Antarctica General Background
Before we delve straight into the key points of our Antarctica Travel Guide, below is some basic background on the continent to get you familiar with its elements before you start planning a visit.
Capital – Antarctica doesn’t have an official capital
Language – English and Russian are the most widely spoken languages
Currency – No dedicated currency, depending on the region US Dollars, Euro, and Sterling Pounds are accepted
Area – 5,400,000 sq. km.
Population – 1,106 (non-permanent residents)
Antarctica How to get
The optimal way to get to Antarctica is on an expedition ship, a cruise ship, or a yacht from South America’s bottom brink. Even in the days of booming air travel, the majority of Antarctic expeditions are undertaken on a sailing vessel.
Some of the most frequented South American departure points for Antarctica Trips include:
- Ushuaia in Argentina
- Puta Arenas in Chile
- Buenos Aires in Argentina
- Santiago in Chile
- Port Stanley in the Falkland Islands
Getting to Antarctica by air is also an option. Most flights depart from Punta Arenas, Chile, or Ushuaia, Argentina, and land at King George Island, the closest airfield to the Antarctic Peninsula. From there, you can board a cruise or take a short flight to other parts of Antarctica.
Antarctica 5 Fascinating
Unlike any other place on Earth, this statement rings true for the White continent. If you want to learn why, then below are some interesting facts about Antarctica:
- The first recorded person to step foot on Antarctica was Fabian von Bellingshausen, a Russian explorer, in 1820.
- The coldest temperature ever recorded on Earth was -128.6°F (-89.2°C) at the Soviet Union's Vostok Station in Antarctica in 1983.
- Despite being the driest continent on Earth, Antarctica contains around 70% of the world’s freshwater in the form of ice.
- The famous polar explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton is buried on the island of South Georgia, which is a popular stop on many Antarctic cruises.
- Antarctica has no permanent residents, but it does have several research stations operated by different countries, with scientists and support staff staying for several months at a time.
Antarctica Travel Experiences
Plenty of exciting experiences can be had while Traveling to Antarctica. So, let us break down some of the major highlights:
- Camping Under the Stars – In tents with high-quality sleeping bags under some of the clearest night skies twinkling with constellations.
- Climbing Mount Vinson – One of the World’s Seven Summits and a must-do for trekking enthusiasts.
- Kayaking with Whales – Spend hours paddling surrounded by calm waters, huge glaciers and icebergs.
- Seeing adorable waddling penguins – A guaranteed sighting no matter when you visit Antarctica.
Whether you choose to explore the White Continent by cruise, or by air, you'll be immersed in a world unlike any other. From the stunning landscapes and wildlife to the fascinating history and scientific research, an Antarctica Trip will leave you in admiration and inspire a lifelong desire for adventure and exploration.
