FAQ

How to prepare for a polar voyage on a sailing yacht, and answers to the questions we hear most often

Preparing for your voyage

Frozen Ocean · up to 8 guests on board. Everything worth packing and doing before you go.

Questions & answers

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Clothing

Most important: no suitcases

We live on a yacht, space is tight, and there is simply nowhere to store a hard suitcase. Bring a backpack or a soft bag, wheeled is fine.

The principle: layers, not one warm jacket

At high latitudes everything can change within an hour: sun, wind, snow, spray. It's easiest to wear several layers and add or remove them as needed.

Base layer

Cotton doesn't work: it absorbs moisture, dries slowly and chills your body

Insulation

Outer layer: wind and water protection

Head and hands

Sun

Everything else: as for any trip

Footwear

First-aid kit

A personal first-aid kit is a must. The yacht carries an emergency kit, but bring everything you personally might need: the nearest pharmacy will be far away.

This is not medical advice. Discuss your kit, especially prescription medicines, with your doctor. Product names are examples only and may differ in your country.

Basics

Stomach

Cuts and skin

If needed

Your personal medication

Medication and seasickness

If you're worried about seasickness, there are several proven remedies:

Proven remedies

Important

What helps without medication

Medical preparation and insurance

Before the trip

Insurance: you need two

The yacht is insured, but its insurance does not cover you personally. If something happens to you, only your personal insurance will cover the costs. That's why we ask you to take out two policies, or one combined policy that includes both.

1. Medical insurance: in case of illness

Covers treatment if you get ill or injured: doctors, medication, hospital and, most importantly, medical evacuation and repatriation.

When buying, check that:

2. Accident insurance

This is a different kind of insurance. It doesn't pay for treatment; instead it pays you a fixed sum if an accident (a fall, an injury on deck or ashore) leaves you seriously injured or unable to work. Medical insurance doesn't cover these consequences.

When buying, check that:

Important for both policies

Be sure to find out in advance what to do if you need to make a claim: whom to call and in what order. Write down your policy numbers and the insurers' 24/7 phone numbers on paper, because there may be no connection.

Sea and safety

Is the Drake Passage scary?

The Drake is rightly considered one of the roughest straits on the planet: this is where the Atlantic and Pacific meet, and the weather changes fast. On a yacht the crossing takes about four days.

But we don't head out blindly. The skipper watches the forecast closely and picks a weather window, and if the forecast is bad, we wait in port. It will roll, sometimes a lot, and many people feel seasick in the first days. Yet afterwards guests remember the Drake as one of the highlights of the trip.

Is a yacht safe?

Yes. Our yachts are prepared for high-latitude sailing, and safety is our top priority:

And a small yacht can enter bays that big ships can't reach.

Will I get seasick?

Possibly, especially in the first days: that's normal, and the body usually adapts quickly. Bring seasickness remedies and take them in advance, before heading out to sea. See "Medication and seasickness" above for details.

What happens if the weather turns bad?

The day-by-day itinerary is a plan, not a timetable. In polar regions weather and ice decide everything, so the skipper may change the order of stops, wait out bad weather in a sheltered bay or choose another landing site. Safety always comes before the itinerary. That said, we have never had to cancel an expedition because of the weather.

Is medical help available on board?

The crew is trained in first aid and there is an emergency first-aid kit on board. But remember that the nearest hospital may be several days away. So bring a personal first-aid kit, see your doctor and dentist beforehand, and make sure your insurance covers medical evacuation.

Life on board

Do I need sailing experience?

No. You can simply relax and enjoy the views. And if you like, you can stand watches, learn to handle the sails and steer the yacht at the helm: the skipper will show you everything.

How many people are on board?

Up to 8 guests plus crew. It's an intimate format: everyone gets to know each other quickly, and the guides have time for every guest.

How big is the crew?

It depends on the yacht and the route. In Antarctica there are at least 4 crew members on board, and more on some yachts.

What are the cabins like?

You can book a single berth or a whole cabin: a double or a triple. Cabins on a yacht are compact, which is why we ask you to bring soft bags instead of suitcases.

Does each cabin have its own bathroom?

That depends on the yacht and the cabin. Please check the layout of the yacht sailing on your expedition: you can find it on the Fleet page or ask us for it.

Is there a shower and toilet on board?

Yes. Fresh water on a yacht is limited, so we keep showers short. Bed linen, towels and hand soap are provided on board.

What about food?

All meals and soft drinks on board are included in the price. If you have dietary requirements (vegetarian, gluten-free, lactose-free, allergies), let us know in advance: we send a questionnaire before the trip.

