The coldest and driest continent on Earth with the highest average elevation, Antarctica is a land of extremes. Scarcely touched by humans, the frozen land boasts breathtaking scenery, broken by only a handful of scientific bases and a “permanent” population of scientists numbering only a few thousand. Visitors to Antarctica usually must brave rough sea crossing of the Drake Passage, but those who do are rewarded with amazing scenery and abundant, unique wildlife.
Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, referred to collectively as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established Antarctica as a zone of peace and science.
Things Not to Miss in Antarctica
- Antarctica Marathon and Half-Marathon – The Antarctica Marathon and Half-Marathon on King George Island is for hardcore runners in sub-zero conditions, but what an accomplishment if you can do it!
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Observation Hill – A 30 minute ascent from McMurdo station will bring you to the top of Observation Hill, which awards travelers with magnificent views of Mount Erebus and the Ross Ice Shelf, plus the ‘Royal Societies’ range across the ice.
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Wildlife – Antarctica offers some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Elephant and Weddell seals, emperor, chinstrap and Adelié penguins and humpback and minke whales are just a few of the regulars spotted in Antarctica.
- Swim at Deception Bay – Deception Bay is a caldera of a volcano and the prime site for going swimming in Antarctica. Warm waters and home to the world’s largest Chin Strap Penguin Colony, Deception Bay is a major tourist destination in Antarctica.
- Sail with Bark Europa – Become part of the sailing crew on a 22 or 24 day expedition to Antarctica with Bark Europa. No experience is necessary, making this trip possible for all skill levels.
- Sail through Kodak Crack – 1,000m high mountains of ice tower over the small Lemaire Channel. Orcas and humpback whales often accompany ships as they make their way through some of the most spectacular scenery on Earth.
Antarctica Tips
Visas – Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required. However, the countries that signed the Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection require that visitors from those countries (including the USA, Canada, EU and Australia) need permission. This is nearly always through tour operators.
Visa and departure tax Argentina – Many nationalities do not require a visa to enter Argentina for a stay of less then 90 days. For more information please check: http://www.migraciones.gov.ar/accesibleingles/?visas In case of any doubt please contact your local consulate. On your return flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires you will have to pay airport taxes (approx 25,- USD) at Ushuaia airport. You can pay these taxes at a separate counter in the departure hall after checking in. In Buenos Aires an airport taxes of about USD 29,- may be applicable if it is not already
included in your ticket.
Reciprocity fee Argentina – Effective January 7, 2013, U.S., Australian and Canadian Citizens arriving at any point of entry into Argentina will be required to pay the entry fee which MUST be paid online in advance. http://cnyor.mrecic.gov.ar/en/node/1759. To complete payment online:
1. Visit https://virtual.provinciapagos.com.ar/ArgentineTaxes/ and sign up;
2. Complete the form and credit card information;
3. Print the payment receipt; and
4. Present the printed receipt at Immigration Control upon arrival.
Important: You MUST carry the printed receipt with your passport as this is the only way to prove payment.
Reciprocity Fee U.S.A USD 160,-, Australia USD 100,-, Canada USD 75 (one entry) or USD
150,- (multiple entry).
Money Matters – Antarctica has no official currency. Don’t expect to spend a lot of money ashore in Antarctica.
Protected – Taking or harmful interference with Antarctic wildlife is prohibited except in accordance with a permit issued by a national authority.
Antarctica Articles
What’s In Store For Me on Bark Europa & In Antarctica
Antarctica – Get Yourself There…. It’s Amazing!
What to Pack for an Antarctica Sailing Adventure
15 Photos that Will Make You Wish You Were in Antarctica Now
5 Favorite Moments in Antarctica with Bark Europa
Catching Sight of the Shore from Bark Europa
My Wildest Travel Dream Comes True – Setting Foot on Antarctica
Into the Drake Passage – Sailing to Antarctica on Bark Europa
Antarctica is on my bucket list too. I’ve been obsessed with it since seeing the film “The Last Place on Earth” as a kid. I’ve been a student of Scott, Shackleton and Amundson ever since! I WILL get there and this is driving me even more.
Mike
I’d like to finally visit Antarctica. It is the last continent I have to visit. Bark Europa seems like a good learning experience and adventure. Thank you for introducing me to them or else I would have gone on a cruise. I would like more of an adventure for this type of trip.
Mary
Hi Lesley,
I loved your stories of Antarctica. It sounds like a dream adventure on a tall ship. This is going on the top of my bucket list. I admire all of your trips and hope to have similar experiences starting with Antarctica.
Maybe we’ll meet on the road someday.
Good luck with your next adventure,
Kevin
#PiloturBLP Screwed back plate with F16-logo. Watch case in 316L stainless steel. I like that!