A trip to Antarctica is one of the most exciting experiences you will ever have. Despite the cost, it's worth it. In fact, it is an adventure that neither you nor your travel companions will ever forget. It is certainly an inhospitable and distant destination, so such a trip cannot be compared to others. However, for intrepid explorers who want to witness the majesty of the ice continent firsthand, there are numerous possibilities. Whether you want to take a few weeks cruise or fly over the territory in just one day, with the right planning (and a good budget), it will be the trip of your life.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Discover Antarctica aboard a boat
Step 1. Arrive at your destination on a cruise
The most common way ever to get to Antarctica is by taking a special cruise ship. These trips vary, but usually last between 10 days and 3 weeks. Depending on the starting point, you can follow various paths to get to the peninsula. The advantages of this medium? Everything is provided on the ship, and you can see the place with its flora and fauna up close for an extended period of time.
Almost all trips to the Antarctic peninsular region depart from Ushuaia (Tierra del Fuego, Argentina), Port Stanley (Falkland Islands) and, in some cases, Punta Arenas (Chile), Buenos Aires (Argentina) or Puerto Madryn (Argentina)
Step 2. Decide whether to travel on a large or small cruise ship
There are ships of different sizes with which to move, from the smallest ones, which can accommodate approximately 45 passengers, to the larger ones, with a capacity of 280 people. Both methods have advantages and disadvantages. In general, the larger the ship, the more comfortable and well-equipped it will be, but you'll have less opportunity to set foot in Antarctica yourself and see the sights up close.
- On the high seas, the largest ships are the most comfortable, but strict rules on the amount of people who can visit the coast limit the opportunities to see it.
- The smaller ships allow you to spend more time on the coast, this is because the tourist rules limit the landing to groups of 100 visitors.
- All reputable cruise ship operators are registered with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), so consult this body when planning. The organization supports ecological tourism in Antarctica.
- The costs of cruises vary, but for a 10-day trip you could pay at least 4,000 euros, while the longer ones can range between 12,000 and 15,000 euros.
Step 3. Sail to Antarctica by yacht
It is possible to reach your destination by this means of transport, but it is not very common, and it is a method more suitable for experts than for the average tourist. Some yacht companies are licensed by the IAATO and organize trips to Antarctica - try to get in touch with them. Yachts usually depart from Ushuaia or Stanley and are intended only for the bravest and adventurous travelers.
- For these small boats, conditions are much more dangerous than on large cruise ships.
- This is a very expensive solution, which could cost more than 900 euros per day per tourist.
Step 4. Travel aboard a French supply ship
An eccentric option would be to travel with this means of transport as a tourist. The ship in question, the Marion Dufresne II, departs from La Réunion, and the complete journey (round trip) takes about a month. The amount of tourists allowed on board is limited, and you will need to contact French travel agencies for up-to-date information on departure schedules, availability and prices.
The minimum prices are around 7000 euros per month
Method 2 of 3: Flying to Antarctica
Step 1. Fly over Antarctica
The easiest way to see the continent is from above. You can book a sightseeing flight over Antarctica, which will allow you to admire the beautiful white landscapes from the comfort of a plane. A scenic flight is a good option for hikers who want to spend a few hours in the area and return in the day. You can appreciate the view as the experts give explanations. In the meantime, they serve food and drinks to the passengers.
- Currently, it is only possible to take such a flight from Australia.
- If you want to try this method and book early, you need to plan ahead.
- If you want to explore the place and see the flora and fauna up close, this is not the best choice for you.
- Depending on your seat, tickets can cost between 900 and 7000 euros.
Step 2. Take a flight to land in Antarctica
If you want to land on this continent, there are several companies that offer the service, and they depart from various airports. The starting point depends on the rest of your trip, so think about whether it would be better to embark on the adventure from Australia, Chile, South Africa or Argentina. Get adequate information on departure times. Keep in mind that direct flights to Antarctica are much less frequent and predictable than normal flights.
- Some adventure travel companies have offers that include Antarctica landing, skiing, camping, and climbing.
- You can fly to King George Island from Punta Arenas, Chile, and stay at a tourist campsite.
Step 3. Find out about options that combine flight and cruise
Another solution is to choose a flight-cruise package, which reduces the time spent on a ship (avoiding the notoriously difficult Drake Strait), but still allows you to see the landscapes, flora and fauna up close. You can fly to King George Island, and then board a ship that will show you the area.
- If you want to see the ice, flora and fauna up close, but don't want to spend too much time aboard a cruise ship, this might be a good option. However, it won't be cheap at all.
- For a 2-week trip, calculate a price between 9,000 and 13,000 euros.
Step 4. Remember that adverse weather conditions can ruin your plans
Keep in mind that flights are subject to cancellations due to bad weather and other safety concerns. Generally, this applies to any flight, but the extreme conditions on the continent make the problem much more common. The best approach to evaluating options is to read guides written specifically for Antarctica or consult specialized websites, as the details change annually based on availability and interest.
