How to Prepare for a Trip to Antarctica: The Ultimate Packing & Planning Guide

Whether you’re about to book or have already secured your spot on an Antarctic expedition, preparing for the White Continent is unlike any other journey.

Whether you’re about to book or have already secured your spot on an Antarctic expedition, preparing for the White Continent is unlike any other journey. From flight logistics and gear selection to medical forms, early planning is key to a smooth adventure.
Here is your step-by-step checklist to prepare for the trip of a lifetime to Antarctica.

Get Informed: Recommended Reading
Preparing for Antarctica isn't just about packing the right gear — it's also about understanding the history and nature of the region. To help you get started, we have put together an extensive digital guide covering everything from polar history to wildlife identification.
You can download our comprehensive Antarctica book to begin your pre-trip reading today.

Visa & Entry Requirements for South America
Before departing, always verify whether you require a visa or entry authorisation for Argentina or Chile (if you are flying to/from Punta Arenas).
• Check entry requirements via Sherpa Travel Restrictions.
• Read our guide on a New Mandatory Requirements for Entering Argentina.

Arranging Travel and Medical Insurance

Securing comprehensive medical insurance isn’t just a recommended step — it is mandatory for all Antarctic expeditions.
In addition to mandatory medical coverage, travel insurance (which can usually be booked alongside it) ensures total peace of mind. From lost luggage and delayed flights to unexpected medical issues along the way, proper coverage protects your investment from expensive surprises.

Crucial Evacuation Requirement
Due to the extreme costs of emergency medical evacuation from Antarctica, a minimum of $250,000 USD in medical evacuation coverage is strictly required. Some operators require a minimum of $500,000 USD.

What Should Your Antarctic Travel Insurance Cover?
A policy should include coverage for:
• Emergency medical expenses (this is a MUST)
• Evacuation and repatriation (this is a MUST)
• Pre-existing medical conditions
• Trip cancellation and interruption (invaluable when unexpected situations arise)
• Baggage loss or delay
• Supplier insolvency

How to Book Polar Insurance
If you’ve never taken out travel insurance specifically for polar regions before, don’t worry – the process isn’t complicated:
• Talk to your trusted insurance agent; they can provide you with an insurance quote tailored to your age, medical history and planned activities.
• If you don’t have an insurance agent, our ‘Polar Desk’ specialists (who will support you from the moment you book your trip until you return home) will provide you with information about the available options so that you can choose the one that best suits your needs.
• Use Comparison Tools: Alternatively, trusted comparison sites allow you to evaluate multiple providers tailored to high-altitude or remote polar travel.

Reserve Optional Adventure Activities Ahead of Time

Antarctica offers far more than Zodiac cruising and shore landings. From kayaking amongst icebergs to spending a night camping under the Antarctic sky, there is a wide range of optional adventure activities available.

Explore our full list of Antarctica Adventure Activities.

Because guide-to-passenger ratios are strictly regulated for safety, spaces for optional activities are limited and often sell out months in advance. If you are keen on kayaking, mountaineering, camping or another optional activity, be sure to request these at the time of booking your cabin.
On most standard expeditions, activities like kayaking or camping carry an additional fee. However, on select voyages — such as our popular Antarctica Basecamp Expeditions — a full suite of outdoor activities is already included in the trip fare.

Preparing for the Drake Passage: What to Expect & How to Manage Seasickness

For many people, crossing the Drake Passage — the notorious 600-mile (1,000 km) stretch of water between South America’s southern tip and the Antarctic Peninsula — is a true badge of honour for polar travellers.

Depending on weather and wind conditions, your two-day crossing to and from Antarctica can present itself in one of two ways:
• The "Drake Lake": Exceptionally calm, glassy waters where the sea feels like a gentle lake.
• The "Drake Shake": Rolling waves and ocean swells created by strong winds.

The truth is that most of the time, the Drake Passage can be an average between the two options.

While the modern fleet of expedition ships is equipped with advanced stabilisers and state-of-the-art navigation technology, preparing for motion sickness in advance ensures you remain comfortable throughout the journey.

Tips for Preventing Seasickness
If you know you are prone to motion sickness, here are essential tips to keep in mind:
• Start Medication Early: Don’t wait until you are already unwell. Take your seasickness medication in advance, ideally before the ship leaves the calm waters of the Beagle Channel.
• Consult Your Doctor: If you have any doubts, speak to your doctor before departure to choose the most suitable motion sickness remedy for you, especially if you take other medications.
• Choose a Stable Spot on the Ship: The most stable areas on a vessel are typically on lower decks, on the middle and towards the back. If you feel unsteady, spend time in these areas where pitch and roll are felt the least. Fix your eyes on the horizon or, if weather permits, get some fresh air on deck.
• Rest and Move Safely: Laying down helps reduce motion sickness significantly. Limit walking around the ship unnecessarily during rough seas for your own safety.
• Stay Hydrated and Eat Lightly: Keep your stomach settled by eating plain foods (crackers, toast, green apples) and staying well-hydrated. Avoid heavy, greasy meals and alcohol during the crossing.

Prefer to Skip the Drake Passage Altogether?
If you are prone to severe sea motion or simply short on travel time, you don't have to miss out on the White Continent. You can opt for a Fly & Cruise itinerary — such as our Antarctic Express Fly the Drake or Across the Antarctic Circle Fly the Drake — which allows you to fly over the Drake Passage from Punta Arenas (Chile) directly to King George Island in Antarctica.

However, flying to Antarctica comes with its own unique set of considerations:
• Weather-Dependent Operations: Antarctic flight operations rely heavily on weather conditions and visibility for safe landings and take-offs. Flight delays of several hours, or even a day or two, are not uncommon.
• Book Flexible Return Tickets: Because weather delays can impact your return flight back to South America, it is crucial to book flexible or refundable onward tickets from Punta Arenas (or leave at least one buffer day) before flying home.

How to Dress: The Art of Layers in Antarctica

When dressing for an Antarctic Expedition Cruise, the key to staying warm and dry is to dress in layers. Conditions in Antarctica can change from sunny mornings to windy and stormy weather in just minutes, and layering allows you to adjust your body temperature easily.

The most effective approach is the Three-Layer System:
• The Base Layer: High-quality thermal underwear, a long-sleeved thermal top, and thermal socks (merino wool or high-performance synthetic materials work best).
• The Middle Layer: One or two polar fleece or lightweight down jackets worn over your base layer to trap body heat. The number of mid-layers depends on your personal sensitivity to the cold.
• The Outer Layer: Windproof and 100% waterproof jacket and trousers are essential for Zodiac rides, as spray from the ocean and sudden snow or rain are common.
For a comprehensive breakdown of recommended gear, explore our detailed Antarctica Dressing & Packing Guide.