How can I visit Antarctica?

Question

A year ago I was reading some magazine, and found out that there is availability to get a trip to Antarctica.
Unfortunately, there was no info about how I could get there.
Do you know anything about it? Best way to get there, best route, maybe some feedback?

Keep in mind that what is the "best" way is a bit subjective since what's best for one person is not what's best for everybody. That said Antarctica has much fewer options than most destinations. — hippietrail, Jun 28 '11 at 15:56
@VMAtm: Now it asks for a list rather than a subjective opinion (-: — hippietrail, Jun 28 '11 at 21:01
@hippietrail Don't know how to rephrase that. Any ideas? For now I chose the "safiest". — VMAtm, Jun 28 '11 at 21:03
I think since the mods are not playing strict with this question that's actually the right thing to do in this case because Antarctica has a special paucity of options. Maybe just "how to visit" is fine for this destination. — hippietrail, Jun 28 '11 at 21:09
@VMAtm This is a great question. The other ones...hmmm.. but this one is right on the money ;) — Michael Pryor, Jun 28 '11 at 21:37
You may be interested in watching: "Encounters at the end of the world" a documentary by Werner Herzog. — Geeo, May 21 '13 at 14:04
Please don't. We can't afford to ruin this Earthly by tourism. http://youtu.be/dH573B1bkHI — Alexander, Dec 08 '14 at 06:54

score 52 · Accepted Answer · edited Jul 04 '11 at 10:30

There are a few ways to visit Antarctica. Remember that nothing is ever guaranteed and it's quite possible with weather that you might not make it there.

Cruises: Larger cruises often will get you close but not to the land. You'll have the comforts of cruising. These big ships may be regulated soon. Smaller ships will often let you get right onto land. Costs start at least $5k (for the ultra cheap).

Tailored Expeditions: Many companies run specialty expeditions which let you visit Antarctica exactly how you want. Prices are extremely high for this.

Airborne: You get to fly over Antarctica. This is the more ecological way to see it but doesn't have the same experience as actually walking on it. This is also the cheapest option.

VMAtm · Answer 2 · 2012-06-22T11:24:39.243

33

Work in Antarctica:

USA vacancies:

Degree Requirements M.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science or related field is required. B.S. in Physics, Electrical Engineering, Computer Science, or related field and substantial (equivalent to a masters degree) experience will be considered.

Russian vacancies (from here):

Meteorologist-aktinometrist
Geophysicist - ionosphere expert, riometrist, magnetologist
Aerologist and Radiolocator-technician
System administrator, developer
Specialist on environmental protection equipment
Hydrologist
Radio Engineer (modern radio communication expert)
Surgeon or anesthesiologist
Mechanic-technician
"Pisten bully Polar-300" driver, etc
Electric and gas welder-driver
Cook

edited Jun 22 '12 at 11:24

answered Jul 26 '11 at 13:26

VMAtm

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Using computers to help detect neutrinos in Antarctica? That would be the coolest job ever! (Pun intended) – JohnFx May 11 '12 at 23:37
@mouviciel Updated the answer – VMAtm Jun 22 '12 at 11:24
1

If your "visit" can last 6 months (or whatever one shift takes). – Agent_L Apr 26 '16 at 11:20

score 33 · Answer 3 · edited Oct 14 '11 at 13:48

Almost all tourist methods leave from Ushuia, in Argentina. You could get work on a boat, book a cruise, or take a tour with GAP Adventures, among others. However, there is almost NO cheap option.

However, if you're after a cheaper option and have some time to spare, arrive in November. It's the start of the season and many of the boats aren't full. As such, they often offer 50% off the prices of trips to Antarctica. It's still expensive, but a massive saving!

November is also a good time to visit the area, with El Calafate up north being a gateway to the glaciers, mountains and national parks. Perito Moreno glacier has to be seen to be believed!

score 21 · Answer 4 · edited Jul 08 '11 at 11:16

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Another approach you can take involves getting seasonal work as an unskilled laborer in support of one of the governments doing research there. In particular I think Great Britain, the United States, Australia, and Russia have big Antarctic programs and thus employ a lot of civilians.
If you're looking for a job at one of the American stations, almost all hiring is done through Raytheon

edited Jul 08 '11 at 11:16

VMAtm

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answered Jun 21 '11 at 22:42

Keyslinger

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I was told the easiest such job to get is cook. I was told this by a guy who worked as a cook in Antarctica. Not sure which country though I met him in Canada. Of course you have to be able to cook at least as well as a prison cook I assume (-: – hippietrail Jul 08 '11 at 11:43
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New Zealand too (Scott Base) – Mark Mayo Aug 13 '11 at 02:06

score 13 · Answer 5 · edited Jun 30 '11 at 12:52

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I believe most of the most popular route is by cruise ship and the most common departure port is Ushuaia, Argentina.

edited Jun 30 '11 at 12:52

VMAtm

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answered Jun 21 '11 at 21:04

user27478

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score 11 · Answer 6 · answered Jun 21 '12 at 05:24

Become a researcher in an Earth/Planetary Science department or in a lab that studies the physics of ice. The department I'm in at Brown University does send expeditions to study the dry ice valleys in Antarctica (to study parallels with Martian climate).

Alternatively, do research on penguins (though there are not many penguin researchers in the world).

E.g. the University of Washington Polar Science Center

How can I visit Antarctica?

6 Answers6

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