Swap warm sun-drenched beaches for towering icebergs, glistening glaciers and enthralling wilderness that’s draped in a blanket of untouched snow. The Antarctic is a hidden wonderland that’s bursting with wildlife on both land on sea, from penguins to whales. And to see the Antarctic Peninsula’s highlights as well as reach hard-to-access channels and areas ashore, we highly recommend a private expedition via explorer yacht.
Planning your itinerary is simple. Tell us what you’d love to experience, and a specialist team will design your expedition. But how much does it all cost? How long should you travel for and where do you even begin with planning a once in a lifetime trip like this? We hear your questions and have spoken to the experts to bring you everything you need to know…
Henry Comyn
As a co-founder and managing director of Joro, Henry is the first point of contact for many of our guests and brings over a decade of experience to trips including tandem yacht charters to the Antarctic and private island birthday celebrations in Panama. In 2020 he co-founded The Conscious Travel Foundation to push for positive change in the industry.
Elise Ciappara
Elise has worked onboard superyachts in various capacities since 2009, and was a successful chief stew/purser before coming ashore in 2019 to focus on expedition support and services for worldwide travelling vessels, including serving on the IAATO Yacht Committee. A polar assistant expedition leader, with various additional qualifications at WSET, and a diploma in international mythology, Elise works with guests, captains and brokers to provide innovative and unique yacht-based experiences around the world and has sailed every ocean in her quest for excellence.
Darrel Day
Darrel first went to Antarctica in the austral summer 1999/2000 and has been sailing in Antarctic waters every season since 2003. He has supported numerous expeditions including documentary makers from Discovery Channel’s Globetrekker, scientists from Oregon State University Marine Mammals Institute (tagging Humpback Whales), University of British Columbia, (Orca study), as well as documentaries and TV shows. Darrel is a leader in his industry, a full voting member of the International Association of Antarctic Tourist Operators (IAATO) and is a longstanding committee member on both the Membership, Yacht and Field Staff Committees.
When is the best time to visit Antarctica?
Henry says: “We visit Antarctica in the Austral summer, between December and February. Each month brings a new dynamic and different experiences.”
How do I travel to Antarctica?
Henry says: “When chartering a superyacht on the peninsula, we will fly to join the yacht at King George Island from south America. This has the happy advantage of skipping the Drake Passage crossing, which can take days and is a notorious stretch of water!”
What is the minimum length of time you recommend for an Antarctica expedition?
Elise says: “I recommend a minimum 10-day expedition to maximise the investment and make the best use of time. If sailing from the Falklands to South Georgia and finishing on the peninsula, this will increase to a three-week trip.”
Is an Antarctica expedition suitable for children?
Elise says: “Children are more than welcome in Antarctica but do ensure you are happy with the level of childcare and support you require. Additional staff are needed if you are not bringing a nanny. We have taken children as young as eight to the peninsula, always sending them home with a new fascination for science and the natural world.”
What are the benefits of a personal expedition yacht over a cruise ship experience?
Henry says: “The cruise ships that enter Antarctic waters are special, but the service onboard a yacht is unparallelled. It is only by private charter that you are able to enjoy a truly personal experience, and an expedition that has been 100% with you in mind.”
How can I make my visit one-of-a-kind?
Henry says: “Every visit is one of a kind when you head to the Southern Ocean, but the thing that makes the experience truly unique will always be the people onboard. From the expedition staff, to scientists, sport guides and your guest list, each person is handpicked to provide a unique perspective, bringing the area you are exploring to life.”
Can I explore South America and Antarctica in the same trip?
Elise says: “Absolutely! We often 'bookend' an Antarctic expedition with experiences in Patagonia, Argentina, or further into South America. The only limit is your time available and your goals.”
I want to see the South Pole. How long should my trip be and can you share an example itinerary?
Elise says: “To visit the South Pole, we would look at arranging your expedition to be based ashore, at one of the exclusive use camps. From there you can choose your adventure levels, with the length of stay affecting if you will Ski the Last Degree, or simply trek on an overnight.”
What do you pack for a trip to Antarctica?
Henry says: “As with any polar/ski trip, layers are key when packing for Antarctica. We will provide a full kit list tailored to your expedition and can supply additional items if required. Everything you pack must be checked by the expedition team and confirmed to be free of pests, seeds or foreign objects before you head ashore. We will provide IAATO guidelines on this before you leave, and each shore landing will follow strict protocols in place to protect the environment of Antarctica.”
Darrel says: “Besides all winter clothing, you will need all your regular clothing when onboard the boat. Include one pair of regular shoes, some warm clothing, pyjamas, and a swimsuit! Some other items that are very important to bring are sunglasses, sunscreen, and lip balm with an SPF factor 30+.”
Can I camp overnight ashore?
Darrel says: “With prior preparation to your expedition, you can camp a night ashore. This is required so we can apply for the right permit, ensure safety with the right gear and expedition staff hired for your trip. Alternatively, there are incredible remote camps closer to the pole if you prefer this idea over a yacht charter.”
What wildlife can I expect to see on my Antarctica itinerary?
Darrel says: “During the austral summer the Antarctic Peninsula bursts with life. Penguins and seabirds migrate for the breeding season and congregate in large colonies. We are likely to see gentoo penguins, chinstrap penguins and adélie penguins.
“We will also have the opportunity to see a variety of seals including the leopard seal resting on an iceberg, the crabeater seal and on some landings some South American fur seal playing on the beaches.
“We all look forward to seeing the majestic whales. You’ll spot the ballerinas of the sea – the humpback whales – and if we are lucky some minke whales. Oh, and of course the species that everyone wants to see: Orcas.
“This is a small summary of the enormous variety of wildlife that we will be able to witness on an expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula."
What activities can I include in my Antarctica itinerary?
Elise says: “Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, referred to collectively as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established Antarctica as a zone of peace and science.
“Whilst designing your expedition, we will discuss each experience that is possible and build the option into the programme. This can include skiing and kayaking, photography, historical sites, hiking, wildlife watching, taking part on scientific research, ice climbing, and even diving for those with the appropriate certification. Ensure you discuss what you enjoy with your expedition team and we will advise on how and if it is possible under the Antarctic Treaty.
“Everything must be pre-planned well in advance and included in your expedition permit to ensure your safety and the protection of the region.
“Due to the changeable nature of the environment, your expedition leader and the captain will confirm each day what is available to reach your goals. In this way, we plan for everything, and then are able to give you the best chance to experience all you want in Antarctica.”
On average, how much does a private expedition yacht charter cost including taxes, APA and any additional fees?
Henry says: “Each year the available yachts in Antarctica vary. We recommend booking a yacht charter at least 12-18 months ahead of the time you wish to go, even longer if you are only available over the high season weeks.
“As a guideline, the comprehensive expedition package (planning, permits, and essential staff) for a 10-day charter starts at USD 152,000. Additional mandatory costs to cover flights between Chile and King George Island and staff flights to South America bring the total starting cost of the expedition to USD 500,000, plus the yacht's charter rate.
“Support vessels carrying helicopters for activities like heli-skiing and expeditions to see emperor penguins are available at an extra cost, approximately USD 500,000 for 10 days.”
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