South Pole Antarctica. The closest to the Antarctic continent is South America, which is located at a distance of more than 620 miles from the Antarctic Peninsula.

There is no local government control over the Antarctic and is organized legal framework of the Antarctic Agreement from 1959. Forty-three countries are now parties to the agreement, seven of which have a historical right to the continent as national territory (UK, Norway, Chile, France, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand).

What time of year and what you see when you travel?

Antarctic travel is mainly concentrated on the coastal ice-free zone in five months of the Antarctic summer, from November to March, when daylight lasts up to 20 hours a day. During this period there is no movement of icebergs. Coach of the vessel have the opportunity for movement and in other months, but in other months there is a real danger not to get to the place of destination because of the movements of icebergs, and even worse you can get stuck in the sea ice. Therefore, all travel mainly starts after the October movement of the ice-breaker, after which the risk is much reduced.

In the winter Antarctic months (from March to November), pack ice extends more than 620 miles around the continent, temperatures here can drop to -90 ° C (-130 ° f), almost all day and night it is dark, so these months are considered unfavorable for tourists .

Temperature Range: December, February 20 ° F – 50 ° F or -6 ° C – +10 ° C

In late November, early December (in the late spring / early summer)

Winter pack ice begins to melt and crack. Landscape – white, clean and pristine ice floes of pack and giant icebergs.

It starts with the mating season the penguins and other seabirds. You can watch the spectacular courtship rituals of animals.

We can clearly see seals on the ice.

Spring wildflowers bloom in the Falkland Islands and South Georgi.

Mid-December and the month of January (midsummer)

Longer days create favorable conditions for light and for photo opportunities at midnight.

In the South Georgias and the Falkland Islands, there are the first chicks of penguins and baby seals and elephant seals.

Retreating ice opens up more room for observation.

February and March (late summer)

Ability to watch the games whales.

The chicks fledge penguins begin.

Retreating pack ice allows ships to explore the south mainland.

From the trip to Argentina?

Most of all trips to Antarctica start from Ushuaia in Argentina, and sometimes from other South American ports. It is best to start with South America, so it will be much cheaper and faster. If you start your way from Ushuaia in Argentina, make sure your journey will end at the same port. When you move around the Ross Sea (for a trip to eastern Argentina) you can swim in the ports of Hobart (Australia), Auckland and Lyttelton-Christchurch (New Zealand).

To travel to Antarctica, you do not need identification papers. But if your cruise passes through other countries, you will be needing a pass.

The size of the ship and cruise

There is a large selection of passenger vessels cruising the Antarctica. From the preference of the ship may directly depend the whole trip and adventure. Of course, cruises to Antarctica differ from the known cruises to the hottest exotic countries, with open discos and entertainment on deck, but nevertheless, the bigger ship you choose, the more memorable your visit will be. On large ships, you will find well-informed and experienced guides, you will read lectures about the history of the continent.

There are rules set by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), to which is included the list of vessels permitted to enter Antarctic waters. This is a voluntary organization and respected, so make sure that your boat is owned by a company that is member to the organization IAATO. There is one rule that only 100 passengers could disembark on the shores of Antarctica. If you’re in a small boat up to 100 passengers, you get a chance to dock every time. If the vessel will have a lot of people, there will be less of a chance for you to get on shore.

Posted on September 7th, 2011 by admin
Filed under: Exotic Tourism