Classic Antarctic Peninsula small ship cruise

Planet and people

We operate exclusively with small ships on all our cruises, significantly reducing the environmental footprint of our voyages worldwide. In Antarctica, strict regulations allow only 100 passengers ashore at any one time, ensuring that visitor impact on this fragile landscape remains minimal. Every voyage is supported by an expert Expedition Team, whose specialisms typically include zoology, polar history, marine biology, glaciology, and photography.

All Antarctic vessels we work with are operated by companies that belong to IAATO—the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators. Founded in 1991, IAATO promotes safe, environmentally responsible travel and sets the highest operational standards to protect the Antarctic environment. No other region on Earth has such rigorous, self-imposed tourism safeguards.
Travel to Antarctica carries a unique responsibility.

Humans are visitors to an otherwise untouched continent, and it is essential that we leave no harmful trace. Your Expedition Team not only ensures your safety and enjoyment but also provides in-depth education on Antarctic wildlife, landscapes, history, and the conservation challenges facing the region today. They accompany all shore excursions, highlighting key features, wildlife encounters, and points of historical interest.

Some of the guidelines we adhere to include:
Protect Antarctic Wildlife
-Never taking, harming or interfering with Antarctic wildlife.
-Not using aircraft, vessels, small boats, or other means of transport in ways that disturb wildlife, either at sea or on land.
-Never feeding, touching, or handling birds or seals, or approaching or photographing them to alter their behaviour. Special care is needed when animals are breeding or moulting.
-Not damaging plants, by example by walking, driving, or landing on extensive moss beds or lichen-covered scree slopes.
-Keeping noise to a minimum to avoid frightening wildlife.
-Not bringing non-native plants or animals into the Antarctic.

Keep Antarctica Pristine
-Not disposing of litter or garbage on land.
-Never disturbing or polluting lakes or streams. Any materials into the sea are disposed of correctly.
-Never painting or engraving names or graffiti on rocks or buildings.
-Never collecting or taking away biological or geological specimens or man-made artefacts as a souvenir.