Antarctica

Antarctica

vital statistics
  • None
  • None officially, but 1000 to 4000 seasonally
  • Depends on who is visiting at the time
  • None
about Antarctica

No, it's not a country, but around 37,000 tourists now visit the continent during each austral summer, enjoying its almost 24/7 sunlight. Given the logistics required to get here, the only way to go is on a group tour, usually via boat.

This place is for nature lovers and those with a scientific bent keen on seeing the planet's extremes. Despite the cold and barren nature of Antarctica, wildlife is a drawcard – penguins, albatross, humpback and minke whales, and crabeater, elephant and leopard seals are all found here.

Cruising the Ross Sea, with its flowing ice, 4000 kilometres of frozen coastline and several active volcanoes, provides ample photo opportunities. Another highlight is the history of exploration in Antarctica and its research stations, including today's constantly rotating shifts of scientists studying as far south as you can go.

Explore Antarctica By

ANTARCTICA

Hurtigruten Expeditions has joined forces with California Ocean Alliance...

Hurtigruten Expeditions has joined forces with California Ocean Alliance (COA), a research...

ANTARCTICA

Experience the raw beauty of untamed Antarctica, up close and personal with...

Experience the raw beauty of untamed Antarctica, up close and personal with an 11-day...

ANTARCTICA

What do you get when you swap sand for snow and dunes for glaciers? A white...

What do you get when you swap sand for snow and dunes for glaciers? A white desert....

ANTARCTICA

This is the cruise voyage of the future. This newest addition to the Nat Geo...

This is the cruise voyage of the future. This newest addition to the Nat Geo fleet is...

DUNEDIN, NEW ZEALAND

Chances are, if you’ve done any investigation into taking an expedition...

Chances are, if you’ve done any investigation into taking an expedition cruise into...

ANTARCTICA

The thought of extreme camping in Antarctica’s sub-zero temperatures might...

The thought of extreme camping in Antarctica’s sub-zero temperatures might send shivers...

ANTARCTICA

It’s something of a rite of passage for those who cruise to Antarctica....

It’s something of a rite of passage for those who cruise to Antarctica. Generally,...