Antarctica Pre-Trip Info

Arrival Info | Drake Passage | Visa | Weather | Packing | Itinerary | FAQs

Let’s GOOOO! This is about to be the trip of a lifetime and we can’t wait to go together. Beforehand here’s a few things we think would be helpful for you to know ahead of time to help planning and packing for Antarctica.

Please read the Arrival Info if nothing else!

General Antarctica Quick Info

  • 12 Days/11 Nights: January 28 – February 8, 2026
    • 1 Night: Sofitel Recoleta, Buenos Aires, Argentina
    • 10 Nights: onboard MS Fridtjof Nansen by HX Expeditions
  • We will all meet up in Buenos Aires, spend the night in the hotel, then wake up early the next morning to hop on a charter flight for Ushuaia where we will board the ship
  • The ship is all-inclusive. This means food (breakfast, lunch, and dinner) and drinks (all excluding premium drinks) are included. You are welcome to eat with us/the group at any time, or feel free to do your own thing. This is your trip and there is no pressure to spend/not to spend time with the group.
  • The optional additional add-on activities (like camping, kayaking etc) are lottery based systems that you will signup for during the Drakes Passage

Arrival Info

When you arrive at the group hotel – Sofitel Buenos Aires Recoleta – you will check in and then head down to the HX check in desks. (Both Amandas will be on site if you need any help and we will send out detailed info on how to do this on arrival day too).

When you check in with HX, they will give you a tag for your checked bag and let you know what time we will be flying out the next morning (likely very early, like VERY early).

That night, you will need to leave your checked bag outside of your hotel room door before you go to sleep. HX staff will come to collect it and it will meet back up with you again in Ushuaia where you will collect it from baggage claim at the airport. Right after you collect it from baggage claim, we will leave the suitcases with HX again at the airport where they will take it to the ship and leave it outside your room door on board!

IMPORTANT: because you leave your bag out the night before, you will need to have a small bag of things for that night/the next morning/anything you need for the flight and day in Ushuaia. If time and weather permits we will explore Ushuaia a bit, so you’ll need clothes etc for that.

We will go over all this again in person, but just make sure you have a bag you can use as an overnight bag!

Drakes Passage

People tend to be the most concerned about Drakes Passage, so everyone cross their fingers and toes we get the Drake Lake! But maybe just like a little Drake Shake because that sounds fun no?? Some things to keep in mind during these days:

  • Motion sickness – how you deal with this is totally dependent on what you’re comfortable with BUT once you get motion sick on the Drake Passage there really is no coming back from it until we get to Antarctica/Argentina, where the waters are virtually flat. The key is to stay ahead of the motion sickness. Amanda Brown uses dramamine and a scopolamine patch. Amanda Meeks is a madwoman and does nothing and is fine.
  • there are extra meds on board and a doctor if you need it
  • you are (almost) free to spend the full time on the Drake Passage in your bed watching movies if you so choose! The lectures are even available in the rooms
  • if you want activities, there are lectures, a gym, sauna, spa, games, etc
  • there’s also a pool and hot tubs but these tend to be closed on the Drake Passage
  • our boat has large stabilizers (like plane wings) that take out a LOT of the motion, so it probably won’t feel as bad as you think!

Vaccines / Medical Screening

You likely don’t need any vaccines for the trip as none are required but HX advises travelers to be up to date with their yearly flu, COVID-19 and routine vaccinations. Feel free to talk to your doctor about their recommendations. The CDC guidelines on vaccines are linked here: Antarctica CDC Guidelines.

Medical Screening

On this expedition we explore some of the world’s most remote areas – so sophisticated medical services are few and far between. Medical care at sea is limited, and often emergency sea and air services may also be inaccessible, particularly in the polar regions. It is therefore vital that you make us aware of any current or past health issues, which is also a part of the Medical Screening Form you are completing through HX. Read more here

Visas

  • No visas are needed for Argentina or Antarctica (unless you are staying >90 days in Argentina)
  • Passport must have at least 1 blank page
  • Passport must be valid for 6 months after arrival for Antarctica (which you have already confirmed!).

