Antarctica Travel Guide

Antarctica can lay claim to several prizes in the continent stakes: it is the coldest, windiest and driest continent on earth, and with an average altitude of 7,382ft (2,250m), it is also the highest. The extreme frigidity and ferocious winds, as well as its isolation at the bottom of the world, combine to make Antarctica one of the most inhospitable places on the planet, neither inhabited by a native population nor presided over by an indigenous government.Yet growing numbers of people are compelled to travel to this vast continent, double the size of Australia; a land of pristine whiteness, where its creatures have figured out remarkable ways to survive a life in the freezer. The landscape is as harsh as it is magical. Icebergs of indescribable beauty are carved and polished into fantastic shapes and sizes by the elements, patterns of blue ice form irregular etchings on the face of floating ice chunks, and the roar of calving glaciers echoes between sheer-sided channel walls. Roughly scoured peaks of rock and ice are reflected in the serene waters of protected bays that are frequented by basking seals and inquisitive whales. The coastal shores and sub-Antarctic islands are home to hundreds of squawking and honking penguin rookeries and seal colonies as well as nesting seabirds; the incessant commotion and comic antics of half a million tuxedoed forms is one of the most characteristic and endearing features of a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula.The Peninsula is the northernmost finger that points to South America, and together with the islands of the Sub-Antarctic, is the most visited region and the best place to view wildlife in Antarctica. Most visits are on organised ship-based expeditions that aim to showcase the scenic highlights of the region as well as to educate visitors about the wildlife, historical sites and active research bases.Antarctica is not an easy place to get to, nor is it a cheap holiday destination; part and parcel of this quest for adventure will more than likely involve a rough sea crossing, as well as an itinerary at the mercy of changing weather and ice conditions. However, those that choose to journey to the 'end of the world' can be sure of experiencing a voyage incomparable to any other.

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Antarctica Climate and Weather

Summer (late November to March) is the only time when tourists can visit Antarctica and even then temperatures are close to freezing along the coastal regions. The interior plateau is much colder due to its higher elevation and distance from the sea. The Antarctic Peninsula has the most moderate climate, with temperatures averaging from 5°F to 60°F (-15°C to 16°C). December and January are the warmest months and can have up to 20 hours of sunshine a day, while in winter it is dark almost 24 hours a day with temperatures falling well below -76°F (-60°C), and the surrounding ice pack makes access by ship out of the question. To view mating rituals among the seabirds and penguins November is the best month, while December and January are the height of the tourist season and when penguin colonies are feeding their newborn chicks. The best time to see whales is during February and March.

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Antarctica Currency

Money: Most ships accept credit cards and US dollars and often there is a currency exchange facility on board where it is also possible to exchange travellers cheques. In Antarctica itself, each base uses the currency of their home country.

Currency Exchange Rates
US$ 1 =	US$ 1.00	£ 0.48	C$ 0.95	A$ 1.08	R 6.54	EUR 0.69	NZ$ 1.30

Note: These currency exchange rates are not updated daily and should be used as a guideline only.

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Antarctica Health Overview

Extreme cold temperatures and wind chill can lead to hypothermia. Due to the thin ozone layer it is essential that a high protection sunscreen be worn, and the glare from the ice and water necessitates the wearing of sunglasses. The crossing of rough seas will require most passengers to take some form of seasickness preventative medication. All passenger ships have an onboard doctor, but health insurance is imperative and must include emergency evacuation, which can be exorbitantly expensive.

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Antarctica Passport & Visa Requirements

Entry requirements for Americans:
Entry requirements for UK nationals:
Entry requirements for Canadians:
Entry requirements for Australians:
Entry requirements for South Africans:
Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
Passport/Visa Note:As no one owns the Antarctic continent, no visitors require a visa or passport; however, a valid passport will be required for any stops en route, and visas and passports may be needed for points of departure. Most Western countries are signatories of the Antarctica Treaty and those wishing to visit Antarctica independently must obtain a permit.

Note: Passport and visa requirements are liable to change at short notice. Travellers are advised to check their entry requirements with their embassy or consulate.

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Antarctica Basics

Time: There are no official time zones on the continent, and research stations usually go by the time of their home country for convenience.
Electricity: Each ship and base has its own electricity supply. Russian ships will have a 220-volt, 50Hz supply with a round two-pin plug connection.
Health: Extreme cold temperatures and wind chill can lead to hypothermia. Due to the thin ozone layer it is essential that a high protection sunscreen be worn, and the glare from the ice and water necessitates the wearing of sunglasses. The crossing of rough seas will require most passengers to take some form of seasickness preventative medication. All passenger ships have an onboard doctor, but health insurance is imperative and must include emergency evacuation, which can be exorbitantly expensive.
Tipping: Tips are not included in the cost of a passenger ship, but are usually expected by the staff. Size of tip varies, but about US$10-15 per day per person is recommended.
Safety: The waters around Antarctica can be extremely rough, and in bad conditions loose equipment not tied down on board ship can cause injury; similarly passengers can be caught off balance during high seas. Sea ice is a polar hazard and icebergs are capable of sinking even a large ship.
Customs: When visiting research bases or stations, tourists are asked to remove shoes, never to enter a building unless invited, not to interfere with scientific work, and to remember that researchers are using up precious work time to accommodate them. Make sure that restroom facilities aboard ship are used before visiting a base, as it is very bad practice to ask to use one on shore and it adds to the amount of waste that has to be removed by the researchers at a later date.
Communications: The international dialling code for Antarctica is +672. Ship-based communication is by satellite phone.

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