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Tourism in Antarctica: Edging Toward the (Risky) Mainstream

Travel to one of the most remote parts of the planet is booming. What does that mean for the environment and visitor safety?

By Paige McClanahan

In January, the Coral Princess, a ship with 2,000 berths and a crew of nearly 900, plowed through the frigid waters off the Antarctic Peninsula, cruising past icebergs, glaciers and mountains clad in snow. The cruise, which had been advertised at less than $4,000 per person, is remarkably cheaper than most Antarctic expeditions, which often charge guests at least three times that amount for the privilege of visiting one of the wildest parts of the planet. Visitors to the region — and the ships that carry them — are growing in number: Antarctica, once accessible only to well-funded explorers, is now edging toward the mainstream.

But managing tourism is a tricky issue in this distant region where no individual government has the power to set the rules, and the challenge is becoming more complex as Antarctica’s popularity grows. During the current austral summer, which runs from roughly November to March, visitor numbers to Antarctica are expected to rise by nearly 40 percent from the previous season. Some observers warn that such rapid growth risks imperiling visitor safety and adding pressure to this fragile region, which is already straining under the effects of climate change, commercial fishing for krill, toothfish and other species, and even scientific research.

Human activity in Antarctica falls under the governance of the Antarctic Treaty system, a model of international cooperation that dates to the Cold War era. But day-to-day management of tourism is regulated by the tour operators themselves, through a voluntary trade association that sets and enforces rules among its members. Observers agree that this system has worked well since it was set up in the 1990s, but some worry that booming tourist numbers could push the old system to a breaking point. They say that the consultative parties to the Antarctic Treaty system — governments like those of the United States, France, New Zealand, Argentina and some two dozen others — must act more quickly to manage tourism, and protect the region’s value as a wilderness.

“The bottom line for us is that there aren’t a lot of hard rules governing tourism. It’s mostly voluntary,” said Claire Christian, executive director of the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition (ASOC), a network of more than 15 conservation groups that serves as an observer to the Antarctic Treaty system. “Right now, there is a lot of good will. But that’s not something you can guarantee.”

A booming industry

Tourism in the Antarctic began with a trickle in the 1950s, but the industry remained exclusive and expensive. Expeditions grew steadily and by the late 1980s, a handful of companies were offering sea- and land-based trips. In 1991, seven private tour operators came together to form the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Among other things, the group’s aims were to promote “environmentally safe and responsible travel”; improve collaboration among its members; and create — among the operators’ paying clients — a “corps of ambassadors” who could advocate conservation of the Antarctic region after they returned home from their trips.

Visitor figures soon began to creep up, increasing from roughly 6,700 in the 1992-1993 season to nearly 15,000 by the end of that decade, according to IAATO figures. Apart from a dip after the 2008 financial crisis, numbers have risen steadily ever since. More than 56,000 tourists visited Antarctica during the 2018-2019 season. The figure for the current season is expected to rise to more than 78,500, more than double the total from a decade ago. The vast majority of visitors come by cruise ship, setting sail from ports like Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile.

Meanwhile, IAATO has been gaining an average of two to five operators every year, according to Lisa Kelley, IAATO’s head of operations. Its members now include 48 tour operators, as well as five provisional members (Princess Cruises among them) and more than 60 associates — travel agents, marketers and others that work in the industry but don’t run their own tours.

“At the end of the day, we’re all a bunch of competitors,” said Bob Simpson, vice president of expedition cruising at the luxury travel company Abercrombie & Kent and a former chair of IAATO’s executive committee. “But it’s in our best interest to work together and cooperate,” he added, “to ensure this extraordinary place is protected for future generations.”

Mr. Simpson said that IAATO has been “remarkably successful” in promoting sustainable travel to the region, noting that, in his view, the education and experiences that they offer their guests outweigh the negative impact of the carbon emissions associated with the trip.

Abercrombie & Kent and other IAATO members agree to abide by the organization’s bylaws and guidelines, as well as the rules set out by the Antarctic Treaty system. These govern things like the number of passengers allowed ashore during site visits, staff-to-visitor ratios, and the amount of experience required of the crew.

The rules also stipulate that vessels — like the Coral Princess — that carry more than 500 people are not allowed to make landings; they can only “cruise” off the coast. Smaller vessel expeditions — offered by companies such as Abercrombie & Kent, Hurtigruten and Lindblad Expeditions, among others — are allowed to make landings, and their passengers might have the opportunity to disembark with guides to walk, kayak, snowshoe, or even camp or ski onshore.

Membership in IAATO remains voluntary, although all Antarctic tour operators must obtain a permit to travel in Antarctica from one of the parties to the Antarctic Treaty. For now, Ms. Kelley said, every passenger ship operating in the Antarctic is either a member or provisional member of IAATO, apart from some private yachts, defined as vessels carrying 12 or fewer passengers. She is confident that the organization is ready to accommodate the surge in tourist numbers.

“We’ve learned our lesson from the previous two big spurts of growth,” Ms. Kelley said in a recent phone interview. “We’ve really looked at our systems carefully and really worked on trying to make them as robust as we possibly can.”

Safety concerns

Other observers are less confident that rising tourist numbers are sustainable. The risks range from possible damage to sites that tourists visit to the potential growth in non-IAATO tour operators to ensuring visitor safety.

Accidents are rare, but not unheard-of. In November 2007, the MS Explorer, a Liberian-flagged vessel carrying about 100 passengers and 50 crew, cracked its hull on submerged ice, then started to take on water and list severely. Those aboard evacuated to lifeboats around 2:30 a.m., then floated in the cold for more than three hours before another ship, the cruise liner Nordnorge, rescued them. No one was killed or injured, but that was in part because of the weather.

“Within two hours after the passengers and crew were aboard the Nordnorge, the weather conditions deteriorated with gale force winds,” according to the official investigative report into the incident, which was conducted by the Liberian Bureau of Maritime Affairs. “If the Nordnorge’s speed to the scene had been reduced due to rough sea conditions, there may have been fatalities from hypothermia.”

The environment didn’t fare as well. The MS Explorer slipped beneath the waves carrying more than 55,000 gallons of oil, lubricant and petrol; two days later, an oil slick spread over an area of nearly two square miles near the site of the wreck. A Chilean naval ship passed through to try to speed up the dispersal of the fuel, but the report noted that the “oil sheen” was still visible more than a year later.

Ms. Kelley said that measures have been introduced since the Explorer incident, including the International Maritime Organization’s new “ polar code ,” which, she said, imposes “real limits on where and how vessels can operate and how new ships should be built.” Fuel tanks must now be situated away from the vessel’s hull, for example; navigation officers are required to have more experience and environmental rules have been tightened.

