Choosing the Right Small Ship for Antarctic Expeditions: A Guide from the Wildfoot Experts

Few journeys require as much careful thought as an expedition to Antarctica and few travel companies have spent as long helping people get it right.

At Wildfoot Travel, three decades of guiding travellers to the world’s great wilderness destinations has taught us that Antarctica is where experience matters most.

Once you have settled on when you want to travel, the single most critical decision you will make is choosing the vessel that will take you there.

Antarctica does not do things by halves. The ship you choose isn’t just your hotel; it is your icebreaker, your mobile basecamp, and your safety net. But with a dizzying influx of new polar vessels navigating the Southern Ocean, the marketing glossy photos all start to look identical.

Our specialists have sailed on dozens of different vessels across every type of itinerary. We know that the “best” ship doesn’t exist on paper—it only exists in how perfectly it matches what you want from the ice.

Here is our honest, unfiltered guide to parsing the deck plans and technical specs to find the right small ship for your Antarctic adventure.

The Reality of the 100 vs. 200 Guest Divide

In Antarctica, the size of your ship dictates your daily experience on the ice.

Strict IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators) regulations state that no more than 100 passengers are allowed ashore at any one time at a single landing site. Furthermore, ships with more than 500 passengers cannot land at all.

This creates a stark operational divide that impacts how much time you actually spend standing next to penguins versus looking at them through a window.

  • SHIPS UNDER 100 GUESTS
    • Straight off the ship
    • No waiting
    • Immediate response to wildlife
  • SHIPS WITH 100–200 GUESTS
    • Rotations: Group A lands while Group B cruises, then swap

1. Under 100 Guests: The True Expedition Keepers

Ships carrying fewer than 100 passengers offer a level of tactical flexibility that larger vessels simply cannot match. Because everyone can step off the ship simultaneously, there is no waiting in shifts.

The Operational Reality: If a pod of type-B killer whales is spotted bubble-net feeding, or a sudden katabatic wind forces a rapid change of plans, the expedition leader can drop the Zodiacs and clear the ship in fifteen minutes flat.

The Landing Footprint: Because you aren’t racing a clock to get the next group ashore, your shore time is often longer, slower, and more immersive.

The Vessel: This bracket now spans two quite different kinds of ship, and it’s worth knowing which one you’re booking. Many are older, converted research vessels or classic expedition hulls—louder, rolling more in heavy seas, with functional, no-frills cabins and a strong shared-mission feel among like-minded travellers. But a newer generation of purpose-built vessels has arrived at this same sub-100 capacity, trading some of that rugged simplicity for considerably more comfort.

The Magellan Explorer is a good example: built from scratch for Antarctic air-cruise operations, with the intimacy of a small ship but a level of onboard polish closer to a boutique hotel. In short, under 100 guests guarantees you operational flexibility—it no longer guarantees a spartan cabin.

2. 100 to 200 Guests: The Rotating Balance

Ships in this bracket must manage landings in “rotations.” To maximize your time, a standard operation means 100 guests are ashore exploring a colony, while the remaining guests are on a Zodiac cruise weaving through icebergs or tracking seals.

The Operational Reality: Your morning excursion is precisely choreographed. If your shore rotation is 90 minutes, it is strictly 90 minutes so the next group gets their turn. However, because you are combining a landing with a Zodiac cruise, you often get a more diverse perspective of a site in a single outing.

The Vessel: This is where the modern fleet thrives. These ships are typically much faster, more stable, and offer dedicated “mudrooms” with individual lockers for your boots and parkas, rather than making you gear up in your cabin.

3. The 120–130 Guest Nuance: How Some Ships Beat the Landing Cap

A number of ships carry somewhere around 120 to 130 guests—technically over the 100-passenger landing threshold—but are still able to run a full, unrotated landing at the magic number.

The trick is in how the itinerary is built: these ships typically carry a strong programme of marine-based activities, such as sea kayaking, snorkelling, or stand-up paddleboarding, alongside the standard Zodiac fleet.

On any given outing, 20 to 30 guests will usually be signed up for one of these marine activities rather than a straight landing. Subtract them from the total, and the ship is back down to roughly 100 guests going ashore—meaning everyone else can land together, uninterrupted, exactly as they would on a genuinely sub-100 vessel. 

It’s a detail that rarely appears on a spec sheet, but it can be the difference between a smooth, single landing and a rotated one, so it’s always worth asking your specialist how a ship’s guest count breaks down in practice.

Technical Specs Unpacked: Ice Classes and Hull Dynamics

You don’t need a degree in marine engineering to book an Antarctic cruise, but understanding a few lines on a ship’s spec sheet will tell you exactly what that vessel is capable of when the ice closes in.

De-coding the Ice Class: PC6 vs. 1A

Ships are built with varying degrees of hull reinforcement, internal framing, and propeller protection to handle polar ice.

Traditional Finnish-Swedish Ice Classes (1A Super, 1A, 1B): Historically the standard, a 1A rating means the ship is built to navigate in difficult ice conditions with icebreaker assistance, though in the Antarctic summer, it means excellent independent capability in broken pack ice.

