It is actually possible to travel to Antarctica?
Have you ever thought of traveling to Antarctica?
Credit: Oceanwide Expeditions
Like you, I used to think of Antarctica as a distant place inhabited only by penguins. Even when I had days off from work, I never considered going. It wasn't until the time before my trip to South America in 2019 that I realized, "There are people in Antarctica! It's actually possible to travel there!"
Apart from the beautiful misunderstanding about penguins, are there other reasons for me to miss Antarctica for this many years?
Myth 1: "No-Google-Landmark" mysterious area
Credit : Gaye Moffitt
"Open Google Maps. There are tons of landmarks and check-in spots across Asia, Europe, Africa, and the Americas. But at the very bottom of the map, there's a vast area called 'Antarctica,' and there's no landmark at all. It's impossible."
This seemingly uninhabited region, as seen on maps, attracted nearly 74,000 visitors during the 2019-2020 tourist season, pre-pandemic. Looking back at the history of this silvery land, the first human presence at the South Pole was only about 200 years ago. The first tourist cruise ship arrived in 1965. This demonstrates the mystique of Antarctica.
Another reason why people think Antarctica is something to be admired from afar is the accumulation of many myths: mountains and valleys filled with penguins, temperatures below zero year-round, and the fact that independent travel is not allowed in Antarctica. As a result, the number of Antarctic travelogues available online has always been small compared to other popular tourist destinations, making Antarctica a mysterious place.
Myth 2: Ways to get to Antarctica
Credit: picturedesk.com
"This seemingly desolate place doesn't even have any land connection to the nearest South America. Seriously, is there an airport here that can take off and land planes? Or do I need to swim across?"
The two main modes of transportation to Antarctica are by cruise ship or by plane. For example, a cruise requires first traveling to a port of departure, such as Argentina, New Zealand, or Australia. From there, you board a cruise ship. The voyage, which can take anywhere from two to five days, involves crossing the Drake Passage or the Ross Sea to reach Antarctica. For travelers with limited time, flights from Chile are an option.
The biggest difference between these two modes of transportation, besides saving time, is the added thrill of life. Especially on the cruise ship from Argentina to Antarctica, while crossing the Drake Passage, the public areas are filled with passengers who have slipped while walking, or fallen down and had to lie on tables to rest. When the waves are strong, even sleeping in the bed of your room is so shaky that it makes you question your life.
"If you haven't fainted once in the Drake Passage, don't even think you've been to Antarctica."
Myth 3: What else is there to see in Antarctica besides penguins?
credit: expertvagabond.com
"Having said all that, what is there to see in Antarctica?"
Due to its remote location, reaching Antarctica from Asia requires approximately 36 hours of flight time and a two-day boat ride. Therefore, aside from a few permanent scientific research stations and historical sites, Antarctica is a pristine and unspoiled land.
Here, you can quietly admire the perpetual daylight and photograph from various angles the ice shelves and floating ice that took millions of years to form. As you gaze upward, you can't help but marvel at nature's wonders and feel grateful for your visit. Turning back your eyes on sea level, you'll discover that this extreme landscape is home to not only penguins but also blue whales, sea lions, and a variety of seagulls.
credit: businessinsider.com
"Antarctica is so far away and so few people have been there. Maybe it's because it's too expensive?"
There's no independent travel to Antarctica. All cruise lines must plan and execute itineraries in accordance with the Antarctic Treaty, in an effort to protect this last pristine place. Consequently, Antarctic travel costs are kept at a reasonable level. However, these prices aren't as exorbitant as rumored. At various times each year, shipping companies offer promotions on available sailings, ranging from 20% to 50% off. Of course, the most popular sailing dates, such as Christmas and New Year's, have fewer available spots. For more details, refer to our article, "Antarctica Travel Ticket Purchasing Guide - A Step-by-Step Guide to Booking Your Cruise Tickets," for detailed instructions.
Credit: Karsten Bidstrup
The above is the answer to my question, which I've pondered since returning from Antarctica, as I reflect on why I never considered traveling there before, along with the insights I gained from that trip. I hope that by reading this, you can avoid the mistakes I made and start planning your own Antarctic trip sooner, witnessing firsthand the beauty of this world's last remaining solitude.
Want to know more about different Antarctic itineraries, tell us through our Facebook, Instagram, or Email.
Set foot on Antarctica. It's no longer out of reach.
Let's go to Antarctica!
Comments (0)