Antarctica around the South Pole. The closest of the Antarctic continent - South America, which is located at a distance of more than 620 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula.
There is no local government, management of the Antarctic organized by the legal framework of the Antarctic Agreement of 1959. Forty-three countries are now parties to the agreement of the parties, seven of which have a historical right to the continent as national territory (UK, Norway, Chile, France, Australia, Argentina and New Zealand). Since 1959, the Antarctic Treaty preserves the status quo is no recognition of or deviation from these countries to expand their territorial boundaries on this continent.
In Antarctica, at the present time there is no economic activity other than offshore fishing and tourism, organized by different countries. Every year in Antarctica are sent about twenty vessels, each of which carries 45 - 280 passengers. Usually, their course is directed to the area of ??the Antarctic Peninsula, sometimes including South George and the Falkland Islands (Islas Malvinas). Were organized and random flights to Antarctica with a large number of passengers (about 960), some of whom spend sightseeing cruises only without disembarking on the coast of the mainland. Very popular travel on yachts, through which one can experience a more intimate contact with nature in Antarctica, although such travel less comfortable than cruising. Were organized by the seasonal tourist expeditions in the region outside the peninsula. The route of travel was carried out to the Weddell Sea, Ross, to the coast of eastern Antarctica, including the Indian Ocean islands. The tour included visits to emperor penguin colonies, historical huts, the Dry Valleys and other remote areas.
How long does it travel?
Most trips take about 10 days to 3 weeks from port to port, although sometimes there are both longer and shorter trips.
How much does it cost?
Minimum US $ 4000, a maximum of US $ 20,000, including airfare, plus a place in the cabin. Price depends on the class cabins and airline tickets.
There is a contractual flight, the route of which depends on your own wishes and desires of your companions. The most reasonable price for a two-week cruise $ 7,000 - $ 10,000.
At what time of year and what you can see when you travel?
Antarctic travel is mainly concentrated in the coastal ice-free period of five months in the Antarctic summer, from November to March, when daylight lasts up to 20 hours a day. During this period there is no movement of icebergs. Coach of the vessel have the opportunity for movement to other months, but in other months there is a real danger of not getting to the destination due to the movements of icebergs, and even worse you can get stuck in sea ice. Therefore, all trips begin in the main movement of the ice-breaker after the October, after which the risk is much reduced.
In the Antarctic winter months (from March to November), pack ice is expanding by more than 620 miles around the continent, temperatures here can drop to -90 ° C (-130 ° f), almost all day and night is dark, so these months are considered unfavorable for tourists .
Temperature Range: December February 20 ° F - 50 ° F or -6 ° C - +10 ° C
In late November, early December (late spring / early summer)
Winter pack ice begins to melt and crack. Landscape - white, pure and ancient pack ice and giant icebergs.
It starts with the mating season the penguins and other seabirds. You can watch the spectacular courtship rituals of animals.
We can clearly see the seals on ice floes.
Spring wildflowers bloom on the Falkland Islands and South George.
Elephant seals and begin to multiply.
Mid-December and the month of January (mid summer)
Typically, the warmest months in Antarctica.
Longer days create favorable conditions for the world and for photo opportunities at midnight.
Antarctic chicks hatch.
In the South Georgias and the Falkland Islands appear first penguin chicks and the young seals and sea elephants.
Retreating ice opens up more room for observation.
February and March (late summer)
Ability to watch the games whales.
Penguin chicks start to fledge.
Retreating pack ice allows ships to explore the south of the continent.
From starting a trip to Argentina?
Basically, all the trips to Antarctica start from Ushuaia in Argentina, and sometimes from other South American ports. It is best to let you start with South America, so it will be much cheaper and faster. If you start your way from Ushuaia in Argentina, be sure that the end of your journey will end at the same port. When you move around the Ross Sea (for a trip to Eastern Argentina), you can swim in the ports of Hobart (Australia), Auckland and Lyttelton-Christchurch (New Zealand).
For travel to Antarctica you do not need any identification documents or a visa. But if your cruise takes place through other countries, the documents you may need.
The size of the vessel and cruise
Large selection of passenger ships are sent to Antarctica, they are all different, and the preferences of your vessel, may depend very directly and adventure travel. Of course, cruises to Antarctica are different from the known hot exotic cruises in the country, with open bars, discos and entertainment on the deck, but nevertheless, the bigger the ship you choose, the more memorable you will ride. On large ships, you will find well-informed and experienced guides, you are reading lectures on the history of the continent. For you can be organized in the evening with the captain of the ship and crew.
There are rules set by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), which includes a list of vessels authorized to enter into Antarctic waters. This is a voluntary organization and respected, so make sure that your boat is owned by the company, a member of the organization of IAATO. There is one rule that only 100 passengers could disembark on the shores of Antarctica. If you are on a small vessel up to 100 passengers, you get a chance to approach every time. If the vessel will be a lot of people, there will be fewer opportunities to land. But to the surprise of many tourists who go on a journey to the coast of Antarctica, do not leave the ship, in any case, the choice is always yours.