The Modern Polar Class (PC6 and PC5): The newer Polar Class rating system is more stringent, and it’s worth putting real numbers to it. Under the IACS engineering standard, a PC6 vessel is designed around roughly 1.75 metres of first-year ice, suited to summer/autumn operation. A PC5 vessel steps up to around 2 metres of medium first-year ice, which may include some older ice inclusions, and can operate for a longer season as a result. At the very top of the scale, Le Commandant Charcot holds a PC2 rating—the highest of any purpose-built polar cruise ship—giving it the structural capability to push through ice several metres thick, far beyond anything a standard expedition vessel would attempt.

Why this matters to you: If you are travelling in the early season (November) when the winter ice is still breaking up, or if your heart is set on pushing deep south into the Weddell Sea or crossing the Antarctic Circle, a PC6 or PC5 hull is a massive advantage. It allows the Captain to safely push through ice floes that would force a lower-rated 1B ship to turn around.

Bow Architecture: The X-BOW® Revolution

The Drake Passage is 800 kilometres of unpredictable hydrology where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans collide. To mitigate the infamous ‘Drake Shake’ modern naval architecture has introduced the inverted hull design, most famously Ulstein’s X-BOW®.

Traditional Bows: Feature a pointed bow that rises over waves and slams down into the trough. This causes pitching, spraying, and a sudden loss of forward momentum—the classic recipe for seasickness.

The X-BOW®: Slices cleanly through the wave crests. By distributing the buoyancy more evenly, it eliminates the hard ‘slam’ dramatically reduces pitch, and maintains a higher transit speed. The Greg Mortimer is the vessel that put this design on the map for expedition travellers, and remains one of the clearest examples of what an X-BOW® hull feels like in the Drake. If you are deeply concerned about motion sickness, prioritizing an X-BOW vessel equipped with modern zero-speed stabilizers will completely change your experience of the crossing.

Onboard Philosophies: Rugged Basecamp vs. Luxury Exploration

Small ships generally fall into one of two design philosophies. Deciding between them comes down to how you prefer to spend your time when you are not out in the elements.

The Rugged Basecamp

These ships are working platforms for polar exploration. They are designed around the logistics of getting you off the vessel safely and quickly, rather than pampering you when you return.

The Setup: Expect functional, utilitarian cabins, simple but hearty buffet-style cuisine, and a heavy focus on the lecture lounge. The bridge is almost always open, allowing you to stand next to the officers and watch the radar as they pick a line through the ice.

The Sea Spirit is a good example of this classic expedition style at work.

Step aboard a classic vessel and it really does feel like an expedition, not a holiday. You’re swapping stories with fellow guests over charts on the mess table, chatting to officers on the open bridge, losing time in a library full of old exploration books. There’s a real sense of camaraderie that builds fast, and you start to feel like you’re part of the story too, following in the footsteps of the explorers who sailed these waters before you. – James Turner

The Luxury Expedition Vessel

The latest generation of small ships has completely redefined polar travel, bringing six-star comfort to the edge of the world without sacrificing expedition grit.

The Setup: Think private walk-out balconies, multiple specialized restaurants, heated outdoor infinity pools, and extensive spa facilities. Crucially, they feature advanced engineering like dynamic positioning systems. 

This allows the ship to hover over sensitive marine environments using GPS-steered thrusters, completely eliminating the need to drop an anchor and damage the fragile seabed. Le Commandant Charcot is the standard-bearer for this category, pairing its PC2 ice class with an indoor pool, spa, and multiple restaurants.

You don’t expect to feel quite so comfortable while you’re staring at a wall of ice several storeys high. But that’s the thing with these ships – you could be in the hot tub with a glass of champagne, or just stood on your balcony with a coffee, and the ice is right there, calving away in front of you. It’s a rare mix – luxury and wilderness side by side, and it creates an experience that you’ll never forget. – James Turner

The Master Checklist: Matching the Vessel to Your Ambitions

Before you sign on the dotted line, run your choice through these four critical filters:

  • Look at the Zodiac-to-Guest Ratio: A ship can have the best guides in the world, but if they only have 8 Zodiacs for 170 guests, transitions will be slow. Look for vessels that maintain a ratio of roughly one Zodiac per 10–12 passengers to ensure operations move like clockwork.
  • Check the Adventure Activity Deck Space: If you want to kayak, snowshoe, or camp on the ice, ask how the ship stores and deploys this gear. Dedicated sea kayak launch platforms or stern marinas make a massive difference in how easily you get onto the water.
  • Evaluate the Observation Space: In Antarctica, you want to be looking out, not in. Check the deck plans for the size of the forward-looking observation lounge and the amount of open, unobstructed exterior deck space at the bow. You don’t want to be fighting for a view when whales appear.

Talk to Us

The question of which small ship to choose rarely has a single right answer. It is a delicate equation balancing your physical tolerance for rough seas, your desire for off-ship autonomy, and your budget.

We have stood on the bridges, slept in the cabins, and stepped off the Zodiacs of the fleet we recommend. We know the trade-offs, the hidden perks, and the small design details that make a massive difference when you are down in the ice.

Get in touch with the Wildfoot Travel team to find the perfect vessel for your Antarctica expedition.

Best Time to Visit Antarctica: A Month-by-Month Guide from the Experts at Wildfoot Travel

At Wildfoot Travel, three decades of guiding travellers to the world’s great wilderness destinations has taught us that Antarctica is where experience matters most.

