Here’s Everything You Need to Know Before Visiting Antarctica
1. Visa Requirements
While Antarctica itself doesn’t require a visa, your entry points - Argentina or Chile - do. If you’re flying through Argentina, check their visa requirements based on your nationality. If you enter via Chile, Indian nationals do not need a Chilean visa if they already hold a valid U.S visa. However, if a Chilean visa is required, it takes about a month to process, so plan accordingly.
2. Choosing the Best Season
Antarctica’s summer (November to March) is the only time tourists can visit. The best months depend on what you want to experience:
November - Early December: Pristine landscapes, untouched snow, and penguin courtship season.
December - January: Peak summer with 24-hour daylight, active wildlife, and hatching penguin chicks. (This is the preferred time for many travelers.)
February - March: Warmer temperatures, more whales, and young penguins learning to swim.
3. Opt for a Smaller Ship
Ship size significantly impacts your experience:
Small Ships (Under 100 Passengers) – Ships like those operated by @Antarctica_21 allow all passengers to go ashore together, maximizing time on land.
Medium-Sized Ships (101–500 Passengers) – These allow landings in rotating groups, meaning less time on shore per person.
Large Cruise Ships (500+ Passengers) – These ships cannot make landings and only offer scenic cruising around Antarctica.
4. What to Expect on a Cruise
Our 8-day cruise included:
Two landings per day, each lasting 2–3 hours
Zodiac excursions for closer encounters with icebergs and marine life
5. Packing Essentials
Waterproof jacket and pants
Layered clothing (moisture-wicking base layers, fleece, and insulated jackets)
Waterproof gloves
Sunglasses and sunscreen
A21 provides waterproof boots 💪✨
Drone shot by @maxzaharenkov
Important: This drone footage was captured by a pilot with a special permit issued by the national competent authority ensuring compliance with strict environmental and safety guidelines
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