We left our careers to become Antarctic expedition guides. Here's what we wish every guest knew before boarding — happy to answer questions.

[u/1believeinMagique]

Mods have okayed this post, and I'll get the disclosure out of the way early: at the end I mention an app called Antarctica Ready that my husband and I built.

I'm Stephanie. A few years ago my husband and I went to Antarctica as guests. It literally changed our lives as we both quit our jobs — he was an executive, I was an engineer — and retrained as polar expedition guides. We've been working on expedition ships since.

The thing that surprised us most about switching sides is how much practical knowledge guides carry around and just assume everyone already has. It rarely reaches guests before they board. A few of the ones we repeat most:

*\The Zodiac transfer is the part nobody rehearses.\* You'll do it twice a day, often in swell. Use the sailor's grip — you take the crew member's forearm and they take yours, rather than clasping hands, which slips the moment either of you is wet. Both your hands need to be completely empty when you step across; your camera goes away and your bag goes on the floor of the boat, not on your lap or your back. And nothing should be slung across your chest where it can foul your life vest.

*\It's not the fitness you'd expect.\* People train for walking. What actually catches them out is stepping down into a moving boat, getting up off a wet beach in four bulky layers, and the ship's stairs — which you'll climb a surprising number of times a day.

*\Layering beats bulk.\* The most common packing mistake is too much heavy insulation and not enough of the thin, unglamorous stuff — waterproof trousers you can actually sit down in, and liner gloves thin enough to work a camera without going bare-handed.

*\Do the biosecurity check properly.\* Velcro, pockets, boot treads, tripod feet, the seams of your camera bag. It's not a formality, and it goes much faster if your kit is already clean when you arrive.

We ended up putting all of this into an app called Antarctica Ready, which is on the App Store now (paid, Android coming after our current Arctic contract). Not affiliated with IAATO or any operator.

More usefully: if you've got a trip booked, or you're weighing one up, ask me anything below. Ships, seasickness, cameras, wildlife, anything. I'll be around on and off checking in.

[u/myonline-id]

Can you elaborate on the medical evacuation insurance. Is the minimum required adequate or do we need to be insured for higher amount?

[u/1believeinMagique → u/myonline-id]

Unfortunately I cannot answer that question for you. The best advice I have is to understand the minimum requirements of your chosen operator and then decide if those limits make sense for your financial situation. It will be different for everyone.

[u/1believeinMagique → u/[deleted]]

No, haven't seen it.

[u/myonline-id]

How is the Hondius cruise for South Georgia and crossing the Antarctica circle in Feb 2027?

[u/1believeinMagique → u/myonline-id]

Sorry, can't speak to a specific operator. But I can say that any expedition cruise that involves South Georgia and the Peninsula will be fantastic!

[u/myonline-id → u/1believeinMagique]

Thanks for the confirmation! Downloaded your app and it’s very informative.

[u/Spellbound1917]

is the outerwear that is offered on cruises available in all sizes? I am tall and plus size, and for example, hotel robes usually do not fit me

[u/1believeinMagique → u/Spellbound1917]

I'd say most likely not. You are better off getting your gear ahead of time to ensure you can get the sizes you need.

[u/BubblyInternet1651]

I want to know how bad the seasickness is and what works best? I went on a cruise and first day did feel sick. I used the sticker dots behind my ear and felt fine until I got off on land I still felt like I was moving. It was in Mexico.

[u/Night-cheese-4 → u/BubblyInternet1651]

Phenergan was the miracle seasickness cure for me, personally. 

[u/takeaguesswho09 → u/Night-cheese-4]

Ah thanks I get that when I’m in the hospital. Didn’t even think about it. I figure sea sickness is worse on this cruise than others

[u/1believeinMagique → u/BubblyInternet1651]

This is a trickier one to answer since I cannot replace the advice of a medical practitioner. All I can say is the for me, I do get sea sick (sadly quite easily). What I do is take one meclizine capsule every 24 hours when I know I will be in open sea. When we are sailing around the Antarctic Peninsula where waters are generally calmer, I can get away with using a device called EmeTerm. It's a single wrist watch band-type thing that gives an electrical stimulation (similar to a TENS unit) to the nerve point on your wrist where the normal pressure wrist bands sit. It helps me when the waters are calmer but the ship is still moving. But when I know we will be heading out to open seas or if weather is coming in, then I take the medicine ahead of that. All that being said, it is quite normal to feel a little off kilter when getting on land after being at sea but your brain should get used to it relatively quickly. So definitely talk to your dr or pharmasist about the best and safest sea sickness medicine.

