The southernmost point in the world, Antarctica offers a unique traveling experience due to its diverse wildlife and an extreme but beautiful climate.
Mount Herschel, Antarctica. Andrew Mandemaker. CC BY-SA 2.5.
Antarctica is the southernmost and fifth-largest continent in the world, a vast landmass that is 98% covered by an ice sheet. Located on the South Pole, the continent experiences an extremely dry climate and frigid temperatures. Despite the continent’s remote nature, traveling there is not only possible but also offers many exciting adventures and sightseeing opportunities. The best time to visit Antarctica is during the continent’s summer period, from November to March. During this time, wildlife is very active, days are much longer and temperatures peak above zero degrees. Near the coast, for example, where many travelers enter the continent, temperatures rise to about 50 degrees Fahrenheit in summer, while the interior is much colder, staying around -86 degrees Fahrenheit. Travel is made possible by either ship or plane.
Mount Herschel, Antarctica. Andrew Mandemaker. CC BY-SA 2.5.
Those arriving by boat leave from other southern countries. Departing from Ushuaia, Argentina, is the most common, as it is the southernmost spot in South America. While there are different types of ships — from smaller research vessels to spacious luxury ships — expedition ships are most common. Most trips span nine to fifteen days and range from about $5,300 to $30,000, depending on the type of boat. Some popular cruise tour companies include Polar Latitudes, Antarctica Cruises, G Adventures and Quark Expeditions. While all cruises stop by the Antarctic Peninsula, destinations along the way may vary based on the type of journey. Some itineraries make stops at the Falklands, South Georgia, the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea or along the coast of South America.
On the cheaper end, classic tours usually offer a general tour of the Antarctic Peninsular coast. The Antarctica Classic by G Adventures is a small ship adventure costing about $5,319 per person for 11 days. It has a “light physical” rating, meaning that those of most fitness levels should be able to make the journey. Additionally, stops in the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula give travelers a chance to view icebergs and a diversity of animals, such as penguins, seals and whales. Quark Expeditions offers a shorter trip called the Antarctic Explorer, Discovering the 7th Continent for $8,546 per person for 12 days and requires a low fitness level. The boat similarly passes through the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula, offering opportunities to watch wildlife. Some companies are known for their more luxurious trips, including Polar Latitudes, which offers a trip called the Ultimate Circle Crossing starting at $15,665 per person. This voyage goes far down the Antarctic Peninsula, delivering more possibilities for wildlife sightings and chances to stop along active scientific bases and historic sites. Some activities require a higher level of fitness, such as kayaking, but for those looking to stay on the boat, relaxation is also possible. Antarctica Cruises’ Le Commandant Charcot ship offers tours priced as high as about $30,000, making stops at Charcot Island or Pourquoi Pas Island, giving travelers a closer look at diverse penguin life from the deck.
No matter what kind of tour one takes, every ship must pass through the Drake Passage, a 600-mile wide waterway connecting the Atlantic and Pacific oceans between South America and Antarctica. This area of water is known for its dangerous weather conditions, with some of the world’s strongest ocean currents and intense wind storms. Charter flights to Antarctica are also available and are perfect for those who want to veer away from the seasickness and long travel periods that come with ship travel. The most common route by plane entails a departure from Punta Arenas, Chile, toward King George Island, situated in the South Shetland Islands. It is not necessary to have a visa to visit Antarctica, but a permit is required under the 1998 Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environmental Protection. With the temperatures being notoriously frigid, dressing appropriately is also very important. Travelers on any expeditions must wear several layers, including thermal underwear, socks, thick wool pants, sweaters, waterproof jackets and pants. Additionally, rubber boots must be sturdy and have a good grip against the snow.
Sightseeing in Antarctica. GRIDArendal. CC BY-NC-SA 2.0.
There are no hotels in Antarctica, leaving visitors with the option to lodge aboard their cruise ship or stay in camps on land. The continent’s environmental protection laws limit the number of people who can be on land at a given time, making camping a very unique experience. G Adventures, for example, offers travelers the option to camp for one night as part of its Antarctica Classic tour. Visitors camp for about 10 to 12 hours, only bringing necessary gear, such as winter clothing, tents, insulating mats, sleeping bags and portable toilets, as they sleep in the Antarctic environment.
While visiting, travelers can participate in many different activities. More expensive tours, like those by Polar Latitudes, have activities such as Citizen Science on every boat. This program collaborates with the Polar Citizen Science Collective to give passengers a role in science research, whether through recording cloud coverage, collecting phytoplankton data or measuring the depth of water clarity. Quark Expeditions include a polar plunge on their trips, an activity that sees travelers tethered to their boat jumping into freezing cold waters. Kayaking is also a very popular activity. Antarctic Cruises, for example, offers participants a two-hour session that circles icebergs and allows a viewing of abundant underwater life. While those older than 15 years old and of all fitness levels can join these expeditions, it is known for being physically demanding, and being in good health is important. Wildlife tours on land are another great way to experience the beauty of Antarctica. Through different expeditions, groups can encounter a diversity of animals, including emperor penguins, leopard seals, orcas and other whales. However, all tour companies and groups make it a priority to remain environmentally responsible, meaning that travelers exiting their ship or sightseeing must not interact with any animals they come into contact with. It is important to observe from afar, maintaining a distance of about 15 feet while not touching or bothering any animal. The best way to sightsee throughout the frosty landscape is also through hiking adventures; a variety of travel companies offer journeys through the mountains and glacier terrains. No matter the means of travel, accommodation or adventure, any Antarctic visitor will experience a remarkable voyage unlike any other.
Julia Kelley
Julia is a recent graduate from UC San Diego majoring in Sociocultural Anthropology with a minor in Art History. She is passionate about cultural studies and social justice, and one day hopes to obtain a postgraduate degree expanding on these subjects. In her free time, she enjoys reading, traveling, and spending time with her friends and family.