ANTARCTICA FAQ
If you still don’t find the information you’re looking for, get in touch, as we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Do I have to be in Ushuaia to buy a last-minute Antarctic trip?
Last-minute trips are perfect for travellers with flexibility and are usually published a few weeks in advance. You don’t have to fly down to Ushuaia in the hope of getting a deal, as you may be waiting weeks until your ship embarks. Wayfinders can notify you as soon as last-minute deals are published, or you can visit our office in Buenos Aires to see available trips and secure your place in advance. We can then give you all the information you need for getting to Ushuaia and tips for what to do during your stay.
Are the prices the most competitive?
The prices of all the trips we market are set by the Antarctic expedition operators and are the same for all travel agencies across the board.
What is the climate like in Antarctica?
The vast majority of Antarctic voyages take place in the Antarctic Peninsula, where temperatures are more moderate than in the rest of the continent. During the season the temperatures fluctuate between -5°C and 5°C. There is more precipitation, usually in the form of snow, around this area.
What is a normal day on an expedition cruise to Antarctica?
Usually, two trips are made per day – one in the morning and another in the afternoon depending on the conditions. When the transit between one landing site and another is very long, there may be an excursion before breakfast or after dinner. Meal times change to maximise the expedition program.
Travel insurance
All passengers are required to have travel insurance. Check that your policy covers emergency medical evacuation (some ships include this) and trip cancellation. If you need assistance finding an insurance company that suits your needs, let us know.
Do I have to worry about seasickness?
To get to Antarctica, you have to cross one of the roughest bodies of water on the planet, the Drake Passage. Depending on the speed of the ship and the weather conditions, it is approximately forty hours from Ushuaia to the South Shetland Islands. In that time, it is possible that the ship will experience some motion.
If you are prone to seasickness, we recommend that you consult your doctor to advise you on the best medicine to take with you. Once in Antarctica, the ship becomes a stable platform.
What is advised to bring for a zodiac tour?
Check out our What to Pack post for all essential packing information. On Zodiac tours, you can bring a backpack containing extra layers and camera gear.
Are there restrictions once ashore?
All the companies we work with are IAATO members and follow a strict set of guidelines that govern and protect Antarctica. These include the number of people allowed on shore at one time, proximity to wildlife, biosecurity, etc. You will be briefed on these guidelines before your excursions begin.
How much time is spent ashore?
Depending on the capacity of the ship, this ranges between one and three hours. As no more than one hundred passengers (sometimes no more than fifty in certain areas) can land at the same time, half the group goes ashore while the other half goes Zodiac cruising. The groups then swap.
How physically fit do you have to be to go to Antarctica?
The expeditions require mobility and overall good health, but they are not physically demanding. If you feel the terrain ashore is not suitable for you to do a hike, you can always choose to stay near the landing site, or only go on a Zodiac cruise. The ship is an excellent platform for wildlife viewing.
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