meet people around the table (we could change with each meal), in conference, in expeditions or anywhere on the boat. There were about half backpackers, like me on a last-minute cruise and half of the passengers who were paying the total price and even if there were some people a bit stuck, most of the passengers were open and people were exciting , coming from different backgrounds and countries. We all came together around the passion for travel and this great experience of Antarctica. In closed session, without Internet, we linked very strong links around this unique trip. To party, to talk to the end of the night, to share moments on the ice, to take a polar dive, to camp together ... on this boat it was a little to life to the death and I saw many travelers after in South America. On board, I had American, English, German, Australian, Chinese, Israeli and international friends! A real floating Spanish inn! So go alone on a cruise in Antarctica, it will never be a problem and it is not a destination for couples, quite the opposite!
More practical information on Antarctic cruises
Money on board
There are obviously no ATMs in Antarctica, but you can pay for your extras and Cabin on a trip to Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ... tips in cash or credit card at the end of the stay on board. Tips are sometimes included on some cruises.
Antarctic Internet
Communications are by satellite. It costs a fortune and the connection is bad. Just disconnect and enjoy this moment out of time!
Your cabin in Antarctica
The cabins are generally luxurious, very comfortable and equipped with a private bathroom, with or without window depending on the boat and the placement of your cabin. There are double or triple cabins.
Will not I get bored on board?
If you are bored on board, I will not know what to say to you! The days are long and charged, even at sea, where conferences and evenings are linked. We had access to the largest polar bookstore in the world aboard the Ocean Diamond and could borrow books from our guide. There were also films every night, various conferences and varied, meals, parties and of course outdoor activities. I came back absolutely exhausted from this trip, because I did not want to miss a crumb and I did not have time to be bored!
 How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
Where to sleep in Ushuaia before and after the cruise?
Are you coming to Ushuaia for a few days before boarding or do you need rest and not return to reality right after the cruise? Look no further, Ushuaia is a beautiful city with lots to do and I really recommend you to spend some time there. I had to spend 20 days in total between two trips and I miss this city a lot.
Find my complete guide on Ushuaia here: What to do in Ushuaia?
 How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...

My favorite accommodations in Ushuaia
Remember to book your accommodation in advance in Ushuaia. Ushuaia is a hub of backpackers and travelers to Antarctica and the beds leave quickly. In high season, I only booked my first night so I changed beds or hostels almost every night. I even met young people who had to spend the night outside. If you go early enough, I can only recommend Antartica Hostel, one of the best hostels I have ever stayed at. Cozy, warm, comfortable, with breakfast included, the best internet connection in the city, an adorable and caring team and enough outlets for everyone in the living room. He even made us eat for the New Year.
I also discovered this year La Posta Hostel, another hostel very warm and comfortable, at prices maybe a little lower than Antartica Hostel. The rooms are comfortable, the travelers friendly, there are two large kitchens, a very nice team to recommend you many things and good wifi. The hostel is a little out of the way, but worth the trip.
Antarctic penguin - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
What to visit in Patagonia before or after a trip to Antarctica?
Fancy a taste of Antarctica or do not go back to reality right away? I can only advise you to travel in Patagonia. Even after Antarctica, I found an incredible beauty and I returned two years later so it marked me. Today, I still think about it and something tells me that I will not be long in going back: Puerto Madryn, Bahia Bustamante, El Bolson, Ushuaia, Bariloche, El Calfate, El Chalten, Esquel, Torres Del Paine, fjords of Chile ... there is enough to make many trips !!! (Follow the links to discover my articles on all these destinations).
Whale in Antarctica - How to prepare for your trip to Antarctica? The complete practical guide to know everything: budget, itinerary, activities, equipment, wildlife, responsible travel, which cruise to choose, what to do in Patagonia and where to sleep in Ushuaia ...
How to get to Ushuaia to go on an Antarctic cruise?
If you are coming from afar, take a flight to Buenos Aires, then a domestic flight to Ushuaia. If you travel to South America and catch a flight, you will probably need to fly to Buenos Aires and change airport to take an internal flight. For more information, visit my comprehensive practical guide on planning a trip to Argentina.
Several destinations are accessible by bus from and to Ushuaia, but remember to book your ticket in advance to avoid getting stuck: El Calafate, Punta Arenas and Puerto Natales are good options, even if the trips are quite long. It is also possible to get there by hitchhiking, which I have done since Calafate. To test, the trip is superb and faster and comfortable than by bus!