Traveling to Antarctica is one of the most exhilarating trips you can take. Although the cost is expensive, but the taste will be very spectacular. A visit to Antarctica is something you and your traveling companions will never forget. Antarctica is a place with a difficult environment and a remote location, so traveling there is not like traveling to other places. But there are a number of possibilities for intrepid explorers who wish to witness the splendor of this icy continent. Whether your goal is to spend a few weeks exploring Antarctica by boat, or flying over it, with some careful planning and frugal spending, you can have the best trip of your life.
Step
Method 1 of 3: Traveling to Antarctica by Boat
Step 1. Travel by cruise ship
The most common way to get to Antarctica is by taking a special cruise. Trips like this vary in type, but usually last anywhere from 10 days to three weeks. You can choose from a variety of routes to the Peninsula, depending on your departure location. The advantage of going on this cruise is that everything is already on board, and you can see Antarctica and its wildlife up close for quite a long time.
Most cruises to the Antarctic Peninsula area depart from Ushuaia, Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and some depart from Punta Arenas in Chile, Buenos Aires or Puerto Madryn in Argentina
Step 2. Decide whether you want to travel on a large or small cruise ship
There are various sizes of ships that you can board, ranging from 45 passengers on a small ship, to 280 passengers on a large ship. Both have their respective advantages and disadvantages. In general, larger ships will be more comfortable and fully equipped, but there will be fewer opportunities to get ashore and see Antarctica up close with your own eyes.
- On the high seas, larger boats will be more comfortable, but strict rules regarding the number of people allowed to visit the waterfront will limit your chances of visiting them.
- Smaller ships are allowed to stay on the waterfront for a longer period of time. This is because the rules for tourists limit the number of tour groups that descend to the mainland to a maximum of 100 people.
- All major cruise ship travel providers are registered with the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), so this is a good place to ask questions when planning a trip. They support eco-friendly travel to Antarctica.
- The cost of a cruise will vary, but for a 10-day trip, it would be at least IDR 60,000,000. While longer trips can range from IDR 170,000,000 to IDR 216,000,000.
Step 3. Sail to Antarctica on a small cruise ship
Reaching Antarctica on a small cruise ship is possible, but it is not common and is aimed more at sailors than the average tourist. There are a number of small cruise ship travel companies you can contact that are licensed by the IAATO and travel to Antarctica. Small cruises usually depart from Ushuaia or Port Stanley and are only for adventurous travelers.
- For a trip with a small ship like this, the conditions will be far more dangerous than traveling on a larger cruise ship.
- This is a very expensive travel option and can cost more than IDR 13,500,000 per day for a single traveler.
Step 4. Travel on a French logistics ship
Another option is to travel on a French research and logistics vessel as a tourist. The ship, called Marion Dufresne II, sails from Réunion and the round trip will take about a month. The number of tourists allowed to board the ship is quite limited and you should contact French travel agencies in advance for the latest information on departure schedules, availability of ships and fees.
The fee starts from IDR 108,000,000 for one month
Method 2 of 3: Fly To Antarctica
Step 1. Fly over Antarctica
The easiest way to see Antarctica is probably to view it from above. You can book a ticket with a flight path through Antarctica that will allow you to see its beautiful white land from the comfort of an airplane seat. Opting for a scenic flight is a great option for day travelers who just want to spend a few hours over Antarctica and then return the same day. You can enjoy the scenery while an expert Antarctic guide explains onboard with food and drinks for you.
- Australia is now the only departure location for these flights.
- If you choose this method, you must make advance planning and book tickets quickly.
- If you want to see wildlife up close, this is not the right choice for you.
- Ticket prices will range from IDR 13,500,000 to IDR 108,000,000, depending on the seat category.
Step 2. Choose a flight that can land in Antarctica
If you want to set foot on the mainland of Antarctica, there are a number of airlines that offer this service and have departures from various locations. Your departure location will depend on the rest of your journey, so think about whether you should depart from Australia, Chile, South Africa or Argentina and research carefully the schedules of each place. Keep in mind that scheduled flights to Antarctica are much less frequent and less predictable than regular flights.
- Some adventure travel companies offer offers that include opportunities to land in Antarctica, ski, camp and hike.
- You can fly to King George Island from Punta Arenas in Chile and stay overnight at a campsite dedicated to tourists there.
Step 3. Find out travel options with flights and cruises
Another option is flight plus cruise packages, which will cut time spent on board (avoiding the notoriously difficult Drake Strait), but still allow you to get close-up views of nature and wildlife. You can fly to King George Island, then hop on a boat that will take you to the area..
- This type of trip can be a great option if you want to see ice and wildlife up close, but don't want to spend a lot of time on a cruise. But this option is not cheap.
- Prepare funds between IDR 135,000,000 to IDR 189,000,000 for a two-week trip.
