How long is a trip to Antarctica?

You can get to Antarctica by boat or plane. Sailing the Drake Passage from the tip of South America to the Antarctic Peninsula takes 48 hours. Flying to Antarctica takes 2 hours. Approximately 54,000 visitors make the journey each year, with around 50 expedition vessels sailing Antarctic waters each season.



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It's possible through sightseeing tours by Antarctica Flights. The company operates flights that depart from Australia and fly one of 19 routes over the ice-covered continent. Flights depart and land at the same airport, making this one trip that actually is more about the journey than the destination.

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Antarctica is still the toughest landmass on earth to reach. You'll need a permit and you also need to make sure you strictly follow the Antarctic Conservation Act laid down by the Antarctica Treaty. This act works to protect the pristine ecosystem from human harm.

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Travelers do not need permission to go to Antarctica, but tourism operators must hold a valid permit. First, a bit of background on why it is legal to visit Antarctica. Antarctica is not a country. The continent is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which preserves it for peaceful and scientific use.

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The Antarctic Treaty does not prevent tourists, military personnel or scientific researchers from being present in Antarctica, but they do require an appropriate permit from a Treaty Party.

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Express Overnight Antarctic Stays. If you want to visit Antarctica with limited time, LANDED can arrange an overnight stay at an Antarctic camp. Express Antarctic camping itineraries typically center on a visit to King George Island in the South Shetland Islands off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

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For children age 12 and up, Antarctica can be a fantastic experience. The landscapes, the adventure, and the wildlife are especially magical to young eyes. During navigations, many Antarctic cruises include presentations by ornithologists, photography coaches, geologists, adventurers, marine biologists, and historians.

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Planes can and do sometimes fly over Antarctica, it is not a no-fly zone and it is not illegal, it is just very impractical to do so. Smaller planes fly lower and have to deal with challenging weather conditions, snow-falls, white-outs and icing problems.

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On the other hand, stepping on Antarctica involves setting foot on the continent and exploring its landscapes and wildlife up close. This is typically done through landings via small boats or zodiacs from the cruise ship, allowing passengers to disembark and venture onto the Antarctic continent.

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There are no restaurants in Antarctica, but dining aboard Quark Expeditions' ships is always a gastronomic adventure; even the foodies among us marvel at the fare available in such remote locations.

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Visitors must never disturb the Antarctic wildlife. You cannot touch, feed or do anything to alter the behaviour of animals. Keep noise to a minimum and avoid flash photography. If you keep still and quiet, animals may approach you, however you must never interfere with them.

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Permit criteria Anyone on a British expedition to Antarctica or taking a British vessel or aircraft into Antarctica will need to apply for a permit from the Polar Regions Department of the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office ( FCDO ).

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The cheapest way to visit Antarctica is by cruising on a larger ship that sails by the continent but doesn't let passengers go ashore. Instead, you will sail to the Antarctic Peninsula and into some of the surrounding bays where you will see wildlife, mountains, icebergs, and more. It is truly a magical experience.

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