Antarctica is a bucket list trip that many people are interested in doing as a family, with children of all ages. However, Antarctica is a destination that is not safe or accommodating for all kids. This blog will outline the general guidelines for traveling with children to Antarctica and some considerations to keep in mind if you are thinking about this trip.
Antarctica voyages take place on expedition-style vessels that are focused on education and exploration. There are no special activities or areas for children on ships, so they should be old enough to participate in the adult activities and to respect the safety guidance on the vessel.
Age Restrictions
Most ships have age eight (8) as the minimum age for kids to join trips. Some ships have a minimum of 12. It’s important to contact our sales team to find out about a specific ship and the age limits they have.
Safety Considerations
The excursions in Antarctica are via inflatable zodiac boats. The process of disembarking from the ship to the boats, and getting on land can be challenging at times due to the weather. All passengers must wear life jackets and be prepared to get wet from spray and waves. Some ships require children to bring their own life jacket if smaller sizes are not available onboard.
On land, the expedition team will outline a route for walking and give instructions about distances from wildlife and where you can explore. It’s of utmost importance that children follow these rules and regulations. Weather can be very adverse – snow and wind – so it’s important to be prepared for any conditions.
Educational Program
During sea days, guides and scientists onboard will give a series of educational lectures, ranging from history and exploration of Antarctica to penguins and whales. This is a wonderful aspect of the experience, so we recommend bringing children who are old enough to enjoy these talks to get the most out of the trip.
Kids Club?
There are no ships currently traveling to Antarctica with a “kids club” onboard; however a few ships are offering “Family oriented” voyages. These trips are usually over the holidays and will try to have some activities aimed toward the younger generation. These can also be a great option, as there are likely more children onboard during these voyages. Contact us if you are interested in a finding a trip like this!
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