But as visitor numbers grow, so, too, does the risk of an accident. And while all tour operators in the Antarctic are currently IAATO members or provisional members, a status that offers them a degree of support, there is no guarantee that companies new to the region will see the value in joining the organization. If they decide to go it alone, there is nothing to stop them.

“There have been incidents, but we have always been quite lucky in the sense that maybe the weather conditions were right or there were other ships around,” said Machiel Lamers, an associate professor at the Environmental Policy Group of Wageningen University in the Netherlands. “Having a couple of thousands of passengers and crew in Antarctic waters is, of course, another thing than having a couple of hundred.”

A fragile environment

Scientists warn that the rise in tourism also increases the risk of disrupting the fragile environment. The introduction of invasive species — nonnative crabs or mussels clinging to the hull of a ship, foreign plant seeds stuck in the lining of a tourist’s parka — remains an important and ever-present threat . There is also evidence that populations of penguins and other wildlife have been disturbed by human activity in some areas. At the popular Hannah Point, there have been two reported instances of elephant seals falling off a cliff because of visitor disturbance. At other sites , historic structures have been marred by graffiti.

The Antarctic Treaty parties have drawn up “ site visitor guidelines ” for 42 of the most popular landing sites; these govern things like where ships are allowed to land, where visitors are allowed to walk, and how many landings are allowed per day. But the IAATO website lists more than 100 landing sites on the Antarctic Peninsula. Those with no guidelines in place may become more popular as tour operators try to avoid the crowds.

Pollution from ships is another concern. Although the International Maritime Organization’s polar code introduced new measures to control pollution, it still allows ships to dump raw sewage into the ocean if they are more than 12 nautical miles, roughly 13.8 miles, away from the nearest ice shelf or “fast ice” — stationary sea ice attached to the continent or grounded icebergs. It also fails to regulate discharges of “graywater,” runoff from ships’ sinks, showers and laundries that has been shown to contain high levels of fecal coliform as well as other pathogens and pollutants. Concerns about pollution are perhaps all the more worrying given the arrival of Princess Cruise Lines, which — alongside its parent company, Carnival Corporation — has been heavily fined for committing serious environmental crimes in other parts of the world.

A spokeswoman for Princess Cruises stressed in an email that the company is “committed to environmental practices that set a high standard for excellence and responsibility to help preserve the marine environment in Antarctica.” Negin Kamali, Princess Cruises’ director of public relations, added that the company meets or exceeds all regulatory requirements for Antarctica.

Fuel pollution, especially carbon emissions — is another concern, although there have been some positive steps. In 2011, the use of heavy fuel oil in the Antarctic was banned under the International Convention for the Prevention of Pollution from Ships (MARPOL). Today, ships in the region generally use less-polluting marine diesel, although some — like the MS Roald Amundsen , run by the Norwegian company Hurtigruten — have gone a step further, supplementing their traditional fuel with battery power. Princess Cruises is currently testing similar technologies, said Ms. Kamali.

In the background, warmer temperatures are making the entire continent more vulnerable to external threats.

“It’s important to understand that all of these impacts — climate change, fishing, tourism — are cumulative,” Cassandra Brooks, an assistant professor in environmental studies at the University of Colorado Boulder, wrote in an email. “Given the sheer carbon footprint of Antarctic tourism, and the rapid growth in the industry, these operations will become increasingly difficult to justify.”

The way forward

Antarctic Treaty parties are aware that tourism growth will require a new approach. But it’s not clear what steps they will take, nor how quickly they will act. And reaching consensus — which is what decision-making within the Antarctic Treaty system requires — can be a slow and arduous process.

In April 2019, the government of the Netherlands hosted an informal meeting to discuss how to manage Antarctic tourism. The participants — including representatives of 17 treaty parties, IAATO and ASOC, the civil society group, as well as other experts — identified “key concerns” related to the predicted growth in ship tourism: pressure on sites where tourists visit, the expansion of tourism to new areas, and the possible rise in tour operators who choose not to join IAATO, among other issues.

The group’s recommendations were presented to the Antarctic Treaty’s Committee for Environmental Protection as well as to the most recent annual meeting of the treaty parties in July. The discussions seemed to go in the right direction, said Ms. Christian, but they are still a long way from implementing major changes.

Stronger regulations could come in many forms, including a prohibition on potentially disruptive activities such as heli-skiing or jet-skiing, both of which are currently allowed; a general strengthening of the Antarctic Treaty system’s existing guidelines for visitors , which already instruct people not to litter, take away souvenirs, or get too close to wildlife, among other things. Parties to the Antarctic Treaty system could also establish protected areas that could be made off limits to tourist vessels, or agree to enact domestic laws to enable authorities to prosecute visitors for Antarctic misbehavior (penguin cuddling, for instance) after they return home.

Or the treaty parties could go even further: They could require all passenger vessels to obtain IAATO membership before being granted a permit, or set a cap on the total number of visitors allowed each season. Most observers agree that both steps would be politically very difficult to enact, mainly because treaty parties have diverging views of what Antarctic tourism should look like.

Tour operators and some academics maintain that tourism in Antarctica is vital because it creates awareness and builds a network of people who will go home to fight for stronger protections in the region. but — as with scientific research, or any human activity in Antarctica — the risks and potential negative impacts of tourism must be weighed against its benefits.

Whatever policy steps might be on the table, self-regulation in the tourism industry is no longer sufficient, said Ms. Brooks, who adds that Antarctica is already straining under its many pressures.

“IAATO is truly amazing in what they have accomplished, but it’s difficult to imagine how they will manage to control this burgeoning industry,” she wrote in an email. “It’s equally difficult to imagine how more than 78,000 people visiting Antarctica as tourists won’t have a negative impact on the region.”

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Tourism in Antarctica: A Growing Industry

February 5th, 2018 / Burnham Arlidge

Tourism in Antarctica has risen dramatically over the past decade.

Initially discovered and visited for research purposes and the whaling industry, the white continent is now a popular tourist destination.

This page provides a wealth of information on tourism in Antarctica and the changes over time that the Antarctica tourism industry has witnessed.

The rise of tourism in Antarctica

Beginning in the late 1950s, tourism in Antarctica supposedly began when 500 passengers paid to be taken to the South Shetland Islands.

This idea of expedition cruises with an educational purpose was continued when Lars-Eric Lindblad then guided a traveller’s expedition to Antarctica in 1966.

Sea tourism in Antarctica was the predominant way to see the Antarctic Peninsula throughout the 1960s. Infact, Lindblad arguably began the expedition cruise industry when he built the world’s first expedition ship in 1969.

It wasn’t until the 1970s that sightseeing air flights began from Australia and New Zealand.

Prior to the beginnings of tourism in Antarctica, visits to the continent were limited to early explorers and the seal and whaling industry.

