Antarctic Guidelines?

[jones1977]

Hey everyone!

Im looking into going to Antarctica, so have been checking out some operators. Most of them say they operate under the IAATO guidelines, or from what ive seen, similar company policies. My query is that im worried they might affect how i want to experience my own holiday. I get that they may be enforced for a reason, but i wanted to see what those who have been thought about them? Its just i dont want to pay as much as it is to go there and then not do or see what i want.

Thanks

[robertb]

I travelled with Quark Expeditions, and the only major restriction I noticed was that only 100 people can be on shore at a time.
Our boat had just about 110 people, so they just split everyone in to groups and rotated us, but everyone saw everything, so it didn't impact the trip at all.

All the boats also communicate with each other to try to ensure they don't visit the same places at the same time, so it feels like you're the only group there.

Are there any particular concerns you had?
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[jones1977]

Yea i'm definately thinking i'll chose a smaller boat.

How did the other tourists behave? Were they all happy to follow the rules? It boils my blood when one person ruins it for everyone! I know i may be a bit apprehensive regarding the rules, but ill follow them whether i like them or not! Did the guides enforce them well?

Thanks again for your help!

[robertb]

Yeah the other tourists were fine. The staff prep everyone on the rules, and monitor everyone, making sure people walk in the right areas and don't approach the animals. On some landings they temporarily put little cones out so that you know where you can walk.
There's lots of lectures and they encourage discussions on the environment and the ethics of the trip. The staff are very knowledgable, so you can get some good info.

You can let the Penguins come to you and poke you, but you're not allowed to touch them. The young Penguins are very inquisitive - probably just checking if you have any food to regurgitate!
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Robert
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