Frequently ASked Questions & POLICIES
Policies (Scroll down for FAQs)
Islands & Ice Travel Fuel Surcharge Policy
The price you are quoted for a trip is based on fuel costs current at the time of quotation. If one of our suppliers (such as an airline, or vessel operator) increases the fuel costs they charge us after you have booked a trip, we may need to pass on some or all of that increase to you. This policy explains when that can happen, how much it could be, and what your options are.
When could a surcharge apply? Only if a supplier we use to deliver your trip actually increases their own fuel-related charges to us after your booking is confirmed. We don’t apply surcharges to increase our own margin.
How much could it be? Any surcharge we pass on will match the actual increase charged to us by our supplier (or a pro rata share of it, if the cost is spread across multiple customers). It will never be more than 10% of your total booking price. Full details of how any fuel surcharge will be calculated will be set out in the terms and conditions set out in the booking form you sign or have signed to join a trip.
Will you tell me before I pay? Yes. If a surcharge applies to your booking after you’ve paid a deposit or in full, we’ll email you as soon as possible, and at least 60 days before your departure date where practical, explaining the amount and why it applies.
What if I don’t want to pay it? If the surcharge is more than 10% of your original booking price, you can cancel your booking within 7 days of our notice and receive a full refund of everything you’ve paid — no cancellation fee. This is in addition to, and doesn’t reduce, any other rights our Australian resident customers have under Australian Consumer Law.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I book a trip with Islands & Ice Travel?
Contact us via the enquiry form or email hello@islandsandice.com and we’ll respond promptly. We’re happy to answer any and all questions before you book. Each trip has a bespoke booking form. We will only ask you for the information we need for a specific trip. The booking form includes payment and other terms. A deposit is required for every trip to secure your place and the balance will be paid in one or two instalments. Closer to departure, payment in full is required.
Q: Can I join an Islands & Ice Travel expedition if I’m travelling solo?
Absolutely. A significant proportion of our guests travel solo. Our small group sizes create a natural intimacy and camaraderie that solo travellers often find more rewarding than larger tours. Every guest may have their own room on all of our deep field Antarctic expeditions to Dronning Maud Land.
Q: Do you offer group or private bookings?
Yes. For most of our expeditions we welcome groups of friends, family, or colleagues who wish to travel together. We can also design fully bespoke expeditions for scientific teams, documentary film makers, and private clients. Contact us to discuss your requirements.
Fitness and health
Q: What level of fitness is required?
Fitness requirements vary by trip. Our Emperor Penguin colony visits in Dronning Maud Land involve walking across sea ice which can range from flat and snow-covered to slightly uneven at a slow and deliberate pace. A reasonable baseline of health and mobility is all that is needed along with medical clearance to travel. Our Svalbard and Norwegian fjord expeditions similarly involve modest hikes and zodiac landings. The North Pole Luxury Icebreaker is suitable for most guests, with daily excursions from the vessel on to the ice. The Tonga whale-swimming trip requires a level of comfort in deep water and swimming and snorkelling ability.
Most of our expeditions are in fairly remote locations. Medical evacuation or treatment can be delayed, in some cases by days.
Q: Is there an upper age limit?
There is no strict upper age limit. We have welcomed guests in their 70s and 80s on Antarctic expeditions. The more relevant question is whether you are in good health and able to manage the physical demands specific to your chosen trip. We ask all guests to complete a health declaration for our deep field Antarctic expeditions prior to departure. If you have specific health considerations, we are happy to discuss these with you candidly. Our priority is your safety and enjoyment and the safety and enjoyment of your fellow travellers.
Q: Is there a minimum age for children?
Our small group dynamics are best suited to adult travellers. We will consider enquiries from families with children (12+) on a case-by-case basis. Please contact us to discuss. Again, our priority is the safety and enjoyment of all travellers and in some cases our guides are not expected to care for young children in extreme environments like the South Pole.
Antarctica and Emperor Penguins – Deep Field Antarctica – Expeditions flying from Cape Town, South Africa to Dronning Maud Land, Antarctica
Q: What makes Islands & Ice Travel’s Emperor Penguins & Drygalski Mountains expeditions different from other Emperor Penguin tours?
Islands & Ice Travel holds the distinction of running the world’s only expedition to visit two Emperor Penguin colonies in a single itinerary, the Astrid and Lazarev colonies in Dronning Maud Land. This was a world-first pioneered by our Founder, David Sinclair and partners Ultima Antarctic Expeditions. Groups are strictly limited to a maximum of 8 guests and 2 guides, ensuring an intimate and relaxed experience at the colonies for penguins and guests alike.
