Antarctica's remoteness and vast expanse make it a dream destination for many adventurous travelers. But as with visiting any remote destination, you must plan your trip well to guarantee a smooth and stress-free holiday. So, if you're planning to finally make your dream a reality and wondering how to get to this remote continent, here are some ways you can travel to Antarctica.
Private Charter
Hiring a private charter is one of the best ways to travel to Antarctica. On board a private boat, you'll sail through the pristine waters of the extraordinary continent and come across incredible wildlife, from quirky penguins and seals to mysterious whales and polar birds. Be amazed by the monstrous icebergs you'll see on your way, and marvel at the stunning landscapes as you journey into the unknown.
You can choose how you want to arrive in Antarctica if you book a private charter. You can cross the infamous Drake Passage as you travel to Antarctica by boat. But if you want to make the most of your time, you can skip the Passage and fly directly into Antarctica. Private charters feature a combination of private jets and luxurious boats, an ideal choice for travelers seeking luxurious experiences. Everything will be arranged for you, allowing you to focus solely on your trip.
Some private charters to Antarctica will come with extra treats like a visit to the splendid Falkland Archipelago and the South Georgia Island, dubbed the “The Galapagos of the South”. Other activities include ice trekking, scuba diving, and visiting the various research stations on the continent.
Air-Cruise
One of the most convenient ways to travel to Antarctica is through an air cruise, and you will find many great companies to arrange this for you. These companies can help plan your Antarctica trip and curate itineraries to make the most of your visit.
Air cruising is a fantastic option if you want to explore the vast interior of Antarctica since ships generally stick to the peninsula area. If you plan to include activities like mountain climbing Vinson Massif and skiing to the South Pole on your Antarctica trip, then flying will be the best option to travel to Antarctica. While there are no airports in Antarctica, there are makeshift landing strips where planes can land and will be available upon request.
Air-cruising is an ideal option for those short of time and who want to avoid the rough seas while still admiring the views of the Antarctic Peninsula. You will fly to King George Island, continue the journey on a cruise ship, and take the plane back to the mainland. Most air cruises depart from Punta Arenas in Chile and will take around two hours to reach King George Island.
Sailing
Most visitors arrive in Antarctica on a sailing cruise. It's the most economical and environment-friendly way to visit the remote continent since it doesn't require any infrastructure to build on the land. Many tour operators can arrange excellent luxury Antarctica holidays and will help with all the planning for your trip. They will handle the logistics involved, including obtaining necessary permits and arranging itineraries.
To guarantee an enjoyable visit to Antarctica, choose the right sailing trip. The type of cruise ship can significantly affect your overall sailing experience. Larger ships are more well-appointed, offering luxurious experiences. They are also sturdier, which is perfect for crossing the Drake Passage, one of the most treacherous voyages for ships. If you are prone to seasickness, you should opt for bigger ships.
On the other hand, smaller ships offer more landing opportunities than bigger ships that can only land at specific landing points. Also, sailing in smaller ships means you won't have to queue for long when going ashore. There are private yacht tours going to Antarctica, which usually depart from Ushuaia. These tours offer great versatility for landing locations but are more prone to rough seas and may not be ideal for those prone to seasickness.
Ports That Go to Antarctica
If you plan on sailing to Antarctica, it's worth knowing where the ports are. Most cruises depart from South America, particularly in Ushuaia in Argentina. The lovely port city is worth exploring. Thus, many tour operators offer holiday packages in Antarctica with an extra day to explore the city before departing.
While Ushuaia is the most popular departure port, some cruises depart from Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands and Tierra del Fuego in Argentina. There are also rare cases when cruises have to depart from Buenos Aires, Puerto Madryn, and Chile's Punta Arenas. If you are in Europe or America, your best departure point is the South American ports. You will find many direct flights from the US and Europe to Ushuaia.
Those coming from New Zealand and Australia can depart from Invercargill in New Zealand or Hobart in Australia. But cruises coming from these parts are less frequent, unlike those departing from South American ports. If you depart from these ports, it will take roughly seven days to get to Antarctica, depending on the weather. Meanwhile, cruises departing from South America can take about 2-3 days.
Where to Fly From
Flying is the most convenient way to travel to Antarctica. There are three options available if you choose to travel by plane. You can do a fly-over, which is a more straightforward way of admiring Antarctica and requires taking a chartered flight to the continent on a day trip. It's more suited to those who don't mind paying the high price to view the incredible views from the comfort of a leather seat on a plane. Australia is the departure point for flyovers to Antarctica and flights depart from Sydney, Melbourne, and Perth.
Since there are no commercial flights to Antarctica, your only option is to book a private charter. These flights depart from various countries, mainly in South America, such as Chile and Argentina. For those who choose to fly through an air cruise, these flights will depart from Punta Arenas in Chile. It will take around 2 hours to reach King George Island, from where you can join a cruise ship to get to Antarctica.
