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?
Arctic destinations: what are the options?
If you are thinking about joining an Arctic expedition, you may be wondering where you should go and what the options are. The Arctic spans one–sixth of the area of the Earth, featuring some of the most wild, untamed and majestic landscapes. The most popular destinations for Arctic expeditions … [Read more...] about Arctic destinations: what are the options?
Exploring the Chilean Fjords
Every summer more and more adventurers visit the marvelous places Patagonia has to offer. Torres del Paine National Park in Chile and Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina are often at the top of their list when they plan their trekking destinations. Nevertheless, very few travelers have had the … [Read more...] about Exploring the Chilean Fjords
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?
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
8 books to read before your trip to Antarctica!
As the last unpopulated continent, Antarctica is a land of great mystique. Tales of epic adventures and misguided expeditions fuel a romanticized vision of the world’s southernmost terrain. For the bold travelers headed there, reading up about the history of Antarctic exploration will contextualize … [Read more...] about 8 books to read before your trip to Antarctica!
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?
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!
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