Both colonies are a 40-50 minute flight from base. The Lazarev colony is considerably smaller than the Astrid colony. David conducted drone surveys (with special permission to fly a drone) to obtain the first accurate colony counts for these two colonies. Chick numbers are in the range of 5700 – 6300 chicks at the Astrid colony (from surveys conducted in 2023, 2024 & 2025) and 1096 and 801 chicks in 2024 and 2025 respectively at the Lazarev colony. David also conducted an aerial survey at the Ranghild colony further to the east, counting 7,310 chicks in November 2023.
Accommodations do not involve tented camps but lovely heated rooms in the Schirmacher Oasis with sumptuous meals accompanied by wines matched by Ultima’s incomparable sommelier. Each guest has their own room (there are twins and doubles available for couples and travelling companions).
We visit in late October through to early to mid-November before the chicks have reached adult size and before moulting out to their adult plumage. The mould commences early in December when the chicks are approaching adult size and are starting to spread out. There are fewer adults in the colony as they start to leave the colony for the season. Earlier in the season the sea ice is also stronger and safer.
To date our experience of the weather conditions has been favourable compared to conditions encountered in the Weddell Sea at the Snow Hill Island colony where some vessels have struggled to come within helicopter shuttling distance or poor visibility has prevented helicopter operations. Vessels visiting the Snow Hill Island colony carry 100 to 200 passengers compared to just 8 guests on visits to the Astrid and Lazarev colonies. Far fewer people and far fewer staff managing people.
Below is a table setting out some key differences between an expedition cruise and our deep field ‘Emperor Penguins and Drygalski Mountains expeditions.
Q: How many people have been to the Astrid and Lazarev Emperor Penguin colonies?
Very few. Astrid was first visited by a small scouting team including David Sinclair in October 2023 and Lazarev was first visited by a small scouting team including David in November 2024. In total only a few dozen people have visited each colony.
Q: Are Emperor Penguins endangered?
Emperor Penguins are classified as Endangered on the IUCN Red List (upgraded from Near Threatened on 9 April 2026). Read more here. There is a strong push to designate emperor penguins as specially protected species under the Antarctic Treaty System.
The primary threat to emperor penguins is declining sea ice due to climate change. Climate models project significant population declines if global average temperatures continue to rise. Emperor penguins could become quasi-extinct by the end of 2100 if sea ice continues to decline (Jenouvrier et al., 2021). Catastrophic breeding failures occurred when sea ice breaks up too early, and chicks are unable to swim before fledging into their adult plumage (Fretwell et al., 2023).
Q: Why do we visit Emperor Penguins in October and November?
We visit in late October/early to mid-November before the chicks start losing their down and reaching adult size. The moult commences in early December when the chicks are approaching adult size and are starting to spread out across the rapidly decaying sea ice. There are fewer adults in the colony as the season wears on – the chicks need less care and attention and will ultimately be abandoned to encourage them to head to sea for the first time and forage for themselves. It is easier to view and safer to visit emperor penguins earlier in the season when the penguins are less spread out and the sea ice is generally stronger and more widespread. This is also an optimal time for photographers and the earliest practical time to visit any colony. It is not possible to visit earlier as the re-establishment of air links and associated infrastructure including carefully prepared blue ice runways is rarely complete before late-October.
Emperor Penguins breed during the Antarctic winter, precisely when conditions are most extreme. No vessel or aircraft-based tourist operation can access the interior of Antarctica in the depths of winter. By late October, conditions have improved sufficiently for carefully managed expedition access. The temperatures are less extreme, the chicks are considerably less vulnerable to disturbance and the days are longer.
Q: Do you need special skills or fitness to visit an Emperor Penguin colony?
The short answer is no. Each season a scouting team checks each site to ensure we can land and take off safely and do so in a way that will maintain distance from the colonies and avoid disturbance. The aircraft must maintain at least a half nautical mile from the colony and in practice we often park further away. The sea ice can be relatively flat, snow-covered and easy walking or it may be uneven and jumbled. Regardless, we walk at a very slow pace to avoid disturbing any curious penguins who approach and to keep a close eye out for any signs of disturbance or avian influenza as we are mandated to do under IAATO regulations.
Q: How does Islands & Ice Travel reach the Astrid and Lazarev Emperor Penguin colonies in Dronning Maud Land?
From the base camp at Ultima Oasis Guesthouse (located in the Schirmacher Oasis, on the edge of the Antarctic continent), guests take a short drive to Ultima Airbase where they board ski-equipped Kenn Borek de Havilland Twin Otter aircraft. The Twin Otters land on the sea ice at a safe distance from the colonies, from where guides slowly walk across the sea ice to the edge of the colony. We walk slowly and deliberately to avoid disturbance and to look for any signs of avian influenza.
