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Traveling to Antarctica - Southern Explorations

ABOUT ANTARCTICA TRAVELING TO ANTARCTICA ANTARCTICA TRAVEL SEASONS

WHEN TO VISIT ANTARCTICA
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ANTARCTIC ITINERARY CATEGORIES ANTARCTIC TOURIST ACTIVITIES ANTARCTICA CRUISE FAQ RECOMMENDED ANTARCTICA READING

Antarctica’s tourist season is short, just five months, from the beginning of November through the end of March. The rest of the year, ice makes the waters around Antarctica impenetrable, as temperatures plummet to -50°F, and the continent becomes dark, day and night. Come spring, Antarctica is reborn, with the exuberant activity of shoreline colonies of birds and mammals preparing to breed and nest in the region, and later in the season, to begin their busy life as new parents.

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As the Antarctic year progresses from spring to autumn, the Antarctic Peninsula and nearby islands of the Southern Ocean change in appearance and character, offering a different range of spectacular sights and possibilities for visitors on vacation in Antarctica. Travelers who have some flexibility in scheduling their Antarctica travel may wish to plan their visit during the period that best matches their particular interests. Here are some trip aspects to consider when traveling to Antarctica.

ANTARCTICA CRUISE AND TRIP INFORMATION

Antarctica Passport and visa requirements Travel to Antarctica is strictly controlled. With no one country governing the continent, the only required travel document for passengers on tourist vessels is a passport, valid for the duration of the Antarctica travel. Though a permit is required for travel to Antarctica, these arrangements are made by tourist cruise ships on behalf of their passengers. A visa is not required for short shore excursions during Antarctica cruise travel. All Southern Explorations’ Antarctica tours depart from Argentina. For passport and visa requirements to enter Argentina, see our Traveling to Argentina section. Passengers are responsible for checking current entrance requirements prior to departure. For up-to-date information see www.passportexpress.com.
Immunizations No vaccinations are required or recommended for travelers visiting Antarctica, the peri-Antarctic islands or the Falklands. For passengers embarking to Antarctica from Ushuaia, Argentina immunization rules apply. Before departure, it is advisable to have routine immunizations up to date. The Centers for Disease Control provides immunization information for world travel. www.cdc.gov. Additional information may be found at www.falklands.com.
Exchanging currency Major credit cards and U.S. dollars are accepted on most tourist cruise ships to Antarctica. Some large ships offer onboard currency exchange services. Most ships use a chit system that is payable at tour’s end in U.S. dollars, the currency of the ship’s operator or by major credit card. U.S. dollars are accepted at island shops, but don’t expect ATM machines after leaving Ushuaia.
Time Cruise ships keep clocks set in the time zone where the vessel embarked for Antarctica. Keeping a watch set in the time zone where the passenger lives is the easiest way to know when to call home.
Using electricity Aboard ships to Antarctica, electricity runs on the same system as the vessel’s country of origin. Russian ships use 220 volt/50 cycles current with round two-pin plugs. Passengers should enquire in advance about whether it is necessary to bring a transformer and/or adaptors. For video cameras, we suggest packing an extra set of charged batteries. It’s important to note that the colder temperatures of the polar region drain batteries faster than normal.