Antarctica does not do things by halves. It is the coldest, windiest, most remote continent on Earth — and for a few extraordinary months each year, it opens its doors to those prepared to make the journey. Knowing when to go is not simply a matter of picking a date that suits your diary.

The Antarctic season is short, nuanced, and full of variables. Get your timing right and you will witness one of the most spectacular wildlife spectacles on the planet.

Our specialists have travelled to Antarctica in every month of the season, aboard dozens of different vessels and across every type of itinerary. They know what each departure genuinely delivers: the wildlife spectacles that define a particular week, the ice conditions, and the moments that cannot be planned for but somehow always arrive.

What follows is their honest account of the Antarctic season, month by month — to help you find the journey that is right for you. Take a few moments to listen to Wildfoot Travel’s Dave Cheetham explain what time of year you should choose in order to make the most of time in Antarctica:

The Antarctic Season: The Basics

The Antarctic cruise season runs from late October to late March — a window of just five months that corresponds with the Southern Hemisphere’s summer.

Outside of this period, the continent is gripped by polar darkness, brutal temperatures, and sea ice that makes navigation impossible for all but the most specialist vessels. For expedition cruise travellers, this austral summer window is the only practical option.

Within those five months, however, the experience changes dramatically from week to week. Wildlife cycles, ice conditions, daylight hours, temperatures, and even pricing vary considerably depending on when you travel.

No part of the season disappoints – every month has its own character, its own rewards, and its own particular magic. The question is simply which of those experiences is right for you.

November: The Early Season — Pristine, Dramatic and Uncrowded

November marks the beginning of the Antarctic season proper, and it has a quality that is almost impossible to replicate later in the year: a profound sense of arrival.

The continent is waking up after winter, the snow is still deep and unbroken, and the landscape has an untouched, almost otherworldly perfection to it. You are, in every sense, among the first.

Sea ice is still retreating at this point, which means itineraries tend to focus on the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby island groups, but the visual drama is extraordinary. Vast tabular icebergs – some the size of city blocks – drift in waters of an impossible blue. The light at this time of year, particularly in the long evenings, is superb for photography.

Wildlife is beginning to stir. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins return to their colonies in November and by mid-month courtship displays are well underway – pebble-stealing, braying calls, and the frantic activity of nest-building.

Eggs begin to appear towards the end of the month. Humpback whales are also beginning to arrive, having completed their long migration from tropical breeding grounds in search of the rich krill blooms of the Southern Ocean.

Practically speaking, November departures tend to be less expensive than peak season. For travellers who value solitude and drama over the bustle of high summer, early season is often the revelation of their lives.

Best for:
• Pristine landscapes and photography
• Uncrowded landings
• Early penguin courtship and nest-building
• Opportunities for camping & snowshoeing
• Temperatures: typically -5°C to 0°C on the Peninsula

I wasn’t prepared for the astounding beauty of the sea ice. As far as the eye can see, it just twinkles like glitter – the whole surface catching the light in a way that photographs simply don’t do justice to. Standing on the bridge watching the ship pick its way through it is one of those experiences you find yourself struggling to describe afterwards. And then there are the gentoos. I’d read about the pebble-stealing but nothing quite prepares you for watching it play out in front of you – the bare-faced cheek of it! Pristine Antarctica is everything I had dreamed of, and so much more.

James Turner, Commercial Director, Wildfoot Travel

December: The Season in Full Swing

December is when Antarctica truly ignites. The sun barely sets — by mid-December you have more than 20 hours of daylight — and the wildlife activity across the Peninsula reaches a peak of intensity and energy that is unlike anything most travellers have ever witnessed.

Penguin colonies are at their most frenetic. Eggs begin hatching from early December, and by mid-month fluffy grey chicks are well in evidence. Parent penguins shuttle ceaselessly between the colony and the sea, their return greeted by a cacophony of calling chicks desperate to be fed.

The sheer volume of life – thousands upon thousands of birds, the noise, the smell, the movement – is genuinely overwhelming in the best possible way.

Humpback whale numbers build through December as more individuals arrive to take advantage of the krill blooms, and encounters become increasingly frequent and reliable.

Temperatures on the Peninsula typically range from 0°C to 5°C. Christmas and New Year sailings book up fast and command a premium – if you have your heart set on a festive departure, reserving your place well in advance, often a year or more ahead, is essential.

Best for:
• Hatching penguin chicks and the first fluffy juveniles appearing in the colonies
• More than 20 hours of daylight around the solstice
• Humpback whale encounters becoming increasingly frequent through the month
• A life-changing experience over the festive season
• Temperatures: 0°C to 5°C on the Peninsula

I spent Christmas Eve camping under the Antarctic sky and woke on Christmas morning to Father Christmas arriving by Zodiac to bring us back to the ship. Then Christmas Day itself amongst thousands of gentoo penguins – the braying chorus, the chaos, the sheer wildness of it all. I have done nothing in my life that comes close to it.

— Simon Rowland, Managing Director, Wildfoot Travel

January: Midsummer in the Southern Ocean

January is often described as the heart of the Antarctic summer – and it’s easy to understand why. The season is in full flow, the wildlife calendar is at its most eventful, and retreating sea ice opens up itineraries that simply aren’t possible earlier in the season.

Crossings of the Antarctic Circle, in particular, become more regularly achievable in January, offering access to landscapes and wildlife that feel even more remote and seldom-seen.

