Q&A for How to Travel to Antarctica

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Do you need to be in shape to go to Antarctica?

Angela Rice
Luxury Travel Specialist
Angela Rice is a Luxury Travel Specialist and Co-Founder of Boutique Travel Advisors, a luxury travel advising business in Phoenix, Arizona. Angela specializes in consulting and curating highly customized and unique travel itineraries for clients seeking luxury, group, and multi-generational family travel. Angela studied at Arizona State University and The University of Iowa Tippie College of Business. She has prior consulting experience in accounting and business, which helps her run her business behind the scenes. Angela has been featured in The Washington Post, Reader's Digest, Travel Weekly, USA Today, Travel Market Report, Phoenix Magazine, and MSN. She is also a frequent guest on WBBM News Radio 105.9 FM's Travel Tuesday show.

Angela Rice

Luxury Travel Specialist

Expert Answer

Not necessarily. There are different ways to travel to Antarctica, including luxury and specialty cruise lines that are known for being extremely accommodating to their guests, regardless of their activity level.

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What wild animals are found in Antarctica?

Community Answer

Most wild animals in Antarctica are found in the ocean. On the continent you'll find seals (seven different species) and penguins (18 different species). Over 100 million birds can be found nesting in spring (albatross, gulls, terns, skuas and petrels). In the ocean there are whales, seals, fish, krill, etc. Sites worth seeing include penguins huddling in a circle to keep warm in the harsh conditions, with a few seals dotted around if they are not swimming. That's mainly it unless you want to go underwater where you would find more penguins, seals killer whales and other sea creatures.

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Can I go explore Antarctica alone as a private citizen?

Community Answer

If you have a way to get there and a valid US passport, then yes, but it would be a suicidal trip.

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Is there an age limit for traveling to Antarctica?

Adrian

Top Answerer

No. As long as you have a passport, and a guardian if you are a child, you will be fine.

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Which season is the best to travel to Antarctica?

Community Answer

Generally, during the summer in the the southern hemisphere (which is winter in the northern hemisphere).

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How much does it cost to go to McMurdo Station, Antarctica?

Community Answer

You can't go as a tourist and if you do just turn up, they're not likely to be terribly welcoming. You would need to either go as a scientist or one of their assistants. Or, you can apply as general staff at the base. Look at the USAP site for job opportunities at the base. If you get a job there, they'll pay you to go there.

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What's the temperature in Antarctica in the winter?

Community Answer

In Antarctica, temperatures during the coldest part of the year can range from -65 to -80 degrees F.

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What is the best way to go from South Africa?

Community Answer

Fly by plane to Christchurch, New Zealand, then go on a ship to Antarctica. Contact the travel agent first.

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Question

I have gear and clothing from living in Fairbanks, Alaska, where in the winter it's 40 to 60 below without wind. Will this gear be warm enough?

Community Answer

The clothing and gear you describe should fare well in Antarctic Climates, especially if you go in the summer.

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What would be the cost for a one-way trip as a researcher including all survival supplies?

Community Answer

It's impossible to give an exact number since so much of it depends on the length of your stay, where you buy your supplies, etc.

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Question

How long does it take to get there?

Community Answer

It depends on where you are coming from.

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Which airline companies will fly to Antarctica?

Community Answer

There are currently no commercial airlines that take tourists to Antarctica. The airports that exist are being used for different scientific expeditions for various countries. If you're ready to spend upwards of $100,000 (cost varies by company, options and preference), there might be a way to travel on a private jet. But they need to have/obtain the proper clearance for the desired airport in order to store the plane, take off and land; even permission to fly in the corresponding airspace.

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Question

How long is the flight to Antarctica from London?

Sergio Canseco-Garcia

Community Answer

According to TravelMath, a flight from London to Antarctica would be around 19 hours and 8 minutes. Note that several factors may change the time, such as the place you will land, weather, etc.

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Question

What is a cost effective way to travel from India to Antarctica for a week's time to just experience the natural beauty as a couple?

Community Answer

There are expeditions and cruises. Usually they are somewhere from 10-28 days. It is strongly suggested that you travel with an experienced group.

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Is Antarctica in summer about the same as New England is in winter?

Community Answer

No, it is not.

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Question

Are there any flights that will take me over the entire continent of Antarctica to see it from the air?

Community Answer

Antarctica is a huge landmass, and commercial flights only go up to around 30-40 thousand feet. This is nowhere near enough height to see the entire continent at once. You can see individual geographic features such as small peninsulas, as well as hills and valleys though.

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What is the best way to go from Pakistan to Antarctica?

Community Answer

Fly to South America (Argentina or Chile) and get a cruise ship or plane from there to Antarctica.

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