Method 3 of 3: Planning the Trip
Step 1. Choose the right time to visit Antarctica
The tour season on this continent lasts about 5 months, and is concentrated during the Southern Hemisphere summer (November to March). At other times of the year, cold and darkness hinder tourist activities, not to mention that the polar ice packs block the passage. Remember that, while at the end of the season there will be fewer people around, a good part of the fauna will have already gone towards the sea. Here's what you can expect to see in the following months:
- In November, the polar ice packs begin to break up and mating season for penguins and other birds begins.
- In December and January, penguin eggs hatch, and chicks are raised in breeding grounds.
- In February and March, penguin chicks put their feathers, adults moult, and it's easy to spot whales.
Step 2. Calculate substantial economic outgoings
For such a tourist destination, traveling without spending too much is practically impossible, except in rare cases. At a minimum, you will spend € 4,500, a sum that covers basic needs and does not necessarily allow you to get the best seats or opportunities.
- You can find cheap last minute deals on cruise ships that depart from Ushuaia, Argentina. But you have to stay in this city, be flexible and available to leave immediately. It's a risky option, but if it works you could save yourself a lot of money.
- If you don't want to visit Antarctica as a tourist, think of other options, such as joining a direct expedition to this continent. If so, you will likely need technical, scientific, medical or otherwise relevant skills, such as knowing how to cook for a large group of people. In addition, you must have professional experience suitable for such a job.
- Another possibility is to travel as an invited member of a team. Some professionals, such as journalists, photographers, artists and so on, are invited, and their travel is paid for by whoever sent them to call or sent them away. Again, this depends on your skills.
Step 3. Understand the health and safety risks
The Antarctic environment is dangerous for humans. The weather can get worse quickly and it is always cold, even in summer (in this season, the maximum temperature along the coast generally fluctuates between 5 and 13 ° C). Obstacles such as crevasses on ice expanses and glaciers must also be considered. In addition, the risks of fire are high in a very dry environment, so any flammable object must be handled with care.
- Learn about the equipment and clothing you need. You definitely need good quality waterproof clothes. If you don't own them, the cruise ship generally leases them, but they may not fit you perfectly.
- For Antarctica, there are no mandatory vaccinations, but you should be fit and in good health, because medical service is poor and to be shared with other passengers. If you have a disorder, it should be explained in detail in the form of a letter from your doctor, especially if you need to bring medication.
Step 4. Respect the fragility of the Antarctic environment
This is a precarious area, and apart from expeditions, bases and some sightseeing, little change has been made by humans. Untouched nature is not afraid of man precisely because it has not been affected by long-term negative interactions. It is important to respect it and make sure that tourism does not have a deleterious impact. The visitor regulations adopted by the Antarctic Treaty govern the actions of the people who set foot there, so you must read them to prepare for your trip. Here are some of the main rules to keep in mind:
- Do not get too close to the flora and fauna and do not cause disturbance.
- Don't litter around.
- Don't deface anything: all man-made structures have historical significance and many shelters are considered cultural heritage. Do not make engravings on stones or other natural elements.
- Simply take photos. Leave the eggs, shells, plants, stones, fossils, earth and all other natural elements where you found them.
Step 5. Live the journey of your life to the full
It is one of those unforgettable experiences or one that you can't help but talk about. If you love pristine beauty, breathtaking views, the opportunity to see interesting flora and fauna, and have no problem coping with the cold, it could be the perfect trip - you'll create memories to treasure for the rest of your life.
Advice
- Pack the right clothes for the weather - whether you visit Antarctica in the heart of July or January, remember it will be cold.
- Reliable tourist guides abide by the tourism measures set out in the Antarctic Treaty. Read the content and related guidelines before traveling.
- Before leaving, take out travel, medical, health or other insurance that is right for you. Also, talk to your doctor about possible ailments that could turn into emergencies. When you travel to Antarctica, specialists are few.
- Since this experience involves a considerable economic cost, it is normal to save for many years. If you have set aside money for this purpose, keep in mind that you will need to regularly seek up-to-date information. This is especially important if you are researching now for future travel. In fact, you have to adapt to any changes in Antarctica's tourism industry due to climatic conditions and research.
- Do a search on different tours, so you can find the one that interests you most or that fits your budget.
- Learn thoroughly to know how to behave like a "good citizen" in the wilderness. No government has sovereignty over Antarctica, so you must abide by the rules of international treaties and regulations.
Warnings
- The climatic conditions of Antarctica are extreme. Be prepared for intense sun, strong wind, ice and bitter cold.
- Visiting Antarctica can be relatively expensive, but if you can afford it, it will be an incredible tour.
- Do not leave traces of your passage on the territory: your presence must not have any impact.
- Contact the manufacturer of your photographic equipment to find out if it can withstand extreme weather conditions.
