South Georgia is a geographically unprotected island in the middle of the Southern Ocean, swells are large and thus weather heavily impacts landings. If you plan to join a longer voyage that not only takes you to Antarctica, but also allows you to visit this marvel, you may be wondering what are … [Read more...] about Potential Landing Sites in South Georgia
Potential Landing sites in Antarctica & The South Shetlands
Wondering exactly where you go when you join an Antarctica expedition? Although explorers in the past had a plan A in mind, they were prepared to change course because they knew they were going to unexplored places on Earth. In the same spirit today, traveling as a polar explorer on expeditions to … [Read more...] about Potential Landing sites in Antarctica & The South Shetlands
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
Emperor penguins on the White Continent
This elegant penguin species is the largest of them all, and it is sometimes confused with the King Penguin because of their similar appearance. Emperors are also the hardest penguin species to encounter, as they live inland from the coast in the mostly icy, inaccessible Weddell Sea region. Emperor … [Read more...] about Emperor penguins on the White Continent
What’s excluded in an Antarctica Expedition?
What’s excluded in an Antarctica Expedition? You have been thinking about joining an Antarctica voyage for a while, but are curious of what exactly is extra, or additional to the rate you are paying? We are happy to explain these below! Remember that there are different ships going down to … [Read more...] about What’s excluded in an Antarctica Expedition?
What is a day like in Antarctica?
Our lovely expedition leader welcomed the day with her enthusiastic morning call at 7:00am through the PA system informing us about weather conditions outside: Temperature: 1ºC, Wind: 29 knots. A little windy, but still safe to make our first landing. Even though it was cozy and warm in the cabin, … [Read more...] about What is a day like in Antarctica?
What is a day like in the Drake Passage?
They say that you can have a “Drake Lake” or a “Drake Shake”, but either way you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy from the different activities and presentations your expedition team will offer you while crossing this mythic passage. Right after breakfast, our expedition photographer invited us to … [Read more...] about What is a day like in the Drake Passage?
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?
Transitioning to Antarctica: What It’s Like to Sail the Drake
It was the raviolis that broke me. “If I have to throw up, where should I do that?” I asked Andy, one of the three crew members aboard our 19-day sailing expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula. Nonplussed, he pointed outside. I nodded, but didn’t get up. It seemed unlikely that I’d be able to … [Read more...] about Transitioning to Antarctica: What It’s Like to Sail the Drake
Antarctica Bases to Know!
As protected terrain, Antarctica remains largely untouched by humans. Yet the coldest, driest, southernmost continent still boasts a population of a few thousand, depending on the time of the year. Scientific researchers and base staffers occupy small settlements both winter and summer alike. If … [Read more...] about Antarctica Bases to Know!
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
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