Antarctica Travel: How To Get To The Frozen Continent

06.08.2023 - 07:19 / forbes.com / Drake Passage

There are off the beaten path destinations, and then there’s Antarctica. One of the driest, coldest and windiest places on the planet, the majestic icy wilderness attracts scientists from around the world keen to study the unique environment.

Thanks to the ongoing success of the Antarctic Treaty, many countries are represented on the frozen continent across a handful of semi-permanent research settlements.

At the South Pole, the American-run Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station sits at more than 9,000 feet above sea level and is a dream destination for those studying astronomy and astrophysics. The landscapes and hardy wildlife of Antarctica are also a dream destination for curious travelers worldwide.

Despite its reputation as Earth’s final frontier, tourism is increasing. More than 105,000 people visited Antarctica during the 2022-23 tourism season, more than ever before.

Although there are airstrips on Antarctica, all but a few thousand tourists arrive by ship because there are no commercial flights or tourist infrastructure once you get there.

So, who flies? Unless you’re working on the continent, there are just a handful of companies offering fly-cruise package deals.

Otherwise, most cruises leave from Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, Argentina, or Puntas Arenas, Chile. Vessels cross the notorious Drake Passage, often calling at some remote islands on the way to the Antarctic Peninsula.

Various categories of ship make the journey to Antarctica, but most are expedition vessels ideally suited to the challenging conditions of the polar regions. Which one is right for you depends on what you want to get from the experience, and your budget.

Several cruise ship lines offer itineraries to Antarctica, often at attractive rates. While larger ships are often better suited to families, those seeking onboard entertainment, and budget-conscious travelers, their size limits their ability to offer a comprehensive experience of Antarctica.

For example, Norwegian Cruise Line offers this 14-day itinerary from Buenos Aires that includes one day of scenic cruising along the Antarctic peninsula and one day at Elephant Island, with no landings on the schedule. Celebrity Cruises offers a 14-night itinerary from Buenos Aires with similar scenic cruising opportunities.

Although there are other highlights on the itineraries and plenty of onboard activities, the limited time in Antarctica with no opportunities for landings won’t suit those who are looking for a more in-depth experience. For that, you’ll need an expedition cruise.

If you want to get much closer to the action in Antarctica and actually set foot on the rock and ice, you’ll need to join a much smaller vessel.

Expedition cruises have grown in popularity in recent years,