Penguin chicks are growing rapidly and have formed crèches – huddles of juvenile birds that cluster together for warmth while their parents are at sea feeding. Watching the adults return and navigate through a colony of thousands to locate their own chick by call alone is one of the great wildlife spectacles on Earth.

Whale watching is outstanding. Humpbacks are feeding voraciously in the krill-rich waters, and encounters at close range – breaching, lunge-feeding, spy-hopping alongside the Zodiac – are genuinely common. Temperatures on the Peninsula typically range from 2°C to 5°C.

Best for:
• Penguin crèches and rapidly growing chicks
• Antarctic Circle crossings as sea ice retreats
• Humpback whale encounters at their most frequent
• Travellers who want the wildlife calendar at its most eventful
• Typical Peninsula temperatures 2°C to 5°C

The colonies were alive with chicks – just this dazzling, chaotic mass of grey fluff as far as you could see. Then, on the same day, a leopard seal and orca. I genuinely didn’t know where to look.

— Sylvia Buckley, Administration Manager, Wildfoot Travel

February: Whales, Fledglings and the Deepest South

February is a month of transitions. The season is maturing, the chicks are fledging, and the whales are firmly established in the Southern Ocean’s feeding grounds.

By February, gentoo and chinstrap chicks have grown their waterproof adult plumage and are beginning to take their first tentative steps towards the sea. Watching a penguin chick experience the ocean for the first time – hesitant at the water’s edge before suddenly diving in – is the kind of moment that stays with you for life.

With sea ice at its annual minimum, ships can push further south than at any other point in the season, opening up routes and landscapes that are simply inaccessible earlier in the year.

Humpbacks, fin whales and minkes are feeding on dense krill concentrations, and whale encounters are a near-daily occurrence.

Best for:
• Whale enthusiasts – humpbacks, fin whales and minkes at their most prolific
• Witnessing penguin chicks taking to the sea for the first time
• The deepest southern itineraries as sea ice reaches its annual minimum
• Typical Peninsula temperatures 2°C to 5°C

We were barely ten minutes into the Zodiac excursion when the guide cut the outboard motor. Beneath us, a leopard seal – enormous and completely unbothered by our presence – swept under the boat, circled us, then rose slowly to the surface to get a better look. This happened repeatedly for the best part of fifteen minutes, in complete silence. Then things took an unexpected turn. It turns out (in this instance at least) a leopard seal can develop a very particular kind of attachment to an inflatable Zodiac. We were all perfectly calm, of course. The leopard seal, on the other hand, was absolutely convinced Barry White had just pulled up.

James Turner, Commercial Director, Wildfoot Travel

March: The End of the Season — Quiet, Raw and Unexpectedly Beautiful

March marks the end of the Antarctic summer, and the continent begins its slow retreat into winter. Departures become rare after mid-March, but for those who do travel in early March, the experience has a quality all of its own.

The colonies are quieter than the frenetic peak of midsummer, but by no means empty – gentoo penguins remain well into March, and there is something deeply satisfying about encountering them without the intensity of high season. The landscape is changing too. A dusting of fresh snow returning to the high ground, the light taking on a lower, more golden quality as the sun dips closer to the horizon – Antarctica in March has an atmosphere that is harder to put into words than any other part of the season.

March is also one of the finest months of the season for whale watching. Humpbacks, fin whales and minkes are still feeding voraciously in krill-rich waters, and with fewer vessels operating, encounters can feel extraordinarily intimate.

The returning darkness brings longer, more dramatic evenings that lend the landscape a brooding, cinematic quality. For a handful of very specialist departures, those darker skies also create the conditions for searching for the Aurora Australis – one of the rarest and most sought-after experiences in expedition travel.

March is Antarctica stripped back and elemental. For the right traveller, it is completely unforgettable.

Best for:
• Photographers – the low golden light of late summer is arguably the finest of the season
• Continued good whale watching
• Travellers who value atmosphere, solitude and a more contemplative experience
• Watching unfortunate penguins run the leopard seal gauntlet
• Those seeking one of the most elemental, raw versions of Antarctica there is

We paddled out towards what we thought were two rocks in the bay at Neko Harbour. When we stopped and let the kayaks drift, we realised our mistake. They weren’t rocks. Two humpback whales, logging – sleeping at the surface – barely metres away. Close enough to hear them breathe in. Close enough to feel the warm, slightly questionable mist as they breathed out. Watching them hover in the stillness, rising and falling with their own buoyancy, in absolute silence – twenty minutes that I will carry with me for the rest of my life.

James Turner, Commercial Director, Wildfoot Travel

Choosing by What You Want to See

If picking a month feels overwhelming, let your wildlife priorities guide you:

• Penguin courtship and nest-building: November
• Hatching eggs and first chicks: Late December
• Fluffy chicks and feeding frenzy: January
• Fledging penguins taking to the sea: February
• Whale watching (peak): February and March
• Leopard seals: February to March (present throughout the season)
• Pristine icescape photography: late October to early December
• Antarctic Circle crossings: Late January to February

A Word on the Drake Passage

No guide to visiting Antarctica would be complete without addressing the Drake Passage — the 800-kilometre stretch of open water between the tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula. It is one of the most storied stretches of ocean on Earth, and its reputation is well-earned.

