Co-owner Quixote Expeditions & Polar Citizen Science Collective Chair of the Board of Trustees We are lucky to have interesting friends in the world of Antarctic travel, and Laura Smith is definitely one of those people. Laura co-owns Quixote Expeditions with her husband Federico, where they … [Read more...] about Spotlight: Laura Smith & the Polar Citizen Science Collective
Sailing to Antarctica: An Interview with Federico Guerrero
One of the things that I like most about my job is having the opportunity to meet interesting people from around the world. I'm lucky enough that some of these people have become close friends. This is one of those cases. I met Federico a six years ago at a "Thanksgiving " dinner here in Ushuaia, … [Read more...] about Sailing to Antarctica: An Interview with Federico Guerrero
Is South Georgia Worth the Visit?
This is a question we get from many travelers every season. Is it worth spending 18-20 days on an expedition ship, and spend the extra money to see this remote island? What is so great about it? In order to understand this question and make your own conclusion about South … [Read more...] about Is South Georgia Worth the Visit?
BaseCamp Antarctica: An Adventurer’s Voyage
If you are looking for a non-conventional way to visit the Antarctic Peninsula, full of adventure activities and unique experiences, Basecamp Antarctica could be a good choice for you. From a night camping on the ice surrounded by penguins, to strapping on crampons and climbing a snowy peak, to … [Read more...] about BaseCamp Antarctica: An Adventurer’s Voyage
Gastro Tour: Where to Eat in Ushuaia
After traveling thousands of kilometers to get to Tierra del Fuego, you must be ready to eat! Fear not, Ushuaia has a great variety of delicious offerings. From empanadas and pizza, to delicious seafood, tender steaks and Patagonian lamb, you’ll find a varied menu in the capital city. Take a look … [Read more...] about Gastro Tour: Where to Eat in Ushuaia
Do you need a visa to travel to Antarctica?
If you are planning to embark in an amazing polar expedition, one of the most important things to have ready for the adventure is the necessary documentation to travel. When you are traveling internationally, a passport is essential! Make sure your passport is valid not only for the duration of your … [Read more...] about Do you need a visa to travel to Antarctica?
Sheep Pass: Laguna del Caminante – What to pack?
For those looking for longer hikes around Ushuaia, Laguna del Caminante is the perfect option to combine hiking and camping during the austral summer. It is highly recommended that you start early in the morning to guarantee you’ll arrive at Laguna del Caminante before the sun sets, and get your … [Read more...] about Sheep Pass: Laguna del Caminante – What to pack?
What to do at Tierra del Fuego National Park
If you have come this far, you don’t want to miss visiting Tierra del Fuego National Park, just about 20 km away from the city center of Ushuaia. Although the most common way to get there is by taking a half-day guided tour, you have the possibility of visiting it on your own by taking a shuttle bus … [Read more...] about What to do at Tierra del Fuego National Park
Three hikes to Enjoy the Fall Colors in Ushuaia
Three hikes to Enjoy the Fall Colors in Ushuaia In March, here in Ushuaia, we welcome the colorful season of autumn. As leaves start to turn golden and temperatures lower, nature marvels both visitors and locals alike. Autumn is a perfect time to go outdoors and enjoy the many half-day or full … [Read more...] about Three hikes to Enjoy the Fall Colors in Ushuaia
Freestyle gives “1% for the Planet.” What does that mean?
Antarctica is the world’s last great wilderness. The white continent’s unique geography and fauna are novel for even the most experienced traveler, which is why the remote region attracts over 30,000 visitors a year. Such a singular ecosystem requires careful preservation in order to be … [Read more...] about Freestyle gives “1% for the Planet.” What does that mean?
