Antarctica – It’s a land that holds 90% of the world’s ice!! Most of us remember hearing about it in school geography as one of the many continents on earth. We have also heard at that time that the South Pole of the earth is on Antarctica. This frozen land became famous in India when the Indian government decided to send scientific expeditions here and then set up a permanent station on Antarctica. There are similar such stations of various other countries set up here.
That’s all we have heard of about Antarctica.
Tourism to Antarctica started in the early 1990s and now all tourism coming there is controlled by the IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators).
Most importantly , only a small part of the Antarctic continent is open for tourists , mainly the northwestern coast. To preserve the sanctity and purity of the ecosystem, tourists cannot stay on land , they have to stay in cruise ships and do day excursions to the icy continent to visit interesting locations.
Accessibility
From Ushuaia, arguably the southernmost city on Earth, the cruise ships need to navigate through the rocky seas of the Drake Passage – one of the most dangerous stretches of sea in the world where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet – to reach the Antarctic Continent. More about Drake passage here. Other option is to fly out from Punta Arenas airport in Chile and fly over the Drake Passage land on St George Island in the South Shetland Island group from where a cruise ship will take you to Antarctica.
Best time to visit
Since its is located in the Southern Hemisphere, the seasons in Antarctica are exactly opposite to the seasons in India, Europe and pretty much rest of the world,. So Winters in India from November to March , is the summer season in Antarctica and weather wise the best season to visit. Of course in the Antarctic, summer is just a relative term – its still quite cold there (0 degrees Celsius) and you need to have clothing giving a high level of protection from the icy and chilly winds!! But its still better compared to the winter when temperatures can go down to -50 degrees Celsius !!
Why to travel to Antarctica
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife.
See peaceful bays dotted with colossal icebergs; cruise along deep fjords and see massive glaciers; be amazed by sharp snowy peaks that jut out of the sea
Feel the spray of seawater on your cheeks as you travel by smaller boats from the cruise ship to shore.
Follow in the footsteps of early explorers as you hike on Antarctic soil
Penguins, whales, seals, and seabirds congregate in Antarctica during the austral summer (November to March). Present in large numbers, you can move along in their world and find endless inspiration for photographs.
Setting foot on the seventh continent is a privilege and an honor. You will bring home unforgettable tales, and your journey will arouse the curiosity and admiration of your friends and family.
Travel Options to the Antarctic Continent
Like explained earlier tourists aren’t allowed to stay on land, so they have come by cruise ships to this icy landmass. From the cruise ships, tourists use smaller boats to go on shore excursions - here they are called as expeditions. There also opportunities of thrilling experience of kayaking in the icy cold waters amidst icebergs, whales etc . There are a lot of companies located in Australia, UK, Europe, South America that run tours to Antarctica.
The highlight of the cruises is the on board presence of experts on Antarctica who explain to tourists about the various facets of this amazing continent. Professional photographers are also there on board to guide you to take the best photos. Expert guides help in planning out the daily expeditions (shore excursions).
A good option to travel is Antarctica 21 who have a FLy and Cruise Package!! Instead of traversing through the rough seas of the Drake Passage, here you need to reach a place called Punta Arenas in Chile. Punta Arenas is connected via Santiago (Chile) by all major airlines flying from India like KLM, Qatar, Emirates etc. From Punta Arenas they fly you over the Drakes passage to King George Island from where the cruise ships depart for Antarctica. Their small expedition vessels are more like private yachts, offering direct access to areas along the Antarctic shore that larger ships simply can’t reach. Since they have fewer guests (only 76 guests on each cruise!!), you get on and off faster, so your time ashore is focused where it should be: savoring every moment of a travel experience unlike any other.
Cruising can be done via 2 ships - Magellan Explorer (newer and bigger) and Ocean Nova (smaller and older ship)
Magellan Explorer has seven categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. All cabins except Porthole Cabins feature private balconies. All double cabins, except four, have two twin beds that can be configured as one king-size bed. All cabins feature a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, a sitting area, and a private bathroom with a shower. The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship´s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching. There is also a fitness center aboard Magellan Explorer.
Nearly all cabins have a private balcony: you can wrap yourself in a blanket and sip a warm beverage as you enjoy views of Antarctica in complete privacy
Ocean Nova
The ship´s outside cabins offer three categories of accommodation: dedicated Single Cabins, Twin Cabins, and Triple Cabins. All cabins feature a picture window, a writing desk with a chair, a wardrobe, an individually controlled heating system, and a private bathroom with a shower. In addition to a glass-enclosed observation lounge and a presentation room, Ocean Nova also has a spacious dining room, a bar, a library, a small gym, and an infirmary. The ship has a fleet of 7 Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
The most popular itinerary amongst Indian travelers is the 7 nights and 8 days where you get almost 5 days in Antarctica.
Cruise between the South Shetland Islands and the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula, sailing along ice-filled fjords and among spectacular icebergs, while enjoying the company of seabirds, penguins, seals, and whales. Each day disembark by Zodiac (small boats) and explore the landscape together with expert polar guides. On board the ship, attend an engaging program of educational presentations, and enjoy spectacular views from the lounge while sharing your daily adventures with fellow guests.
Want to test your endurance in winters - then try swimming in the icy cold waters of the Antarctic sea !!
What are the inclusions in this Air and Cruise Package ?
Pre and post tour accommodation in Punta Arenas, Flights between Punta Arenas and King George Island ; all meals on board; Wine, beer, juices, soft drinks served with lunch and dinner; Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship; all guided shore excursions; Lectures and entertainment on board; Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material; loan of waterproof boots for landing in Antarctica.
Prices start at USD 13,795 on Ocean Nova and USD 15,995 on Magellan Explorer for per person on twin sharing
Visa Requirements for Indians
A Chile Multiple Entry Tourist Visa is required. But for tourists who have a valid B1/B2 US visa valid for 6 months beyond the cruise arrival date, the Chile visa can be got on Arrival
Essential Clothing
The suggested clothing for Antarctica is very similar to that recommended for skiing: thermal underwear, a couple of warm and wicking mid-layers, a windproof and waterproof jacket, plus pants as the outer layer. You will also need a hat, a scarf, waterproof and insulated gloves, and sunglasses with high UV protection. We also suggest packing comfortable clothes to wear on board, as well as rubber-soled shoes for walking around on the outside decks.
So when are you planning your Antarctica sojourn ? You will be surprised to know that quite a significant number of Indians are traveling every year on the Antarctica 21 cruises and the number is increasing every year !!
Planning to travel this year ? Time to start preparations is NOW!!
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here if you want to add the Antarctic Continent in your bucket list.
All Photos Copyright of Antarctica 21. Reproduced here with permission of BRANDit - sole representatives of Antarctica 21 in India
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