Antarctica

Antarctica is the coldest place on earth. It is covered in ice and if it all melted the sea level would rise substantially, and flood many low-lying cities such as Tokyo, London and New York. The place is a hotbed of scientific research, with scientists investigating the ozone hole and global warming, amongst other things.

Currently, there is a small but growing tourist industry in Antarctica. Visitors of Antarctica often speak of its pristine beauty and serenity. Animal lovers, birdwatchers and photographers are also in for a treat in Antarctica with its various species of penguins, seals and birds that are native to the frozen continent.

Regions

Include:

• Antarctic Peninsula
• Ross Sea
• South Pole
• as well as some Islands of the Southern Ocean

Destinations

• South Pole
• McMurdo Sound - Mc Murdo Station (USA), Scott Base (New Zealand)
• Palmer Station
• Port Lockroy
• Paradise Bay / Almirante Brown
• Arctowski Station
• Neko Harbor
• Cuverville Island
• Deception Island

Understand

Travel to Antarctica is generally restricted to organised scientific expeditions sponsored by signatories to the Antarctic Treaty. Permanent bases are maintained in Antarctic for scientific purposes only. Private expeditions must be totally self-supporting. Tourism to Antarctica is limited to a few specialist operators. Permission may also be required from various authorities in order to land on the continent. Advance approval from the respective governmental or nongovernmental operating organization required for landing aircraft. Landing aircraft are subject to inspection in accordance with Article 7 of the Antarctic Treaty.

Get in

By plane

There are no airports in Antarctica capable of accepting ordinary commercial airliners. Commercial overflights do happen occasionally but the risks involved mean most airlines who have operated Antarctic flights in the past no longer do so.

Aircraft landing in Antarctica should be equipped for landing on ice, snow or gravel runways as there are no paved runways. Landings are generally restricted to the daylight season (Summer months from October to March.) Winter landings have been performed at Williams Field but low temperatures mean that aircraft cannot stay on the ice longer than an hour or so as skis may freeze to the ice runway.

Travel is normally by military aircraft, as part of the cargo. Passengers should anticipate carrying all their own luggage and may need to assist with freight as well.

Major landing fields include:

• Williams Field - Serves McMurdo Station and Scott Base.

By boat

In the Antarctic summer, several companies offer excursions on ice strengthened vessels to Antarctica. Ice strengthened (not quite as tough as icebreakers) boats are preferred since icebreakers are round on the bottom -- a configuration that amplifies the already massive wave action in the Drake passage. The ships typically offer a couple of excursions to the continent (usually the Antarctic peninsula) or Antarctic islands (e.g., Deception Island, Aitcho Island) each day over the course of a week. The views are phenomenal, the penguins are friendly (well, some of them are), and the experience is one that is unparalleled!

When traveling by boat, be aware that smaller ships (typically carrying 50-100 passengers) can go where the big ships can't, getting you up closer to Antarctica's nature and wildlife. Larger vessels (carrying as many as 1200 people) are less prone to rough seas but have more limited landing options. Many vessels include naturalist guided hikes, zodiac excursions and sea kayaking right from the ship, perfect for active, casual travelers.

Companies offering cruises to Antarctica inclue:

• Mountain Travel Sobek.
• Quark Expeditions.
• AdventureSmith Explorations, =>.

Antarctic Stations

Coastal stations include

• McMurdo (77 51 S, 166 40 E) (USA)
• Palmer (64 43 S, 64 03 W) (USA)
• Arctowski (Poland)
• Port Lockroy (UK)
• Baia Terranova (I)

Get around

Ponies, sledges and dogs, skis, tractors, snow cats and similar tracked vehicles, aircraft including helicopters and ski planes have all been used to get around Antarctica. Cruise ships use zodiac boats to ferry tourists from ship to shore in small groups. Bring your own fuel and food, or arrange supplies in advance. You cannot purchase fuel or food on the continent. Cruise ships come fully prepared with landing transport, food, etc. Some (but not all) even provide cold-weather clothing.

Sleep

Antarctica has almost 24 hour sunshine during the six months of the southern hemisphere summer. Visitors should ensure that they take steps to keep regular sleeping hours as continuous daylight disturbs the body clock.

Work

It is possible to obtain employment with scientific expeditions in Antarctica. Induction and training need to be undertaken prior to departure for Antarctica.

Stay safe

There are limited Search and Rescue facilities in Antarctica. Expeditions should plan for all contingencies.

Although there is no formal government or legal system in Antarctica, the laws of a country of origin or departure as well as those of a claimant government may apply.

Fortunately, crime is not a problem in Antarctica.

Stay healthy

Antarctica has an extreme environment. The cold is a major health hazard. Visitors should be properly prepared and equipped for any visit.

Respect

Antarctica has a very fragile environment. Pollution should be avoided if at all possible. Expeditions should anticipate needing to remove ALL waste from the continent when they leave. Waste disposal and sewage facilities on the continent are severely limited and restricted to permanent installations.