Only few years ago very limited number of tourists visited Antarctica. Seventh continent was restricted to scientist and serious expeditions. Now it is more open, but still not accessible by hitchhiking or on scheduled flight. Practically the only way for the globetrotter who wants to get there and to see most interesting places is to embark the ship. Few adventurers were lucky enough to sail to Antarctica aboard Chilean supplying ship. It is probably the last expensive way, but ships are rare, capacity is limited and it is difficult to plan such trip from distant Europe or USA. Searching for possibilities to visit Antarctica I found-out my best offer for organize expedition in the internet… The small port of Ushuaia on Tierra del Fuego acts as the gateway to Antarctica... They say it is southernmost town on our globe...
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Favourite spots: |
Most tourist expeditions to Antarctica are heading from Argentinean or Chilean ports to Antarctic Peninsula - area which has relatively good ice conditions during Antarctic summer. Because the short distance it allows also to shorten the number of „days at sea” at the beginning and at the end of journey. Company I choose in my opinion offered best price for adventure-style cruise on small ships. They chartered a fleet of Russian research vessels. with passenger capacity from 44 to 120. Two midsize ships are worth to recommend: „Joffe” and „Vavilov”-;.
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What's really great: |
Beauty of the nature. The wildlife and emptiness... There are no harbors in Antarctica - all landings are „wet” - approaching coast by rubber boats (zodiacs) you will jump to the water, so knee-high rubber boots are necessary. Thousands of penguins. You can see the sample on the photo: chinstrap penguins colony. Unexpected additional landings. Weather is very changeable: landings often are canceled due to the rough sea. Interesting lectures and slide shows almost every day. Many friendly, enthusiastic people and informal atmosphere aboard. Open bridge policy - you can visit the bridge and ask questions at any time.
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Sights: |
Deception Island. It was one of the most interesting places on our route. The island has a shape of the ring with large volcanic caldera inside. Very narrow entrance allows ships to sail into caldera and to give tourist opportunity to visit remains of whaling station used by Norwegians from 1910 to 1931. There are furnaces, vats, small plane and buildings inhabited presently by birds and seals. Later on we make second landing at the end of caldera. There are geothermal springs and some fellows planed to swim in the warm water pools. They were surprised because there in no pools at all: the springs are right on the black, sandy beach. Hot water drips into caldera. It is too hot to stay in the hot water just at the shore and in the icy cold water 5 meters further. So, what you should do is to remain between this two zones - where water is 50 cm deep. What a experience in icy Antarctica!
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Accommodations: |
All the time you sleep on the ship. No entertainment on board except video movies. Only three meals per day: unsophisticated breakfast and lunch buffet, choice of 2 or 3 different main courses per dinner (but for me it was enough). Do not expect to sleep long except days at sea - landings starts early. You can see more my pictures from Antarctica on my private page: www.kontynenty.tpi.pl/s5enantar.htm
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Other recommendations: |
During Antarctic summer - between November and March companies offers 4 main routes, all from Argentinian port Ushuaia: Antarctica (8 nights on a ship), Extended Antarctica (10 nights), Antarctica & Falklands (14 nights), Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia (18 nights). Prices starts at 3000 USD + 500 USD taxes for the shortest expedition in the quad cabin. It seems a lot but sometimes price covers also round trip flights from USA/Canada gateways and hotel nights before and after the expedition What other companies charge?: rather big cruise ship „Marco Polo” makes few trips from Ushuaia to Antarctic Peninsula in December/January. 8-nights cruise-only trip costs from 2400 USD. Small „World Discoverer” (140 passenger) of Society Expeditions offers 12-nights cruises from Ushuaia for minimum 2800 USD
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Published on Wednesday December 18th, 2002
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Sun, Oct 23 2005 - 08:03 AM
by jesusferro
You know my country (Argentina) better than me. I have never been in Ushuaia! |
Sun, Oct 23 2005 - 05:33 AM
by miguelmarchi
I think that I will never go to Antartida, too expensive for my pocket! |
Sun, May 29 2005 - 08:00 PM
by rangutan
Excellent and unsual place and a great report to it! |
Thu, May 19 2005 - 08:48 PM
by ardelia
An informative and interesting write up..excellent..make me want to pack my bags and just leave |
Mon, Mar 14 2005 - 08:11 PM
by magsalex
Great report on an unusual destination |
Thu, Jul 01 2004 - 03:04 PM
by traveling_gal
I loved your report. It is not only informative but also includes magnificent photos! Great job! |
Sat, May 08 2004 - 09:27 PM
by britman
What a fabulous report and such brilliant photographs. I am starting to save up to go already. Thank you for describing it so graphically! |
Fri, Jul 25 2003 - 06:22 PM
by karmapd
This is a brilliant report! Really liked it! Nice pics...and just a cool place to have been (huh huh 'cool')! |
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