Climate

Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, highest (on average), and driest continent in the world with 98% of its area covered by snow and ice.

Below are two graphs showing average 24-hour temperature and rainfall for Grytviken in the South Shetland islands, Deception island in South Georgia and London for comparison.

Average 24-hour Temperature (in ^oC)

Average Rainfall/Precipitation (in mm)

 

Currency

Most ships accept credit cards and US dollars and often there is a currency exchange facility on board where it is also possible to exchange travellers cheques. In Antarctica itself, each research base uses the currency of their home country. Current dollar exchange rates are available via Google currency conversion or the OANDA currency converter. We’d advise that you tell your bank you intend to use your card abroad before you set off.

Visas

No visa is required to visit the Antarctic, up-to-date travel advice can be found on the Foreign & Commonwealth Office website.

Vaccinations

We recommend that you always check with your own travel clinic or health professional before you travel, for advice specific to your requirements. The Foreign & Commonwealth Office website contains for health advice for travellers to Antarctica.

The Booking Process

Please call us and speak to one of our experts, many of whom have travelled to Antarctica. We ask you to read our booking process, which contains important information about the way we handle bookings for polar cruises.