Can You Travel To Antarctica?

Published On : 17 Oct 2024

Yes, it is quite possible to travel to Antarctica but at the moment, the options are only available for the adventurous souls and are far and in between than what is usually expected when planning for a vacation. The accessibility to the region entails several flights, crossing aboard the ice strengthened expedition vessels, and frequently high prices. But for those travelers who want to experience something very unique and can hardly be found anywhere else on the planet, a trip down under to the Antarctica will be just right for them.

The first indicator of inconvenience when planning a trip to Antarctica is that there are no settlements on this continent. This means that you cannot simply go and book a flight to one of the ‘cities’ of Antarctica and get a hotel to sleep in. Currently there are about a half-dozen research stations, some along the coast and some inland, operated by different countries for scientific research but for the general public the stations are off-limits.

However, tourist can only access Antarctica by sea in special passenger ships that are constructed to handle the harsh environment of Antarctica. A number of companies have such ships, and they all provide Antarctic voyages that can range from 6 to over 20 days. Even the kind of the expedition cruises that visit Antarctica is limited to the period that corresponds to the Antarctic summer, which spans from November to late March. Apart from this window, accessibility is near impossible since the area is covered by sea ice.

So the two main options for people to visit Antarctica are: It can be either one single cruise that is an expedition to Antarctica or (2) a cruise that has several ports of call one of which is in the northern Antarctic zone. The first kind normally entails a two-way journey from South America across the Drake passage to the peninsula and the nearby islands. The second type is longer and also includes the Falkland Islands and southern South America as well as Antarctica.

Both types of courses are not cheap you should prepare to pay at least $5000 per person if not more. The short tourist season, the absence of many vessels that can undertake such a journey, and the difficulties of operating away from the typical shipping routes all contribute to high prices. Budget-conscious consumers are probably better off looking elsewhere.

However, for those who are willing and capable of paying the price, an Antarctic trip offers some of the most unique attractions available. The arid vastness and untouched deserts are quite striking. Tourists get the opportunity to notice diverse polar fauna including many penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds. Such services may include zodiac cruises, kayaking, cross country skiing, or just setting foot on the seventh continent.

Of course, such experiences do not happen without a lot of work being done first. Getting to Antarctica still requires a several flight at least halfway across the world. Seas can be extremely rough crossing the turbulent drake passage, seasickness is almost the norm than the exception. There is also almost constant freezing temperatures and ability only to observe and preserve Antarctic plants and animals on the basis of conservation measures.

In conclusion, is it possible to visit Antarctica like any other world famous tourist destinations? Mostly no...but also yes! Some limited opportunities are made available to passengers who are willing to pay more for adventurous activities and on-board learning which are mostly organized by specialty cruise operators. The rest can still keep their mystery and remain a distant dream to visit for the people of the world. One thing’s for sure – those who dare to cross the forty-degree latitude south to the frozen region of Earth will remember those experiences for the rest of their lives.

Some additional key points for those considering an Antarctic cruise/expedition:Some additional key points for those considering an Antarctic cruise/expedition:

It is December and January and it is possible to watch whales and penguins in their abundance during this time. Weather is slightly better then too.
The duration that is taken when crossing the Drake Passage is at least 48 hours depending on the ice that is present. Plan for two days, which will probably include rough weather and consequent seasickness. If the patient is prone to nausea, they should carry some medication in case they get a bout of nausea while in the operating theatre.
Wear thermal clothing, wind and waterproof overcoat, headgear and hand wear. Most of these trips come with appropriate clothing for the season but it is advisable to carry your own coat.
Obey any instructions from those in charge of the expedition. There are regulations for safeguarding Antarctica, which is one of the most pristine areas in the world and not interfering with research facilities. For instance, do not throw trash on the ground and avoid getting too close to wild animals.
Despite the proliferation of tourist attractions around the Antarctic Peninsula and the offshore islands, large chunks of the interior of the continent remain off-limits for tourists. Sightseeing flyover tours may be available sometimes. Mainland overnights are almost unheard of.
Expect alterations in the plan and non-execution of the landing. It is unpredictable and one cannot always guarantee that he or she will get to where he or she planned to go. Be flexible since safety is paramount.
Obtain adequate insurance (health insurance, medical evacuation, trip cancellation etc.) for this far off area where help may be very hard or even impossible to get. Also make sure your policy is not one of those that excludes Antarctica.

It is therefore not as straightforward as a traditional holiday package but an Antarctic adventure cruise presents one of the greatest travel experiences for those willing to be challenged. If that sounds good to you, begin to map out this one time experience to the south! However, do expect that it will take effort and money which will be as unique as the membership itself.

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