Weather

Antarctica might be the coldest place on Earth, but it’s probably not as cold as you’re imagining, especially when we’re going – aka Antarctica Summer!

Temperatures will likely stay between 28° – 40°F (-2° to 5°C). The air is crisp and dry, but the weather can also change quickly and a calm day can turn into snow and cold winds. The key is layering: think thermal base layers, waterproof outerwear (a thin but effective windbreaker jacket will be provided by HX), and cozy accessories so you can easily add or remove as the weather changes.

Packing List

HX primarily handles all the bags from the time you get to the hotel so you don’t have to worry about lugging them around! Amanda Brown usually packs in a carry-on but for Antarctica will be checking a large hard-sided suitcase and bringing a book bag. Amanda Meeks is a wizard and packs in a carryon even for the coldest of destinations. But either way, a little sink laundry never hurt anyone!

The attire on the ship is very relaxed, last time we mostly all wore sweatshirts/sweaters, and sweatpants/fleece lined pants. The key to dressing on board is to be wearing enough and/or have a warm jacket with you at all times so you can run outside when someone spots something!

You’ll need a few good base layers, cozy middle layer jacket, outer warm jacket, gloves, hats, scarves, socks, and waterproof pants. But our ship provides a thin (but warm) outer shell that keeps your body heat in and the wind out (that you get to keep and take home!), and you will be given loaner boots that are warm and waterproof for activities.

For the warm accessories like gloves, hats, scarves, etc it’s ideal to pack 2 of each in case one gets really wet during an activity and isn’t dry by the next activity.

The items linked below are by no means an exhaustive list of options, theres a good chance you have things you can layer already! But if you need a few additional pieces or some inspo we’re linking what we pack below: (here’s a quick version as a single list on Amazon)

Clothes/Shoes/Accessories

Tech

  • Camera (just your phone is fine, but I linked the camera body & lens I use! Will also rent a 200-600 lens from Aperturent. Best advice is to bring something you know how to use, you don’t want to spend your trip fiddling with a new camera!
    • if you’re bringing a camera, bring an extra battery too
  • Universal Adapter – HX boats use 2 round European plugs so you’ll want an adapter
  • All your chargers
  • External charger – all the videos & photos you’ll take will drain your battery and it’s nice to bring around on the ship
  • Extra Memory Cards
  • External hard drive – wifi/service on the boat is just enough to check email and use WhatsApp, so definitely not enough to back up photos & videos. I back it up on a hard drive daily – would hate to lose it all!!
  • Binoculars – some decent binos are worth it if you don’t have a big camera lens!

Toiletries/Personal Items

Medication&Healthcare

  • Sunscreen
  • Sunscreen chapstick
  • Ginger drops – a must IMO
  • Dramamine (motion sickness tablets)
  • Dramamine Less Drowsy
  • OPTIONAL: Scopolamine Patches – need a prescription from a doctor. NOTE: they are INTENSE but if you are really worried about getting seasick they help a ton. Last time Amanda Brown used a full patch and it dried her out so much she felt like she had the flu, but no motion sickness. This time she will cut a patch in half.
  • Herbal Motion Sickness Patches
  • Prescription medication – always pack at least an extra week of your prescriptions
  • Toiletries/shower soaps/makeup etc
  • Hydration packets – it’s easy to get really dehydrated and drinking lots of water is key!
  • Sink Laundry Packs – there is a paid laundry service on the ship (free for Expedition Suites) but personally the Amandas just do sink laundry when needed