Seals were hunted from the early 1800s, with the fur seal almost wiped out by 1830. Whaling began in 1904 with the construction of the whaling station at Grytviken, South Georgia. In 1986, the International Whaling Commission suspended all commercial whaling .

Tourism in Antarctica was initially driven by the mystery surrounding Antarctica’s landscape. Antarctica’s wilderness, extreme climate and isolation from the rest of the world all contribute to its increased popularity over the years.

From 1999-2000, an estimated 15,000 visitors travelled to Antarctica on sea cruises. From 2009-2010, this figure has more than doubled, with tourism in Antarctica rising to 37,000 people .

IAATO and landing in Antarctica

In 1991, seven Antarctica tour operators came together as a single organisation – the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) . This group promoted and practiced environmentally-responsible tourism in Antarctica.

Even today, with over 100 member-organisations across the world, they develop standards and practices to better protect the Antarctica environment.

Since IAATO was formed, records of tour itineraries have been kept. These show that 200 sites have been visited in the Antarctic Peninsula region since 1989. These records indicate that tourism in Antarctica is concentrated in less than 35 of these sites.

No country owns Antarctica and the Antarctic Treaty was signed in 1961 in order to protect the environment and to promote scientific cooperation in Antarctica. As such, tourism in Antarctica does not require a visa but does require permission.

Tour operators usually obtain this if you are travelling on a cruise.

Sea cruises

Most of the sea cruises for tourism in Antarctica depart from Ushuaia in Argentina. This type of cruise usually lasts between 10 and 21 days and the majority of tours to Antarctica nowadays are on a cruise ship.

Today, there are a whole host of itineraries which travelers can choose from. Due to the rapid increase in tourism in Antarctica, the demand for more unique Antarctica trips is high.

Stepping onto the white continent, kayaking and even camping on the ice are just some of the activities that are now available.

Tourism in Antarctica is ongoing between November and March each year. This is the summer season when temperatures are higher and sea ice melts enough to allow access to cruise ships.

Tourism in Antarctica focuses around the diverse wildlife, the stunning icescapes and Antarctica’s rich history.

Scenic flights

However, cruise ships are not the only way of seeing the Antarctic Peninsula. Tours of the continent are increasingly done by scenic flights and you can also land on some parts of Antarctica and take a cruise ship from there.

Scenic flights from Australia began in 1977. These fly over the continent without stopping and land back at the departure airport. These flights take around 14 hours, with 4 hours flying over Antarctica. Antarctica Flights, Qantas and Air New Zealand all offer this sightseeing tour of Antarctica.

Evolving over the last decade, some itineraries now also offer the option to fly to Antarctica. Landing on King George Island, these fly-cruises are catered for tourists who have less time on their hands, or for those who badly suffer from sea sickness .

From King George Island, passengers can then take a cruise around the Antarctic Peninsula and then fly back.

As is evident, the scope and range of tourism in Antarctica has dramatically changed over the course of 60 years. From the initial sea cruises to modern fly-cruise options, the industry of tourism in Antarctica has certainly developed.

With the introduction of IAATO, there are now many regulations surrounding tourism in Antarctica. It is clear that standards and practices are being regularly updated to ensure the environmental impacts of tourism in Antarctica are minimized.

As tourism steadily increases in the white continent, it’s ecological impacts are monitored with the hope to preserve this dramatic wilderness well into the future.

If you have any further questions or queries regarding tourism in Antarctica, please just leave a message below and we’ll get back to you within 24 hours.

Thank you and happy travelling!

Posted on Feb 05, 2018

About the Author Burnham Arlidge

Burnham started his career as a professional tennis player before retiring due to injury. Since then Burnham has thrown himself into adventure travel. He has visited some of the most iconic and obscure parts of the planet - his most memorable experience is Antarctica!

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Antarctic tourism is booming – but can the continent cope?

In tourist hotspots cruise ships must at times queue to disembark passengers and fragile ecosystems may be at risk from visitors. But who gets to decide on who can come?

Outside a scruffy cabin marked “Souvenirs” at Russia’s Bellingshausen Antarctic research station, tourists and scientists clank up the metal stairs, keen to escape the blizzard.

Out pokes the bearded face of Denis Ianenkov, a drilling engineer with the Russian Antarctic programme – and part-time shopkeeper – to invite his next cohort of customers into a tiny room with flags pinned to every wall.

The cabin quickly fills with excited tourists, who rearrange themselves periodically to enquire about prices or admire medals; inspect penguin figurines or try iron-on patches on their sleeves.

“We do well out of this,” says Ianenkov with a chuckle. Through his ad hoc currency conversions, Ianenkov accepts cash payment in Chilean pesos or US dollars.

Fridge magnets and keyrings sell for $5 each, fur-lined hats cost $100.

Russian scientists spend the takings on machinery parts for repairs, or on food and mobile phone data. (One Chilean network offers fairly robust reception on King George Island, where Russia and six other countries have research stations.)

And Ianenkov has reason to be optimistic for his tiny polar venture.

According to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), a record 105,331 people visited Antarctica over the 2022-23 austral season, continuing a rapid rise.

With the exception of the post-financial crash 2008-09 season and the pandemic-affected summer of 2020-21, when just 15 tourists visited Antarctica , the numbers have risen steadily over recent years.

Most tourists visit the temperate, accessible and wildlife-rich Antarctic Peninsula, where they disembark in Fildes Bay to fly from the Chilean air force’s landing strip which sits above on a shallow plateau.

But while Ianenkov and his colleagues might benefit from a steady stream of wealthy customers – an Antarctic cruise can easily cost £10,000 ($12,700) – the concentration of tourists in highly sensitive areas, and over just a few short months during the summer, has a cumulative impact on one of the world’s last pristine regions.

“The impact and footprint are quite enormous,” said Dr Daniela Liggett, an associate professor at the University of Canterbury in New Zealand, where she researches Antarctic politics, management and tourism.

The seasonal nature of the business means that delicate ecosystems face a flood of visitors during the summer season and a sudden lull over the winter.

At tourist hotspots, the effect of that influx is often apparent. Queues of cruise liners wait out in Fildes Bay; fuel spills and collisions between vessels and marine life have been recorded, and in some areas tourists have traipsed over delicate mosses and plants. Some historic structures have even been scarred by graffiti.

In the most visited areas, researchers have even found that the snow has a higher concentration of black carbon from ship exhausts, absorbing heat and accelerating the melt. On parts of the Antarctic Peninsula, this may be causing surface snow to melt up to 23mm each summer.

Another study calculated that each visitor between 2016 and 2020 was in effect melting 75 tonnes of snow just by visiting Antarctica.

“It’s great that tourists get to know this amazing place, because you will always protect what you love,” said Dr Luis Miguel Pardo, a Chilean biologist.

