Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
More than 90% of Antarctic-bound boats pass through Ushuaia. In the 2010-11
season, that meant more than 36,000 tourists - a stunning contrast to the contin-
ent's population of 5000 (summer) or 1200 (winter) scientists and staff. But travel
here is not without its costs. On November 23, 2007, the hull of the MV Explorer
was gashed by ice but evacuated successfully before sinking. The circumstances
were highly unusual, although the incident provoked further safety measures.
So long as you've got two or three weeks to spare, hopping on board a cruise
ship is not out of the question. Some voyages take in the Falkland Islands (Islas
Malvinas) and South Georgia (human population 10 to 20, estimated penguin pop-
ulation two to three million); some go just to the Antarctic Peninsula; others focus
on retracing historic expeditions. A small but growing handful of visitors reach
Antarctica aboard private vessels. All are sailboats (equipped with auxiliary en-
gines).
The season runs from mid-October to mid-March, depending on ice conditions.
It used to be that peak-season voyages sold out; now most trips do. When shop-
ping around, ask how many days you will actually spend in Antarctica, as crossing
the Southern Ocean takes up to two days each way. And how many landings will
there be? The smaller the ship, the more landings there are per passenger (always
depending on the weather, of course). Tour companies charge anywhere from
US$7000 to US$70,000, although some ships allow walk-ons, which can cost as
little as US$5000 for 10 days.
Due to Ushuaia's proximity to the Antarctic Peninsula, most cruises leave from
here. Last-minute bookings can be made through Ushuaia Turismo (
Click here
)
.
Other travel agencies and tour operators offering packages include Rumbo Sur
(
Click here
), All Patagonia (
Click here
) and Canal Fun (
Click here
)
, though there are
many more.
Check that your company is a member of
IAATO
(International Association Antarctica
Tour Operators;
www.iaato.org
)
, which mandates strict guidelines for responsible travel
to Antarctica. The following are just a few companies that go to Antarctica:
Adventure Associates Cruise
(
www.adventureassociates.com
)
Australia's first tour
company to Antarctica, with many ships and destinations.
National Geographic Expeditions
(
www.nationalgeographicexpeditions.com
)
Highly re-
commended, with quality naturalists and experts, aboard the 148-passenger Na-
tional Geographic Explorer.
Peregrine Adventures
(
www.peregrineadventures.com
)
Offers unique trips that in-
clude visiting the Antarctic Circle, with kayaking and camping options.
Quark Expeditions
(
www.quarkexpeditions.com
)
Three kinds of ships, from an
icebreaker to a 48-passenger ship for close-knit groups.
