Why visit Antarctica?
Before we start, why visit Antarctica? There are countless reasons, but some of the main reasons people choose to visit Antarctica include the vast variety of wildlife found in the Southern Oceans, such as whales, birds, and seals, including some of the most iconic species on our planet: emperor penguins and blue whales. It is also a wild, untamed landscape, utterly alien and entirely different than any other region on Earth.
Antarctica is a land of adventure and exploration, only formally discovered in 1820. It is the world's fifth-biggest continent and is still shrouded in mystery. What lies beneath the ice? We still don't entirely know. It is a land full of heroic tales of daring expeditions and survival against immense odds, and it is also a land of breathtaking beauty and sights that are not to be found anywhere else on Earth.
A visit to Antarctica is not only a fantastic opportunity for wildlife enthusiasts and adventurous types. It's an opportunity to connect with our natural world in ways you never believed possible and to venture into one of the last true frontiers on our planet.
Picture by Martin Anstee
Can I go to Antarctica?
When you think of Antarctica, you likely conjure images of wild, snowy expanses of ice, desolate but beautiful islands, and spectacular wildlife displays. Given its history tied to sometimes fatal exploration and a wild, extremely unforgiving winter season, many people assume Antarctica is inaccessible and wholly inhospitable, but this isn't true.
Our planet's southernmost continent may only be inhabited by small teams of scientists year-round, but that doesn't mean tourists aren't allowed to visit and experience life in the extreme south. With this in mind, let's examine some common questions, such as:
- Can you travel to Antarctica?
- When can you go to Antarctica?
- Who can go to Antarctica?
- How can I travel to Antarctica?
Picture by Martin Anstee
Can you travel to Antarctica?
The short answer is yes. However, logistical considerations for a visit to Antarctica are huge. Aside from teams of scientists and authorized personnel, private travel is generally not allowed for mainland Antarctica. Various international treaties and agreements cover Antarctica, the most significant being the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959. Much of Antarctica is also protected by law, designed to prevent exploitation for raw materials and to protect wildlife and the finely balanced Antarctic environment.
For this reason, along with various other requirements such as visas and permits, most Antarctic tourism is performed as part of organized expeditions and cruise excursions. This way, human activity in Antarctica can be carefully managed and planned. By joining an Oceanwide Expeditions cruise, you also remove much of the uncertainty and stress of the permit application process. If permits to visit certain areas are needed, we organize this as part of our planning,
This also answers a separate question - who can go to Antarctica? The answer is, anyone. Visits to research stations are usually tricky, as is journeying to the fabled South Pole. It should also be noted that the Antarctic terrain and the journey by ship to reach it isn't suitable for everyone, so always use your judgment.
Picture by Wei Chen
When can you go to Antarctica?
Antarctic winters are long, harsh, and bitterly cold. Between March and October, daylight is scarce, and during the deepest of winter, the sun doesn't rise, and temperatures, on average, hover at around -60°c in the coldest parts of the continent. The oceans freeze solid, with pack ice forming impenetrable barriers, while katabatic winds batter the coastline and desolate interior with gusts reaching up to 190 mph. During the winter months, around 1,000 scientists and research personnel 'over-winter' at isolated research bases scattered across the continent. Aside from this small number of individuals, no one else can visit (or leave) Antarctica during the fearsome winter season.
Visiting Antarctica and the southern polar regions is far more accessible during the polar summer. Sea ice melts, allowing access to the continent and much of the peninsula, and weather, while still somewhat unpredictable, is far more manageable and less harsh. Compared to winter, the sun never sets during the Antarctic summer, making it perfect for tourism and other activities in the far south. So, the answer to the question of 'when can you go to Antarctica' is, generally, in the warmer summer months.
Our expedition cruises to Antarctica begin in October and run throughout the summer until March when our ships depart for home. This means we can visit as the sea ice begins to retreat, offering a variety of experiences across our Antarctic program. At the start of the season, you'll see life in the region emerge after the darkness of winter, while later, you'll see its grip begin to take hold once more.
Picture by Andy Austin
How can I travel to Antarctica?
The best way to visit Antarctica is on an Oceanwide Expedition trip. Our Antarctic program offers many destinations, activities, wildlife, and experiences. We venture deep into the Weddell Sea on extended voyages and navigate the Antarctic peninsula on various itineraries designed to maximize your Antarctic experience, including our beloved Basecamp trips. We also visit some of the most remote and iconic islands and locations in the sub-Antarctic, including South Georgia, Elephant Island, Deception Island, and the South Shetland Islands.
Have you always wanted to go whale-watching in the frozen south? How about visiting the famous emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island by helicopter? Whether witnessing the Southern Lights or following in the footsteps of Antarctic explorers of the heroic past, get closer than you ever thought possible with Oceanwide Expeditions.
Picture by Sara Jenner
Can I go to Antarctica without special permission?
Technically, yes, you can. However, many areas of Antarctica are off-limits, either due to logistical difficulties or to protect the fauna and flora of Antarctica. For much of Antarctica, if you want to perform commercial activities, you must hold a permit. As a tour operator, we are required to hold a valid permit; however, as a guest on one of our expedition cruises, you do not.
How long is an Antarctic expedition?
The length of an Antarctic expedition depends on the trip itinerary and our annual program. Some of our Antarctic expeditions are true voyages, venturing across the Southern Ocean between isolated islands and the Antarctic mainland. Others are more specialized and focused, taking shorter routes around the Antarctic peninsula or between islands and specific Antarctic locations. This gives you a variety of options. Our Antarctic expeditions generally last between nine and 27 nights, depending on the trip's itinerary.
Picture by Claudio Ghiglione
What's the difference between an expedition and a cruise?
At Oceanwide Expeditions, we offer expedition cruises to the polar regions. As an expedition, your time with us is experience-led rather than spent in isolation in the luxury of a large cruise ship. We champion small-vessel expeditions, meaning your experience is more personal, intimate, and unique.
While comfortable, all of our vessels are designed for expeditions and exploratory voyages. They are small enough to navigate smaller channels and inlets and venture deep into the heart of the polar regions. On our expedition cruises, you will have the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, both on board and ashore. These range from hiking and snowshoeing to camping, mountaineering, kayaking, and even polar diving.
This is what sets our expedition cruises apart from a standard cruise. You won't find unnecessary luxuries like saunas, pools, and steam rooms. Instead, you'll get closer to the heart of nature, closer to the spirit of adventure, and closer to the breathtaking beauty of Antarctica and the Arctic than you ever dreamed possible.
Picture by Juan Berenstein
How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?
This is another question that depends on which itinerary you choose. We offer various itineraries at varying prices to give you the best opportunity to experience life in the Far South. You can also select various berth options aboard, some cheaper than others. We also run offers and discounted trips throughout the year, so if you want to book your place on the frozen continent, check out our Antarctica trips page for the latest prices, or sign up for our newsletter to receive the latest news and offers.
Interested in visiting Antarctica? Check out our full range of trips and visit our resource pages to learn more about our destinations and what you can expect to see.
Main image by Sara Jenner