A Day in the Life of an Expedition Leader
A Day in the Life Your Expedition Leader will wake you up in the morning, coordinate navigation details with the bridge and meal times with the hotel manager, plan shore activities with the Expedition Team…In brief, you will see the EL run up and down the ship, drive zodiacs, welcome … [Read more...] about A Day in the Life of an Expedition Leader
Over 100 Years of Antarctic Exploration
Exploration at the end of the world... Now, more than 100 years after the first person reached the South Pole, modern day explorers continue to push the limits of human resilience and endurance with new Antarctic exploration challenges. Some expeditions are solo, some are on skis, some employ … [Read more...] about Over 100 Years of Antarctic Exploration
Antarctic Seasons
Summer has come to a close in the Southern hemisphere and autumn is beginning to color Southern Patagonia with its reds, oranges, and yellows.Meanwhile, in the Northern hemisphere, spring is in full bloom. But what about Antarctica? Does the White Continent have seasons? The earth’s tilt is … [Read more...] about Antarctic Seasons
Committing To An Antarctica Adventure Is No Joke
Is Antarctica worth it? 5 questions probably on your mind Guest blog written by Meghan Advent Committing to an Antarctic adventure is no joke. No matter how you slice it, it’s more expensive than most other travels. You could literally spend months in certain places throughout Asia, Africa or … [Read more...] about Committing To An Antarctica Adventure Is No Joke
Beagle Channel Boat Tour
There are lots of excursions in Ushuaia to choose from, and I’m going to write the next few blog posts about activities here at the “End of the World” to give you an idea of what’s out there. My first outing was a small boat excursion out into the Beagle Channel that takes you to four … [Read more...] about Beagle Channel Boat Tour
What’s it like to travel to Antarctica by cruise ship versus sailboat?
We sat down with Laura Smith, the co-owner with husband Federico, of Quixote Expeditions and sailboat “The Ocean Tramp.” We got a firsthand look at the boat and were able to ask her a few questions about sailing south. Afterward she gave a great tour of Ocean Tramp and showed us how everything works … [Read more...] about What’s it like to travel to Antarctica by cruise ship versus sailboat?
How do I pack for Antarctica?
This is a question we frequently receive from travelers. After all, you are going to the coldest, highest, driest, windiest place on the planet, right? Fear not, packing to travel to the Antarctic Peninsula and surrounding areas is not as daunting as you might think. When packing for … [Read more...] about How do I pack for Antarctica?
Modern Antarctic Explorers
Now, more than 100 years after the first person reached the South Pole, modern day explorers continue to push the limits of human resilience and endurance with new Antarctic exploration challenges. Some expeditions are solo, some are on skis, some employ bicycles, but all require incredible physical … [Read more...] about Modern Antarctic Explorers
People on Antarctica? Learn about some Antarctic bases!
In addition to penguins and seals, Antarctica is home to research stations and bases belonging to 29 countries. Some of the bases are open year-round, while others are just open during the summer months (usually from October-March). Many of the first bases were established by nations nearby to the … [Read more...] about People on Antarctica? Learn about some Antarctic bases!
Krill: the Building Blocks of Antarctica
The Southern Ocean is vitally important in the entire Antarctic food web, and at the base of this web are two tiny players: phytoplankton and the krill that eat it. Krill are 85 or so species of small shrimp-like crustaceans (order Eucarida), the most abundant being the Antarctic krill (Euphausia … [Read more...] about Krill: the Building Blocks of Antarctica
Camping in Antarctica
Camping in Antarctica? Who would want to do that? Camping in Antarctica? Wow, that sounds incredible! We get varied reactions to the option of camping on the Antarctica Peninsula during ‘Classic’ voyages. The reality is, camping on the Antarctic continent appeals to a certain sort of traveler and … [Read more...] about Camping in Antarctica
Early Summer on the Antarctic Peninsula: What to Expect
The first ships are already arriving here in Ushuaia and passengers from all over the world are setting sail for the White Continent. So the most common question I get from travelers this time of year: what´s the weather like down there? Weather in Antarctica is hard to predict, as it … [Read more...] about Early Summer on the Antarctic Peninsula: What to Expect
Ernest Shackleton: Epic Antarctic Explorer
If you are thinking about Antarctica as your next destination, you will find that the options are varied, and there are different kinds of trips in many different types of vessels: a luxury ship, with a 5 star hotel and fancy restaurants, an ex-Russian icebreaker, or a small sailing boat for those … [Read more...] about Ernest Shackleton: Epic Antarctic Explorer
Mammals in Antarctica: Seals
“Do polar bears live in Antarctica?” No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about Antarctica, and a frequently asked question we get from passengers. While there are no large bears on the White Continent, there are a variety of whales and seals who call Antarctica home, at least for a … [Read more...] about Mammals in Antarctica: Seals
Wildlife in Antarctica, Part 1: Penguins
Antarctica is home to a specialized group of sea-dependent animals who are able to adapt to extreme dryness, low temperatures, and high exposure. Antarctica’s inhabitants are mostly seasonal dwellers, coming to Antarctica during the Austral Summer to feed and reproduce. Today we will look at one … [Read more...] about Wildlife in Antarctica, Part 1: Penguins
Welcome to Freestyle Adventure Travel
Welcome aboard! Contact us if you have any questions. … [Read more...] about Welcome to Freestyle Adventure Travel
