Antarctica Travel Guide: Explore the Last Untouched Continent

Antarctica Tours, Expeditions & Experiences
Looking to journey to the most remote and pristine place on Earth? Book Antarctica cruises and polar expeditions through our trusted partners.

Introduction

Antarctica is not your average travel destination. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime journey to the world’s southernmost frontier. This icy wilderness, with its towering glaciers, surreal landscapes and abundant wildlife, attracts adventure travelers, photographers, researchers and eco-conscious explorers. In this guide, you’ll discover how to get to Antarctica, what to see and do, the best times to go and essential tips for visiting one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth.

Destination Overview

Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, completely covered by ice and surrounded by the Southern Ocean. There are no cities—just scientific research stations. Most travelers visit via expedition cruises departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, or occasionally New Zealand. The main zones include:

• The Antarctic Peninsula – the most accessible and frequently visited region

• Ross Sea Region – remote, historic and deeply tied to early polar exploration

• East Antarctica – vast, cold and rarely visited by tourists

• South Shetland Islands – a common landing point for wildlife viewing

Top Places to Visit

Deception Island
An active volcanic caldera where ships can sail inside. Visitors can hike ash-covered beaches and sometimes take a geothermal dip.

Port Lockroy
A historic British outpost and museum on Goudier Island, often complete with a working post office.

Lemaire Channel
Nicknamed “Kodak Gap,” this narrow passage offers some of the most photogenic icy scenery in Antarctica.

South Georgia Island
Though technically not on the continent, this wildlife haven is often included in longer Antarctic cruises and features hundreds of thousands of king penguins.

Elephant Island
Famous for sheltering part of Shackleton’s crew, it remains a dramatic reminder of early Antarctic survival.

Best Time to Visit

Antarctica is only accessible to tourists during the austral summer from November to March. Here’s what to expect by month:

• November: Ice landscapes at their most pristine; courtship displays from penguins
• December to January: Peak season for wildlife activity and the warmest temperatures
• February to March: Best time for whale watching and witnessing penguin chicks

Cruises are limited and fill up quickly, so early bookings are essential for securing your preferred travel window.

Top Things to Do

• Take a Zodiac ride to observe seals, whales and towering icebergs up close

• Visit penguin colonies on snow-covered shores

• Kayak through iceberg-filled bays

• Hike and snowshoe on guided excursions

• Attend onboard lectures from glaciologists and wildlife experts

• Camp overnight on the ice under the polar sky (select expeditions only)

Recommended: Book your Antarctica cruise or expedition early with options that include South Georgia and the Falklands.

Culture and History

Although Antarctica has no indigenous population, its history is filled with tales of heroism and endurance. The continent was first sighted in 1820, but exploration peaked during the Heroic Age in the early 20th century.

Stories such as Ernest Shackleton’s harrowing journey aboard the Endurance, or Roald Amundsen’s 1911 conquest of the South Pole, are deeply embedded in polar lore. Today, more than 30 countries operate research bases under the Antarctic Treaty System.

Nature and Outdoor Experiences

Antarctica is home to some of the planet’s most untouched natural environments. Expect towering glaciers, surreal icebergs and stark, white deserts stretching to the horizon. Unique wildlife includes:

• Penguins (Adelie, Gentoo, Chinstrap, and King on nearby islands)

• Humpback, minke and orca whales

• Leopard, Weddell and crabeater seals

• Seabirds like skuas, petrels and albatrosses

Eco-tourism plays a vital role in ensuring conservation efforts are respected. Always follow your guides’ instructions and the IAATO visitor guidelines.

Viewpoints and Photo Opportunities

• Iceberg Alley (around Pleneau Island) for sculpted blue ice formations

• Cuverville Island for panoramic shots of Gentoo penguins and snowy ridgelines

• The Lemaire Channel at sunrise or sunset

• The deck of your expedition ship crossing the Antarctic Circle

• Neko Harbour from a high ridge viewpoint

Tips: Bring a zoom lens, waterproof cases and spare batteries that can withstand cold conditions.

Local Food and Drink Guide

There are no restaurants in Antarctica, and all meals are typically provided onboard expedition ships or at research stations. Cuisine is international and hearty, with a focus on warming comfort food. Expect multi-course dinners, hot soups, buffet breakfasts and drinks available in onboard bars.

Tip: Some cruises offer a celebratory polar BBQ or glacial ice cocktails as a novelty experience.

Getting There and Getting Around

Most visitors depart from:

• Ushuaia, Argentina (main port for Antarctic cruises)
• Punta Arenas, Chile (starting point for fly-cruise options)
• Christchurch or Invercargill, New Zealand (for trips to East Antarctica)

Transport options:

• Expedition ships (most common)
• Fly-cruise combinations (skip the Drake Passage)
• Icebreakers (for special itineraries)

Zodiacs (inflatable boats) are used for all landings. There are no roads, trains or independent transport options in Antarctica.

Hidden Gems and Off-the-Beaten-Path Spots

• Snow Hill Island: Rare emperor penguin colonies accessed by helicopter
• Peter I Island: A remote volcanic island only a few expeditions ever reach
• Cape Evans: The preserved hut of explorer Robert Falcon Scott
• Dry Valleys: Near McMurdo, these Mars-like valleys are ice-free and otherworldly

These destinations require advanced itineraries and ideal weather windows.

Custom Experiences and Safety Tips

• Polar Plunge: Take a quick, icy dip under supervision (not for the faint-hearted)
• Private Charters: Some luxury tours offer tailored small-group adventures
• Photography Workshops: Led by pros, included in certain expeditions

Safety tips:

• Always follow IAATO guidelines and your expedition leader’s advice
• Dress in multiple waterproof and insulated layers
• Wear sunscreen—UV rays are intense due to ice reflection
• Seasickness is common on the Drake Passage; bring motion sickness remedies

Nearby Destinations and Add-On Trips

• Patagonia (Argentina and Chile): Combine with glacier trekking or Torres del Paine

• The Falkland Islands: Add wildlife and history to your Antarctic journey

• Buenos Aires: Start or end your trip with culture and cuisine in Argentina’s capital

Flights and logistics are easiest through South America, so build your itinerary accordingly.

Practical Travel Tips

Antarctica is the ultimate adventure for travelers seeking raw nature, scientific significance and surreal scenery. It’s ideal for photographers, wildlife lovers and anyone who’s dreamed of going where few have gone before.

Before you go:

• Book at least 6–12 months in advance
• Get travel insurance that covers polar regions
• Check visa and vaccination requirements for your departure country
• Prepare your gear: waterproof gloves, boots, camera, thermal base layers

Ready to check Antarctica off your bucket list? Start planning now with our recommended polar expeditions and book early to secure your ideal voyage.