Are you dreaming of an Antarctic adventure? How exactly do you get to Antarctica, and is it really possible?
Antarctica is the southernmost continent on Earth, located south of the Antarctic Circle. Known for its extreme weather, it’s the windiest, coldest, and most ice-covered place on the planet. It’s about twice the size of Australia and remains one of the least explored regions on Earth. Many people have visiting Antarctica on their bucket lists. The continent, completely covered by an ice sheet, offers stunning landscapes, including glaciers, icebergs, and mountains. Interestingly, Antarctica is also home to active volcanoes, such as Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth.
Visiting Antarctica offers a unique and breathtaking experience. Taking a cruise to Antarctica is among the most scenic and unforgettable journeys you can embark on.
However, a trip to Antarctica isn’t cheap. Even the most budget-friendly options will cost several thousand euros.
So, how do you get to Antarctica? Going on a cruise is one of the best ways to reach this remote location. An Antarctic cruise is unlike your typical Caribbean or Mediterranean cruise. It’s not just about the weather; the entire experience is organized differently.
During an Antarctic cruise, you can attend educational seminars and lectures conducted by experts. Some cruises even offer casual evening talks in bars where guests can interact with specialists. While sailing, you’ll get the chance to see incredible wildlife, including large colonies of penguins and seals. You can also take a plunge in ice-cold waters, marvel at icebergs and glaciers, and soak in the pristine landscapes. If you’re lucky, you might even spot a whale.
The adventure doesn’t end on the ship. You’ll travel by kayak or Zodiac to hard-to-reach spots, exploring these areas with teams of biologists, geologists, and other specialists who provide insights into this vast, unexplored territory. Clearly, it’s more of an expedition than just a regular cruise.
There are various itineraries and companies to choose from, offering both smaller and larger cruise ships. Some cruise lines even offer luxury Antarctic cruises, which are more expensive but less popular.
The most popular Antarctic cruises last between two to three weeks, with the three-week trips possibly including stops at the Falklands and South Georgia. The majority of Antarctic cruises depart from Ushuaia, a resort town in Argentina. However, there are also departures from Chile, New Zealand, and Australia.
Flying is another great way to reach Antarctica, especially if you want to avoid the rough Drake Passage. There are no scheduled flights to Antarctica, but charter flights are available as part of package holidays. These flights are operated by Aerovías DAP, a Chilean airline, using British Aerospace planes, which are well-suited for the short runways in Antarctica.
While sailing from Ushuaia to Antarctica takes about two days, a flight only takes around two hours. Though quicker, flying is generally more expensive than taking a cruise alone. Many air-cruise packages include flights from Punta Arenas, Chile, to King George Island in Antarctica, avoiding the Drake Passage entirely. From King George Island, you begin your Antarctic adventure. At the end of your trip, you’ll fly back to Punta Arenas. There are also packages where you fly one way and take a ship back to South America, or vice versa.
It’s wise to book your Antarctic adventure early to secure the best prices, as cruises tend to sell out quickly due to the short expedition season, which runs from late October to March. Arrive at your departure port at least two days early to ensure you don’t miss your ship. If departing from Ushuaia, consider spending two or three days exploring this picturesque Argentinian city, often called the “End of the World” because of its southern location. Don’t miss the chance to discover its charm!