Only one% of Vacationers Fly to Antarctica From This Nation — Right here’s How You Can Do It

I needed to go to all seven continents — and Antarctica was on the high of my listing. However even after reaching this, I return to the White Continent due to the profound method it modifications me every time, and anybody else who visits. The highest query I get requested by purchasers isn’t whether or not they need to go to Antarctica, however one of the best ways to get there. Under are my suggestions based mostly on quite a few visits. 

Take a cruise from South America.

The most typical technique to go to Antarctica is by expedition ship from South America. As you draw back from what looks like the tip of the earth, every thing feels magnetic — you’re headed on an journey few folks have tried. 

Whereas conventional cruise ships could host 1000’s of passengers, expedition ships usually take not more than 250. Although these vessels seem utilitarian from the surface, the interiors boast beautiful cabins, cozy libraries, energetic eating rooms, and even swimming pools and sizzling tubs.

One in every of my favourite recollections on an expedition ship befell on a sunny Christmas morning. Earlier than disembarking, Santa greeted us poolside with nicely needs. Then, zodiac boats whisked us to the deserted city of Grytviken, South Georgia, greatest identified for being residence to the gravesite of well-known Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton. Our onboard historian shared a quick historical past of Shackleton’s adventures earlier than we raised a glass of whiskey to “The Boss.” The day led to a historic chapel singing Christmas carols, having fun with Champagne, and munching on cookies. 

Different days concerned expecting whales, exploring with naturalist guides, trying to find the elusive leopard seal, and mountain climbing to see totally different penguin species.

Fly, then cruise from Chile.

When touring to Antarctica by expedition ship, a standard concern is passing the Drake Passage — the physique of water between the tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands. Chilly and heat seawater collide right here, which at occasions creates highly effective waves and heavy storms. 

Although crossing the Drake is an expertise, the will for shorter itineraries led a number of of our companions to launch a fly-and-cruise combo. Company begin in Puerto Natales Airport in Chile (or one other airport in Patagonia), fly two hours over the Drake Passage, and land on King George Island — able to board their expedition ship and discover. These itineraries might be as brief as eight nights.

Fly right into a camp from Cape City.

If you wish to see the elusive emperor penguin, go on mountaineering adventures, or go to the South Pole, a journey to a land camp in Antarctica’s inside is perhaps so as. 

Any such journey often begins in Cape City, South Africa, the place you fly personal to an ice runway on mainland Antarctica. Solely round 1 % of vacationers to Antarctica go this fashion as a result of it is extremely distant. 

Antarctica was the bottom for my first mountaineering journey. I nonetheless keep in mind the joys of leaving summer season climate in Cape City, bundling up on the aircraft, and stepping out onto the ice and celebrating with everybody who had simply visited their seventh continent. 

After touchdown, we jetted off to a futuristic camp the place the rooms have been heated pods, the eating was connoisseur, and the adventures have been tailored. That week, I summited 4 mountains, went mountaineering, realized about life in Antarctica, and maybe most significantly, found new issues about myself. 

Different itineraries from comparable camps give attention to visiting emperor penguin colonies, exploring ice caves, and flying all the way down to the South Pole. Whichever luxurious possibility you select, Antarctica guarantees a once-in-a-lifetime expertise.

Sarah Groen is a member of Journey + Leisure’s A-Listing and focuses on international excessive finish journey, polar expeditions, safaris, and extra. You possibly can create a tailored itinerary with Groen by contacting her at hiya@bellandblytravel.com.