But Pardo expressed concern over the potential introduction of foreign organisms in Antarctica. Several non-native species have already established a presence on the peninsula, with the climate crisis and warmer temperatures increasing the likelihood of more doing so in future.

“This desperately needs to be regulated, and multilaterally, not by just one set of actors,” said Pardo.

According to IAATO data, there were 32,730 cruise-only visitors this summer, as well as 71,258 visits where tourists disembarked.

Some travel to carry out citizen science projects, while others go climbing or cross-country skiing and take helicopter trips. You can even go paddleboarding or snorkelling. Besides cruises and landings, kayaking and the “polar plunge” – a freezing-cold dip in the Southern Ocean – were the most popular activities this summer.

Tourism in Antarctica remains an elite and exclusive pursuit. Of those who set foot on the continent this summer, just over half were from the US, followed by Australia, Germany and the UK.

With so many tourists coming from the northern hemisphere, individual carbon footprints are high. One 2022 study found that average per-passenger CO₂ emissions for an Antarctic holiday are 3.76 tonnes – more than the average person’s annual emissions in countries like Brazil, India or Mexico.

Liggett says that the impact is even felt farther afield in “gateway cities” –such as Punta Arenas in Chile, Ushuaia in Argentina, Cape Town in South Africa, Christchurch in New Zealand and Hobart in Australia.

Since the 1950s, when the first tourists began to hitch rides on supply ships, numbers have slowly increased. By 1991, when IAATO was created “to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic”, a structure had been put in place for a thriving Antarctic tourism trade.

IAATO has strict guidelines relating to behaviour around wildlife, litter disposal avoiding damage to vegetation or the introduction of invasive species to the Antarctic.

While it does a good job regulating numbers of people ashore and staff-to-passenger ratios for its members, membership is not compulsory to operate in Antarctica – although permission must be granted to do so by an Antarctic Treaty System (ATS) member.

The ATS, in force since 1959 and governing all human activity below 60 degrees south, designates the entire continent as a “natural reserve, devoted to peace and science”.

Its 1991 protocol on environmental protection, which entered into force in 1998, expressly mentions tourism and sets out its own long list of guidelines.

But ultimately, the industry remains self-regulated.

“At the moment the system still works because all of the operators are self-interested in ensuring that they can showcase as pristine and wild a place as possible,” said Liggett.

But some worry that booming tourist numbers could push the model to breaking point.

In the ATS’s consensus-based system, agreements must be sought among all 56 member parties to move forward, making deals notoriously difficult to strike.

There is no permanent tourist accommodation on Antarctica, and ATS parties have adopted a non-binding resolution against the construction of permanent facilities for tourism and non-governmental activities.

But limiting the overall scale of tourism has proved much harder. Most activities are still permitted and there is no annual cap on the number of tourists who can visit.

With political consensus far from guaranteed, many are asking more philosophical questions as to who should be in Antarctica and why, in order to find more holistic solutions to the problems on the horizon.

“I believe that from an intergenerational point of view, it is not right to privilege a certain activity [such as scientific research] or limit visitation just to certain types of people according to their credentials,” said Liggett.

“But some of the money from people visiting could certainly be set aside to protect the region in a more visionary and strategic manner.”

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More than 100,000 tourists will head to Antarctica this summer. Should we worry about damage to the ice and its ecosystems?

More than 100,000 tourists are heading to Antarctica this summer via cruise ship. Image:  Unsplash/James Eades

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Stay up to date:.

• Visitor numbers to Antarctica have grown more than 40% since the COVID summer of 2020-21.
• Tourism in Antarctica has environmental impacts, including the release of black carbon from cruise ship funnels and the potential for the introduction of invasive species.
• As Antarctic tourism booms, some advocacy organisations have warned the impact may be unsustainable.
• The Antarctic Treaty System signed by countries with an Antarctic presence or interest ensures tour operators based in those nations have to follow stringent environmental regulations.

As the summer sun finally arrives for people in the Southern Hemisphere, more than 100,000 tourists will head for the ice. Travelling on one of more than 50 cruise ships, they will brave the two-day trip across the notoriously rough Drake Passage below Patagonia, destined for the polar continent of Antarctica.

During the COVID summer of 2020-21, just 15 tourists on two yachts visited Antarctica. But now, tourism is back – and bigger than ever. This season’s visitor numbers are up more than 40% over the largest pre-pandemic year .

So are all those tourists going to damage what is often considered the last untouched wilderness on the planet? Yes and no. The industry is well run. Tourists often return with a new appreciation for wild places. They spend a surprisingly short amount of time actually on the continent or its islands.

But as tourism grows, so will environmental impacts such as black carbon from cruise ship funnels. Tourists can carry in microbes, seed and other invasive species on their boots and clothes – a problem that will only worsen as ice melt creates new patches of bare earth. And cruise ships are hardly emissions misers.

How did Antarctic tourism go mainstream?

In the 1950s, the first tourists hitched rides on Chilean and Argentinian naval vessels heading south to resupply research bases on the South Shetland Islands. From the late 1960s, dedicated icebreaker expedition ships were venturing even further south. In the early 1990s, as ex-Soviet icebreakers became available, the industry began to expand – about a dozen companies offered trips at that time. By the turn of this century, the ice continent was receiving more than 10,000 annual visitors: Antarctic tourism had gone mainstream.

What does it look like today?

Most Antarctic tourists travel on small “expedition-style” vessels, usually heading for the relatively accessible Antarctic Peninsula. Once there, they can take a zodiac boat ride for a closer look at wildlife and icebergs or shore excursions to visit penguin or seal colonies. Visitors can kayak, paddle-board and take the polar plunge – a necessarily brief dip into subzero waters.

For most tourists, accommodation, food and other services are provided aboard ship. Over a third of all visitors never stand on the continent.

Those who do set foot on Antarctica normally make brief visits, rather than taking overnight stays.

For more intrepid tourists, a few operators offer overland journeys into the continent’s interior, making use of temporary seasonal camp sites. There are no permanent hotels, and Antarctic Treaty nations recently adopted a resolution against permanent tourist facilities.

As tourists come in increasing numbers, some operators have moved to offer ever more adventurous options such as mountaineering, heli-skiing, underwater trips in submersibles and scuba diving.

Is Antarctic tourism sustainable?

As Antarctic tourism booms, some advocacy organisations have warned the impact may be unsustainable. For instance, the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition argues cruise tourism could put increased pressure on an environment already under significant strain from climate change.

In areas visited most by tourists, the snow has a higher concentration of black carbon from ship exhaust, which soaks up more heat and leads to snow melt. Ship traffic also risks carrying hitchhiking invasive species into the Southern Ocean’s vulnerable marine ecosystems.

