Putting aside the paperwork challenges of permit applications for the time being, as captain you have to contend with poorly charted areas, unpredictable and severe weather, a lack of any facilities or infrastructure and, of course, significant ice concentrations. Expect long nights on the bridge and a crew that is often exhausted at the end of the expedition – both from the extra work responsibilities and their desire to stay up late in order to experience every magical moment.

Despite the challenges, Antarctica is a prime yachting destination for the well-prepared yacht. Below are some considerations before you set sail for the White Continent.

Many captains wonder – and quite rightly so – can my yacht safely make it to Antarctica? The reality is that a wide variety of yachts – from small sailboats to the largest expedition superyachts – have visited successfully. Generally, most yachts can reach Antarctica and deliver a safe and meaningful guest experience.

However, not all yachts are created equal, and not all experiences in Antarctica will be the same. The capabilities of your yacht will absolutely determine what you can do and where you can go when south.

True expedition yachts with a significant ice class will be able to push further and deliver unique experiences well away from other vessels.

Less robust vessels will be quite limited in the geography they can navigate and the season you can visit.

TendersLeave your limo tender behind! The combination of the ice and making landings on rocky bottoms means that conventional yacht tenders are simply not cut out for Antarctic operations. While it may not look elegant, the simple but sturdy Zodiac is a necessity for getting guests ashore. Be prepared to bring at least one on your expedition south.

Permits and water toys

Gone are the old Wild West days in Antarctica when hardly any ships visited and there was little defined process for getting permission to go. Today, there is a long permit process required, and the rules and regulations when you get to Antarctica dictate everything from waste management to wildlife interaction.

Countries that have signed the Antarctic Treaty have seen the growth in private yacht visits recently and are paying increased attention to ensure that yachts that don’t get a permit or behave contrary to guidelines are properly prosecuted.

Departure ports and the Drake Passage

Most yachts choose to begin their Antarctica expedition in either Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile. Both are true Antarctic gateways. Ushuaia has greater resources and is better equipped for superyacht requests. It is also a full day further south, so choosing your weather window to cross the Drake is easier. Its principal downside is cost: port and pilotage costs are significantly more expensive than in Punta Arenas.

The Drake Passage is infamous in reputation but in reality, most yachts will cross just fine with only moderate sea conditions (four-metre swells) with proper planning.

Leaving enough of a proper weather window is essential; vessels that get into trouble are the ones that create an overly rigid or hurried timeline. The storm systems are fierce but also move quickly; a willingness to delay passage by a few days will usually result in a much calmer crossing. Still, forecasts are not perfectly accurate and systems develop quickly, so always prepare the yacht for the worst.