The Southern Ocean is simply unpredictable, shaped by the convergence of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and no month consistently delivers calm conditions on the Drake.

The honest answer is that no month consistently delivers calm conditions on the Drake. The Southern Ocean is simply unpredictable, shaped by the convergence of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans, and the famous “Drake Lake” – glassy, almost surreal calm – and the “Drake Shake” – powerful swells and rolling seas – can occur at any time of year. Modern expedition ships are built for these conditions, and the crossing itself – two days each way – is part of the journey.

Most travellers, it has to be said, come to relish it. For those who prefer a calmer start to their expedition, fly-cruise options departing from Punta Arenas to King George Island offer a direct route to the Peninsula, bypassing the Drake entirely.

Practical Notes

Booking lead time: Popular departures — particularly Christmas, New Year, and peak January sailings — can sell out 12 to 18 months in advance. We always recommend getting in touch with us as early as possible, even if your travel is still some way off.

Itinerary length: Most Antarctic Peninsula cruises run from 10 to 14 days, with the Drake Passage accounting for roughly four of those days in transit. Fly-cruise options, which bypass the Drake entirely, are available and can add more time in the Peninsula itself.

What to combine: Many travellers choose to include the Falkland Islands and South Georgia in their itinerary — both extraordinary destinations in their own right. The timing considerations for South Georgia are worth discussing with our team when planning your itinerary.

Talk to Us

The question of when to visit Antarctica rarely has a single right answer — it depends on the wildlife you most want to see, the type of experience you are seeking, the itinerary you have in mind, and your budget. It is exactly the kind of decision our specialists exist to help you with.

We have travelled to Antarctica in every month of the season, across dozens of different vessels and itineraries. We know what each departure genuinely delivers — the highs, the trade-offs, and the moments that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Get in touch with the Wildfoot Travel team to start planning your Antarctica expedition.

The End of The World… It isn’t so bad

 

Zoe The Antarctic ExplorerWildfoot Travel’s Polar travel expert Zoe Savage-Morton climbed aboard The RCGS Resolute recently on a wildlife expedition cruise bound for Antarctica .
Here she gives us a first hand account of the trip, along with some great photographs and a list of 20 amazing things you can do in Antarctica.

A journey with One Ocean Expeditions and the RCGS Resolute, March 2019

Over ten days, the Antarctic and its neighbour the Drake Passage was going to be home. It was going to show itself in all its glory, as well as when it’s at its most frightening, darkest and brightest moments, but the Antarctic was also going to be the most breath-taking and extraordinary experience. Only 30,000 people a year have the opportunity to visit the Antarctic,  here is what I discovered on my privileged, educational trip of a lifetime to the Antarctica.

100 Orca’s surrounded our ship, breaching, feeding, chasing and surfing the wake. The Whale Scientists onboard were euphoric and bursting with laughter, astounded expressions, with cameras aimed and firing to capture those lifetime moments. It was an incredible experience, and it was only day two. We crossed the Antarctic Convergence, sighted the South Shetland Islands, but not yet reached the Antarctic Peninsula; this was going to be amazing.

Whales Off The Bow In Antarctica
Orca watching off the bow.

Cruise or Expedition?

Lars-Eric Lindblad began taking travellers into regions only visited by scientists and explorers in 1966 – the rest, as they say, is history. The differences between an expedition and a cruise, although simple, are huge. As cruise ships get larger, expedition ships get smaller – the primary purpose of an expedition is to have an up close and personal experience with the scenery, the land, the wildlife and the sea.

An expedition ship along with all the comforts of a cruise ship (comfortable cabins, restaurants, bars, a spa and a gym), will carry a fleet of rigid inflatable boats or zodiacs to get you ashore quickly and closer to the action. They have a supply of kayaks for those wanting to get on the water, rubber boots for safeguarding this precious environment and often supplying outerwear for guests’ comfort.

In addition to the regular crew on an expedition ship, it’s staffed with a group of experienced professional photographers, mountaineers, historians, glaciologists, ornithologists, molecular biologists, whale scientists, marine and wildlife specialists, all of whom are eager to impart their knowledge on you. This is done through presentations, lectures and classes presented in well-designed lecture theatres, filling your days through to mid-evening. After all that, you will happily fall into your bed at 10pm to revive for the next day.

On a cruise, it’s a very different experience. You can lie by the pool, order cocktails and lunch, wander around the decks, perhaps even jog, dress for dinner, watch a show at night, a flutter at the casino, a few rounds on the dance floor and then bed at 1am – no zodiacs in sight.

What do you know about the Antarctic?

Other than what Sir David Attenborough has taught me over the years on the television, I knew very little about the Antarctic. It has always been mysterious and to an extent, unbelievable. Once you have been, you will return with a more profound sensitivity to the issues of polar conservation, supporting my belief that there is no greater teacher than personal experience in anything we do in life. Environmentally responsible tourism encourages such learning.

Do you know about the Antarctic Convergence and how it was thought to protect the Antarctic, the Bio-Diversity of the region, Krill Fisheries and their effect on the day-to-day life within the Antarctic, the long human history within the area? Or about the interesting stories of heroes and cowards, great feats and disappointments? Why didn’t Scott like Shackleton and vice versa? How do humpback whales feed? Where will you find Emperor Penguins? How the polar ice is reducing and what this means to the phytoplankton? You will gain more of an understanding and appreciation after visiting the Antarctic, as you gain a more profound sensitivity and strong desire to make more of an effort to remove the world of plastics and protect the land, its inhabitants and the world that we live in.

