Antarctica Travel tips & FAQ

All travelers should check the entry requirements, including visa terms, of the countries visited during their trip, based on their nationality. Antarctica Express and Antarctica & South Georgia Air-Cruises visit Chile, Argentina and United Kingdom (for South Georgia) so the requirements of these countries should be considered.

Travelers must arrive in Punta Arenas by 14:00 hrs (2:00 PM) on Day 1 of the itinerary of their trip. Travelers who miss this deadline will not be able to participate in the trip, and no refund will be extended. On the last day of the expedition, travelers are strongly encouraged to book flights departing in the late afternoon. We strongly recommend avoiding tight flight connections. We recommend booking a flexible airfare. It is also important to check visa requirements for your country for travel to Chile prior to your trip.

A number of national and international airlines land daily at Santiago’s airport. Two national airlines connect the capital of Chile and Punta Arenas with several daily flights. The distance between Santiago and Punta Arenas is about 3,000 km, and a direct flight takes about 3 and a half hours. You can browse for flight options to Santiago and Punta Arenas on Kayak today.

Punta Arenas is situated in the Chilean Patagonia where there are several border crossings between Chile and Argentina. Overland travel from El Calafate, Rio Gallegos, Rio Grande and Ushuaia is possible but takes a considerable amount of travel time. Punta Arenas can also be reached from Torres del Paine National Park (about 5 hours by car) and Puerto Natales (3 hours by car).

A number of national and international airlines land daily at the Buenos Aires airport, and several daily connections serve Ushuaia. The distance between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia is about 3,190 km, and a direct flight takes about 3 hours and 40 minutes. The main Argentinean airline is Aerolineas Argentinas. Note that Buenos Aires has two airports that service Ushuaia; please double-check which airport your flight will leave from, as they are on opposite sides of the city.

Travelers must arrive at the ship between 15:00 hrs (3:00 PM) and 16:00 hrs (4:00 PM). We strongly recommend avoiding tight flight connections. Travelers who miss this deadline will not be able to participate in the trip, and no refund will be extended. It is also important to check visa requirements for your country for travel to Argentina and Chile prior to your trip.

Ushuaia lies on the southern shore of Tierra Del Fuego island, on the Beagle Channel, at the very end of the National Road n. 3 starting in Buenos Aires. This road links Ushuaia with other cities in Patagonia. Motorcoach service between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas is available and takes approximately 10-12 hours, depending on border crossing. You can browse for flight options to Santiago and Punta Arenas on Kayak today.

Depending on your nationality, you may be required to pay a Reciprocity Fee to enter Argentina and/or to obtain an entry visa.

We recommend that clients avoid expensive designer luggage that can be easily damaged. We also strongly recommend that clients take out a luggage insurance policy that covers the cost of repairs or replacement in case their luggage is damaged. Due to the nature of the expedition, and as stated in our Terms and Conditions of Sale, Antarctica21 cannot be responsible for any damage to a customer’s luggage.

The maximum weight allowed on the flights to and from Antarctica is 25 kg (55 lbs) per person, including hand luggage, with each item not exceeding 20 kg (44 lbs). For Classic Antarctica and Polar Circle Air-Cruises, excess luggage will be kept in custody in Punta Arenas and returned to travelers after their time in Antarctica.

The baggage weight limit is a technical requirement imposed by the flight operation. Unfortunately, it is not possible to purchase extra allowance.

Antarctica21 requires participants to be adequately covered by medical insurance, including aero-medical evacuation from Antarctica. We also urge that all travelers be adequately covered by trip cancellation and interruption insurance.

Our ship has a small, well-equipped infirmary for the attention of minor medical problems and is under the care of a licensed medical doctor. Serious emergencies require evacuation to medical centres in South America that are better equipped, which requires a very costly air evacuation procedure. This is why we ask our passengers to have an insurance policy that covers emergency medical evacuation.

The aircraft cabin is heated to provide you with a comfortable flight, however please bear in mind that you will be landing in Antarctica, where the temperature on average is 0°C (32°F). We suggest you wear layers of warm clothing and take with you a parka/anorak, waterproof trousers, a pair of gloves, and a cap or hat. Please ensure that you are wearing your Antarctica21 rubber boots when you disembark the aircraft.

Single travelers can choose between:

- Booking a dedicated Single Cabin: No supplement is applied for single use of dedicated Single Cabins.

- Booking Cabin for single use: a 85 % supplement will be added to the rate per person when booking in a limited number of Porthole and Veranda Cabins on Magellan Explorer, Deluxe Veranda Cabins on Magellan Discoverer, and Twin Cabins on Ocean Nova. A 100 % supplement applies when booking all other categories.

- Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender. This is available on Magellan Explorer in Porthole and Veranda Cabins, and on Ocean Nova in Twin Cabins. Antarctica21 will take care of finding the matching companion. Passengers who book a Twin Cabin on a shared basis are accommodated in single rooms at the hotel in Punta Arenas for which they must pay a Single Hotel Room Supplement that varies based on the departure selected. Please inquire at time of reservation.

Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their air-cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.

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On air-cruises, we welcome children aged 8 and above on its tours, provided they meet all passenger requirements: 1.20 meters (3.9 feet) tall, weighing 30 kilos (66 pounds) or more, and accompanied by a responsible adult who takes full responsibility for the minor and signs a waiver. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for children under 12 years.

On sea voyages, we welcome children aged 12 and above. They must be accompanied by a responsible adult who takes full responsibility for the minor and signs a waiver.

Travelers are required to review the My Expedition21 portal prior to departure. The participation form should be submitted no later than 90 days prior to departure.

