Icon
Come back

2 min

01 Sep. 2024

11688

Excursion to Antarctica: how to visit the Akademik Vernadsky station as a guest of Ukrainian polar explorers

Travel
Popular
Excursion to Antarctica: how to visit the Akademik Vernadsky station as a guest of Ukrainian polar explorers

Antarctic tourism, despite the complexity of organising such a trip, is becoming increasingly popular among tourists. Learn more about the peculiarities of travelling to the icy continent from experienced Ukrainian polar explorers, as well as how to ‘visit’ the glacial continent without leaving home

An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside your home country
An insurance policy is a guarantee of your safety and peaceful stay outside your home country
BUY


The National Antarctic Research Centre, which supports the work of Ukrainian polar explorers at the Akademik Vernadsky Antarctic Research Station, shared interesting facts about travelling to Antarctica (even with a free excursion) and tips that even experienced tourists should consider.


Why is Antarctica partially closed to tourists?


According to the polar explorers, in recent years, apart from a short break due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the number of travelers coming to Antarctica has doubled. For example, in the 2022-2023 season, more than 72 thousand people visited the icy continent. 


Unfortunately, however, not all tourists follow the rules of visiting Antarctica and respect the unique nature, interfering with bird nesting and trampling on dewdrops with camera flashes. That is why the countries that are parties to the Antarctic Treaty periodically identify the most vulnerable areas of the continent that can only be visited by scientists for research.


What time of year is it in Antarctica now?


As polar explorers explain, the European continent lies in the Northern part of the hemisphere, and Antarctica is in the Southern part, so their seasons are opposite. Thus, the Antarctic winter lasts from June to August, and the summer from December to February. And it is the Antarctic summer that is the tourist season on the icy continent.




Visit Ukraine on social media: Telegram | YouTube | Instagram | Facebook | Twitter | TikTok





According to researchers from the Science Center, sea cruises in the Antarctic Peninsula are the most popular type of tourism, particularly among foreigners. It is in this area that the Akademik Vernadsky station is located, which, before the Covid-19 pandemic, was one of the most visited on the continent and received up to 4 thousand guests per season.


Sea cruises to Antarctica usually take place on large vessels or small yachts, for example, sea cruises on inflatable Zodiac boats.


Landings and walks on ice-free coastal areas are also popular there.


How long does the trip to Antarctica take?


The journey from Ukraine to Antarctica takes about a week and depends on the type of transport chosen by the tourist and the existing covid restrictions. The fastest route is a combination of land, sea, and road transport.


The polar explorers suggest getting to Poland by train or bus, then flying to Chile - the port of Punta Arenas or Argentina - the port of Usvaya (Ushuaia), and from there, by sea through the stormy Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands - this will be the first land point of Antarctica. 


How much does a tour to Antarctica cost?


Traveling to the world's southernmost continent is not a cheap pleasure. Thus, due to the growing popularity of Antarctic tourism, the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators was established in 1991, which currently includes more than 100 companies that have the right to organize trips to Antarctica. However, due to complicated logistics, port fees, and increased security requirements, the cost of such a trip is considerable and will cost about 10 thousand dollars on average.


Journey to Antarctica Online


For some we will unlock the mystery, and for some we will not. The website of the National Antarctic Research Centre offers an opportunity to virtually visit the Ukrainian Antarctic station Akademik Vernadskyi.


A 3D tour of the station was created by Yuriy Shepeta, a member of the seasonal expedition. Thanks to this, everyone can now have a detailed look at the station from inside and outside.


Such a journey will be interesting for all those interested who can imagine themselves as participants of polar expeditions.


We remind you! The route from Kiev to Odessa is one of the most popular among Ukrainians, but many of those who use it have no idea what there is to admire on the way to these cities. What places you should see while following this road and a little bit beyond it, we tell you here.


Photo: Pixabay


Want to know more? Read the latest news and useful materials about Ukraine and the world in the News section.



We recommend purchasing it for a safe and comfortable trip to Ukraine: 


Visit Ukraine Insurance - insurance covering military risks for entry and travel in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Car Insurance - car insurance with extended coverage in Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Legal advice - comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Legal advice – comprehensive legal support on entry to Ukraine;
Visit Ukraine Tickets – bus and train tickets to/from Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Tours – the largest online database of tours to Ukraine for every taste;

Visit Ukraine Hotels – hotels for a comfortable stay in Ukraine;

Visit Ukraine Merch – patriotic clothing and accessories with worldwide delivery.




© 2018-2024, Visit Ukraine. Use, copying or reprinting of materials on this site is permitted only with a link (hyperlink for online publications) to Visit Ukraine.

All rights reserved.

Frequantly

asked questions

How much does a trip to Antarctica cost?

Due to complex logistics, port fees and increased security requirements, the cost of such a trip is not insignificant and on average will cost around $10,000.

Why can't you visit the interior of Antarctica?

How to view Antarctica online?

Recommended articles

2 min

Transport A new wave of strikes in Europe: where will train and plane cancellations and delays occur in September?

A new wave of strikes in Europe: where will train and plane cancellations and delays occur in September?

September 2024 promises a new wave of transportation strikes in Europe. Find out where transportation cancellations and delays are expected to occur to be prepared for your trip

31 Aug. 2024

More details

1 min

Travel The pearl of the steppe - Bessarabia: what You Tube bloggers Max Uzol and Olya Manko recommend to watch

The pearl of the steppe - Bessarabia: what You Tube bloggers Max Uzol and Olya Manko recommend to watch

Bessarabia is still not well explored by tourists, despite being one of the most historically rich areas. The culture of the region is a harmonious blend of the national heritage of several ethnic groups. Find out in the article what places in Bessarabia travel bloggers Max Uzol and Olya Manko recommend visiting and what features this region has

31 Aug. 2024

More details

3 min

Tourists in Ukraine What unusual things can you taste in Ukraine?

What unusual things can you taste in Ukraine?

Gastronomic Ukraine is not only about borsch and varenyky. But the most amazing culinary discoveries are often hidden in remote corners or unremarkable at first glance. Learn about the unusual but delicious cuisine of Ukraine: farm, restaurant, and street food.

30 Aug. 2024

More details

3 min

Travel Where to go on vacation abroad in the fall with your own car?

Where to go on vacation abroad in the fall with your own car?

Every motorist should go on a road trip at least once. It is a drive, romance, and adventure. Find out where is the best place to go on vacation in your own car and how to make such a trip positive and responsible

31 Aug. 2024

More details