Facts About Traveling to Antarctica

You’re Visiting a Continent with No Permanent Residents

Generally, when you are visiting any continent you get to meet the local people and know about their culture and traditions. This is a great way to learn more about different people on the planet. However, one of the unique things about visiting Antarctica is that you will be heading to a continent with no permanent residents.

The only people you will meet in Antarctica are the scientists and support staff working at various research stations and bases. Hence, this travel trip to Antarctica will be unique because you will meet no indigenous people or locals who can tell you more about the continent.

The Only Way to Reach Antarctica is by Ship or Flight

When you are planning to travel to Antarctica you need to look out for cruises or flights that can help you reach the continent. Most tourists access Antarctica via expedition cruises departing from Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile. Similarly, you can also look out for chartered flights that can help you speed up your journey and take you to your destination. There are no road networks like most countries and continents do so if you are looking for road trips there are practically none in Antarctica.

Crossing the Drake Passage Is an Adventure in Itself

One of the things about traveling to Antarctica is that the journey itself is adventurous and therefore you can make the most of your time. The Drake Passage which stretches from South America to Antarctica is one of the roughest seas in the world. Hence, if you are someone who craves fun and adventure a visit to Antarctica would be a good thing. The Drake Passage is known for its towering waves and unpredictable weather which means that no one knows much about weather changes. However, there are many days when the weather is relatively calm and you can enjoy serene ocean views and marine life sightings.

Antarctica Enjoys Summer from November to March

The best time to travel to Antarctica is during the summer months from November to March. While for most of the world, this is when the winter begins, but in Antarctica, these months bring slightly milder temperatures and offer continuous daylight. This makes the travel to Antarctica better and more convenient. This is also the prime time when you spot more wildlife activity such as penguin nesting and whale migrations. If you are interested in photography make sure you carry your camera along.

Having the Right Packing List

Knowing what you can and cannot do in Antarctica would help you know what to pack for your Antarctica trip. This is essential because you don’t want to carry things that are not required. Hence, it is always essential that you talk to the cruise company that would help you with the itinerary and other information. Always make sure that you also have weather information that will help you stay warm and safe throughout your Antarctica tour. You also need to focus on specialized gear and layers that will keep you warm.

Antarctica Has No Time Zone

When you are traveling across various countries and continents you likely need to adjust your time based on the time zone you are in. However, when you travel to Antarctica you don’t have to do that because there are no time zones in Antarctica. Due to its location at the South Pole where all longitudinal lines converge Antarctica doesn’t operate within any specific time zone. You can keep the time of your country you are visiting or your home country. In general, tourists usually switch to the time zone of their departure port to help them manage their trip.

Antarctica is Home to Active Volcanoes

While Antarctica might seem like a cold icy continent it still has active volcanoes. You can walk on one when you are heading to Deception Island, part of the South Shetland Islands. This is a volcanic caldera and one of the must-see attractions in Antarctica that you should not miss when you are touring this continent. Visitors can even dip into the warm waters of its natural hot springs which is a unique experience that you do not want to miss when you are touring Antarctica.

Antarctica Follows Leave No Trace Policy

When you are heading to Antarctica you also need to know that Antarctic tourism operates under a strict ‘leave no trace’ policy. This means that visitors cannot disturb the wildlife, collect souvenirs or leave waste behind. Generally, when you opt for cruise tours to Antarctica you will be briefed by the team that will instruct you on how you need to behave once you have landed in Antarctica. This would ensure that you adhere to the guidelines provided and contribute to keeping the continent’s environment as pristine as possible.

Antarctic Tourism Cap Visitor Numbers

This icy continent is unlike anything you’ve ever seen before. Also, the fragile ecosystem of Antarctica can be impacted by more tourism. Hence, Antarctic tourism caps the visitor numbers. This means that you need to focus on how you can book your space in advance. Ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to make landings. Only a limited number of people can disembark at one time which minimizes the impact on the environment.

Ample Adventure Activities to Do

While Antarctica might seem like a cold harsh place you can still do a lot of activities here that can keep you engaged throughout the trip. During the summer months, you can spot local wildlife and capture pictures of seals, penguins, and whales. You can also head out for some kayaking in the icy waters. You can also do some camping on the ice and polar plunges and whale-watching activities during the trip.