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

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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.

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What type of tourism is the most popular in Antarctica?

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