I wanted to visit all seven continents — and Antarctica was at the top of my list. But even after achieving this, I return to the White Continent because of the profound way it changes me each time, and anyone else who visits. The top question I get asked by clients isn’t whether they should visit Antarctica, but the best way to get there. Below are my recommendations based on numerous visits.
Courtesy of Quark Expeditions, Photographer
Take a cruise from South America.
The most common way to visit Antarctica is by expedition ship from South America. As you pull away from what feels like the end of the earth, everything feels magnetic — you’re headed on an adventure few people have attempted.
While traditional cruise ships may host thousands of passengers, expedition ships often take no more than 250. Though these vessels appear utilitarian from the outside, the interiors boast gorgeous cabins, cozy libraries, lively dining rooms, and even pools and hot tubs.
One of my favorite memories on an expedition ship took place on a sunny Christmas morning. Before disembarking, Santa greeted us poolside with well wishes. Then, zodiac boats whisked us to the abandoned town of Grytviken, South Georgia, best known for being home to the gravesite of famous Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. Our onboard historian shared a brief history of Shackleton’s adventures before we raised a glass of whiskey to “The Boss.” The day ended in a historic chapel singing Christmas carols, enjoying Champagne, and munching on cookies.
Other days involved watching for whales, exploring with naturalist guides, searching for the elusive leopard seal, and hiking to see different penguin species.
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Fly, then cruise from Chile.
When traveling to Antarctica by expedition ship, a common concern is passing the Drake Passage — the body of water between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands. Cold and warm seawater collide here, which at times creates powerful waves and heavy storms.
Though crossing the Drake is an experience, the desire for shorter itineraries led several of our partners to launch a fly-and-cruise combo. Guests start in Puerto Natales Airport in Chile (or another airport in Patagonia), fly two hours over the Drake Passage, and land on King George Island — ready to board their expedition ship and explore. These itineraries can be as short as eight nights.
Fly into a camp from Cape Town.
If you want to see the elusive emperor penguin, go on mountaineering adventures, or visit the South Pole, a journey to a land camp in Antarctica’s interior might be in order.
This type of journey usually starts in Cape Town, South Africa, where you fly private to an ice runway on mainland Antarctica. Only around 1 percent of tourists to Antarctica go this way because it’s incredibly remote.
Antarctica was the base for my first mountaineering trip. I still remember the thrill of leaving summer weather in Cape Town, bundling up on the plane, and stepping out onto the ice and celebrating with everyone who had just visited their seventh continent.
After landing, we jetted off to a futuristic camp where the rooms were heated pods, the dining was gourmet, and the adventures were tailor-made. That week, I summited four mountains, went ice climbing, learned about life in Antarctica, and perhaps most importantly, discovered new things about myself.
Other itineraries from similar camps focus on visiting emperor penguin colonies, exploring ice caves, and flying down to the South Pole. Whichever luxury option you choose, Antarctica promises a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
Sarah Groen is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in global high end travel, polar expeditions, safaris, and more. You can create a tailor-made itinerary with Groen by contacting her at hello@bellandblytravel.com.
