DESTINATION

LUXURY ANTARCTICA CRUISES

The White Continent the furthest outpost of our planet vast, remote, forlorn, windy, bleak and frozen. Yet captivating, otherworldly, beautiful, silent and pristine…

An undiscovered land

INTRODUCTION TO ANTARCTICA

The White Continent the furthest outpost of our planet vast, remote, forlorn, windy, bleak and frozen. Yet captivating, otherworldly, beautiful, silent and pristine. One human for every 32,000 square miles. Since the late 1700’s it has drawn the bravest souls of humankind to navigate the ravages of inclement seas and later in 1895 tread upon the ultimate frozen wilderness. Today it still holds that appeal of the unadulterated simplicity of mother nature. Our Totally Latin America Antarctica vacations continually seek that ability to connect to places less traveled on our expeditions. We invite you in the footsteps of the great explorers.

DISCOVERY OF ANTARCTICA

Early explorers searched for a huge southern continent known as Tierra Australis Incognita (unknown southern land). From 1772 – 1775, British Explorer Captain James Cook spent three long years exploring the brutal icy seas of the southern oceans, before finally throwing in the towel and returning home in vain. Plentiful explorers followed Cook in the hunt for the hidden continent, but none were successful. During the early 19th century as global competition for territory and global dominance grew, interest sparked once again in finding the mysterious icy continent. On January 27, 1820, the Russian explorer Fabian von Bellingshausen made the first sighting of an ice shelf attached to what is now known as Queen Maud Land. Then, just three days later, on a separate exploration Edward Bransfield, a British Naval officer spotted the Antarctic peninsula. On February 09, 1821, more than a year after initial sightings, John Davis an American Explorer and sealer made landfall. Join the expedition and follow in the footsteps of the great explorers on one of our Antarctica vacations.

MODERN DAY ANTARCTICA

On 01 December 1959, the Antarctica Treaty was signed by Twelve member countries whose scientists had been operating in Antarctica during the International Geophysical Year (01 July 1957 – 31 December 1958). Today, there are now fifty-four member countries. Antarctica is the only continent in the world without permanent residents. However, annually there are anywhere from 1,000 – 5,000 people residing there, depending on the season. Member parties of the Antarctica Treaty operate 70 or so permanent and temporary research stations. The largest research center is the US operated McMurdo Station. It is situated in the south of Ross Island, which is located within the boundaries of Ross Dependency, an area of Antarctica claimed by New Zealand. The station is like a small town and can accommodate 1,250 inhabitants. It features a fire house, residence halls, stores, and Antarctica’s only ATM. Ask an expert about which Antarctica vacations include the Ross Sea.

VISITING ANTARCTICA

Most Antarctica vacations will visit the continent aboard an expedition cruise ship. Cruises operate during the months of November – March, when the weather is milder. The choice of vessels is extensive and somewhat overwhelming with three-dozen plus ships licensed to operate touristic cruises in the Antarctic. With the exception of a few vessels, most cruise ships have a capacity of 100 – 300 guests. It is important to note that due to regulations in Antarctica, only 100 people at any one time are allowed to disembark the vessel. Cruise operators are well adept at managing large amounts of guests with guest rotations and shifts, but this maybe a consideration when choosing a vessel. Cruise ship levels vary greatly, from traditional ships with more moderate facilities to luxury state-of-the-art hybrid ships complete with helicopters. Length of cruises also vary greatly. Shorter, budget conscious trips start from around 10 days and typically navigate a round trip from Ushuaia to the Antarctic Peninsula. Longer more comprehensive and cruises last up to 30+ days. To explore South Georgia and the Falkland Islands in addition to the Antarctic Peninsula you’ll need around 18-20 days. Typical expedition activities include zodiac rides and short hikes, wildlife spotting and sea-kayaking opportunities for observing whales and penguins.

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detailed map of Antarctica
Panoramic Ariel view of McMurdo Station, Ross Island - Antarctica
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PLAN YOUR ANTARCTICA VACATION

Explore the white continent and start planning your next trip with the Antarctica Vacations experts. Let a specialist advisor help you create the perfect adventure

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FEATURED LUXURY ANTARCTICA CRUISES

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Ross Sea Luxury Antarctica Cruise (26 Days)

Sail aboard the expedition cruise ship Le Commandant-Charcot, on a transcendent journey in nature to redescribe the world to you…

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ANTARCTICA NEED TO KNOW

BEST TIME TO GO:
November- February
month by month guide
 
TIME ZONE:
AST (GMT–3)
MAIN INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT:
Buenos Aires (EZE)
CURRENCY:
USD ($)

LUXURY ANTARCTICA TOURS FAQS

How cold does it get in Antarctica?

Antarctica is known for its extreme cold temperatures. In the interior, temperatures can drop as low as -80 degrees Fahrenheit (-62 degrees Celsius) during the winter months. Along the coast and during the summer season, temperatures range from -20 to 14 degrees Fahrenheit (-29 to -10 degrees Celsius).

Where is Antarctica?

Antarctica is located at the southernmost part of the Earth, surrounding the South Pole. It is situated mostly within the Antarctic Circle, covering an area of about 14 million square kilometers (5.4 million square miles) of land and ice.

What is the best time of year to visit Antarctica?

The best time to visit Antarctica is during the Antarctic summer, which is from November to March. During this period, temperatures are milder, ranging from -2 to 8 degrees Celsius (28 to 46 degrees Fahrenheit). Wildlife, such as penguins and seals, are also more active, and you can experience 24 hours of daylight. Each month offers different highlights, so it depends on your interests and preferences.

Check out our Guide to Antarctica and the South Pole for more information.

Are there any restrictions on the number of people allowed to disembark in Antarctica?

Yes, there are restrictions on the number of people allowed to disembark in Antarctica. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) has established guidelines to minimize the impact of tourism on the fragile environment. These guidelines include limiting the number of passengers who can go ashore at a given time to reduce disturbance to wildlife and vegetation.

How do I travel around Antartica?

Most travelers reach Antarctica by taking a cruise ship or joining an expedition that departs from South America. The most common departure points are Ushuaia in Argentina and Punta Arenas in Chile. The journey typically involves crossing the Drake Passage, which can take about two days. Once in Antarctica, smaller boats are used to transport passengers ashore for landings and wildlife encounters.

Is Antarctica suitablefor senior travelers?

Antarctica can be suitable for senior travelers, but it’s important to consider the physical demands and remote nature of the region. Travelers should have a reasonable level of fitness and mobility to navigate uneven terrain and embark/disembark small boats

Speak in person

Talk with an expert by phone about all of our Antarctica luxury Tours.

DISCUSS YOUR PLANS BY PHONE

1 855 217 9045 (Toll Free) | +51 84 656 421 (Direct)