We visit as guests, and Antarctica sets the rules. Every landing we plan is shaped by the Antarctic Treaty and IAATO's guidelines, so the continent looks the same after we leave as it did when we arrived.
Name to comeHead of Polar Operations (placeholder)
About IAATO
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators was founded in 1991 to advocate and promote safe and environmentally responsible travel to Antarctica. Members follow visitor guidelines covering landings, wildlife, biosecurity and site management. We only sell voyages run by IAATO members, and we brief every guest before they go. (Verify membership details and current guidelines with IAATO before launch.)
How we travel
- Biosecurity before every landing
- Wildlife distances respected*
- No more than 100 ashore at once*
- One ship per landing site*
- Leave nothing behind
- Take nothing away
- Citizen science on board
- Carbon-aware trip planning
- Supporting climate & ice science
- Respect for the Treaty
* IAATO limits — verify current rules with IAATO
The Antarctic Treaty. Signed in Washington on 1 December 1959 by twelve nations and in force since 23 June 1961, it sets the continent aside for peace and science. The 1991 Protocol on Environmental Protection (the Madrid Protocol) designates Antarctica a natural reserve and prohibits mineral resource activities other than scientific research.
Biosecurity. Seeds, soil and microbes hitch rides on boots, Velcro and camera bags. Before landings you'll vacuum outer layers and disinfect boots, and nothing but footprints is left ashore.
Wildlife. Keep your distance (IAATO guidance is typically at least 5 m from penguins and more for seals; verify), give animals right of way, stay low and quiet, and never feed or touch.
Climate & ice science. Antarctica holds about 90% of the world's ice. Many voyages host citizen-science projects; we favour itineraries that support research and help you understand and reduce your trip's footprint.
Read IAATO visitor guidelinesAsk us which operators carry citizen-science programmes and how each one approaches its footprint.