Antarctica Tourism - Travel to Antarctica
| Flag | |
| N/A | |
| Quick Facts | |
| Capital | N/A |
| Government | Antarctic Treaty |
| Currency | N/A |
| Area | total: 14 million sq km land: 14 million sq km (280,000 sq km ice-free, 13.72 million sq km ice-covered) (est.) |
| Population | no indigenous inhabitants, but there are seasonally staffed research stations (July 2002 est.) |
| Language | N/A |
| Religion | N/A |
Antarctica is the coldest place on earth. It is covered in ice and if it all melted the sealevel would rise ... a lot. The place is a hotbed of scientific research, with scientist investigating the ozone hole and global warming, amongst other things.
| Table of contents |
Regions in Antarctica
Map of Antarctica
Include:
- Graham Land
- Marie Byrd Land
- Queen Maud Land
- Ross Dependency - (New Zealand protectorate.)
- Ross Ice Shelf and Ross Island
- Victoria Land
- Wilkes Land
- as well as some Islands of the Southern Ocean
Destinations
- South Pole
- McMurdo Sound - Mc Murdo Station (USA), Scott Base (New Zealand)
- Palmer Station
Understand Antarctica Tourism
Travel to Antarctica is generally restricted to organised scientific expeditions sponsored by signatories to the Antarctic Treaty. Permanent bases are maintained in Antarctic for scientific purposes only. Private expeditions must be totally self-supporting. Tourism to Antarctica is limited to a few specialist operators. Permission may also be required from various authorities in order to land on the continent. Advance approval from the respective governmental or nongovernmental operating organization required for landing aircraft. Landing aircraft are subject to inspection in accordance with Article 7 of the Antarctic Treaty.
Get into Antarctica
Travel to Antarctica By Plane
There are no airports in Antarctica capable of accepting ordinary commercial airliners. Commercial overflights do happen occasionally but the risks involved mean most airlines who have operated Antarctic flights in the past no longer do so.
Aircraft landing in Antarctica should be equipped for landing on ice, snow or gravel runways as there are no paved runways. Landings are generally restricted to the daylight season (Summer months from October to March.) Winter landings have been performed at Williams Field but low temperatures mean that aircraft cannot stay on the ice longer than an hour or so as skis may freeze to the ice runway.
Travel is normally by military aircraft, as part of the cargo. Passengers should anticipate carrying all their own luggage and may need to assist with freight as well.
Major landing fields include:
- Williams Field - Serves McMurdo Station and Scott Base.
Travel to Antarctica By Boat
In the Antarctic summer, several companies (e.g., Mountain Travel Sobek) offer excursions on ice strengthened vessels to Antarctica. Ice strengthened (not quite as tough as icebreakers) boats are preferred since icebreakers are round on the bottom -- a configuration that amplifies the already massive wave action in the Drake passage. The ships typically offer a couple of excursions to the continent or Antarctic islands (e.g., Deception Island, Aitcho Island) each day over the course of a week. The views are phenomenal, the penguins are friendly (well, some of them are), and the experience is one that is unparalleled!
Coastal stations include
- McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E) (USA)
- Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03 W) (USA)
Get around in Antarctica
Ponies, sledges and dogs, skis, tractors, snow cats and similar tracked vehicles, aircraft including helicopters and ski planes have all been used to get around Antarctica. Bring your own or find someone who has one there already. Bring your own fuel and food, or arrange supplies in advance. You cannot purchase fuel or food on the continent.
Sleep - Antarctica Tourism
Antarctica has 24 hour sunshine during the summer six months of the year. Visitors should ensure that they take steps to keep regular sleeping hours as continuous daylight disturbs the body clock.
Work
It is possible to obtain employment with scientific expeditions in Antarctica. Induction and training need to be undertaken prior to departure for Antarctica.
Stay safe - Antarctica Tourism
There are limited Search and Rescue facilities in Antarctica. Expeditions should plan for all contingencies.
Although there is no formal government or legal system in Antarctica, the laws of a country of origin or departure as well as those of a claimant government may apply.
Stay Healthy While You Travel to Antarctica
Antarctica has an extreme environment. The cold is a major health hazard. Visitors should be properly prepared and equipped for any visit.
Respect
Antarctica has a very fragile environment. Pollution should be avoided if at all possible. Expeditions should anticipate needing to removing ALL waste from the continent when they leave. Waste disposal and sewage facilities on the continent are severely limited and restricted to permanent installations.
External Links for Antarctica Tourism