Travel Days/Packing

  • Color copy printed of passport recommended
  • Picture of Passport on your phone (this is just always helpful to have!)
  • AirTags for your bags
  • Cards or games that are easy to travel with
  • Books/kindle etc
  • Travel neck pillow
  • Travel eye mask (loveee these ones!)
  • No-jet-lag pills (I take these for every long trip on the flight!)
  • Headphones that plug into plane audio jack OR
  • an AirFly to use bluetooth headphones
  • Noise Canceling Earbuds – go-to earbuds that don’t hurt my ears
  • Bag lock for your bookbag/suitcase
  • Carry On Suitcase – this is my go-to carry on
  • Checked Suitcase – been using for 5 years
  • Book bag – this is my go-to packing book bag
  • Packing Cubes – helps save so much space!
  • I like to take Aklaseltzer PM on the flights to sleep better

I’ve linked some of our favorite items and they are commissionable links that we receive a small portion at no cost to you anytime you buy through them, but by no means is it required!

Long Haul Flight Tips

  • Wear comfy loose fitting clothes
  • Drink lotsss of water, a lot of jet-lag symptoms are actually dehydration and effects from being in pressurized air for extended periods of time
  • Avoid the free alcohol – it’s fine! it can just contribute to dehydration/jet-lag, but you do you!
  • Get up to walk around as often as possible if you aren’t sleeping
  • Chew up a no-jet-lag pill when you board, then another every 2 hours if you aren’t sleeping (it’s okay to skip when sleeping!) (talk to your doc before taking any meds/homeopathic items)
  • I like to board the flight, chew up a no-jet-lag pill, start a movie, eat dinner that’s usually served around 1-1.5 hrs after take off, finish my movie, chew up another no-jet-lag pill and sleep as long as I can
  • PS: if you’re vegetarian or prefer veggie plane meals (I always have even before being veg) make sure to pre-request them 24+ hrs before your flight!
  • Bring an AirFly so you can use your own earbuds with the plane TVs

Itinerary

Day 1: Buenos Aires Day

Jan 28

Arrive in Buenos Aires, stay overnight in a hotel (included), meet the rest of the group for a happy hour.

Day 2: Ushuaia Day & Board Ship

Jan 29

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. We’ll spend the day exploring Ushuaia, one of the world’s most southernmost cities and the capital of the Tierra del Fuego region, before we board the Fridtjof Nansen. From there, we’ll meet our hybrid electric-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters.

After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board.

Days 3 – 4: Cross the Drake Passage

Jan 30 & 31

Spend 2 days crossing the infamous Drake Passage! These days are full of as much or as little activity as you want. There’s dozens of interesting informative lectures (which can be watched in the lecture room, or streamed from the comfort of your bed), a gym, sauna, spa (subject to additional costs), hot tubs, and plenty of lounge areas to hangout in.

These days will also include mandatory safety briefings, sessions on the sustainability measures and rules of Antarctica through The International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), and scheduled time slots to pick up your loaner boots.

The optional additional add-on activities (like camping, kayaking etc) are lottery based systems. Everyone will sign up for the activities they are interested during this time.

Day 5-9: ANTARCTICA!

Feb 1-5

After making it across the Drake Passage you’ll set foot in Antarctica. The days in Antarctica vary by weather, location, and time but generally you have two activities a day: a landing and a cruising. Each activity lasts around an hour to an hour and a half.

Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured that each day will offer something different and thrilling.

The landing gives you a chance to get closer to penguin colonies (& their smells!) and observe them in their natural habitats. While everyone keeps a safe distance from the penguins, sometimes the penguins don’t follow these rules and may walk right past you!

The cruising allows you to zip around icebergs on zodiac boats looking for penguins, seals, and if you’re really lucky – whales! These small inflatable boats give you a chance to experience Antarctica from the water in a way you just can’t on the ship.

There are additional activities that are available on a lottery basis (as space is limited) with an extra cost, these include things like: kayaking, camping, snow shoeing, and a photography cruise.

