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