The best way to get to Antarctica is to fly or cruise from South America. However, flights to Ushuaia from Europe and North America can be very expensive. A cheaper alternative is to drive along the coast of Argentina. The drive to Ushuaia is a long one, but you will have plenty of opportunity to see killer whales along the way.
Flying
If you are looking to take a trip to Antarctica, there are a number of options for getting there. You can also take a cruise to the frozen continent. However, this can be quite expensive and requires specialised logistics. If you do not want to spend a lot of money on your trip, you can fly to Antarctica.
If you are going to Antarctica by air, you need to book your tickets well in advance. Most flights require advance clearance, so you should always check whether your destination is covered before you book. For instance, flights to the South Pole require clearance from the Department of Defense and the National Science Foundation. These agencies operate four bases in Antarctica. The majority of flights to Antarctica depart from Australia or New Zealand. It is recommended to book tickets well in advance to ensure your trip will go as smoothly as possible.
If you’re travelling to Antarctica by plane, you can take a specialized flight to King George Island from the United States or Chile. This is considered the unofficial capital of Antarctica and is home to many research bases and has its own runway. Specialized flights to Antarctica are usually chartered flights or specially booked flights. You can find these through specialized tour operators in Cape Town and Punta Arenas.
While you’ll be surrounded by barren landscapes and vast stretches of ice, the landscape is stunning. It is also a place where you can spot wildlife such as seals, penguins, and whales. You should carry binoculars to catch a glimpse of these amazing animals.
Flying via South America
Most travelers will start their trip from Buenos Aires, Argentina. Various flights from Europe and North America leave daily for this city. Popular routes include London, Paris, Frankfurt, Zurich, Madrid, Barcelona, and Rome. Alternatively, you can fly from Santiago, Chile, to Punta Arenas, Chile.
The easiest way to reach Antarctica is by air, but you can also travel via ship. There are several Antarctic cruises that leave from Ushuaia, Argentina, and Port Stanley, Falkland Islands. These ships also avoid the notorious Drake Passage. If you have limited time, a cruise can be a great option.
While you can take an Antarctic cruise from Australia and New Zealand, these trips are extremely limited, and usually have a maximum number of 50 passengers. Flying to Antarctica is also an option, but you’ll need to be mentally prepared for early morning departures. In addition, you’ll need to purchase travel insurance when booking a flight to Antarctica.
Flying to Antarctica via South America is an affordable option that skips the Drake Passage and is an excellent way to reach the icy continent. The cost of this option is significantly higher than sailing, so you’ll have to choose the right travel schedule and itinerary. While it may be a convenient option for people with limited time, it could take up to two days off your vacation.
A cruise to Antarctica can last ten days or three weeks, depending on your departure point. Smaller cruise ships are more environmentally friendly than bigger ones, and the carbon footprint of the trip is smaller than that of air travel. Flying to Antarctica is becoming a popular option due to the lack of commercial airports in the region. Flying to Antarctica is best done through private air travel services.
Charter flights
Charter flights to Antarctica can take you to remote and pristine regions of the continent. Volga-Dnepr Airlines has been involved in Antarctica missions since 2015. This airline has completed over 150 charter flights and transported over 1,700 tons of cargo. Its aircraft are designed to fly in Antarctica and have a hermetical cargo hold, which ensures the cargo is protected.
The airline operates BAe 146 aircraft, which is four-engined and is operated by two pilots. It flies to Antartica from Punta Arenas, Chile, where the Aerovias DAP based. It has been operating between America and Antarctica for 33 years and carries out logistics for many countries. There are also medical evacuations, and emergency medical situations.
The first commercial airline to fly to Antarctica was Air New Zealand. This airline flew over the South Shetland Islands and the Trinity Peninsula. After this disaster, Qantas also started flying to the continent. This airline has flown more than 10,000 passengers. It is also one of the few airlines to offer flights year-round. The service is popular and convenient. If you are interested in flying to Antarctica, charter flights are a great way to see the continent.
Because of the harsh environment, flying to Antarctica is not a practical option for most travelers. Most people choose to cruise instead. However, if you are looking for a more affordable alternative, charter flights can be a good option. These flights are more safe and less expensive than most cruises.
A few cruise companies also offer fly-cruise trips to Antarctica. Some of these include Silversea, Quark Expeditions, and Antarctica 21. Silversea uses a small plane capable of landing on the continent and transferring passengers to the ship.
Flying via Chile
Flying to Antarctica from Chile will require a transfer from a commercial airport to the base on King George Island. Depending on the itinerary, you may choose to fly one way or return the same way. You will need a valid passport and a valid travel insurance plan to cover this extra expense. You can also extend your stay in Chile by taking a stopover in Buenos Aires.
If you are a US citizen, you will not need a visa for Chile. Chilean authorities are not obligated to issue visas to US citizens, but you should check the rules before you leave. The country has strict requirements for children under 18 and requires them to obtain special documentation. It is advisable to get this information from the Chilean consulate or embassy if you are traveling with a child.
For those who are interested in visiting the Antarctic Peninsula, fly-cruise options are the most common choice. These flights leave from Punta Arenas in Chile and fly over the Drake Passage to King George Island, a small island near the Antarctic Peninsula. Once you’ve visited the island, you can then continue to the peninsula via a ship.
If you are interested in learning more about the history and wildlife of this region, you can consider joining a Chilean expedition cruise. These excursions combine learning with active exploration, and include activities such as hiking and Zodiacs. You’ll also be able to join a multi-sport adventure in Torres Del Paine National Park and take part in other activities on board the ship.
For wildlife viewing, February and March are the most favorable months to visit the Antarctic Peninsula. In these months, whales migrate south to feed on krill fish. During these months, you can watch their behavior and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.