"Is it all ice?" "Do you stay in a hotel?" “Is it always dark?”. These are some of the most common questions about the still very unknown white continent.
Here are some tips that will help you understand why Antarctica is becoming the ultimate destination on our planet for those travelers who have seen the world already or for the ones who like to combine a once-in-a-lifetime adventure where untouched nature, unique wildlife, and stories of heroic explorers like Sir Ernest Shackleton come together.
For starters, Antarctica is undoubtedly one of the most exclusive destinations because of the difficulty of getting there. According to official statistics from the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) during the 2018-19 season the total number of visitors to the Antarctic continent was 55,489. Most of them come from the USA (30%), China with a growing market taking second place (14%), and far behind Australia, Britain, and Germany.
How to get there?
Most companies go by ship, sailing to and from Ushuaia in Argentina, or Punta Arenas in Chile. Ushuaia remains the closest port to Antarctica and therefore the most important gateway to the white continent.
There is also the possibility to fly to and from Antarctica to avoid the Drake Passage crossing. Once in Antarctica travelers get on a vessel to continue the trip.
To reach the South Shetland Islands, located northwest of the Antarctic Peninsula, you must cross the Drake Passage for a day and a half. This is where the waters of the Pacific Ocean meet the Atlantic, making it known to be one of the most feared seas in the world with waves that can reach up 10 meters if the weather conditions are not favorable. In general, the experienced captains of these vessels avoid encountering these storms by modifying departure or return times or route. But, despite all the shaking and rolling, the Drake Passage is part of the adventure and it is said to be the price you must pay to get to paradise.
How long does it take a trip to Antarctica?
An average sailing takes 9 nights, with about 5 days in the calm waters of Antarctica. There are more extensive navigations that reach the Antarctic Polar Circle, rounding 12 nights.
One of the most exclusive and complete trips in this latitude is the one that visits the Falkland Islands and South Georgia Island on the way to or from Antarctica, adding more wildlife and unique landscapes to the adventure. South Georgia is home to big colonies of Macaroni and King penguins, while the Falklands are the place to see Rockhopper penguins, among others. This trip takes around 20 nights, and a few are spent in rough seas.
When to go there?
The season is very short, going from November through March, coinciding with the southern summer when the presence of ice diminishes, and the sky is never dark.
Depending on the month you go, you will get a different experience:
In the beginning of the season (November to beginning of December) is when the landscape is all covered by snow, and there is a chance to find sea ice and seals resting on it. During this period penguins and seabirds court and lay their eggs.
From mid-December through February the ice and the snow start to melt, daylight lasts almost 24 hours, and the wildlife gets more active. Penguin chicks arrive by the end of December- early January, making their parents very busy with feeding them. This is also the season to see more whales sailing the Antarctic waters.
By the end of the season (mid-February through March) the days start to get shorter, but there is still the chance to see whales and seals. Adult penguins begin to molt, and chicks start fledging.
How does the operation work for visiting Antarctica?
As Antarctica is protected by the Antarctic Treaty signed by all member countries, there is a strong commitment to preserving the environment. That means minimizing the footprint and human presence. There are very clear rules such as not leaving trash, not taking any "souvenirs" in your pocket, cleaning the outer layer of clothing used in excursions to avoid cross-contamination, disinfecting your boots every time you leave the ship and many more. As for wildlife, a minimum distance must be respected to avoid disturbing them.
There are no accommodations in Antarctica but there are bases for scientists, military or volunteers who spend a season there, or a few glamping sites that are very exclusive. Usually, all visitors stay and eat on the vessel that transports them.
The landings or the navigations along the coast or between icebergs are carried out in motorized inflatable boats (zodiacs), ideal for ice navigation and the disembarkation of passengers on the beaches.
All ships visiting Antarctica must respect the itinerary booked in advance so there is one ship at a time in each site. The maximum number of people who can disembark at the same time is 100. This allows for minimal environmental impact but the other benefit from small tourist groups is that they can better appreciate Antarctica in all its beauty. Ships which can hold more than 100 passengers will take turns to go ashore. Vessels with more than 500 people cannot do landings.
What to see and do in Antarctica?
During the navigation of Drakes Passage, the expedition team gives lectures on the different scientific fields that are related to this continent: glaciology, history, marine biology, geology, and others in preparation for the visits.
Antarctica is not just ice, like every continent it has its mountains and valleys. But nothing prepares you for the magnificent and ancient glaciers that fall into the water breaking into icebergs of different shapes and sizes ranging from the purest white to the deepest blue.
The main protagonists besides the icebergs are the penguins, the species with the greatest presence on the coasts are Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie.
You can also observe different species of whales, seals resting on the coast or in small icebergs floating in the water; and seabirds like the iconic wandering albatross that has a wingspan of up to 3 meters average and like to follow ships expecting to get some food out of its garbage.
Once in the Antarctic waters there is usually one activity planned for the morning and one in the afternoon. It could be a landing, a zodiac ride, a cruise sailing, or a lecture. In some cases, ships offer the option to do kayaking, snorkeling, mountaineering, skiing, and all sort of adventurous activities. Since it is an expedition all the plans can change in a range of minutes due to the weather and ice conditions. Flexibility is key to have the trip of a lifetime.
At North Star Travel Consulting, we have a depth of experience planning, contracting ships and guides, and delivering exceptional experiences in Antarctica. Contact us to help you with your Antarctica travel needs.
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