 

RCGS Resolute

A purpose built expedition vessel, the RCGS Resolute is a modern, well appointed, ice-strengthened vessel, offering an authentic Antarctic expedition experience with a touch of comfort, with an extremely qualified and experienced expedition crew. Carrying up to 146 passengers, the staff to guest ratio is 1:4, so there is always someone available to answer your questions on a landing, in a zodiac or onboard.

One Ocean has an open door policy on their ships, meaning when you leave your cabin, you don’t lock it. However, it can be locked once you’re in your cabin for peace of mind. Safes are also available in each cabin. Some fellow passengers during my Antarctica experience didn’t lock their cabin doors or use the safes, which demonstrates the secure feeling the ship has.

There are observation areas both inside and out. Weather permitting, the larger outside areas are used for BBQ lunches and dinners. Small and large spaces mean guests can escape from it all or join in if they wish. There are two separate bar and lounges, and two separate eating areas to offer variety – the bistro is light and airy, a welcome bright option with access to a large deck area at the back.

The number of guests means smaller zodiac groups for landing, information seminars, lectures and classes. A very personal touch is offered when you arrive. An expedition crew member presents your cabin and its features; they then become your point of call for any assistance throughout your journey.  Once in my cabin, my expedition gear and aluminium water bottle to be used for the duration of the trip were waiting for me (no plastic cups on board).

Onboard facilities and amenities ensure that there’s enough to keep everyone busy – or not, depending on your preference, and there isn’t a place on board where you can’t get a good view of outside.

A nice touch as you disembark, each guest is given a USB with a copy of the daily trip notes that are on your TV screen each day, along with the onboard photographer’s photos and anything else that One Ocean feel you would enjoy – a prized possession.

Cabin on an expedition cruise ship in AntarcticaMy comfortable and spacious cabin

Polar Parker on an expedition cruise ship in Antarctica

Expedition gear – pre ordered, ready and waiting

 

Crossing the’ dreaded’ Drake

The Drake is known for being the wildest, roughest, most trying and dangerous stretch of water in the world. It’s not the friendliest crossing for those who suffer from motion sickness, which was my biggest concern at the time.  Fortunately, travelling south, the Drake was kind. An experienced expedition member, making his 59th crossing advised me, it was the kindest he’d ever experienced, which was a relief and interesting based on his personal experiences. Our return crossing was significantly different. Our experienced captain, expedition crew and the modern stabilisers on the ship made all the difference.

After a smooth arrival and check-in to the ship, ship life as we crossed over the Drake Passage was a preparation and learning experience. We met our fellow travellers, the Whale Scientists onboard and our established and well-experienced Expedition Crew. The quality and bios of this team as a whole were outstanding.

We were in the presence of WWF, California Ocean Alliance, two media teams including the ABC, professional photographers, Mountaineers, Historians, Glaciologists, Ornithologists, Molecular Biologists, Whale Scientists, Marine and Wildlife specialists, in addition to a well-experienced crew and a team of One Ocean Adventure Concierges. We were in the presence of conservation, preservation and sustainable tourism specialists for the next ten days – Ambassadors to the last great wilderness.

Lectures and information sessions take up the two days going south, along with spotting Wandering Albatross, Giant Petrels and tiny Wilson Storm Petrels. It’s recommended to have a good pair of binoculars and to have your camera set in ‘sport’ mode to catch these birds in flight at great speed. We are advised on what to expect when we arrive at the Peninsula, the laws of the land and sea, IAATO regulations, bio-security and how what we do, and how we do it affects our experience.

The two days travelling back across the Drake were full of euphoria, experiences relived, revelling in our achievements with new lifetime friends made.

The Drake Passage. Gateway To Antarctica

A peaceful Drake – 3 metre swell

Citizen Scientists

Citizen science is often described as public participation. The scientific research is conducted by amateurs (onboard guests) – nonprofessional scientists helping the real scientists’ outcomes, promoting advancements in scientific research and more importantly, increasing the public’s understanding of the research they are doing, why they do it and the science behind it.

On this occasion, after our encounter with the Orca pod, the Citizen Scientist programme encourages guests to share their experiences. The Whale Scientists onboard wanted us to share our photos, especially those with whales showing clear markings, along with the coordinates of where each photo is taken, the scientists would then use the information in their work.

It’s a good feeling to be a part of something so great and essential, turning my trip to the Antarctic more memorable and special.

A whale tag.Whale tags in antarctica

Landings & Zodiac Cruises

Bundled up in your layers and carrying your dry bag full of lenses, water bottle and extra gloves – just in case, is a shaky affair. How to get in and out of the zodiac is very important. The sailor’s grip is going to be your best friend – this is where your fitness level comes in. You need to have some balance, strength and confidence to stand and deal with the swell comfortably.

Calls to disembark onto zodiacs are rotated by deck, allowing each deck a chance to be first out. The first guests are out at 9am and then every 15 to 30 minutes depending on weather and the number of guests.