What if I miss breakfast, lunch or dinner?

No problem, we'll feed you anyway. The cook makes sure snacks are always available.

Will there be internet and phone signal?

There is Starlink on board. Internet access is charged separately, and the connection can be limited. Near settlements there is sometimes mobile signal. Be prepared to be almost offline for several days, and many guests consider that one of the best parts of the trip.

Do I need to be especially fit?

No special training is needed, but you should be able to move confidently around a rolling deck and climb into the dinghy for landings. If you have chronic conditions or health limitations, please tell us before booking.

Can I bring children?

Yes, we take children. The minimum age depends on the route, so please contact us in advance.

Activities

Will I get bored?

No. Landings happen regularly, weather permitting, and take up a lot of time: after them, boredom is rarely an issue. Between landings you can explore life on a yacht and take part in the crew's work, as far as safety allows. And we're happy to explain and show you seamanship skills.

Will we go ashore?

Yes. Landings and RIB Zodiac excursions are included in the price. There are usually 1–2 landings a day, sometimes 3, depending on the route. How many and where depends on weather, ice and local regulations. In Antarctica we follow IAATO guidelines to protect nature and wildlife.

Can I go kayaking?

There are usually kayaks on board, but it depends on the yacht and the route. And even with kayaks on board, going out depends on the weather, so we can't guarantee kayaking.

Can I go snorkelling or diving?

Snorkelling is possible, but you need to bring your own drysuit or wetsuit, and you can only go in a group of at least 2 people.

The yachts are partly equipped for diving. Diving is possible by separate arrangement, so please contact us in advance.

What about fishing?

Yes, but not everywhere. For example, under IAATO rules fishing is prohibited south of 60° South. That means no fishing in Antarctica.

What about wildlife photography?

Yes. We'll tell you in advance what to bring and what to look out for to get the best shots.

Can I go for a swim?

Yes, a dip in the cold water is possible if you wish.

What is there to do in the Drake Passage?

Settle into life at sea, rest and sleep before you see the seventh continent.

Rules of conduct in Antarctica

These are only the most important points. The full, up-to-date rules are published on the IAATO website: Visitor Guidelines Library.

How close can I get to penguins?

No closer than 5 metres. This IAATO rule applies to all wildlife ashore. If a penguin walks towards you, back away slowly and don't block its path to the water.

And to leopard seals?

Under IAATO rules the minimum distance from a leopard seal ashore, on ice and in the water is 5–15 metres, and at least 25 metres from a mother with a pup. Leopard seals are inquisitive and their behaviour can quickly turn aggressive. If one is swimming around the boat, keep your hands and feet inside. More: IAATO procedures for viewing leopard seals.

Can I smoke ashore?

No. Smoking is not allowed ashore during landings.

Can I take food ashore?

No. Food must not be taken ashore, and there is no eating on land.

Why can't I bring seeds?

To avoid introducing non-native species to Antarctica. Seeds, plant material and soil must not be brought in, either on purpose or by accident. That's why we clean clothing, pockets, Velcro, backpacks and boots before landings.

Can I bring a pet?

No. Bringing pets to Antarctica is prohibited.

Can I fly a drone?

Only by prior arrangement. Recreational drone flights in the coastal areas of Antarctica are prohibited under IAATO rules. To get permission you need a pilot licence, a marked drone and a briefing. All of this has to be arranged before the expedition, so please contact us as early as possible. More: IAATO on drones in Antarctica.

Booking and payment

What's included in the price?

Included:

Not included: flights to the departure port, visas, personal insurance, Starlink internet and personal expenses.

Do all places cost the same?

Usually yes. Master cabins can only be booked as a whole. If prices differ between places, this is stated separately in the expedition description.

How do I book and pay?

Send a request through the website or write to us. Payment is made in three stages:

The payment dates are set out in the contract and depend on the preparation timeline for the expedition.

How do I get the contract?

We prepare the contract before you pay. To do so, please send us:

You can reach us via the Contact page.

What is the cancellation policy?

Cancellations must be sent to us in writing. Unless the contract states otherwise:

Do I need insurance?

Yes, ideally two: medical (with evacuation cover) and accident insurance. The yacht's insurance doesn't cover you personally. See "Medical preparation and insurance" above for what to check in your policy.

Do I need a visa?

It depends on the region and your citizenship. General information:

If in doubt, write to us and we'll help.

Can I charter the whole yacht?

Yes, and it's cheaper than buying the places individually. If you're interested, send us a separate request on the Contact page.