Antarctica - Tips from those that have done it

[Anonymous]

I'm looking for any tips if you've done an Antarctica sailings (not the fly-by ones - actually step foot on the soil).

What advice do you have? What do you wish you would have done differently? What is the must have thing to take? Any regrets?

[Anonymous]

Why do you need to go?
I ask because all the visitors and traffic have proven to be problematic and it is recommended that people no longer go there just to visit

[Anonymous]

OP, please disregard the previous person. The laws regarding respect for the environment there are very strict (as they should be).

I went in 2023 and it was the truly the best trip I’ve taken (and I’ve been to 55 countries). Make sure you are prepared for crossing the Drake passage (seasickness bands and oral meds). It was not bad on the way down but the way back was 24 ft waves for about 18 hours. The captain said it was the worst weather they had that season. Even being in bed was hard (because you were getting tossed around). Pack plenty of layers, have lined waterproof pants, polarized sunglasses (must have strap on them so they don’t blow onto the land), good socks (they give you the polar parka and boots).
Go to the lectures. The naturalists are awesome. I didnt do the stand up paddle boarding but I did do sea kayaking a few times and the polar plunge (water temp was 30).
Truly the best trip ever and clear evidence of God’s beautiful creation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking for any tips if you've done an Antarctica sailings (not the fly-by ones - actually step foot on the soil).

What advice do you have? What do you wish you would have done differently? What is the must have thing to take? Any regrets?

Hey OP - I have not gone but my mom is planning her second trip (and we want to go when the kids are older). Here’s what she says:

Small groups are helpful (eg making sure you’ll be able to get off the ship a lot). Some of the less expensive options are fine but you may only get one zodiac a day etc. Some larger ships are better than others at this.

Consider hitting other islands same time if you are interested, particularly those w other species of penguins (falklands), just because it’s such a haul to go down.

Take some photos but don’t focus on that, you miss the experience…unless of course photography is your hobby, then find a trip that focuses on that!

Tech layers always.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I'm looking for any tips if you've done an Antarctica sailings (not the fly-by ones - actually step foot on the soil).

What advice do you have? What do you wish you would have done differently? What is the must have thing to take? Any regrets?

“Done Antarctica ??”

What? Do you mean visited there? Talk normal please.

[Anonymous]

I'm the OP.

Step foot was to differentiate between the cruises that only sail by versus the expedition ships that take you onland via a zodiac. There are strict rules anyone has to follow to protect the environment.

For the poster who asked about "done", work on reading comprehension.

For those that actually answered the question, I appreciate the responses.