How to Visit Antarctica – The Ice-Covered 7th Continent of the World

Once upon a time, how to go to Antarctica used to be a common question among adventurers, as the world’s 7th continent, remained quite a mystery to many. In 1959, the Antarctic Treaty was signed by 12 original signatory countries, recognising Antarctica as a preserve for peace and scientific study, freezing any international claims to the continent as well. Today, the Antarctic Treaty is recognised by almost all countries of the world. Though people have been visiting the continent since the late 1950s, earlier, the question of how to visit Antarctica used to involve rugged plans, voyages, and expeditions. However, with state-of-the-art polar vessels carrying cruises to the ‘final frontier’, you no longer have to wonder about how you can visit Antarctica or what you are going to do there!

How to Go to Antarctica from India?

Booking an all-inclusive Antarctica tour package from India is one of the simplest and most convenient ways of travelling to the southernmost continent. You won’t need to worry about how to go to Antarctica, how you can visit Antarctica’s tourist spots, and so on. While a holiday package will certainly make things easier, there are several aspects involved in the trip that you must pay heed to, from how to visit Antarctica via cruise to the best time to travel to Antarctica, and much more. But do not fret, here’s all you need to know about visiting Antarctica:

• About Antarctica – Beyond “How to Go to the ‘Final Frontier’”
• Top Places to Visit in Antarctica
• The Best Time to Go to Antarctica
• How to Go to Antarctica from India
• Things to Know Before You Go

About Antarctica – Beyond “How to Go to the ‘Final Frontier’”

Antarctica accounts for about 10% of the world’s land and is the coldest, driest, and windiest destination in the world. Uninhabited, apart from the scientific research base stations and the fauna, the continent boasts of pristine wilderness and icy landscapes. While some people head out to explore the famous places of Antarctica simply for the experience, others do it for the adventure. For many, it has been a dream of a lifetime, while others wish to mark special occasions with a special trip. There are several reasons why people plan to visit Antarctica, and now, with Antarctica cruises becoming so common, it is within your grasp as well.

Top Places to Visit in Antarctica

The entire itinerary and plan for an Antarctica trip will depend on the tourist spots of Antarctica that you plan to visit. Some of the most famous places in Antarctica that you can consider include:

1. South Shetland Island: Completely covered with ice, and one of the most popular tourist attractions in Antarctica, this island houses some of the most amazing glaciers and fjords.
2. The Antarctic Peninsula: Towering glaciers, iceberg-strewn waterways, expansive skies, and an array of polar wildlife await at the peninsula, which is also the northernmost point of the continent.
3. Drake Passage: The tumultuous waters of the Drake Passage are where you will get your first glimpse of the colossal mass of ice that is Antarctica. This passage is also home to a diverse fauna and several species of dolphins, seabirds, orcas, whales, penguins, and more.
4. Lemaire Channel: Replete with mesmerising scenery, towering mountains, untouched icebergs, looming glaciers, and diverse marine life, this is one of the tourist attractions of Antarctica that you cannot miss.
5. Damoy Point: This spot is best known for the restored British hut that has been deemed as a designated historic site, the amazing views, and the flourishing population of Gentoo Penguins.
6. Wilhelmina Bay: Named after the Queen of the Netherlands, this is the best spot in Antarctica for whale watching.
7. Paradise Bay: Seeming no less than paradise on earth, this bay is a serene stretch of wilderness with towering glaciers as well as bobbing ice floes creating the most stunning camera-ready landscapes you will ever witness.
8. Cuverville Island: Home to the largest Gentoo Penguin population in Antarctica, this island sits at the northern end of the Errera Channel and offers spectacular views of nearby mountains, glaciers, and even a cosy rocky cove towards the eastern-end rookery of the beach.
9. Neko Harbour: This spot boasts of a beach and a rocky outcrop against a backdrop of lofty peaks and crevassed glaciers that surround the harbour.
10. Antarctic Sound: Also known as the ‘Iceberg Alley’, the Antarctic Sound is a wild place with huge icebergs and glaciated peaks, home to the largest Adélie penguin population and also frequented by whales.

