Supporting sustainable tourism to Antarctica

Waterproof Cruises & Expeditions is a Member of IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Touroperators), a member organization founded in 1991 to advocate, promote and practice safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to Antarctica.
IAATO members work together to develop, adopt and implement operational standards that mitigate potential environmental impacts. Numerous guidelines have been adopted over the last 25 years that have proven to be successful in avoiding such impacts. Waterproof Expeditions works with IAATO operators and takes great pride of educating passengers on wilderness etiquette and visitor guidelines.

IAATO

International Association of Antarctic Operators

As a member of IAATO, Waterproof Cruises & Expeditions supports the mission and vision of the association.

IAATO's vision: Through self-regulation, Antarctic tourism is a sustainable, safe activity that causes no more than a minor or transitory impact on the environment and creates a corps of ambassadors for the continued protection of Antarctica.

Nearly all visitors to the Antarctic do so under the supervision of the International Assoiation of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO). The international member association comprises of over 110 respected companies and organizations from Argentina, Australia, Belgium, Canada, Chile, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, People's Republic of China, Russia, South Africa, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom and United States.

IAATO's regulations

In Antarctica, there are certain legal requirements that must be followed to protect the environment, many developed by IAATO. These include:
• Not disturbing wildlife on land or at sea;
• No more than 100 visitors ashore at any one time;
• Having a staff:visitor ratio of up to 1:20 while ashore;
• Ships carrying more than 500 passengers cannot make landings;
• Activities will have no more than a minor or transitory impact on the environment.

Furthermore, there are strict visitor guidelines which will be explained during a mandatory briefing at the start of your expedition. Watch the briefing film now to be well prepared for your Antarctic adventure.

Antarctic Ambassadors

Become an ambassador!

IAATO recognizes that modern climate change poses a recurring threat to the Antarctic environment. IAATO has therefore set up a working group to promote awareness and understanding of climate change in Antarctica caused by human activities worldwide, and to develop advice for IAATO members on how to be environmentally friendly.

Discovering Antarctica is first and foremost a privilege for everyone who visits it, whether you come as a tourist, scientific researcher, travel industry professional, crew member or national program employee. Having no native population, Antarctica needs ambassadors who will champion this unique environment in a global context. Once you've seen the awe inspiring beauty of Antarctica with your own eyes, you will truly understand what's at stake. We encourage our guests to take part and follow developments in the news and in your governments regarding the science and management of climate change, particularly as it affects Polar Regions. Learn more about climate change, its implications for the global commons and what you can do to help minimize and mitigate the changes.