That’s to say nothing of greenhouse gas emissions. Because of the continent’s remoteness, tourists visiting Antarctica have a higher per capita carbon footprint than other cruise-ship travellers.

Of course, these impacts aren’t limited to tourism. Scientific expeditions come with similar environmental costs – and while there are far fewer of them, scientists and support personnel spend far more time on the continent.

Antarctic tourism isn’t going away – so we have to plan for the future

Are sustainable cruises an oxymoron? Many believe so .

Through its sheer size, the cruise industry has created mass tourism in new places and overtourism in others, generating unacceptable levels of crowding, disrupting the lives of residents, repurposing local cultures for “exotic” performances, damaging the environment and adding to emissions from fossil fuels.

In Antarctica, crowding, environmental impact and emissions are the most pressing issues. While 100,000 tourists a year is tiny by global tourism standards – Paris had almost 20 million in 2019 – visits are concentrated in highly sensitive ecological areas for only a few months per year. There are no residents to disturb (other than local wildlife), but by the same token, there’s no host community to protest if visitor numbers get too high.

Even so, strong protections are in place. In accordance with the Antarctic Treaty System – the set of international agreements signed by countries with an Antarctic presence or an interest – tourism operators based in those nations have to apply for permits and follow stringent environmental regulations .

To avoid introducing new species, tourists have to follow rules such as disinfecting their boots and vacuuming their pockets before setting foot on the ice, and keeping a set distance from wildlife.

Almost all Antarctic cruise owners belong to the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators, the peak body that manages Antarctic tourism.

For the first time this year, operators have to report their overall fuel consumption as part of IAATO’s efforts to make the industry more climate-friendly. Some operators are now using hybrid vessels that can run partly on electric propulsion for short periods, reducing carbon dioxide emissions.

Returning from the ice: the ambassador effect

Famed travel writer Pico Iyer recently wrote of his experience in the deep south of the world. The visit, he said, “awakens you to the environmental concerns of the world … you go home with important questions for your conscience as well as radiant memories”.

Iyer isn’t alone. This response is widespread, known in the industry as Antarctic ambassadorship . As you’d expect, this is strongly promoted by tourism operators as a positive.

Is it real? That’s contentious. Studies on links between polar travel and pro-environmental behaviour have yielded mixed results . We are working with two operators to examine the Antarctic tourist experience and consider what factors might feed into a long-lasting ambassador effect.

If you’re one of the tourists going to Antarctica this summer, enjoy the experience – but go with care. Be aware that no trip south comes without environmental cost and use this knowledge to make clear-eyed decisions about your activities both in Antarctica and once you’re safely back home.

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Antarctic Tourism – Frequently Asked Questions

How Antarctic tourism began

How did tourism in Antarctica begin?

Tourism to Antarctic coastal areas began in the late 1950s with Chile and Argentina carrying a few hundred fare-paying passengers to the South Shetland Islands. The first expedition to Antarctica with travellers was in 1966 and was lead by Lars Eric Lindblad. The modern expedition cruise industry was born shortly after, in 1969, when Lindblad built the first expedition ship MS Explorer. Since 1970 tourist expeditions have regularly ventured to Antarctica every year.

Is tourism to the Antarctic regulated?

All human activities in Antarctica are regulated by the Antarctic Treaty and its associated measures, including the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty.

The industry is largely managed by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), which was founded in 1991 by seven private tour operators involved in Antarctic tourism. It is now an organization made up of more than 100 member companies that aims to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible private-sector travel to the Antarctic.

How many tourist ships operate in Antarctica?

In 2016/2017, a total of 65 vessels are registered with IAATO for travel to Antarctica.

These range in size and capacity:

• C1 = Traditional expedition ships that carry 13-200 passengers and are making landings (33 vessels)
• C2 = Mid-size vessels that carry 201-500 passengers and are making landings (four vessels)
• CR = – Vessels that carry more than 500 passengers and do not make landings (cruise only, six vessels).
• YA = Sailing or motor yachts that carry 12 or fewer passengers (22 vessels).

How many tourists visit Antarctica each year?

Tourism has grown from a few hundred at the beginning of the tourist industry in the 1950s to a total of 38,478 visitors in 2015-2016. It is expected to increase in line with worldwide trends, but is strong correlated with global economic activity. The majority (>75%) of visitors experience Antarctica on ships making landings on the Peninsula. Most of these depart from ports in South America, but some (approx. 6%) fly to the South Shetland Islands where they immediately board a ship for onward excursions. Around 1% of visitors fly in to the Antarctic interior each year. Check the IAATO website for current tourism statistics and trends.

Which part of Antarctica do tourists visit?

Antarctic visits generally concentrate on ice-free coastal zones over the five-month period from November to March. Most vessels sail to the Antarctic Peninsula region although some itineraries include South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. A small number of tourist expedition ships visit the Weddell Sea, the Ross Sea region and East Antarctica, as well as many of the other sub-Antarctic islands (eg Snares Islands and Macquarie Island). Private expeditions also visit inland sites, including Mt Vinson (Antarctica’s highest mountain) and the geographic South Pole.

What tourist activities are involved?

Activities include sightseeing ship-based cruises, visits to operational scientific stations and historical huts, small boat cruising, visits to wildlife sites and other wilderness sites, hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, camping and scuba-diving. The majority are ship or yacht based and a small proportion land-based in temporary field camps.

How are landings managed?

Visits from ship or yacht based tourism ashore are generally of short duration lasting approximately 1-3 hours and of moderate intensity with a maximum of 100 passengers excluding expedition staff. Depending on the site visited and time of year, there can be between 1-3 landings per day using inflatable crafts or, rarely, helicopters to transfer visitors. Field Staff supervise all shore visits with a ratio of one member of staff for every 10-20 tourists. Staff usually has past Antarctic experience (IAATO requires 75% of the field team to have previous Antarctic experience) and occupations can range from: ornithologists, marine biologists, general biologists,

geologists, glaciologists, historians, and naturalists.

All tourists are obliged to comply with the Antarctic Treaty, Environmental Protocol and adhere to the Guidance For Visitors to the Antarctic (Recommendation XVII – 1):

****Note this is not the complete version of 18-1

1. Protect Antarctic wildlife

• Do not disturb wildlife either at sea or on land
• Do not feed or touch animals or photograph in a way that will disturb
• Do not damage plants
• Keep noise to the minimum
• Do not bring non-native species to Antarctica

2. Respect protected areas

• Be aware of the locations of protected areas
• Respect the restrictions that apply to these sites
• Do not damage, destroy or remove artefacts from Historic sites or monuments

3. Respect scientific research

• Obtain permission before visiting Antarctic science stations
• Do not interfere in any way with scientific equipment, study sites or field camps
• Know your capabilities and act with safety in mind
• Keep a safe distance from all wildlife
• Do not stray from the group
• Do not walk onto glaciers or large snowfields unless properly trained

5. Keep Antarctica pristine

• Do not litter
• Do not deface or graffiti rocks and buildings
• Do not remove artefacts as souvenirs. This includes: rocks, bones, fossils and contents of buildings

IAATO Members also operate with codes of conduct that limit approach distances and behaviour in the vicinity of wildlife aggregations. In addition, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties have adopted a series of Site Guidelines for Visitors for the most visited sites in Antarctica.

