Overview
Visiting Birdland
A comprehensive introduction to Antarctic tourism -- how to get here, what to expect, and why Birdland welcomes responsible visitors to the world's last great wilderness.
Read full article ->Visitor Information
Plan your journey to the world's last great wilderness. Comprehensive guides covering expedition operators, permit requirements, wildlife protocols, survival preparation, and safety advisories for responsible Antarctic travel.
18
Total Guides
5
Operators Listed
Oct -- Mar
Season
~100K
Annual Visitors
Getting Started
Essential orientation for visitors to Birdland -- how tourism works, what to expect, and the current season calendar.
Overview
2026 Season Calendar
Key dates, peak windows, and seasonal highlights for the current Antarctic tourism season. Plan your visit around wildlife events and optimal weather windows.
Read full article ->Expedition Cruise Lines
Major cruise operators running Antarctic expeditions, from classic Peninsula voyages to icebreaker-class vessels reaching the Weddell and Ross Seas.
Cruise Line
Hurtigruten Expeditions
Norway's pioneering expedition cruise line operates purpose-built polar vessels with hybrid power, science centers, and expert-led landings across the Antarctic Peninsula.
Read full article ->Cruise Line
Ponant Cruises
French luxury expedition line operating Le Commandant Charcot, the world's first luxury icebreaker, capable of reaching Antarctica's most remote regions including the Weddell Sea and Ross Sea.
Read full article ->Cruise Line
Quark Expeditions
A specialist polar expedition operator with 30+ years of experience, offering a wide range of Antarctic itineraries from classic Peninsula voyages to fly-cruise options and adventurous add-ons.
Read full article ->Tour Operators & Specialists
Land-based, fly-in, and adventure-focused operators offering unique Antarctic experiences beyond traditional cruising.
Tour Agency
Aurora Expeditions
An Australian adventure expedition company specializing in small-group Antarctic voyages with a strong focus on active exploration -- kayaking, diving, mountaineering, and ski touring.
Read full article ->Tour Agency
Adventure Consultants
New Zealand-based specialist operator offering fly-in expeditions to the Antarctic interior, including guided South Pole ski traverses and Union Glacier base camp experiences.
Read full article ->Permits & Regulations
Tourist permit requirements under the Antarctic Treaty, region-specific access rules, and how operators handle compliance on your behalf.
Permits
Tourist Permit Requirements
All visitors to Antarctica require advance permits under the Antarctic Treaty Protocol on Environmental Protection. Understand the permit framework, who issues them, and how operators handle compliance.
Read full article ->Permits
Peninsula Region Permits
The Antarctic Peninsula is the most visited region on the continent. Special site management plans, visitor caps, and landing rotation schedules add additional permit layers beyond the standard framework.
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Interior & South Pole Access Permits
Accessing Antarctica's interior -- Union Glacier, the South Pole, and the Transantarctic Mountains -- requires specialized permits, environmental assessments, and operational approvals beyond standard tourist authorization.
Read full article ->Wildlife & Environmental Guidelines
Rules for wildlife interaction, environmental protection protocols, and photography and drone regulations. These are legally enforceable, not suggestions.
Guidelines
Wildlife Interaction Guidelines
Detailed rules for approaching, observing, and photographing Antarctic wildlife. Minimum distances, prohibited behaviors, and species-specific guidance for penguins, seals, and seabirds.
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Environmental Protection Protocol
Antarctica's environmental rules are the strictest on Earth. Zero-impact principles, biosecurity decontamination, waste removal requirements, and contamination prevention for all visitors.
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Photography & Drone Guidelines
Rules for photographing wildlife, flying drones, using flash, and managing equipment in Antarctic conditions. Protect both the wildlife and your gear.
Read full article ->Trip Planning
Best times to visit, gear and survival essentials, health and medical preparation -- everything you need to be ready for the journey south.
Planning
Best Times to Visit
A month-by-month breakdown of Antarctic conditions, wildlife events, and travel considerations. Choose the right window for your priorities -- wildlife, photography, adventure, or solitude.
Read full article ->Planning
Survival Essentials & What to Pack
Gear recommendations, layering systems, footwear, and physical preparation for Antarctic travel. What to bring, what the operator provides, and what will keep you safe in extreme cold.
Read full article ->Planning
Health & Medical Preparation
Vaccinations, insurance requirements, altitude considerations, cold-related injuries, and medical facilities available during Antarctic travel. What to know before you go.
Read full article ->Safety Advisories
Weather patterns, emergency protocols, search and rescue coordination, and what happens when conditions turn dangerous in the most remote place on Earth.
Advisory
Weather Advisories
Understanding Antarctic weather patterns -- katabatic winds, whiteout conditions, sea ice variability, and the Drake Passage. How weather shapes every aspect of your expedition.
Read full article ->Advisory
Emergency Protocols
Search and rescue coordination, medical evacuation procedures, emergency contacts, and what happens when things go wrong in the most remote place on Earth.
Read full article ->