Day 10-11: Return Across the Drake Passage

Feb 6 & 7

Sadly time to return back to the real world. The journey back across the Drake Passage includes relaxing days with entertaining ship events, lectures, and a recap video of everything we saw on the trip!

Day 12: Ushuaia > Buenos Aires

Feb 8

We will arrive back to Ushuaia and will board our flight back to Buenos Aires.

SO SO SO excited to travel with you all, please let us know if you need anything at all or have any questions!

FAQs

How many days are we actually in Antarctica?

We will have 5 full days in Antarctica (weather permitting). Every day we will move to a different area meaning if conditions are right we will have 5 landings and 5 zodiac cruisings.

What is a zodiac boat?

It is a small inflatable boat that fits around 12-18 people usually. You use a zodiac boat to get from the ship to land, as well as for cruisings.

How bad is the Drake Passage?

It’s not *as* bad as you might think! And with the proper medications it’s very doable, especially since once you actually get to Antarctica you have virtually calm waters and can barely tell you’re on a boat! Drake’s Passage is famous for being one of the most difficult waterways to pass, which is why you can only visit in the Antarctic summer when the waters are calmer. The time of year we are going provides the best conditions, but that doesn’t mean you won’t feel any movement.
The ship we are on has massive stabilizers that extend under the water, taking away a lot of the movement and providing a much more comfortable passage. I’d highly recommend you bring plenty of motion sickness medications (we will talk more about which ones in the packing list we provide before the trip!).

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Vegetarian, vegan, dairy free, gluten free can all easily be accommodated. Most other dietary restrictions can be accommodated, but if you have any specific concerns just let us know and we will talk with the ship to confirm we can meet those needs.

What type of animals can I expect to see?

AHHHH!! The best part! Antarctica is basically an ice safari, in what feels like outer space to me. While we cannot guarantee any animal sightings since nature is the one in control, we can expect to see LOTS of penguins, while looking out for various Antarctic birds, seals (like Antarctic fur seals and leopard seals), and whales! February and March are the best months to see whales in Antarctica and we can look for humpbacks, orcas, fin whales, minke whales and more.

Are there any mobility restrictions?

The ship is fully accessible. To be able to get in the zodiac boats for landing activities you’d need to be able to get yourself in/out of a bathtub with minimal assistance. 

What food and drink is included?

All meals are included in your package (breakfast, lunch, dinner, and snacks). There is a fine dining restaurant on board, the Lindstrøm, for an additional fee if you choose to dine there. Wine, beer, and spirits are available at meals and throughout the day. All day coffee, tea, and soft drinks are also included.

How cold is it?

It’s probably not nearly as cold as you think! The temps tend to be around 32 F (0 C). When the sun is out it’s wonderful, but it can also be quite chilly when the wind starts to blow. When we went in February 2024 it was colder in Atlanta than Antarctica!

Is there Wifi on board?

Yes, but please keep in mind we will be in remote areas and access to WiFi can be unreliable. But it is free which is amazing because some other ships charge up to $600 for WiFi access. While we did have some trip attendees working remotely while in Antarctica on our 2024 trip, I’d plan to be okay being completely disconnected from WiFi. Conditions aren’t always right for the WiFi to work well, but generally you can access messaging and emails. Just don’t expect to be able to stream Netflix or scroll TikTok.

Is laundry available?

There is laundry service available on the ship for a fee (unless you are in an Expedition Suite, then it’s included in the room rate). You can also bring travel laundry packets and do your own sink laundry if you’d rather do that!

Where do I fly in and out of?

You will fly in and out of Buenos Aires, Argentina. There are 2 major airports, AEP and EZE. Most flights will be in and out of EZE (and the charter flight is typically in and out of EZE, but will not be fully confirmed until a few weeks before the trip). But you can fly in and out of either AEP or EZE.
On the return flight home after the trip, if the charter flight flies into EZE but you need to head straight to the AEP airport to fly home, we will help you arrange a transport between the airports.

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Amanda Monique