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Antarctica FAQ

Is there a laundry on board the ship?

Yes, a laundry service at a reasonable cost is included on every ship.

What will we eat on board?

The menu changes every day. Breakfast is buffet style. Lunch often features a buffet. Dinner is plated service, with a choice of three main dishes. A vegetarian choice is always offered. Afternoon tea, with pastries or cookies, is provided every day. Fresh pastries arrive warm from the oven for early birds about 6am.

How often can I go ashore?

With luck you’ll go ashore most days once we reach the Antarctic. You’ll have the opportunity to go on zodiac excursions to research stations, penguin colonies, pebble beaches and around icebergs. However, we operate under IAATO guidelines that limit the number of travellers and expedition staff allowed ashore during each landing. No more than 100 people can be ashore at any one time, and in some locations that number is 50. None of our Antarctic vessels carry more than 128 travellers.

Any tips for great penguin experiences?

Pick a spot no closer than 5 metres (15 feet) from the penguins. Sit or kneel - you're making yourself smaller, therefore less threatening. Wait quietly, with your camera ready to take some incredible photographs. Penguins are curious. They may come to you.

Do I need to purchase travel insurance before travelling in Antarctica?

Absolutely. All passengers travelling with Intrepid are required to purchase travel insurance before the start of your trip. Your travel insurance details will be recorded by your leader on the first day of the trip. Due to the varying nature, availability and cost of health care around the world, travel insurance is very much an essential and necessary part of every journey.

For more information on insurance, please go to: Travel Insurance

Do I need a visa to travel to Antarctica?

Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. The visa requirements for your trip vary depending on where you are from and where you are going. As a general rule most countries expect that you will have at least 6 months' validity on your passport. On arrival visitors may be asked to present return tickets and evidence of means to cover your intended stay.

We keep the following information up to date as much as possible, but rules do change - it's important that you check for yourself. Residents from other countries must consult the relevant embassies or your travel agent.

  • No specific visa is required to enter Antarctica beyond the requirements of the country your trip departs from - most likely Argentina or Chile.

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Antarctica at a glance

  • 7
  • n/a
  • 1,000-5,000 (seasonal)
  • n/a
  • USD
  • (GMT-03:00) Buenos Aires
  • Type C (European 2-pin)
  • n/a

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