The short answer is no, your mobile phone will not work during your tour of Antarctica.
While we’ve come a long way from the earliest expeditions when explorers could only send snail mail via other ships, Antarctica is still a remote and wild destination with a telecommunications system to match. We think you’ll enjoy it best if you embrace the adventure and leave uploading all your photos and giving your friends the rundown until you get home.
That being said, you won't be totally cut off from the wider world. All of Intrepid’s Antarctic expeditions operate on vessels equipped with satellite phones that can be operated at the discretion of the ship manager on a pay-per-minute basis. However, satellite communications from the ship can be disrupted when travelling through mountainous areas or through narrow channels, or until satellites next pass overhead. As such, these phones are generally reserved for emergencies only. Â
Internet access is possible via wi-fi on your personal laptop or device in certain areas of the ship and is charged via a prepaid card which can be purchased through the ship manager. Be aware that connections can be slow and intermittent, so all ships charge for data used rather than time spent online. Accessing some websites such as Facebook using the ship's wi-fi will be very expensive, as downloading picture-heavy content uses a large amount of data. Text-only emails are therefore the most affordable way to communicate with friends and family at home.
If you are planning a trip to Antarctica, make sure your loved ones have realistic expectations of your (in)ability to communicate with them.
Click here to read more Antarctica FAQs
Our tours in Antarctica
14 Days
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6702
Set sail for the trip of a lifetime – a 14-day journey on board the Ocean Endeavour,...
11 Days
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4644
Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
11 Days
From
6834
Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...
14 Days
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6180
Cross the Antarctic Circle with World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) whale...
14 Days
From
5580
Experience the rare opportunity to explore both the eastern and western sides of the...
21 Days
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16430
Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...
11 Days
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4590
This is one Christmas you’ll never forget – journey to Antarctica on board the Ocean...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
11 Days
From
5840
Set off on an 11-day expedition on board the Ocean Endeavour, revealing the landscapes...
11 Days
From
6780
Join World Wildlife Fund Australia (WWF-Australia) scientists on an 11-day expedition...
21 Days
From
10863
Spot seals, whales and albatross aboard the Ocean Endeavour. Retrace the steps of...
23 Days
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14832
This trip is an Antarctica expedition like no other. Try wildlife photography and see...
12 Days
From
5840
Witness Antarctic Peninsula whales on this epic journey at sea. Spot seals and penguins...