Zodiac in Antarctica

Once in the zodiac, sitting comfortably on the side, dry bag securely between your feet, you’ll feel invincible as you skim over the top of the Antarctic Sea feeling and hearing ‘bergy bits’ hit the solid base of the zodiac. It’s quite a noise that vibrates through the boat. Landing on the Antarctic Peninsula (an exciting moment I must add), is again an experience until you get your zodiac legs good and proper. When you land, the surface can vary from ice to seawater to slippery rocky outcrops, but rest assured, there’s always a helping hand from an expedition crew member.

A Zodiac Cruise In Antarctica

Where you land is governed by IAATO, booked months in advance. Landings range from Research Stations, penguin or seal colonies, to ice landings. There are lots of landing rules, all to do with common sense and protecting the environment. As we crossed the Drake Passage, we had a compulsory talk on environmental policies and concerns relating to the Antarctic. If you didn’t attend, you couldn’t land. Your name was marked off on an attendance sheet. The Antarctic Treaty stipulates that only 100 people are allowed to land at any one time and to be on a small ship with only 100 guests onboard at the time, we had no concerns about not getting to land when the opportunity arose.

Zodiac Cruise In Antarctica

A zodiac cruise – why would you want to? My first thoughts as we head out in the zodiac is that it’s immense. A substantial wide open space of still and silent iceberg filled water – a tranquil setting. This is soon dispelled by the first breach of a humpback whale, from then on, more whales became visible, we could see and hear the whales’ fins slapping across the waters, breaching and spy hopping, penguins porpoising beside us, solitary fur seals, remarkable cliffs of ice, pancake ice and icebergs. I made sure that I captured every moment possible; it’s too easy to get caught up in the camera, and I was told to put the camera down and enjoy every second of this once in a lifetime trip to the Antarctica. It was wise advice. I put down my camera and relaxed, taking in the surroundings. The bay began to freeze, moody colours arose and heavy clouds.

Our Zodiac driver turned the zodiac engine off. The quiet was beyond silence, we floated silently and listened to nothing. A peacefulness and stillness that’s quite something; it’s serene and beautiful and a fantastic opportunity to reflect. There was a loud bang now and then, similar to the sound of a gunshot – it was the ice cracking and moving, adding to the mysteriousness of the Antarctic.

Kayaking

Kayaking is probably one of the most intimate ways to experience the Antarctic. One Ocean runs a full package aimed at those with a little more agility and fitness and wanting to spend time on the water. It’s an ongoing activity, and by day three, the group are jumping in and out of their kayaks with ease after days one and two, getting used to the requirements and procedures. Therefore, the option to get out for a day isn’t available, as they prefer not to slow the group down with new people joining. What people might not realise is that if you’re kayaking, you’re potentially missing time on the ice. Plus, – 4-8 days kayaking is a costly commitment!

I opted out for kayaking, but those who joined shared their experiences, gliding through the quiet waters, paddling around astounding icebergs, penguins porpoising past, whales breaching close by and a leopard seal spy hopping checking them out, was an inspiring experience.

Antarctic Weather Systems

If you’ve researched a trip to the Antarctic, you will no doubt be aware of the most unpredictable biggest diva of them all – the Antarctic Weather.  You will have read that all itineraries are weather dependent, the Expedition Leader and Captain of the ship will decide on a final agenda each day. Daily activities are weather dependent.

We experienced the weather at its best and its least desirable, but it was unforgettable to witness first-hand. During the trip, we encountered a blizzard on our first Peninsula landing, a calm visiting Vernadsky research station, severe weather system crossing back over the Drake, a real batten down the hatches, porthole covered experience. But we lived to tell the incredible tale, and it’s all part of the Antarctic Experience.

Zodiac in an antarctic blizzard
A blizzard covered zodiac

Zoe In Antarctica

A moment of calm in the blizzard

 

What to Wear

Layers are the key to comfort and warmth. On top, wear an anti-wicking thermal underlayer, fleece and windbreaker, on the bottom, wear an anti-wicking thermal underlayer, trousers (I wore Craghoppers, fleece lined over my thermals). Weatherproof outerwear on top and bottom provided warmth, but bear in mind, if you get wet, you will get cold.

While onboard, wear comfortable trousers or jeans, you won’t be wearing your thermals or outer trousers, as it’s too warm and unnecessary when you head outside for a few minutes to spot a whale or the first sighted iceberg. I headed back to my cabin and changed into jeans before lunch, dinner or a seminar if we were coming straight back in – the beauty of a small ship, nothing’s too far to ‘pop’ back to.

Footwear, as long it’s fully enclosed and non-slip, it just needs to be comfortable. No heavy walking boots are required, and you won’t be wearing your footwear (unless you take your rubber boots and they will have to pass bio-security).

If you’re planning your trip of a lifetime and a cruise to the Antarctic is on your bucket list, get in touch with one of Wildfoot Travel’s polar experts today who will help you plan your experience.

In the meantime, here is my list of 20 things to do in the Antarctic.