Can tourists visit BAS stations in Antarctica and South Georgia?

BAS welcomes a small number of visits to its stations from IAATO affiliated companies during the Antarctic summer. Small groups are given a guided tour of the facilities, where they have the opportunity to learn about the world-class science undertaken by BAS, and the logistics that support it.

Maximum number of visits to BAS stations:

• Rothera: up to two tour ships per year
• Signy: up to four tour ship visits per year
• Halley: visits are considered on a case-by-case basis
• Bird Island (South Georgia): visitors are not allowed to Bird Island due to its status as a Site of Special Scientific Interest
• King Edward Point (South Georgia): visits to the fisheries research station at King Edward Point require the prior permission of the Government of South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands (GSGSSI)

Tourism in Antarctica

More Than 34,000 People Tour the Southern Continent Annually

Mint Images - David Schultz / Getty Images

• U.S. Economy
• Supply & Demand
• Archaeology

Antarctica has become one of the world's most popular tourist destinations. Since 1969, the average number of visitors to the continent has increased from several hundred to over 34,000 today. All activities in Antarctica are heavily regulated by the Antarctic Treaty for environmental protection purposes and the industry is largely managed by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO).

History of Tourism in Antarctica

The first expedition to Antarctica with travelers was in 1966, led by Swedish explorer Lars Eric Lindblad. Lindblad wanted to give tourists a first-hand experience on the ecological sensitivity of the Antarctic environment, in order to educate them and promote a greater understanding of the continent's role in the world. The modern expedition cruise industry was born shortly after, in 1969, when Lindblad built the world's first expedition ship, the "MS Lindblad Explorer," which was specifically designed to transport tourists to Antarctica.

In 1977, both Australia and New Zealand started to offer scenic flights to Antarctica through Qantas and Air New Zealand. The flights often flew to the continent without landing and returned to the departure airport. The experience was an average 12 to 14 hours with up to 4 hours flying directly over the continent.

The flights from Australia and New Zealand stopped in 1980. It was due in large part to the Air New Zealand Flight 901 accident on November 28, 1979, in which a McDonnell Douglas DC-10-30 aircraft carrying 237 passengers and 20 crew members collided into Mount Erebus on Ross Island, Antarctica, killing all onboard. Flights to Antarctica did not resume again until 1994.

Despite the potential hazards and risks, tourism to Antarctica continued to grow. According to IAATO, 34,354 travelers visited the continent between 2012 and 2013. Americans contributed to the largest share with 10,677 visitors, or 31.1%, followed by Germans (3,830/11.1%), Australians (3,724/10.7%), and the British (3,492/10.2%). The remainder of the visitors were from China, Canada, Switzerland, France, and elsewhere.

The IAATO's original visitor and tour operator guidelines served as the basis in the development of the Antarctic Treaty Recommendation XVIII-1, which includes guidance for Antarctic visitors and for non-government tour organizers. Some of the mandated guidelines include:

• Do not disturb wildlife either at sea or on land
• Do not feed or touch animals or photograph in a way that will disturb
• Do not damage plants or bring invasive species
• Do not damage, destroy, or remove artifacts from historic sites. This includes rocks, bones, fossils, and content of buildings
• Do not interfere with scientific equipment, study sites, or field camps
• Do not walk onto glaciers or large snowfields unless properly trained
• Do not litter

There are currently over 58 vessels registered with the IAATO. Seventeen of the vessels are categorized as yachts, which can transport up to 12 passengers, 28 are considered category 1 (up to 200 passengers), 7 are category 2 (up to 500), and 6 are cruise ships, capable of housing anywhere from 500 to 3,000 visitors.

Tourism in Antarctica Today

Most ships depart from South America, particularly Ushuaia in Argentina, Hobart in Australia , and Christchurch or Auckland, New Zealand. The principal destination is the Antarctic Peninsula region, which includes the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. Certain private expeditions may include visits to inland sites, including Mt .Vinson (Antarctica's highest mountain) and the geographic South Pole . An expedition can last anywhere from a few days to several weeks.

Yachts and category 1 ships generally land on the continent with a duration lasting approximately 1 - 3 hours. There can be between 1-3 landings per day using inflatable crafts or helicopters to transfer visitors. Category 2 ships typically sail the waters with or without landing and cruise ships carrying more than 500 passengers are no longer operational as of 2009 due to concerns of oil or fuel spills.

Most of the activities while on land include visits to operational scientific stations and wildlife sties, hiking, kayaking, mountaineering, camping, and scuba-diving. Excursions are always accompanied by seasoned staff members, which often includes an ornithologist, marine biologist, geologist, naturalist, historian, general biologist, and/or glaciologist.

A trip to Antarctica can range anywhere from as little as $3,000-$4,000 to over $40,000, depending on the scope of transportation, housing, and activity needs. The higher end packages typically involve air transport, on-site camping, and a visit to the South Pole.

British Antarctic Survey (2013, September 25). Antarctic Tourism. Retrieved from: http://www.antarctica.ac.uk/about_antarctica/tourism/faq.php

International Association of Antarctica Tour Operations (2013, September 25). Tourism Overview. Retrieved from: http://iaato.org/tourism-overview

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Tourism in Antarctica

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Tourism in Antarctica is big business. But why is this industry so important and what does it all mean? Read on to find out…

The geography of Antarctica 

The tourism industry in antarctica, statistics about tourism in antarctica , the most popular tourist attractions in antarctica, the most popular types of tourism in antarctica, impacts of tourism in antarctica, faqs about tourism in antarctica, to conclude: tourism in antarctica.

Antarctica, the last great wilderness on Earth, remains a frontier of unparalleled allure and mystique. With its pristine landscapes and untouched ecosystems, it draws intrepid travellers and researchers alike. This article examines the intricacies and challenges of the evolving tourism industry in this frozen realm.

Antarctica is a vast and unique continent located at the southernmost part of the Earth. It is often referred to as the “White Continent” due to its extensive ice cover. Here is an overview of the geography of Antarctica:

• Antarctica is situated almost entirely within the Antarctic Circle, surrounded by the Southern Ocean. It is the southernmost continent and is geographically isolated from other landmasses.