Q: Is there a risk that the expedition won’t reach one or both colonies due to weather?
Antarctica weather is inherently unpredictable. Since we commenced running expeditions to these two colonies no trip has missed out on visiting the colonies, the Drygalski Mountains or the South Pole. Anecdotally there is less inclement weather in Dronning Maud Land (around 70S) compared to Snow Hill Island (which is located in the northern part of the Weddell Sea around 64 47S and not impacted by the high pressure system that tends to sit over the content at higher latitudes).
Q: Q: What environmental regulations apply to Emperor Penguin colony visits?
Emperor Penguin colonies are protected by the Antarctic Treaty System and IAATO guidelines. Key regulations include: maintaining at least minimum distances during air approaches, avoiding disturbance which requires a slow and quiet approach and maintaining a minimum 5-metre distance from all wildlife or 15m from penguin pathways. Kneeling or sitting on the ice or placing any bags on the ice is prohibited, not surrounding or blocking the movement of colonies; keeping to one side of the colony and 15 metres from areas where penguins commute to and from the ice edge; not leaving any waste at the colony; and rigorous biosecurity procedures to prevent the introduction of pathogens including avian influenza. These minimum requirements are common to all penguin colony visits across Antarctica no matter who you travel with. Guests are comprehensively briefed before we visit any colonies.
Q: Are Emperor Penguins curious about humans?
In short, yes. Emperor Penguins have evolved in an environment with virtually no terrestrial predators, so they have no instinctive fear of humans. They are genuinely curious creatures that will often approach visitors. We must, however, maintain at least 5m from the birds at all time and we cannot sit or lie down on the ice or lay any gear on the ice (with the exception of tripods that are decontaminated both pre and post visit). These rules are common to all excursions in the vicinity of wildlife concentrations anywhere in Antarctica be it to Dronning Maud Land, the Ross Sea or the Antarctic Peninsula.
Q: Other than Emperor Penguins, what other wildlife might we see in Dronning Maud Land?
In addition to the Emperor Penguins, guests on Islands & Ice Travel’s Dronning Maud Land expeditions have observed Adélie Penguins (both at emperor colonies and in and around the Schirmacher Oasis), Weddell Seals resting beside their breathing holes in the sea ice at Emperor penguin colonies, Snow Petrels, Antarctic Skuas, Wilson’s Storm Petrels and occasionally Antarctic Petrels. We have had a single instance of a Southern Fulmar at the Schirmacher Oasis. Wilsons Storm Petrels nest close to the Ultima Oasis Guesthouse, arriving each summer around 17/18 November. Snow Petrels are often seen at Emperor colonies or flying over the Schirmacher Oasis on their way back to their mountain nesting sites in the Wohlthat, Gruber, Drygalski and other mountain ranges further south. We often find Snow Petrel bones in and around old skua nesting sites.
We have identified previously undocumented Adelie Penguin nesting sites in the region around the Schirmacher Oasis, some 40 miles in a direct line across the Nivl Ice Shelf to open water. The birds have produced eggs that have hatched, however, the chicks do not survive as the parents have too far to travel to the edge of the ice shelf and back to forage for food for their chicks. We do not know why these birds are nesting so far from their food source. We have also documented two pairs of Adelie Penguins creating nests from pieces of ice at the Astrid Emperor penguin colony (November 2025). Both pairs produced an egg.
What camera equipment do you recommend for Emperor Penguin visits?
A camera with a telephoto lens in the 400–600mm range is ideal for isolating individual penguins and capturing detail at a distance. However, wider focal lengths (28-70 or 70–200mm) are equally important for capturing the scale and drama of the colony. Bring a second camera body if you have one as switching lenses in the field is challenging when wearing thick gloves, and having two focal lengths ready to go reduces risk of missing ‘the shot’. A camera harness (such as the BlackRapid dual harness) is highly recommended so you can keep both bodies accessible without placing bags on the ice. Tripods are permitted and are excellent for video and time-lapse and for minimising camera shake when shooting at lower ISO. All tripods and equipment that will contact the ground must be biosecurity-treated before and after colony visits. Use your camera’s tilting rear screen to compose low-angle shots without kneeling – this is critical under current IAATO regulations which prohibit buying down or kneeling on the ground.
How cold does it get and how can I manage camera batteries?
At the Astrid and Lazarev Emperor Penguin colonies in October and November, temperatures typically range from around -5°C to -15°C, occasionally colder with wind chill. At this temperature, lithium batteries perform well but will drain faster than in temperate conditions. Carry fully charged spares and keep them warm against your body when not in use. At the South Pole, temperatures of -30°C to -50°C severely limit battery life. Plan accordingly, keep batteries warm in inside pockets, and rotate them frequently.