Step 4. Remember that bad weather can ruin your plans
Be aware that flights may be canceled at any time due to weather or other safety concerns. This is true for any flight, but the extreme conditions in the lower hemisphere make it more common. The best way to consider aircraft options is to read a dedicated guidebook on Antarctica, or look at specialized websites, as the details change every year depending on availability and people's level of interest.
Method 3 of 3: Planning Your Trip
Step 1. Choose the right time to visit
The tourist season to Antarctica spans five months, most of which falls in the Southern Hemisphere summer (November to March). Other times of the year it will be very cold, dark with frozen chunks of ice. Be aware that although there will be fewer people at the end of the season, most of the wildlife has left the land and headed for the sea. During these months, some of the things you might see include:
- During November, the ice melts and the breeding season for penguins and other birds begins.
- From December to January, baby penguins hatch and are fed and cared for in their breeding grounds.
- From February to March, baby penguins grow up, adult penguins molt and whales are easy to spot.
Step 2. Be prepared to dig deep into your pockets
Antarctica is a tourist destination where it is impossible for you to travel cost-effectively unless you are hired to work hard there. At the very least, you'll probably spend IDR 67,000,000 for just the basics and you won't get the best seats or opportunities.
- You may still get last-minute bargains on cruises in locations like Ushuaia in Argentina. You need to be in the city, have flexible times and be able to leave at any time. This is a risky choice, but if it works, you can save a lot of money.
- If you don't want to visit as a tourist, consider other options, such as joining a government expedition to Antarctica. For this purpose, you may need to have technical, scientific, medical, or other related skills such as large quantities of cooking. You must also have the appropriate background to work in government.
- Another possibility is to travel as part of an invited crew. Some people are invited to participate as journalists, photographers, artists, etc., and their trips are financed by whoever invites or sends them there. Again, this depends on your skills.
Step 3. Be aware of health and safety issues
The Antarctic environment is a dangerous environment for humans. The weather can deteriorate drastically and the temperature becomes persistently cold, even in summer (summer high temperatures along the coast usually range from 5-13°C). There are hazards such as gorges on icebergs and glaciers and a high level of fire hazard in very dry environments. Therefore you must be careful in handling flammable objects.
- Learn about the equipment and clothing needed. Of course you need a really good waterproof suit! Your cruise ship may provide charters for these items, if you don't have one. However, it is likely that the size will not match.
- There is no need to vaccinate before going to Antarctica but you must be fit and healthy as the medical treatment available will be very basic and limited for use by all passengers. Any medical conditions you have should be detailed by your doctor in the letter, especially if you must take medication with you.
Step 4. Respect how fragile the Antarctic environment is
The Antarctic environment is very fragile and apart from expeditions, as a base location and the presence of a number of tourists, there have been very few changes made by humans. Wild life remains unafraid of humans due to the lack of long-term negative interactions. It is important to respect the pristine nature of Antarctica and ensure tourism does not have a negative impact. There are rules for visitors contained in the Antarctic Treaty that govern the actions of visitors in Antarctica and are important to read as part of your preparation for your visit. Some basic things to remember are:
- Don't get too close to wildlife and don't interfere with wildlife in any way.
- Do not litter.
- Don't destroy anything – all man-made structures have historical value and lots of huts and so on are listed on the cultural heritage list. Do not engrave anything on stones or other objects on land.
- Take a photo and don't do more than that. Leave all the eggs, plants, rocks, fossils, oil and so on in their place.
Step 5. Enjoy the most amazing journey of your life
it is a journey that will not be forgotten and will not be able to stop talking about by the people who did it. If you like natural beauty, stunning views, the opportunity to see incredible wildlife, and the cold temperatures don't bother you, this may be a trip that will create memories for a lifetime for you.
Tips
- Bring adequate clothing for the weather in Antarctica-whether it's mid-July or January-remember, Antarctica will be chilly.
- A reputable tour guide service will comply with the visitor provisions contained in the Antarctic Treaty; read the contents of the agreement and other supporting guidelines before you depart.
- Find out how to be a 'good citizen' in your government's wild environment. (There is no local sovereignty in Antarctica and your behavior there is governed by the laws of your country's government.)
- Explore different types of tours so you can find the one that appeals to you the most, and fits your budget.
- Given the experience that would cost a fair amount of money, it wouldn't be unusual to save for a few years. If you've been saving for a long time, keep in mind that you should check the latest information regularly, especially if you're looking into it for a later date, so that you can account for any changes taking place in the Antarctic travel industry to accommodate research conditions and needs. in Antarctica.
- Make sure you have arranged travel, medical, health and other insurance before leaving. In addition, consult your doctor about any health conditions that could constitute an emergency; when you travel to Antarctica, doctors will be very few and far apart.
Warning
- The weather in Antarctica is very extreme. Be prepared for intense sunlight, strong winds, ice and freezing temperatures.
- Traveling to Antarctica can be very expensive, but if you can afford it, it will make for a great excursion.
- Take back everything you brought with you. Don't leave any traces.
- Check with your photography equipment dealer that the equipment can withstand extreme weather.