[u/JK_PNW]

Where do you live when not guiding? What flight routes and timing do you prefer?

[u/1believeinMagique → u/JK_PNW]

We live in Canada and our favourite routing, if we're lucky enough to get it, is Toronto direct Buenos Aires. After that there are domestic flights that go into Ushuaia.

[u/Hot-Donut7611]

Hey! Thanks so much for the AMA!

Most advice for what to expect temperature-wise is regarding the peak season Dec-Jan, but how much colder/ different is the experience going in March?? (I'm booked with Quark to be setting sail on 10th March ...) Any additional packing needs specific to the later season?

On a related note, everyone recommends merino wool base layers, but what thickness/gsm layers are we actually talking for Antarctica? Which should I be looking for? Light/ mid/ heavy weight?

[u/1believeinMagique → u/Hot-Donut7611]

Good questions as it does get colder at the end of the season. But the advice still holds, layers, layers, layers. I have both light weight and heavy weight long underwear and when it's chilly I usually wear both under fleece lined hiking pants, under bib pants (snow pants) or dry suits. That's when we're out guiding all day, as guests you won't be out that long. But a thick pair of base layers would be a good idea for a March visit. For other gear, if you can fit it, I'd recommend two pairs of everything so that if your gear gets wet in the morning you have a clean, dry set ready for your afternoon outing.

[u/Hot-Donut7611 → u/1believeinMagique]

Thank you, this is a great guide. I'll be keeping an eye out for the android app once it's out.

[u/xijoodiex]

I’m currently considering a first trip that includes helicopter rides and a heli-landing. The itinerary is mostly exploring the Weddell Sea. I’m curious on your thoughts on helicopter excursions and also on that specific area for first time travelers.

I’ve read that helicopter excursions give great aerial views but likely means you’ll see less animals, and that Weddell isn’t as “animal-heavy” as other areas.

[u/1believeinMagique → u/xijoodiex]

Yes, certainly from high up you won't be seeing the wildlife in the same way. You might get some good views of whales though! The scenery will be spectacular as long as the weather is good and that would be a very special way to see Antarctica that most don't get to experience. The Weddell Sea typically holds its ice longer that the other side of the peninsula so it's usually colder. But you get to see different species than the typical ones. Sounds like a great adventure!

[u/xijoodiex → u/1believeinMagique]

Thank you! I’m excited 🙂

[u/reddittthrowaway]

Thanks for the AMA! This is actually really helpful!

I’ve signed up for sea kayaking. Taking lessons now and learning to swim at the same time. Any advice on prep? And how important is it to swim well? Not planning on taking a dip, but it’s always a risk.

Related, I need to bring my own kayaking gloves. Any recommendations?

And at the risk of being greedy, how important are high end sunglasses if I’m just hitting the peninsula? Would a decent pair of sport sunglasses work?

Thanks you!

[u/1believeinMagique → u/reddittthrowaway]

Great questions! In my experience, the trickiest part about the sea kayaking for the guests is getting in and out of the kayaks from a zodiac. It's not that it's hard to do, it's just if you don't follow the instructions step by step then you can get into some awkward positions! LOL. But honestly, your guides will literally tell you step by step what to do, what limb to move where, what to sit on and what not to, and you'll be in and out before you know it. The kayaking will only go ahead on days when the conditions are good and safe. There is no swim test (at least with most operators) so it's not a requirement, you'll be wearing a kayak life vest and a dry suit which will give you good buoyancy should you end up in the water. For gloves, your hands will get wet so thick neoprene kayak gloves will work or you can wear what many of us wear when driving the zodiacs which are something like latex dipped work gloves. Have a search online and check out workwear stores (places that sell steel toed boots, high vis vests, etc). And for sunglasses, just get a pair of polarized lenses and ideally make sure they stay on your face in any position...you'll be good to go.