The Best Time to Go to Antarctica

Antarctica has two seasons – summer and winter. During the winter months, the continent gets no sunlight and temperatures drop to extremes, making travel impossible. The summer months, from November to March are the ideal time to travel to the frozen continent for travellers. During the summer months, you can choose the best time to travel to Antarctica based on your plans and preferences. Here’s a small Antarctica travel guide about the summer months in Antarctica and what you can expect:

• November: Most cruise ships start sailing to the continent around November when the temperatures are still quite low, but the days are starting to get longer. November marks the beginning of tourist season as well as the mating season for several species like penguins.
• December: It starts getting properly warm by December as temperatures stay somewhere around 0 degrees Celsius, and the sun rises fully, providing 20-22 hours of sunlight every day. The wildlife in Antarctica also starts getting very active, making it easy for travellers to spot the native fauna.
• January: As temperatures rise to around 10 degrees Celsius and the sun shines for almost 24 hours straight, January is the best time for landing opportunities and camping experiences in Antarctica.
• February: The summers are about to end, but the time is perfect for water activities, Zodiac safaris and for watching the wildlife of Antarctica.
• March: The tourist season ends by the end of March and days start getting shorter. But this also makes for awe-inspiring sunsets and sunrises. The marine life is easier to spot as their focus shifts from food and is more inquisitive.

How to Go to Antarctica from India

There are two ways for travellers to explore Antarctica – by air and on a cruise.

Flying to Antarctica

One of the easiest and quickest ways to explore the 7th continent is by fly-over. This involves taking a chartered flight across the continent and is usually a one-day tour. However, with a fly-over, there is no opportunity for you to actually explore the icy wonderland, and it also tends to cost a lot to charter a plane. Another option for those who wish to experience the wilderness and serenity of Antarctica is to fly-in where they can fly to the Russian research base (Novo Air Base), and spend some days camping, skiing, and exploring in Antarctica. However, as there are no commercial flights to the continent, this option also involves chartering a private plane.

Cruise to Antarctica

By far the best and most popular way to go to Antarctica is via cruise. Ushuaia in Argentina, which is considered to be the southernmost city in the world, is one of the best spots to board a cruise ship en route to Antarctica, and you can get to the city from India via Buenos Aires. From Ushuaia, cruise ships tend to sail to Antarctica, visiting all the popular tourist spots, offering ample time for visitors to explore the land and witness the beauty of this icy haven. From India, you can easily board a flight to Buenos Aires, which is also a destination worth checking out; spend a couple of days there, before heading out to Ushuaia to catch your cruise liner.

Things to Know Before You Go

Before you head out, here are some quick tips for you to keep in mind:

• Pack Right: Even the summer months in Antarctica can be plenty cold. Ensure you pack enough warm clothing.
• Don’t Forget Seasick Medication: Regardless of how many cruises you have been on, don’t underestimate the waters around Antarctica. It’s better to be well-prepared.
• Make Your Bookings Early: Limited number of months for visiting and high demand make it crucial to make your bookings well in advance (sometimes even 12 months before you plan to travel).
• Explore Argentina: Antarctica may be your main destination, but don’t miss out on the opportunity to explore Buenos Aires and Ushuaia.
• Don’t Skimp on Insurance: Expect the unexpected when you travel to Antarctica and be prepared for everything with comprehensive travel insurance.
• Keep Your Distance from the Wildlife: Do not touch or feed the animals and marine life you come across and keep noise to a minimum around their colonies.
• Be Cautious: The Antarctic environs are not for everyone. Be conscious of your limits and carefully follow the instructions of your guides.
• Stay Protected from the Sun: Just because it’s cold doesn’t mean you can forget your sunscreen.
• Keep the Camera Ready: There will be so many views you would want to capture, it’s always a good idea to keep your camera ready. Carry a dry bag to keep it with you, but also, don’t forget to experience the landscapes and ambience in real-time either.

Antarctica is undoubtedly a destination of a lifetime that has so much to offer to visitors. If you plan right and put in the due research, you can rest assured of an amazing time!