Can I bring a drone?
Personal drones are not permitted under International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) guidelines. Our Founder has obtained permission to fly a drone, specifically to assist with Emperor Penguin colony population counts shared with researchers and to obtain images and footage for commercial purposes which is why you may see some drone images and footage on our website and social media pages. Guests may not operate personal drones at any point during Antarctic expeditions.
Q: Is travel insurance required for a trip to Antarctica?
Yes — comprehensive travel insurance including emergency medical evacuation cover is mandatory for all Islands & Ice Travel Antarctic expeditions. Antarctica is among the most remote destinations on Earth, and medical evacuation costs can be very high. Minimum coverage limits will be set out in the booking form. Evidence of insurance will be required prior to departure. We recommend your travel insurance include comprehensive cancellation coverage, including where you need to cancel your trip prior to departure due to an accident or deteriorating health or incapacity of an immediate family member. Please take care to read policy terms and conditions to ensure the policy covers the geographical region of Antarctica, the planned activities and medical evacuation and check all exclusions carefully, particularly in regard to pre-existing medical conditions which may need to be disclosed and may attract an additional premium.
Q: What clothing is provided for the Emperor Penguins & Drygalski Mountains and South Pole & Emperor Penguins expeditions?
We can provide heavy duty outer layers, warm boots, ski gloves, ski goggles, duffle bags and pee bottles. We issue this clothing in Cape Town one or two days prior to departure. You will need to bring your own thermal underwear and warm socks (we recommend at least two pairs of each) and comfortable clothing and shoes for time around base. No formal wear is required for dinners. The cuisine is extraordinary, the experience, casual and fun.
Q: Can we shower at the base in the Schirmacher Oasis?
Yes, however, water is scarce and we treat water supplies with great care. We ask that guests only shower sparingly when needed and to only use the eco-friendly soaps provided. Antarctica is not like any other destination so please expect rigorous waste management protocols. We take great care to reduce energy and water needs and to remove everything from Antarctica to minimise our environmental footprint.
Q: What is the food like and are drinks included in the price?
The food is, in a word, exceptional. With regular resupply of fresh seasonal ingredients from Cape Town and two exceptional chefs, every meal is flavourful and inventive. We also cater to a range of dietary requirements. A range of premium wines and other beverages are served by our in house sommelier and are all included in the price.
Q: Do you need a visa to travel to Antarctica from South Africa?
No, you do not need a visa but you will need to bring your passport with you as you will clear immigration on departure and re-enter South Africa on your return from Antarctica. If you need a visa to enter South Africa you may well need a multiple entry visa as you will enter South Africa prior to flying to Antarctica then you will leave South Africa for Antarctica then re-enter South Africa on your return from Antarctica (thus entering South African twice.
Swimming with Humpback Whales in Vava’u, Tonga
When is the season for swimming with Humpback Whales in Tonga?
The season runs from July to October when the whales return from their seasonal migration in cooler waters to the warmer waters of Tonga for calving and mating season.
What fitness requirements are there to swim with whales?
Participants should be able to swim a hundred metres comfortably, and be confident snorkelling in deep water (open ocean) that may, at times, be choppy. We aim to avoid rough seas. If you look at a map of Vava’u you will see there are sheltered waters and typically we can find protection from wind and swell. The prevailing wind is from the south-east so we spend much of our time to the west and north of Neiafu.
How many people are there in a group?
We take a maximum of 6 people on a boat with a skipper and local Tongan guide. Three swimmers are allowed in the water at once time with the guide so we rotate groups of three and over the course of five days swimming everyone has opportunities for intimate encounters.
Can you dive or free dive with Humpback Whales?
No diving and free diving with Humpback Whales is prohibited under Tongan law. Fin size and composition is now restricted (maximum 70cm and made of plastic) to prevent free-diving.
What is the temperature (air and water) like between July and October?
During the day time the air temperature and the water temperature are both around 26C (79F). There is often a breeze (typically from the SE).
Where do we stay in Vava’u?
All guests will stay at either Seastar House or Hibiscus House unless otherwise advised. The properties sit side by side on the waterfront around 2 kilometres outside of Neiafu. Each swimming day the boat will come to a dock at the rear of Seastar House too collect swimmers around 07:00 each morning.
How long will you spend on the water each day?
Each day we are permitted to spend 7 hours on the water. Swimming days typically start around 07:00 with a return to your accommodation around 14:00. Sundays are rest days in Tonga so no whale swimming on Sundays.
Is their internet at our accommodation?
Yes, Starlink internet is available at the properties. You may wish to purchase a SIM card from local providers while in Tonga if you require connectivity while away from your accommodation.