Size and Landmass:

• Antarctica is the fifth-largest continent, covering approximately 14 million square kilometers (5.4 million square miles). It is larger than Europe and almost twice the size of Australia. The continent is divided into two regions: East Antarctica and West Antarctica, separated by the Transantarctic Mountain Range.

Climate and Weather:

• Antarctica is known for its extreme cold and harsh weather conditions. It holds the record for the lowest natural temperature ever recorded on Earth, reaching as low as -89.2 degrees Celsius (-128.6 degrees Fahrenheit). The continent experiences strong winds, frequent snowfall, and long periods of darkness during the winter months.

Ice and Glaciers:

• Antarctica is covered by a massive ice sheet, averaging about 2.3 kilometers (1.4 miles) in thickness. This ice sheet holds around 90% of the world’s freshwater. The ice extends beyond the continent’s land borders, forming floating ice shelves that surround Antarctica. The most famous of these is the Ross Ice Shelf.

Mountains and Peaks:

• The Transantarctic Mountain Range runs across the continent, separating East and West Antarctica. This mountain range includes peaks such as Mount Kirkpatrick and Mount Craddock, reaching elevations of over 4,000 meters (13,000 feet). Mount Vinson, located in the Ellsworth Mountains of West Antarctica, is the highest peak on the continent, standing at 4,892 meters (16,050 feet).

Lakes and Rivers:

• Antarctica has numerous lakes and rivers, although most are covered by ice. Lake Vostok, one of the largest subglacial lakes, lies beneath the East Antarctic Ice Sheet. Lake Whillans and Lake Ellsworth are other notable subglacial lakes. The continent also has ephemeral rivers that flow during the summer months, primarily fed by melting ice and snow.

Wildlife and Biodiversity:

• Despite its harsh conditions, Antarctica is home to a surprising array of wildlife. Various species of seals, whales, and penguins inhabit the coastal regions. The continent also hosts several bird species, including the majestic albatross. Marine life, such as krill and fish, thrives in the Southern Ocean surrounding Antarctica.

Research Stations:

• Antarctica serves as an important hub for scientific research. Several countries operate research stations on the continent, primarily focused on climate studies, geology, biology, and astrophysics. These stations provide valuable insights into Earth’s climate system and help monitor changes in the region.

Antarctic Treaty System:

• To preserve Antarctica’s unique environment and promote scientific cooperation, the Antarctic Treaty System was established in 1959. This international agreement prohibits military activities, mineral mining, and nuclear testing on the continent, while allowing peaceful scientific research and promoting environmental protection.

Tourism and Visitor Guidelines:

• Tourism in Antarctica has grown in recent years, offering visitors a chance to experience the continent’s awe-inspiring landscapes and wildlife. However, strict guidelines are in place to protect the environment, including restrictions on the number of visitors and guidelines for waste management and wildlife interactions.

As one of the world’s most remote and pristine regions, Antarctica’s geography and environmental significance continue to captivate scientists, explorers, and visitors alike.

The tourism industry in Antarctica represents a unique and specialized sector within the global travel and hospitality domain. As one of the world’s last frontiers, Antarctica attracts a select group of adventurous travelers seeking to explore its pristine landscapes, witness its diverse wildlife, and immerse themselves in its extreme and captivating environment. The tourism industry in Antarctica operates under strict regulations and guidelines to ensure the protection of the continent’s fragile ecosystem and to preserve its scientific and environmental values.

Antarctic tourism is primarily facilitated through cruise ships, which serve as the primary means of transportation for visitors to reach the continent. These cruises often depart from ports in South America, such as Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile, and traverse the stormy waters of the Southern Ocean to reach the Antarctic Peninsula or nearby islands. Due to the extreme environmental conditions and the need to preserve the pristine nature of Antarctica, the number of tourists allowed to visit the continent is strictly controlled.

The industry’s focus lies in providing travelers with unique experiences and educational opportunities while ensuring minimal impact on the environment. The itineraries typically involve guided shore excursions, wildlife viewing, and educational lectures conducted by knowledgeable naturalists and scientists on board the cruise ships. These activities aim to foster a deeper understanding of the Antarctic ecosystem, its geological formations, and its diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds.

To ensure sustainable tourism practices, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) plays a crucial role in regulating tourism activities. IAATO sets guidelines for responsible tourism, which include limiting the number of visitors at landing sites, managing waste disposal, and promoting wildlife conservation and habitat protection. Tour operators and cruise companies affiliated with IAATO undergo a rigorous process to comply with these guidelines and maintain high standards of safety and environmental stewardship.

The tourism industry in Antarctica offers benefits to both visitors and the region itself. For travelers, it provides a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the grandeur of Antarctica’s icy landscapes, encounter unique wildlife species, and gain a deeper appreciation for the planet’s natural wonders. Additionally, tourism contributes to local economies in South American port cities, providing employment opportunities and fostering economic growth.

However, the industry also poses challenges and concerns that must be addressed. One significant concern is the potential for environmental impacts, including pollution from cruise ships, disturbances to wildlife, and the introduction of non-native species. To mitigate these impacts, strict regulations and guidelines are enforced, requiring adherence to stringent waste management practices, wildlife observation protocols, and strict biosecurity measures.

In conclusion, the tourism industry in Antarctica represents a specialized sector that offers a unique and awe-inspiring travel experience while upholding stringent environmental protection measures. By adhering to responsible tourism practices and adhering to the guidelines established by organizations such as IAATO, tourism in Antarctica can continue to provide enriching experiences for travelers while safeguarding the continent’s delicate ecosystems and scientific values for future generations.

Now lets put things into perspective. Here are some statistics about tourism in Antarctica:

• Visitor Numbers: The number of tourists visiting Antarctica has been steadily increasing over the years, with approximately 56,000 visitors in the 2019-2020 tourism season.
• Seasonal Variation: Tourism in Antarctica is highly seasonal, with the majority of visits occurring during the austral summer months (November to March) when weather conditions are more favorable.
• Restricted Access: Antarctica’s tourism industry is governed by strict regulations to protect the continent’s fragile ecosystem. Currently, only vessels carrying fewer than 500 passengers are permitted to make landings.
• Cruising as the Primary Mode of Travel: Cruise ships are the primary means of transportation for tourists visiting Antarctica. These ships offer amenities and accommodations to ensure a comfortable experience while navigating the Southern Ocean.
• Environmental Guidelines: The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) sets guidelines for responsible tourism, focusing on minimizing environmental impacts, managing waste, and preserving wildlife habitats.
• Landing Sites: There are approximately 100 approved landing sites in Antarctica, where tourists can disembark from their cruise ships to explore the continent’s unique landscapes and observe wildlife.
• Wildlife Encounters: Visitors to Antarctica have the opportunity to witness diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds. Close encounters with these animals are a highlight of the Antarctic tourism experience.

