Antarctica: wild and largely untouched

Antarctica: wild and largely untouched
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Into the wild: the ultimate Antarctica travel guide

Antarctica is the last of the wild places – and a once-in-a-lifetime trip is becoming more accessible for the average traveller.

For adventurous travellers, the southernmost continent has always been the ultimate bucket list trip. Antarctica is the last of the wild places – rarely visited, never inhabited, and largely untouched by mankind. Yet, after the past few years of lockdowns, Antarctica's frozen tundra and staggering icebergs have grown increasingly appealing to a wider swathes of the population. As bookings for Antarctica cruises continue to skyrocket, it seems more and more people are submitting to the call of the wild.

And with increasingly diversified options for expeditions, this once-in-a-lifetime trip is becoming more accessible for the average traveller. A trip to Antarctica remains far from average, however, and the logistics can feel overwhelming. For a destination you're likely only to see once, it's important to do it right — and come prepared for the elements. From navigating the Drake Passage to prepping for Polar climates, read on for the ultimate guide to an Antarctic adventure.

Getting there: set sail across the Drake Passage

The best way to reach Antarctica is to set sail from Ushuaia, a Patagonian port city in southernmost Argentina, aptly known as The End of the World. Travellers can also depart via Australia or New Zealand, although that requires a seven-day sail to East Antarctica rather than the 48-hour voyage to West Antarctica from South America. We recommend visiting West Antarctica for its breathtaking mountains and vistas.

Ushuaia, Argentina
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Ushuaia, Argentina

Additionally, though limited flight options are available from Punta Arenas in Chile, they're exceedingly unreliable — and it's a (literal) rite of passage to cross the Drake by sea. Travellers prone to seasickness should purchase Dramamine patches for the 48-hour voyage across the notoriously turbulent Drake Passage.

But the famed crossing is less nauseating than its reputation and can be managed by remembering a few simple survival tips. Avoid spending too much time in your cabin by day as small enclosures can exacerbate seasickness and, when in doubt, head out on to the deck and look out to the horizon. The bracing fresh air (combined with ample hydration) is a time-tested cure: sweat, (hopefully no) tears, and the sea.

A ship crossing the Drake Straight to Antarctica
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A ship crossing the Drake Straight to Antarctica

The cruising season lasts roughly from November through to March, during the summer months in Antarctica when the sun never sets on the ice continent. And, although the weather on the last continent is notoriously changeable, you're likely to experience the sunniest days and bluest skies in January, the warmest month of the year.

Finally, be prepared to set aside more time for this voyage than you would for any other cruise. If your time at sea is eight days, you must factor in that half of that time will be spent crossing the Drake Passage. A 12-day expedition is ideal, giving you roughly a week to explore the continent — but don't get too attached to your chosen itinerary. The unpredictability of the wind, the weather, and the Antarctic Circumpolar Current guarantees that nothing will go exactly as planned — all part of the adventure, of course. In Antarctica, the journey truly is as exciting as the destination.

On thin ice: embark on an ethical expedition

The majesty of the last continent derives from its pristine remoteness – to visit Antarctica is to encounter the sublime. So, although you always want to minimise your impact on the destination you're visiting, that's especially imperative in Antarctica. As such, sustainability-focused outfitters should be a top priority when selecting your Antarctic cruise. Also, remember to consider more personal preferences, particularly whether you value more of a luxury experience or a full-on adventure trip.

But don't be too quick to disregard material comforts on your journey into the wild. On a regular cruise, passengers can disembark at regular intervals, and the need for diversions and amenities on deck is less pressing. But when sailing the Antarctic Peninsula, you will spend more of your trip on board. And don't underestimate the desire for cosiness and pampering that will overtake you when you return from a boat ride through an ice storm on the Weddell Sea. Suddenly, the heated plunge pools and spa treatments that felt like an added luxury when booking your trip will feel like mandatory provisions for your journey. And, if you do feel seasick, you will be grateful for the spacious lounge areas and roomier cabin accommodations – nothing is worse than battling claustrophobia and motion sickness in tandem.

Luckily, as the demand for Antarctic travel has increased, so has the variety of outfitters. And it's now possible to combine luxury and adventure while remaining eco-minded – this combination is truly the Holy Grail of Antarctica travel. Last winter, Viking Cruises unveiled its first Antarctic expedition ship with the debut of the Viking Octantis; this season marked the maiden voyage of its sister ship, the Viking Polaris. The expeditions offer an array of nature and adventure activities: guests can explore their Antarctic surroundings via kayak, submarine, special operations boat, and zodiac cruise, while maintaining the sumptuous amenities, impeccable cuisine, and stylish accommodations that have earned Viking such a devoted following.

Humpback whale tail with kayak at Antarctic Peninsula
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Humpback whale tail with kayak at Antarctic Peninsula

Most exciting? The team of scientists and naturalists on board provide context to the sights and sounds (and penguins) you see daily – archeologists, geologists, ornithologists, and more. The scientific research on the ship is entirely funded by Viking (a rarity), so you will contribute to a larger Antarctic study and conservation mission. And if all of that isn't enough to entice you, the cocktail hour at the infinitely diverting Explorer's Lounge (home to historic maps of the South Pole, endless Arctic literature, and legendary adventure diaries) is a reliably spectacular way to end your day. Plus, the accompanying singer/guitarist, and his medley of 1970s classics, will ensure you're listening to yacht rock on a yacht – what's not to love?

Viking Octantis in Antarctica
photo provided
Viking Octantis in Antarctica

Polar packing list: Layering for the Last Continent

In Antarctica, it's best always to expect the unexpected. And what may be most surprising to would-be visitors is that Antarctica is not nearly as cold as you imagine – at least, not in the summertime. Average daily temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula hover around the low 30s °F and climb up to 50 °F on a hot January day, which is why it's not entirely ludicrous to pack a pair of shorts for the South Pole – just remember the SPF, as well. Yes, it is possible to get sunburnt in Antarctica. Not only does the sun never set in the summer months, but when it shines, it has the propensity to scorch – only fitting for a continent of extremes.

That being said, you will, of course, need layers to offset the polar chill. Many, many layers – three base layers each for the top and bottom. Pack longjohns, Goretex, and all other clothing items you'd wear on a Vermont chairlift during a freezing ski day on the slopes (including ski goggles to offset the hail and ice storms). You will also need an obscene amount of gloves, more than you'd ever consider bringing, as outerwear will likely get wet early on in the trip (and maybe never fully dry).

Viking staff person onshore
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Viking staff person onshore

In fact, you are more likely to feel wet than cold (although the former leads to the latter). Aside from the ski goggles, pack non-metal sunglasses (the metal will freeze against your skin) and dry bags to keep belongings – camera, binoculars, cell phone – safe from the elements. Pack everything in a soft duffel, which is easier to stow away in your cabin after settling in. No matter how spacious your accommodations are, they will feel claustrophobic after seven days at sea.

Finally, guests are often outfitted in the same outerwear for daily activities. Bring a variety of hats, headbands, and gaiters – not only for warmth but for memories, so years from now, you will be able to differentiate each day from the next when reflecting on your trip. It's the trip of a lifetime, and you will want to remember every moment for the rest of your days.

Katherine Parker-Magyar
Katherine Parker-Magyar
Author
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