Exploring Antarctica By Boat: An Adventurer's Odyssey

In March 2018, Oyster 72 Katharsis II became the first yacht to sail around Antarctica below 62°S. The voyage began in Cape Town and ended in Hobart, lasting 102 days and 23 hours in total. The yacht encountered several challenges along the way, including storms, icy conditions, and technical difficulties, but the crew persevered and successfully completed the circumnavigation. This expedition showcases the feasibility of sailing around Antarctica, even in harsh and unpredictable conditions.

Sailing from New Zealand to the Ross Sea

The voyage begins in Queenstown, New Zealand, where travellers spend the first night of the expedition. The following day, they transfer to the Port of Bluff to board their ship, embarking on a 28-day exploration of the Ross Sea and its surrounding wonders.

The first stop is often The Snares, a group of islands home to an astonishing variety of seabirds, including the endemic Snares crested penguin. The journey then proceeds to Enderby Island, one of the Auckland Islands, renowned for its diverse wildlife and relatively easy landing conditions. Sandy Bay, one of three breeding areas for the rare Hooker's or New Zealand Sea Lion, offers a unique opportunity to observe this species up close.

As the ship ventures further south, passengers are treated to informative lectures by experts, preparing them for the upcoming exploration of the Ross Sea. The journey to this remote region typically takes about six days, with stops at various sub-Antarctic islands along the way.

Upon reaching the Ross Sea, the expedition team navigates through unpredictable ice and weather conditions, making the most of every opportunity to launch zodiacs and facilitate landings. Wildlife viewing, visits to scientific bases, and exploration of historic sites, such as the huts of early explorers like Scott and Shackleton, are all part of the experience.

The vast Ross Ice Shelf, the world's largest floating ice mass, is a highlight of the trip. Standing at the edge of this towering ice barrier, witnessing the calving of immense icebergs, is a mesmerising and awe-inspiring sight.

The journey concludes with a return to the Port of Bluff, where travellers bid farewell to their fellow adventurers and reflect on the extraordinary journey they have undertaken.

This voyage is a true test of endurance and a testament to the spirit of exploration, offering a rare opportunity to explore one of the most remote and captivating regions on Earth.

Flying direct to the South Pole from Chile or South Africa

Antarctica is a landmass encased in ice, with a seemingly impossible remoteness. However, it has never been so accessible to adventurous travellers. In the 2016-2017 season, over 45,000 people travelled to Antarctica from across the world. The majority of Antarctic voyages depart from Ushuaia, Argentina, a three-and-a-half-hour direct flight from Buenos Aires.

The easiest way to get to Antarctica is to first reach Buenos Aires, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Both are cosmopolitan cities with international airports and regular service to the rest of the world.

It is possible to fly direct to the South Pole from Punta Arenas in Chile or Cape Town in South Africa. These flights are operated by charter airlines and are only available as part of a package, rather than on a 'seat-only' basis.

Flights to the South Pole are susceptible to delays due to harsh and changeable weather conditions. The planes used are specially adapted to land on the blue ice runway at Union Glacier Camp on the edge of the Ellsworth Mountains.

Flying to Antarctica

Flying to Antarctica offers speed and comfort but is a very different prospect from booking a regular holiday flight. There are no scheduled flights to Antarctica, and fewer than 10% of visitors fly there. The only commercial airfield servicing the Antarctic Peninsula for visitors is King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, located 90km/55 miles northwest of the Antarctic continent.

Flying vs Sailing to Antarctica

The quickest way to reach Antarctica is on a fly-sail cruise. These depart from Punta Arenas in Chile and take around two hours to reach King George Island, from where you transfer to an expedition cruise ship.

The majority of visitors to Antarctica travel by sea, sailing from Ushuaia in Argentina to the Antarctic Peninsula, a two-day sea crossing.

When to Go to Antarctica

The best time to visit Antarctica is during the southern hemisphere spring and early fall, from October to March. The first voyages of the season reach Antarctica in late spring (end of October or early November) when the sea ice opens up enough to allow ships in. Voyages operate until the middle of March when the Antarctic autumn begins.

The Drake Passage

The journey across the Drake Passage usually takes around two days. Tourists can expect to encounter various wildlife species, including albatrosses and other seabirds, as well as whales and dolphins. While the passage can be rough, it is also possible to experience calmer seas, with some travellers reporting a "Drake Lake" rather than the infamous "Drake Shake".

For those who wish to avoid the Drake Passage, there is the option to fly directly to Antarctica from Punta Arenas, Chile, or to take a "fly-cruise" option, which involves flying to King George Island and then joining a cruise ship for the remainder of the journey.

The Antarctic Peninsula

The majority of visitors to Antarctica travel by sea, sailing from Argentina's southernmost port of Ushuaia to the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, taking two days to sail across the Drake Passage. It is also possible to fly direct to the Antarctic Peninsula, joining a ‘fly-sail’ cruise ship after a two-hour flight from Punta Arenas in Chile.

The climate in and around the Antarctic Peninsula is changing dramatically. In 2024, the most recent temperature recorded was 10°C, which is higher than the peninsula region's average. Each decade for the last five, average temperatures in the Antarctic Peninsula have risen by 0.5 °C (0.90 °F). Ice mass loss on the peninsula occurred at a rate of 60 billion tons per year in 2006, with the greatest change occurring in the northern tip of the peninsula. Seven ice shelves along the Antarctic Peninsula have retreated or disintegrated in the last two decades.

Yacht tours

One yacht tour option is a 14-day trip that begins and ends in Punta Arenas, Chile. This trip involves flying to King George Island and navigating aboard a comfortable sailboat. The trip includes Zodiac cruising, shore excursions, and kayaking.

Another yacht tour option is a 21-day photo expedition that departs from Ushuaia, Argentina. This trip costs $16,550 all-inclusive (not including airfare to/from Ushuaia and lodging before/after the expedition) and includes Zodiac cruising, shore excursions, and kayaking.

A third yacht tour option is a polar wildlife expedition that departs from Punta Arenas, Chile. This trip includes Zodiac cruising, shore excursions, and kayaking. The cost of this trip is not provided.

Frequently asked questions