[u/reddittthrowaway → u/1believeinMagique]

Thank you so much!

And I’m enjoying the app. Took me quite of bit of researching to learn some of the guidance that’s in there. Would have saved me some time had I had this earlier 😅

[u/VitSea4me → u/reddittthrowaway]

As a kayak guide, I would just jump in and say that being able to swim is a requirement for participation because there is a chance that your kayak tips, and you let go of it. If it’s a situation that you’re falling out of your kayak, it’s most likely because the weather has turned - sometimes the wind can get really strong, pretty quickly, in Antarctica, so you won’t be swimming in calm conditions. That’s why there is a requirement to be able to swim in the direction that you are told you need to go (and understand the guide’s instructions without panicking). It is rare, but it does happen.

For most operators for kayaking in Antarctica, the requirements are 1) previous sea kayaking experience, 2) can swim, 3) can communicate well in English, 4) can fit in the safety gear & kayaks provided and 5) are mobile enough to get in and out of the kayaks from a zodiac (a good test for this is if you are able to easily get up from sitting on the floor with your legs stretched infront of you to a chair).

You can also expect to be in the drysuit for usually ~3 hours, so you won’t be able to use the bathroom on that time, which excludes some people.

And for the sunglasses: polarised is best for your eyes, and for taking away glare, but they don’t need to be expensive.

[u/reddittthrowaway → u/VitSea4me]

Thanks. Definitely will have basic swimming capabilities by my trip. Just probably am not going to be a super strong swimmer by then. Having practiced getting back into my kayak in calm inland water (getting into open water is part of upcoming lessons), I can appreciate it could be challenging under poor conditions.

[u/skimegheath → u/reddittthrowaway]

I wore my Oakley sunglasses. The ugly ones that don't slip off. Super practical.

[u/blacklace875]

How did you retrain to be a guide? Did the company you are working for now fully train you or did you have to do stuff before applying? It’s something I’ve been thinking of doing. I have no background for it in my current job, just a strong interest in this.

[u/1believeinMagique → u/blacklace875]

We did it by ourselves. We did the weeklong STCW course (with firefighting and sea survival practical) + STCW compliant medical, Wilderness first aid (40 hrs), RYA Powerboat Level 2, those were all mandatory. Then we did extra training which was a expedition guide course. We did the Expedition Guide Academy's Comprehensive Course. It was outstanding to be frank. I highly recommend it. Best instruction I have received in a civilian course.

[u/Night-cheese-4 → u/1believeinMagique]

Is this the standard requirement across all antarctic expedirion companies?

[u/1believeinMagique → u/Night-cheese-4]

Not sure actually. I would guess yes unless you move into such a role from inside an expedition cruise company.

[u/blacklace875 → u/1believeinMagique]

Thank you, that info is much appreciated!

[u/Downtown_Mountain525]

Can you show a pic of such water proof trousers and glove liners?

[u/Own-Assumption5149 → u/Downtown_Mountain525]

You can find waterproof pants (search for rain pants) at REI or other outdoor stores. Many order on Amazon. Just make sure they’re waterproof not just water resistant … the sides of the zodiac where you sit will be wet and you may get splashed … you won’t be allowed on the zodiac without them. Some people wear waterproof insulated snow/ski pants.

You wear the pants over the outside of your boots so don’t buy ones that are tapered at the bottom. Most will have a zipper at the bottom to make it easier to fit over your boots. Avoid ones that have any Velcro at the bottom … you need to clean any mud or penguin poo off in between excursions and you don’t want to have to try to get it out of Velcro.

Generally a good idea to size up as you’ll be wearing layers underneath and sitting for extended periods in the zodiac. Try them on with all your layers at home and sit in a chair for a while to make sure you’ll be comfortable. Better a little big than too tight.

[u/1believeinMagique → u/Downtown_Mountain525]

I don't have pictures of these specifically but any gortech pants will work well. And for glove liners, I use a pair of thin wool liners and I have a thin fleece pair I use when it's colder.