Antarctica is at the very top of our travel bucket list and as such we have done a LOT of research!
100 years ago no more than a handful of people had journeyed to Antarctica, however today it is slowly becoming a popular travel destination. Around 30,000 travelers visit Antarctica every year, however ecologists fear that the impact of tourism may be adversely impacting one of the most fragile environments on earth. As such, many international conventions have been put in place in order to protect the continent and its wildlife from such disturbance. Regardless of these conventions (which don’t really impact the average persons ability to travel), and eco concerns aside, Antarctica remains one of the most unique destinations on earth, and expeditions are available to the average person seeking an exceptional experience!
The majority of travelers head to the North Western most tip, known as the Antarctic Peninsular. You can only visit by traveling with an organized tour, which generally means booking a cruise. Cruises leave from Punta Arenas in Chile or Ushuaia in Argentina and set off for the South Shetland Islands, stopping at several research stations while sailing along the Antarctic Peninsular. Some Antarctic cruises, however, also include the Falkland Islands.
A trip to Antarctica is a once in a lifetime voyage – as you make your way to the world’s most remote continent you see giant ice-bergs, phenomenally steep cliffs, ice shelves and stunning mountains. You have the opportunity to step out of your boat for hikes through ice fields, and close up encounters with rare wildlife who are not afraid of people.
Wildlife is obviously one of the main draws for those traveling to Antarctica. Elephant seals, humpback whales, earless seals, leopard seals, orcas and baleen whales are easy to spot as soon as your cruise departs South America, and once you have arrived, you will witness the impressive Antarctic penguin colonies! Travelers commonly arrive in time to watch penguins begin their ‘mating and courtship process’, which I am assured is a not-to-be-missed spectacle!
Read about what it’s like to step onto the Antarctic Peninsula. For a more detailed Antarctica map click here.
Photo Source: Waitt Foundation
A great resource I used for information on Antarctica is Rudy Maxa’s “100 countries, 5000 ideas“.
Have you been to Antarctica? Do you have anything to add?
23 Comments
Hi Megan, I went to Antarctica a few years ago and was mind blown. Simply the best place I have travelled to. I do have something to add – DON’T book your trip in advance. Simply turn up in Ushuaia in November/December time and book a last minute deal – you will save a few thousand $$! My girlfriend booked it that way. I have a post about it on my blog which I can send you. Totally recommend Antarctica! Safe travels, Jonny
Oh I can’t wait to get here, looks and sounds incredibly stunning. Cheers to Jonny for that great trip, Hopefully there is a guest post on it’s way, cheers
Wow – this is one of my life ambitions and top of the bucket list! How much did it cost you?
I know expense is a huge issue for most people, but I’ve recently connected with a few people who managed to find work for 6-13 months. That’s the way to do it! You make money and theres no way to spend it! It’s next level ‘helpx’ or Woofing!
It’s on top of our bucketlist as well!!! :D
Antarctica is such a beautiful place! I was just there last January with G Adventures. It was expensive but well worth it! You will not be disappointed in any way. I have nothing but great things to say about G Adventures. The crew and staff were amazing and had experience and knowledge about everything you can think of about the continent. But while I was in Ushuaia I did see a lot of last min deals that can save you money. Just check all your options. I hope you can make it there someday whether pleasure or business. Good Luck! Also the picture above of the Gentoo Penguin jumping out of the water was taken by my cabin mate while I was there.
On our list of places to go too… can’t wait.
Hello, I am from India, presently in Germany and by the time I save up some money for the trip I would be hopefully working here.
My doubt is – are these trips also available for nationality’s other than US? I could reach Ushuaia and book last minute deals, but for that I need special Visa right?
Can someone please guide me? =)
This has been on my list since years now and finally I am close to plan it (with money) in coming months! =)
Thanks a lot in advance… =)
Hello Meg,
Thank you for the information =)
Will find out about that and in case I have any doubts about the expedition, will knock on your blog again =)
Have a nice day =)
Ughhhh, I want to go so bad. The elusive continent number 7. We’ll get there one day, its just so darn out of the way!
The Fantastic land of Penguines -)
Oh antarctica! The top photo with the penguins is absolutely beautiful! This has been on my list for so long…I would love to step on the ice and see the penguins from up close. Thanks for all the info!
Oh yeah! As you say, so high on the bucket list! That jumping pinguin is so cute :D
If I do rock up to Ushuaia, will there be a trip next week to Antarctica or something or do I need to be there in Ushuaia for like a month or so?
When is the best time to go to Antarctica?
To the girl who went to Antarctica via g adventures, do you have a blog or something for your Antarctica trip? I’d love to read it.
Thank you for your great article telling deepest about Antarctica which is most travel destination today. It is clear how to make cruise and some stops will be made. Thank you very much for your travel information.
Wow what an incredible resource of information. Is there a way to backpack our way in Antarctica?
Antarctica is the most beautiful and Fantastic land of Penguins -). I loved Penguins and want to see them in real atmosphere of Antarctica.
Great post! I’ve always had a huge interest in Antarctica. Maybe someday :)
I absolutely want to go, although I have heard that there are some serious environmental concerns of all these tourists going to Antarctica. If it causes long term damage to our planet, I really don’t want to be a part of that.
WOW…AMAZING, ANTARTICA WONDERFULL, Lost of the Island
Antarctica….that was never on my travel list. Looks a bit expensive to me, should research more about the last minute deals you mentioned.
I really love your writing style! It’s a unique style to write with great info!Thanks a lot for sharing with us and keep it up dear!
Awesome I like the way you write. Antartica is my dream destination.