Take It from the Authority on Antarctica: Here’s How to Prepare for Your Expedition.

At Ponant, we know Antarctica. Our specialists help guests prepare for our luxury Antarctica expeditions year after year. So we have all the intel you need – when to go, what to pack and how to respect the wildlife. Read on … then start planning!

Astral Summer Is Prime Time, but Not All Months Are the Same

At the height of the astral summer (December – March), the sun never sets and temperatures can climb into the 30s on the Fahrenheit scale. But this is not to say that all summer months offer the same magical experience. Here’s our take on choosing the time of year that suits you:

November. The promise of spring hangs in the air in November. Penguins begin to court and nest in preparation for the arrival of their chicks as Weddell and Fur seals start their mating rituals. Other than researchers, very few humans have been here since March, making it feel pristine and mystical.

December. Temperatures are beginning to warm up some more, but icebergs are still massive and glimmering. During this period of great awakening, the sun shines for 20 or more hours and the white wilderness is at its purest. Humpback whales arrive after a long southern migration.

January.  As the mercury climbs – sometimes into the 50s on the Fahrenheit scale – new life emerges. Newly hatched penguin chicks stumble around like fluffy fur balls. Seal pups waddle about on the ice and take to the waters for the first time. And as the ice melts, luxury expedition ships like ours can venture further into bays and inlets, delivering you to the most immaculate landscapes you’ll ever see.

February. This is when Antarctica is at its warmest and wildlife is at its most active. Whales are here in abundance, breaching the waters or even coming right up alongside our ship. More fur seals lounge on land, staring at us indifferently as we pass. When penguin chicks aren’t curiously approaching human visitors, they begin mastering their flipper work as they swim in the icy waters.

March. As summer draws to a close, sunsets return to bring a stunning warm glow to the breathtaking landscapes, great light for photographers. Temperatures begin to fall. As winter begins to once again take hold, juvenile penguins head farther out to sea. But whales stick around for a little while longer. With fewer ships plying the waters, you can feel as if Antarctica is all yours.

With a five-month season and with limited space on our luxury small ships, we recommend reserving your Antarctic expedition early.

Pack These Essentials and Feel Cozy as a Fur Seal

Average daytime temperatures hover in the 30s during the summer, and it can get warmer with little warning. Wearing layers is the secret to regulating your comfort. And remember that your expedition will likely begin in Ushuaia, Argentina, where it’s warmer. You’ll be glad to have the layering option here.

If you’re a skier or a winter outdoorsperson, you’ll probably have much of what you need on hand already for Antarctica. Pack a thermal base layer, a couple of light layers with wicking properties so that perspiration won’t dampen your clothes and chill you to the bone, and an outer layer that’s both waterproof and windproof. Employ this strategy for your pants, too. And of course, you’ll need a hat and gloves.

If your middle and outer layers get wet, you can dry them overnight in your cabin and wear them the next day. The same might be true of your base layer, but bring an extra one just in case. Consider making room for all this in your carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.

More Essentials

• Calf-high boots
• Polarized sunglasses with a high UV protection
• Sunblock and lip balm, minimum SPF 30
• More seasickness pills than you’ll need and extra OTC medication you might be taking
• Waterproof carry case for equipment you bring on Zodiac excursions, such as sturdy Ziploc bags or (better still) dry bags
• Waterproof day pack for excursions

Some Optionals

• Wide-angle camera with a zoom lens
• Binoculars
• Walking poles
• Yak tracks to attach to your boots when you walk over ice
• Extra batteries for equipment you might bring and extra memory cards if you use them for your camera

Please note: Once you reserve your luxury Antarctic expedition, you will receive a more detailed and comprehensive packing list.

Wildlife Etiquette

With so few human visitors, Antarctica’s wildlife is likely to be as curious about you as you are about them. Orca, humpback, right, and blue whales may sidle up to our ship or even your Zodiac inflatable craft. Follow your guide’s lead when one of these gentle giants emerges for a visit; if you’re not sure if you should touch them or how to otherwise behave toward them, just ask. Weddell and leopard seals might be more likely to keep their distance, preferring to stretch out on their icebergs and ice floes and give you little more than a passing glance.

Chances are good that penguins will provide you the closest encounters. Adélie and emperor penguins both breed here and their colonies are massive – you might find yourself standing amidst thousands! Your expedition leader and naturalist guide will fill you in on how much distance to give them. But generally, plan to keep at least six feet away. Some birds that are unfamiliar with humans might approach you. Should this happen, keep calm and still and you’re likely to have a memorable meeting!