Educational Antarctica Cruises

A variety of ships offering different experiences

There is a variety of ships offering different experiences, to suit different groups. Typical Antarctica educational expeditions start at Ushuaia, the southernmost port in Argentina, visit the Antarctic Peninsula and islands and return 10-12 days later.

Whilst close to land (or ice), the plan would be for an average of two excursions by zodiac (RIBs or Rigid Inflatable Boats) each day, either landing or cruising around ice and observing wildlife. On-board life involves bird and whale watching and a programme of informative lectures from experts on polar wildlife, geology, history, etc. There is also an open-bridge policy, so passengers can enjoy the best views and interact with the crew.

On some Antarctica student expeditions, there are activity options such as kayaking, shoeshoeing, mountaineering, hiking, cross-country skiing, camping on ice and scuba.

Our objective at WILDFOOT, is to work hard to match your requirements to the expeditions available.

What’s Included

• On board ship, all meals and most non-alcoholic beverages are included (cans of carbonated drinks [sodas] are usually charged).
• Excursions and landings by zodiac.
• Activities as specified in the itinerary
• Hotels and transfers as specified in the itinerary.
• Flights as specified in the itinerary.

What’s Not Included

• Flights, if not specified in the itinerary.
• Optional on-aircraft purchases, such as beverages
• Meals, other than specified in the itinerary
• Activities not specified in the itinerary
• Optional purchases on board ship, such as beverages, laundry, items of a personal nature, etc. On board ship, each passenger normally has an account for such purchases. This account is the settled at the end of the voyage by cash or credit card. There are few opportunities for shopping ashore on trips to the Polar Regions.

Knowledge Base for Organisers and Group Leaders of an Antarctica Student Expedition

• Free places: Free place policy varies from ship to ship; however, a free place is normally offered when a group size reaches 19 participants. It may be possible to secure a free or discounted place with lower numbers and WILDFOOT will negotiate this on your behalf if appropriate.
• Accommodation: In hotels, accommodation is usually in twin bedded rooms with private facilities. On board educational expeditions in Antarctica, cabins are shared on a quad, triple or twin basis. Some have their own shower rooms and others have just a wash basin in the cabin and shower rooms shared with other cabins.
• On board: Most ships have an open deck and bridge policy allowing access at most times to all passengers. The overall atmosphere on board is informal and relaxed and passengers enjoy a shared experience.

• Educational content and co-operation: There is a team of expert guides and lecturers on board ship. These experts will work closely with group leaders of an Antarctica student expedition to provide a stimulating environment for students. (Note, this cannot be on an exclusive basis.) There are daily lectures relating to what will be seen during the trip. Subjects include cetaceans and other sea mammals, birdlife, geology and exploration history. Specific field trips ashore are not possible on Antarctica educational expeditions, however, expert guides accompany all landings. Lecture rooms on board can also be made available when not in use.
• Activities: On some ships, there are optional activities such as kayaking, mountaineering, showshoeing, hiking, camping on ice, scuba, specialist photography, etc. Some of these can be included in the expedition cost whilst others will involve additional charges. For activities such as scuba, evidence of proficiency is also required.
• Safety: All the ship operators we work with comply with the strictest international safety standards. Ships have ice-strengthened hulls and are all rated for travel in polar waters.

• Diet: Food on board is varied and of a high standard, with options to suit most tastes. Most special dietary requirements can be catered for, but these must be discussed and agreed in advance of travel
• Insurance: All trips are on board expedition ships with a range of passengers on board. It is a condition of the operators of these ships that all participants must submit a medical form signed by a family doctor or other medical professional. It is also a condition that comprehensive travel insurance is taken, which includes provision for emergency evacuation. There are a number of insurance companies which provide this cover.
• Emergency contact: Office hours at WILDFOOT are 09.00-17.3009.00-17.30 (UK time) Monday to Friday; however, we also have a 24 hour emergency contact number. It is also possible to contact ships in an emergency via satellite communication.
• Pre-trip: Full briefing notes will be provided for organisers.

WILDFOOT, is a specialist polar operator with ten years' experience of arranging polar expeditions for individuals and specialist groups.

Our staff have sailed on a variety of expedition ships and have personal experience of the polar regions, having visited Antarctica, South Georgia, Tristan da Cunha and other South Atlantic islands, Svalbard, Alaska, Northern Norway, Iceland and the Russian Far East, with trips planned to Greenland and Arctic Canada.

The company is a member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators), AECO ( Association of Arctic Expedition Cruise Operators), the Association of Cruise Experts, the Association of British Travel Agents and is a holder of a Civil Aviation Authority ATOL certificate.

WILDFOOT is committed to responsible travel and protecting the environment of the polar regions. Apart from membership of IAATO & AECO, which promote responsible and minimum-impact tourism in Antarctica and the Arctic, we are associated with the South Georgia Habitat Restoration Project, Save the Albatross, Worldwide Fund for Nature and the Wildfowl & Wetlands Trust.