20 Things to do in the Antarctic

  1. Camping under the stars
  2. Kayaking
  3. Visit a Science research centre
  4. Take a Polar plunge
  5. Ski on snowy mountains
  6. Cross the Drake
  7. Practice photography
  8. Learn about the human and whaling history
  9. Visit a live volcano
  10. Scuba Dive or snorkel
  11. Whale watch
  12. Become a part of the ’Citizen Science’ project
  13. Run a marathon
  14. Hike
  15. Trek to the South Pole
  16. Hang out with Penguins and Sea Lions
  17. Send a post card from Port Lockroy or Vernadsky
  18. Drink Antarctic fermented vodka @ Verdandsky
  19. Study and learn with polar experts, Biologists, Scientists, Glaciologists……
  20. Follow in Scott’s and Shackleton’s footsteps

Zoe Savage-Morton

Polar Expert

 

A few more photos from Zoe’s Trip

[Best_Wordpress_Gallery id=”60″ gal_title=”Antarctica Cruise”]

 

Wildlife spotting on board an Antarctic Expedition Cruise Ship The Drake Passage

Natalie. Wildfoot travel's Antarctica Cruise Expert AdvisorWildfoot Travel expert Natalie Greenhalgh explains about the legendary stretch of water know as the Drake Passage and what it means to those venturing to Antarctica.

The Drake Passage…an infamous 600-mile-wide passage between South America’s Cape Horn and the South Shetland Island’s of Antarctica. For some, this crossing is all part of an exciting adventure. For others, severe sea-sickness can prevent them from fulfilling a life-long dream of visiting Antarctica. Reputed as the roughest sea-passage in the world, the Drake Passage is the stuff of legends and crossing it is often an experience that passengers on Antarctica cruises look forward to the most. For those who have experienced it they would say there’s something quite exhilarating about taking on rolling waves aboard an ice-strengthened Antarctica expedition vessel.

What makes the Drake Passage so infamously rough is the fact that this is the spot where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Seas converge, creating a roaring current mix known as the “Drake Shake”. Currents at this latitude meet no resistance from any landmass making this the only unhindered flow of ocean on the planet. Luckily, nowadays expedition vessels are equipped with stabilizers to absorb much of the swaying. Thanks to the advancement in sea sickness medication, most Antarctica cruise ship passengers get by with just a queasy stomach. At times, the passage is so unpredictable that it can, also be eerily calm, referred to as the “Drake Lake”. But if all of this makes your stomach churn and you think you just can’t face this crossing, there is another option.

Antarctica XXI have made it possible to fly across the Drake Passage
Antarctica XXI have made it possible to fly across the Drake Passage, saving time and worry for anxious sailors.

Antarctica XX1 were the first company that came along and introduced the Fly-Cruise option. Instead of enduring the 2-day passage, you can fly from Punta Arenas to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands and meet your cruise to explore Antarctica. You vastly cut your travel time down from a 2-day crossing to a 2-hour flight, giving you more time to spend exploring Chile if you wish.

Flying across the Drake Passage, landing in Antarctica
Flying across the Drake Passage, arriving in Antarctica fresh and raring to get on with the adventure.

Zodiac racing out towards the polar cruise
Zodiacs will take you out to board your polar cruise vessel. An exciting start to your Antarctic adventure!

Of course, the flight operation is weather dependent and delays may happen. However, in the 14-year history of the company, only 1 flight was delayed to the point where clients could not make it to Antarctica at all.

Simon Rowland, Wildfoot Travel’s Managing Director took a Fly the Drake expedition recently on MV Ocean Nova. Simon had this to say about his trip.

“One of the most fulfilling expeditions I’ve taken part in. Kayaking in Antarctica is a must for those seeking even more adventure and it’s an aspirational way to see the wildlife even more up close with no more than 10 other kayakers.
The fact that from your hotel in Punta Arenas to the start of this unique Polar adventure in this winter wonderland environment is just over 2 hours. Quite remarkable. If you are time sensitive or just don’t wish to contemplate the Drake Passage, this is certainly the trip for you!”

Simon Rowland kayaking on his excursion on his Antarctica XXI 'Fly The Drake' trip to Antarctica
Simon enjoying the optional kayaking excursion on his Antarctica XXI ‘Fly The Drake’ trip.

We also work closely with Quark Expeditions who offer the option of flying to the South Shetlands and also the option of taking on the Drake Passage on one of their fantastic expedition vessels: Island Sky; Ocean Diamond; Ocean Adventurer and Ocean Endeavour to name a few.

Wildlife spotting aboard a Quark Expeditions Polar Cruise Vessel.
Wildlife spotting aboard a Quark Expeditions Antarctic Cruise Vessel.

So if you fancy this intrepid adventurous crossing and can imagine yourself cheering on the waves, you’ll be rewarded with the chance to spot spectacular wildlife watching along the Drake. Ships in the passage are often good platforms for the sighting of whales, dolphins and seabirds including giant petrels, albatrosses and penguins. And what a way to be rewarded when you arrive…you’ve made it to Antarctica!

Find out about all our trips to Antarctica here.

 

Paulina Ramirez form Antarctica XXI stopped by our office the other day to discuss forthcoming trips. While she was with us, we asked her to tell us what was so special about ‘Flying The Drake’.  You can hear what Paulina had to say in this short video.

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

SaveSave

legendary arctic cruise ship Kapitan Khlebnikov When is the best time to go on a cruise to Antarctica

Planning a cruise to Antarctica but don’t know when to go? Depending on which season you decide to make your voyage will change what you see when you finally get to the majestic southern seas that make up the waters of Antarctica. With views of stunningly huge icebergs and colonies of tens of thousand penguins all year round, Antarctica isn’t a place that comes to mind when we think of the seasons, but depending on the wildlife you want to see, the time of year plays a huge part in planning your trip.