Member of IAATO
Supporting sustainable tourism to Antarctica
Waterproof 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 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 Regulations
In Antarctica, there are certain legal requirements that must be followed to protect the environment, many developed by IAATO. 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.
IAATO rules 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.
Antarctic Ambassadors
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. Antarctic Ambassadors is community created and supported by IAATO to encourage and inspire people around the world to act for Antarctica.
Whether you’ve already visited Antarctica or still dream about doing so, your voice matters. 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 the 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. Click here to go to IAATO’s newsroom where you can stay up-to-date on recent news and events.
Take the LEAP into Antarctic Ambassadorship
- Love and respect the region
- Educate others by sharing your Antarctic experiences
- Advocate for Antarctica when opportunities arise
- Protect the region by making positive changes at home.
Join the Antarctic Ambassadors digital community group on Facebook to share your experiences and learn from other ambassadors!
Antarctic Ambassadors on Facebook