Getting on and off the ship requires full mobility. You don’t need to be very agile but you do need to be able to walk and manage stairs independently, as well as to lift your legs over the pontoons of the Zodiacs to embark and disembark. Walks on the beach or further inland, with some low hill climbing, are available. You should be reasonably fit to be able to enjoy those activities but it will always be up to you how far you choose to walk. Physical activity will never be imposed and you can set your own pace.

In the Participation Form you will be asked to tell us all about your health problems, either past or present, including allergies, etc. This will allow our onboard doctor to be aware of the medical needs of each one of our passengers, and allow him or her to be better prepared.

Austral summer weather in Antarctica means mostly mild temperatures. You can expect cold, sunny days and brisk winds, which may turn into stormy weather and even a few snow flurries or snow. You should be prepared for quick changes in weather conditions. For more details, you also can review our suggested expedition gear.

To see the wildlife you should have a good pair of lightweight binoculars (the suggested magnification is 7x or 8x). If you are passionate about photography, do not forget a good zoom lens to shoot wildlife while avoiding close approaches. Also, take with you a good supply of memory cards and spare batteries since cold temperatures can reduce their life span.

Sea Kayaking and Hiking and Snowshoeing are available as optional adventure activities on selected departures. For more information, you can consult this page or contact us.

As most landings in Antarctica are “wet landings”, the best footwear is knee-high waterproof boots. You will not need to carry them with you since Antarctica21 will provide you with a pair of thermal rubber boots before arriving in Antarctica. To ensure a good fitting, we will request your shoe size in the participation form on MyExpedition Portal.

Good quality UV filtering sunglasses are essential. Glacier glasses have leather flaps at the sides to stop the light from passing through. Due to the high reflectance of UV radiation, you will also need good sun block lotion for your face (protection factor 30 and above) and lip balm.

We are privileged to have a group of international chefs prepare a delicious selection of different cuisines throughout your trip. Wine, beer, juice and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board our ships are included, as well as coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks throughout the expedition. Note: beverages purchased at the ship’s bar as well as not-included beverage purchased in the dining room are at a charge.

Dietary requests must be made on the Participation Form you receive after your booking confirmation. This information will be passed along to our staff so they can accommodate your needs while on your voyage.

Important note: due to the nature of our expeditions and the kitchens onboard the ships, Kosher and vegan meals cannot be accommodated.

While we hope you are able to disconnect from the outside world to enjoy your voyage to the fullest, we understand this is not always possible. We have Internet services on board available at an additional charge to guests. Guests in Penthouse Suites on board Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer, a complimentary premium internet service is included. For all other accommodation categories, complimentary standard internet service. Conditions apply.

Please note that due to the nature of our expedition and the remote location we travel, services will not be to the standard you are used to at home, and as such, you should expect slow or delayed services at best.

Everyone on board the ship will work hard to make your experience special. Although this is a personal choice, it is customary for passengers to leave a gratuity to the crew, service personnel, and expedition staff as a sign of appreciation. You can make a single contribution at the end of the voyage. As a general guideline, we suggest US$15 per passenger per day. Gratuities can be added prior to settling your shipboard account, or put in an envelope and dropped in a box set out on the last days of the voyage.

Casual attire (expedition style) is the most appropriate apparel for the voyage. Clothing should be comfortable and informal, including shoes. There is no requirement to dress formally for any meals. Should you wish to be on the outside decks, the Antarctica21 rubber boots are ideally warm and comfortable to wear. The average temperature on board is about 20°/22°C (68°/72°F).

Electric outlets on board are 220V/50Hz, and are equipped with standard U.S. two-pin system, 2-prong plug or Euro-plug and USB port. Please bring with you the necessary converters and adapters.

Electric outlets are different on board our two polar vessels:

- Magellan Explorer: Electric outlets on board are 220V/50HZ, and are equipped with standard US two-pin system, 2-prong plug or Euro-plug and USB port.

- Ocean Nova: Electric outlets on board are 220V/50HZ, and are equipped with standard 2-prong plug or Euro-plug.

Your safety is our main concern. You will be provided with a mandatory safety session before departing on your voyage. You will be shown where the life jackets are, as well as the safety boats in case of an emergency evacuation. During rough weather, do not walk in large, open areas and be sure to use handrails both outside and inside the vessel. Always use door handles and never hold doors by their frames, as a sudden movement may prove very dangerous. Always turn on the lights upon entering your cabin in case items have moved around. Use non-slip shoes when on deck, as it can be slippery at times.

Flights to and from Antarctica operate based on weather conditions. While historically only a minority of flights have experienced a delay, you should be prepared for that possibility.

The “Important Information” and “Contingency Plan” sections of the Antarctica21's Air-Cruise Brochures detail the plan should unfavorable weather conditions impact the operation of the Antarctic flight. Travelers should review and understand these details.

Seasickness is an unpleasant but very treatable condition. There are a variety of effective over-the-counter and prescription remedies for it. Remember that these treatments are generally more effective when taken BEFORE the onset of nausea; so if you are prone to seasickness, consider taking action before sailing or entering open seas. Although the ship’s doctor is available for advice, check with your personal doctor before departure about taking medication.

Please ensure you pack any personal medication for your trip. Please also consider to bring some additional doses in case there is any delay with flights.

Smoking is not permitted on board, except in designated areas on the exterior decks, where cigarette butt containers are located. All passenger areas, including cabins and balconies, are designated as non-smoking.

- Smoking is not permitted anywhere inside the ships (including the balcony areas,) on Zodiacs, or on landings during shore excursions in Antarctica.

- International law dictates the allowed designated area for smoking on commercial vessels; This location will be clearly identified to passengers during the Safety Briefing at the beginning of the voyage. For safety and environmental reasons, never throw cigarette butts or any other material on the ground or into the sea.