A group on a zodiac taking photos of a whale

Antarctica Frequently Asked Questions

How do I get to Ushuaia?

All of our Antarctic expeditions embark at Ushuaia in Argentina and flights are not included. There are no direct international flights into Ushuaia and flights route via Buenos Aires. There are often significant delays especially in high season on flights from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. We highly recommend booking your travel arrangements to arrive into Ushuaia earlier in the day on Day 1 or a day earlier in case of delay. Please contact us if you require pre tour accommodation should you want some additional time in Ushuaia.

All international flights flying into Buenos Aires arrive at Ministro Pistarini Airport (EZE) in Buenos Aires. However some flights that continue to Ushuaia depart from the domestic airport (J. Newberry - AEP) which is on the other side of the city. Please check with your airline to make sure which airport you are flying out of. On arrival at the International airport, there is an airport shuttle service, Manuel Tienda Leon, available at a cost of US$10.00 each way. It is about 30-40 minutes drive between the airports, so please allow yourself enough time.

Please also confirm the luggage restrictions for your flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia as domestic flights generally allow less luggage than international flights.

Ushuaia City Airport (USH) is located 5km outside of the city. A taxi from the airport to the port or hotel (dependent upon your itinerary) will cost approximately US $10. The town of Ushuaia is very small and easy to get around on foot, with most services, hotels and the port in walking distance from the centre.

When should I book my Antarctic expedition?

Our Antarctica expeditions run between November and February and there are only a small number of departures, so you will need to book early to guarantee your place and avoid disappointment. We recommend that you book your expeditions at least 6 - 10 months before travel. There are a several different types of cabins on our ships, ranging from standard twin/triples to suites. To check availability please contact us.

I'm travelling alone, can I share a cabin with someone?

On our Antarctic Peninsular Classic expedition we do not charge a mandatory single supplement and single travellers can share a cabin with a fellow traveller of the same sex, unless of course you would prefer your own cabin and then a single supplement will apply. On all other expeditions including the Antarctic Peninsular Adventure, if there is not another single traveller to share a cabin with, solo travellers will need to pay a single supplement and can enjoy the privacy of their own cabin.

What luggage should I use?

Soft compactible luggage makes storage on the ship much easier. There will be room to store luggage in the cabin and cupboards and drawers for your clothes.

What clothes do I need in South America?

In South America it will be mid- summer. In Buenos Aires the temperature is likely to be between 20°C and 30°C. Casual comfortable clothing such as shorts, skirts and cool tops with sandals is perfect. In Tierra del Fuego the weather is very changeable, but once again, casual clothing with a windproof or fibre-pile (polar fleece) jacket in Ushuaia, as it can get cold.

What should I wear onboard the ship?

Shipboard clothing is informal and casual. Plan to bring comfortable, practical clothing that can be worn in layers and bear in mind that the temperature on board is around 20°C. You will need wind and waterproof outer layers and two pairs of warm gloves. The two most important items that you will need to bring on your voyage are boots and a parka or a ski jacket. Some expeditions provide these for you. For more details about what to pack please refer to the Expedition Go Guide.

Should I bring walking poles?

Although not essential, it's a good idea - especially if you have trouble walking over uneven ground. Some of our landings can be on slippery rocks or deep snow and we may go for a longer extended walk. The best poles are the telescopic ones with the optional snow-basket tips. These can be retractable making them easy to pack while travelling. You can purchase these poles in most outdoor stores.

What sort of money should I take?

We recommend that you take US dollars for use in Buenos Aires, Ushuaia and on board the ship. We do not recommend travellers cheques in Argentina; it is difficult to change them, even at hotels. It is better to carry US dollars cash for tipping and payment of bar, communication and laundry bills on board can be taken care of with Visa or MasterCard.

How much time do we spend in Ushuaia?

The time available to you in Ushuaia depends upon the expedition and your own itinerary. On some of our expeditions the first night is spent in a hotel in Ushuaia but on others we embark at around 4pm on the first day. If you want time to explore Ushuaia and the surrounding area we strongly recommend you plan to arrive one or two days before your journey. We can help to arrange pre or post expedition accommodation, please contact us for details.

How should I protect my skin from the cold?

The Antarctic air is very, very dry! We recommend that you take good moisturiser and sun-protection cream (SPF+30). A lip protection stick is useful to carry in your pocket when outside. A scarf or balaclava is a very useful item for keeping the cold wind at bay. It is a good idea to put sunscreen on your face every time you go ashore.

How do I keep my camera dry?

When you are travelling from ship to shore, there is a big risk that a splash from the sides of the Zodiac will wet your camera, or worse still you could drop it in the water. A waterproof camera bag is a must if you have expensive equipment. A small cloth or pack towel to dry your lens is also a handy item.

Am I likely to suffer from sea sickness?

Our experience is that a small percentage of people are sea sick on any trip and most of these people are fine after a day or so at sea. If you feel that your are particularly susceptible to seasickness then it is a good idea to talk to your local doctor. Come armed with motion sickness tablets. There will be a doctor on board and the ship is equipped with a small medical clinic.