How We Prioritize Sustainability on All Antarctica21 Expeditions

Antarctica is one of the last truly wild places on Earth, and keeping it that way sits at the heart of everything we do. As pioneers of the Antarctic air-cruise, we believe that experiencing the White Continent and protecting it go hand in hand, and that responsible exploration is one of the best ways to inspire people to care for this extraordinary place.

That belief runs through every expedition, from the vessels we sail to the partners we choose and the way our teams guide each landing. Our vision for 2033 is to be recognized as an exemplary model of responsible, low-impact tourism, providing unforgettable experiences that inspire travelers around the world to value and help preserve this last wild corner of the planet.

“As a company operating in Antarctica, we are committed to leaving no trace, and to ensuring that this continent remains exactly as we found it,” says CEO Verónica Peragallo Quijada.

Our Sustainability Policy

Our commitment is formalized in the Antarctica21 Sustainability Policy, which integrates environmental, social, and governmental considerations into every level of our operations and decision-making. Built on three pillars (sustainable business and excellence, social and scientific value, and environmental responsibility), the policy applies across all of our teams and partners, and holds us to standards that go beyond regulatory compliance, guiding everything from our supply chain to the guest experience.

Key Sustainability Initiatives

Sustainability touches every part of our operations. We adhere to the guidelines of the Antarctic Treaty System and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), keeping our boutique expeditions small in scale so that landings are gentler and less disruptive to the places we visit. We are committed to carbon neutrality across our activities, measuring, reducing, and offsetting emissions through initiatives such as the IMO's TIER III system, heat-recovery technology, and certified offset projects for what we cannot yet eliminate.

All wildlife interactions are non-invasive and governed by strict criteria of respect and safety, and we manage waste and water in line with IMO and MARPOL standards. Beyond our own operations, we support Antarctic science through onboard research and citizen science programs, and we advance conservation, education, and cultural work through the Antarctica21 Foundation, guided by its motto: "explore to understand and protect."

Low Emission Excursions with e-Fuel

On January 26, we officially extended the partnership with HIF Global for locally produced e-Gasoline to power Zodiac landing operations and demonstrating a pathway to lower-emission exploration in Antarctica. Under the agreement, the fleet of 10 Zodiac boats that transport guests from Magellan Explorer to Antarctic shores will continue to use synthetic gasoline (e-Gasoline) produced locally at HIF’s Haru Oni plant in Punta Arenas.

Through this collaboration, Antarctica21 is the first and only Antarctic tourism company to operate excursion boats with e-Fuel in Antarctica, marking a tangible milestone in the adoption of synthetic fuels within the polar tourism industry. Produced from green hydrogen and recycled CO₂, this fuel significantly reduces the carbon footprint of landing operations on the White Continent, without requiring any modifications to the boats’ existing engines.

Sustainability at Explorers House

During the restoration and construction of Explorers House, sustainable materials and practices were employed. For example, the rusted metal sheets that made up the old structure's exterior have been preserved. They now add a unique look to the building, while modern, environmentally friendly materials were used for the new additions and renovations.

Explorers House also includes collection tanks that gather rainwater from the roof. This collected rainwater is then used in the bathrooms, reducing the reliance on the city's water supply and conserving freshwater resources.

A large commercial solar panel system has been installed to harness solar energy. This is particularly efficient during the summer months when there's ample daylight, helping to power the facility
sustainably. The building features radiant floor heating systems powered by heat pumps.

These systems utilize the stored solar energy, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly heating.

‍Ready to learn more? Watch our sustainability webinar below!