Travel to Antarctica takes place between November and March during their spring/summer/fall months (opposite seasons of the US). Each month has something special to offer:

November – Late spring/early summer weather is still cold and crisp, however this is the best time for photography, as you are seeing Antarctica in is most undisturbed time. The snow is pristine and white. Wildlife isn’t as plentiful at this time of the year, but this is mating season for penguins, so you will witness their courtship displays and nest building.

December to early February – The days are long and sunny, and penguins begin hatching. These are the most popular months to travel and booking need to be done well in advance (up to two years). Wildlife is plentiful at this time and this is the best time if you wish to see penguin chicks!

Mid-February and March – Late summer is the best time for whale watching. The wildlife is starting to leave the continent and head out to sea. Cruises and tours tend to be less crowded and rates may be discounted.

Flights – Buenos Aires and Santiago are the major international gateway cities for an Antarctica adventure. Your trip may include a charter or scheduled flight from one of those gateways to Ushuaia (Argentina), Punta Arenas (Chile) or Stanley (Falkland Islands), or you may need to book a commercial flight to get to your meeting point.

Select companies offer what is called an air-cruise, where you fly across the Drake Passage in one or both directions to reach your Antarctica cruise ship. This is highly recommended, as the Drake crossing by ship between South America and Antarctic can be very rough.

In addition to twice daily landings, some of our partners offer optional adventures like kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking and camping. These activities aren’t offered on every departure, so please let us know if you are interested in an active expedition.

Passports & Visas – We suggest your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. Visas are not required for US Citizens staying 90 days or less in Chile or Argentina. Antarctica defers to those countries of transit for documentation requirements.

Medical Evacuation Insurance – Due to the remote nature of an Antarctica expedition, medical evacuation insurance is mandatory with most of our expedition partners. Trip cancellation insurance is also highly recommended to protect your investment, should you need to cancel.

Tipping – Tipping is customary while on board an expedition cruise. The recommended amount is approximately USD$10-15 per day per passenger.

Power Adapter – The electrical current and outlet styles will vary according to the ship you choose. Many of the newer ships offer combo Euro-American outlets with USB ports. We will advise according to the itinerary and vessel that you choose.

Currency – An Antarctica expedition cruise will normally include all meals, accommodation, transportation and daily standard excursions. The currency accepted on board will depend on the ship and will be advised as part of your pre-trip documentation. Credit cards are widely accepted for beverages and incidentals.

The Nordic countries offer year-round adventures, although the seasons and weather vary greatly. Winters are long with short days and cold temperatures, while the summer season lasts just a few months with mild weather and long, sunny days. This is the land of the Midnight Sun!

Expedition Cruising – Cruises operate during the warmer months, with most offered between April and October.

Northern Lights – Although the Northern Lights are visible from August through May, the best time of the year to see them are the months with the least amount of daylight around September to April, with the top months being January through March.

Polar Bears – The best location in the Nordic Region to view polar bears is Spitsbergen (Svalbard Archipelago belonging to Norway). The easiest time of the year to find polar bears is after the ice sheets have melted a bit, typically May-September when the ships are able to navigate to remote places easier.

Finland, Norway, Sweden, Denmark and Iceland, as well as their territories, which include Greenland and the Faroe Islands (Denmark) and the Åland Islands (Finland).

Flights – The international gateway cities for the Nordic countries are: Copenhagen (Denmark), Helsinki (Finland), Oslo (Norway), Reykjavik (Iceland), and Stockholm (Sweden).

Your Travel Designer will discuss any additional travel requirements and logistics with you, depending on your itinerary.

In addition to twice daily landings, some of our partners offer optional adventures like kayaking, snowshoeing, hiking and camping. These activities aren’t offered on every departure, so please let us know if you are interested in an active expedition.

Wildlife – There is a wide and unique variety of wildlife in the Arctic/Nordic Region. You may see polar bears, whales, walrus, seals, narwhal, Arctic fox, Arctic hare, musk oxen, reindeer, puffins and other arctic birds, and more!

Unique cultures – Culture is alive and well in these Nordic countries, and glimpses into a lifestyle so different from our own is incredibly special. You can experience Heimablídni (dinner in a local family’s home) in the Faroe Islands, visit an ancient Inuit village in Greenland, or witness the traditional reindeer-herding lifestyle of the Sami people in Lapland.

Unique activities – The outdoors is a playground, even in these Nordic lands. Kayaking along ice floes in Greenland is surreal, whale watching amidst an arctic landscape is one of the most majestic experiences imaginable, and a Polar Plunge is truly polar in this part of the world!

Passports & Visas – We suggest your passport be valid for at least 6 months after your return date. A visa is not required for US Citizens staying 90 days or less in any of the Nordic countries.

Accommodation – Accommodation in the Nordic countries is typically more expensive than other regions. Accommodation styles vary from international hotel chains to boutique inns and lodges, and even unique accommodations such as Ice Hotels. We will work closely with you and offer the best accommodation according to your travel style.

Tipping – Although tipping is not expected, it is a nice gesture to reward good service. Depending on your destination(s), you will be provided with recommendations for gratuities.

While on expedition cruises, it is customary to tip the staff collectively and they will distribute accordingly. We recommend USD$10-15 per guest per day.

Power Adapter – The Europlug, types C and F with two round prongs, are the most widely used in the Nordic regions. Electrical current is normally 220-240v. If plugging in a device from the US, you will need a plug adaptor. If your appliances or devices are 110V and do not have a voltage range capacity, you will also need a voltage converter.

Currency – the currency in the Nordic region varies according to each country. Visa and MasterCard are widely accepted, and ATMs are available. In our final documents and on our pre-departure call, we will discuss the forms of currency based on your itinerary, and also the need for cash if visiting remote areas or for gratuities.