By The UNCHARTED® editors · 5 min read
Antarctica calls to travelers of intrepid spirit. On these superbly equipped vessels, passengers cruise in comfort while spotting magnificent wildlife and immersing in primeval polar dreamscapes.
This frozen frontier lacks a native human population—a claim no other continent can make. The only people to tell its stories are researchers, explorers, and adventurers.
Typically described as the quietest place in the world, the isolation of Antarctica is what hits most. A glance across the terrain might make you believe there is nothing around, but we are here to assure you there is so much more than what meets the eye.
“In a barren land that still breeds life, in the calm weather that suddenly strikes with snowstorms, the beauty of Antarctica lies in its duplicity,” says one of our favorite UNCHARTED guides, Zibo Ding.
From the ombré of blues in glaciers and radiant golds that adorn flocks of emperor penguins, to the in the purple-hued skies and the dark eyes of leopard and fur seals, there are more arrays of color than one might expect to find in a polar landscape. On a typical day, chinstrap and gentoo penguins slip and sneak below the water’s surface alongside your kayak paddle, and occasionally a breaching humpback or orca appears thirty feet away—making that boat suddenly feel very small. Travelers hear little except for popping ice and albatross calling out for mates.
"Antarctica is very dynamic,” says Andre Belem, a diver, oceanographer, and UNCHARTED guide. "I feel insignificant in the face of such great whiteness, but at the same time intimate with it." As someone who has spent his career studying the continent from the Ross to Weddell seas, he calls the region 'Earth’s air-conditioning'. "It holds millions of years of geological and climate history, and it is really the only place you can still be in true wilderness.”
Getting to the southernmost region of the planet is no easy feat—so picking how and who gets you there is of utmost importance. Whether you want to travel through icy waters in style and warmth while spotting sunbathing elephant seals from the privacy of your own balcony, or are more likely to jump ship, board a Zodiac and motor your way to the nearest iceberg before strapping on snowshoes, our selection of vessels offers something for everyone.
Read on for mobile base camps that tailor to different types of travelers, and discover why some of our lauded guides think Antarctica should be your next trip.
For Every Expedition Level: the OCEAN NOVA
All aboard! Paired with a flight over the Drake Passage (to avoid sea sickness), the Ocean Nova is the most versatile boat to cruise upon Antarctic waters. The Nova was originally built for the ice-choked waters of Greenland, and she can easily plow through the thickest of chunks to take travelers to extremely remote areas.
The Nova prides herself on efficient disembarkation so you can easily explore. With a fleet of kayaks and Zodiacs for wildlife viewing, the crew also provides boots for wet landings that require wading to shore.
There are daily opportunities to snowshoe and hike, and photographers will find exquisite subjects in the icy landscapes. Anyone looking for some extra excitement can take part in the fabled polar plunge competition!
PLAN YOUR SAFARI
For Families: the Sylvia Earle
The Sylvia Earle was named after the famed marine biologist and first female chief scientist for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration. Certified as 100% climate neutral, and with a fully equipped Citizen Science Center complete with onboard naturalists, this boat truly is a floating ambassador for the protection of our planet. The vessel's streamlined design allows for a reduction in emissions, and it uses virtual GPS anchoring to hold its position—meaning there is no damage to the sea floor, unlike conventional anchors. The large mudroom enables guest to comfortably prepare for excursions and shore landings that emphasize a “tread lightly” approach, and a gym, plus several jacuzzis and saunas, are waiting for you back on board!
For Something Luxe: the MAGELLAN EXPLORER
Almost every cabin on the Magellan has a balcony—a rarity among ships venturing to the South Pole. Moreover, many suites feature private bathrooms with a shower and heated floors, and the stunning interior was designed by world-famous Enrique Concha & Co, making for a cozy trip that's also sleek and stylish.
Shared spaces include a forward-facing, glass-enclosed observation lounge with direct access to the vessel’s bow for proximity to marine life, as well as several dining areas and a bar where you can sit back and watch icebergs pass by. For quieter, more relaxed moments, unwind in the library or sauna. The Magellan also has an environmentally friendly heating system.
For Private Charters: the SEAXPLORER
This watercraft is the pinnacle of privacy—and it blows every other boat out of the water.
Built with remote destinations in mind, the SeaXplorer provides full service for up to a month without a port call, and she was the first ship to meet the new Polar Code Standards. While her entire hull is ice-strengthened and made to break through frosty waters (and she has both hybrid power and propulsion), that’s only the beginning.
Despite her rugged capability she still embodies luxury, with stunning spaces and a helicopter landing pad. Seventeen crew members—including guides, pilots, captains, and chefs—can accommodate 12 guests. There are also opportunities to dive, a rarity on most commercial ships in Antarctica. SeaXplorer offers true privacy for those who seek or require it.
