If you’re looking for an adventure somewhere unlike anywhere you’ve been before, Antarctica may fit the ticket. You may have dismissed the southernmost continent as being outside the realm of possibility — but it’s easier to visit than you may think. It’s even suitable for senior travelers. Let’s take a look at what your trip would be like.
How to Reach Antarctica
There are several ways to reach Antarctica, but some involve a grueling journey. The best option is to depart from somewhere in South America. The easiest option is to go to Buenos Aires in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile, both of which receive many flights from the U.S.
From Buenos Aires, you’ll need to take another flight to Ushuaia, which is where most of the cruises to Antarctica depart from. These sail the Drake Passage, which spans 600 miles from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula — a distance you’ll cover in around a day and a half and during which you’ll have the chance to see albatross.
If you choose Punta Arenas, you will instead fly over the Drake Passage to reach an airstrip on King George Island in the South Shetland Islands. You’ll start your cruise from there, already surrounded by glaciers, icebergs, snowy mountains, penguins, and other classic features of Antarctica.
When Can You Visit?
It’s only possible to visit Antarctica from late spring to early fall (during the rest of the year, conditions are too extreme). Remember, Antarctica is the southern hemisphere, meaning this is between October and March. Most cruises, though, run between November and February. Even though it’s summer, temperatures will be low, typically ranging from 22 F to 36 F. Make sure to bring warm clothing!
You may like to choose when to visit according to what you want to see. For instance, cruises in October and November are perfect for experiencing the change of seasons. At the end of the year and into January is when the penguin chicks begin hatching, but the whales arrive in February.
What Will You Do on the Expedition?
A trip to Antarctica is more than a cruise — it’s an expedition into one of the most remote places in the world. At the same time, though, you will be on a ship, which will provide you with many of the usual comforts of a cruise.
Each trip has a unique itinerary, meaning should be able to find an excursion that has activities that interest you. Options include hiking, kayaking, snowshoeing, whale watching, standup paddleboarding, camping out on the ice, and visits to science research centers. At all times, you’ll have an experienced guide with you to keep you safe and to answer any questions you have.
When leaving your cruise ship, you’ll head out on inflatable boats, which will give you closeup views of the ice formations. Some trips also offer helicopter rides to see the continent from a different perspective. Yet others offer hot air balloon rides.
How Long Will You Be in Antarctica?
Just as expeditions vary in their itineraries, they vary widely in timelines. The shortest are only a few days, whereas the longest last several months. Most seniors opt to go for a week or two. After all, you have plenty of time once you’re retired — but anything longer than this may be too exhausting. Going for a reasonably long amount of time is also a good idea because there may be days when you’re unable to do everything on the schedule due to unpredictable weather conditions.
What Are the Requirements to Visit Antarctica?
Anyone who wants to visit Antarctica needs to be in good shape physically. The trip will involve a great deal of walking, including on slippery surfaces. If you’re over 70, you may need to receive medical clearance from your doctor before you can book a trip, although the less strenuous excursions are unlikely to have this requirement.
In addition, you should be prepared for a rough voyage that could cause you motion sickness. Since flying from Punta Arenas will reduce your time on the water, this may be the better option for you if seasickness is something you’re concerned about.
Beyond the above, there are few requirements to go to Antarctica. The cruise company will manage everything for you related to permits, accommodation, experiences, and food.
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