8. Educational Programs: Many Antarctic tour operators offer educational programs on board their cruise ships, featuring lectures and presentations by experts in fields such as biology, geology, and climate science to enhance visitors’ understanding of the region.

9. Duration of Visits: Most tourist visits to Antarctica last between 10 and 20 days, including travel time from departure ports in South America to the continent and back.

10. Economic Impact: Antarctic tourism contributes to the economies of the countries involved in supporting the industry, particularly in South American port cities like Ushuaia and Punta Arenas, where cruise departures and associated services generate employment and revenue.

It is important to note that these statistics about tourism in Antarctica may vary from year to year and are subject to change due to factors such as environmental regulations, global events, and ongoing efforts to ensure sustainable tourism practices in Antarctica.

Antarctica, with its pristine and captivating landscapes, offers a range of remarkable tourist attractions that draw visitors from around the world. These attractions showcase the continent’s natural wonders, unique wildlife, and historical significance. In an academic tone, let us delve into some of the most popular tourist attractions in Antarctica:

Antarctic Peninsula:

• The Antarctic Peninsula, extending northward from the continent, is one of the most sought-after destinations. It boasts stunning ice-covered landscapes, towering glaciers, and majestic mountain ranges. Travelers can witness breathtaking scenery and observe wildlife such as penguins, seals, and seabirds thriving in this remote environment.

South Shetland Islands:

• The South Shetland Islands, situated near the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, offer incredible opportunities for exploration. Visitors can witness striking volcanic landscapes, visit research stations, and encounter diverse wildlife, including penguin colonies and elephant seals.

Ross Ice Shelf:

• The Ross Ice Shelf, the largest floating ice shelf in Antarctica, is a captivating attraction. It stretches over an area roughly the size of France and showcases the awe-inspiring beauty of the icy continent. It is also home to iconic landmarks such as Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth.

Lemaire Channel:

• The Lemaire Channel, often referred to as the “Kodak Gap,” is a narrow passage between the mainland and Booth Island. Enclosed by towering snow-covered cliffs, this picturesque channel provides breathtaking views and is a favorite among photographers.

Deception Island:

• Deception Island, an active volcano in the South Shetland Islands, offers a unique experience due to its natural harbor formed by a submerged caldera. Visitors can bathe in geothermally heated waters, explore abandoned whaling stations, and witness the stark contrast between the volcanic landscape and snow-covered surroundings.

Historic Sites:

• Antarctica is also renowned for its historical sites, such as huts used by famous explorers like Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. These sites provide a glimpse into the challenges faced by early explorers and the history of human presence on the continent.

Wildlife Encounters:

• One of the primary attractions of Antarctica is its abundant and diverse wildlife. Travelers can observe massive colonies of penguins, including Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap species. Seal species like Weddell seals and leopard seals can also be spotted, along with various bird species, including albatrosses and petrels.

Icebergs and Glaciers:

• Antarctica’s icebergs and glaciers showcase extraordinary natural formations. These colossal ice structures come in mesmerizing shapes and sizes, offering stunning visuals as they float across the Southern Ocean. The opportunity to witness the calving of icebergs or to sail amidst a field of floating ice is an awe-inspiring experience.

Scientific Research Stations:

• Some tourist itineraries include visits to scientific research stations, providing a glimpse into ongoing scientific endeavors in Antarctica. These stations allow visitors to learn about climate research, glaciology, and various other scientific disciplines, and gain insights into the challenges and discoveries made in this extreme environment.

Zodiac Cruising:

• Zodiac cruises are a popular activity in Antarctica, allowing visitors to explore areas inaccessible by larger vessels. These small inflatable boats provide an up-close experience, enabling travelers to navigate through ice-filled waters and get closer to wildlife, glaciers, and breathtaking ice formations.

These attractions exemplify the unique and extraordinary nature of Antarctica, showcasing its pristine beauty, diverse wildlife, and rich history. It is important to note that visitors to Antarctica must adhere to strict guidelines and regulations to preserve and protect this fragile and pristine environment for future generations to experience and appreciate.

In Antarctica, tourism manifests in various forms, each offering distinct experiences that cater to different interests and preferences. These popular types of tourism in Antarctica encompass a range of activities and expeditions, lets take a look at what these are:

Expedition Cruises:

• Expedition cruises are a popular choice for tourists visiting Antarctica. These voyages typically involve traveling aboard ice-strengthened vessels, designed to navigate through the icy waters of the Southern Ocean. Expedition cruises offer opportunities to explore Antarctica’s awe-inspiring landscapes, visit remote locations, and observe wildlife, while providing comfortable accommodations and amenities on board.

Wildlife and Nature Photography:

• Antarctica’s mesmerizing landscapes and abundant wildlife make it a paradise for photography enthusiasts. Many tourists visit the continent specifically to capture breathtaking shots of icy vistas, towering icebergs, penguins, seals, whales, and a variety of bird species. Photography tours and workshops cater to the specific needs of photographers, providing guidance and access to prime locations for capturing stunning images.

Polar Diving:

• For adventurous and experienced divers, polar diving in Antarctica offers a unique and exhilarating experience. Brave individuals equipped with specialized drysuits and diving equipment can explore the frigid waters and marvel at the underwater beauty, including unique marine life, mesmerizing ice formations, and potentially encounter seals or penguins beneath the surface.

Kayaking and Zodiac Cruising:

• Kayaking and Zodiac cruising are popular activities that allow tourists to explore Antarctica’s icy waters and get closer to its wildlife. Participants can paddle through tranquil bays, weave between icebergs, and observe wildlife up close while maintaining a safe and non-disruptive distance. These activities provide an intimate connection with the environment and offer opportunities for awe-inspiring encounters.

Hiking and Shore Excursions:

• Hiking and shore excursions are an integral part of many Antarctic itineraries. Visitors disembark from their cruise ships to explore designated landing sites and undertake guided walks led by experienced naturalists. These excursions offer the chance to immerse oneself in the unique landscapes, observe wildlife colonies, visit historic sites, and gain insights into Antarctica’s geological and scientific significance.

Education and Scientific Expeditions:

• Antarctica’s scientific and research value attracts educators, scientists, and individuals with a keen interest in understanding the region’s natural processes and environmental changes. Scientific expeditions and educational programs are conducted by various organizations, providing opportunities to participate in ongoing research projects, learn from experts in various fields, and contribute to data collection and analysis.

Historical and Cultural Tourism in Antarctica:

• Antarctica holds a rich history of exploration and human presence. Tourists interested in history and culture can visit historic sites and remnants of early exploration, such as huts and scientific research stations established by famous explorers. These visits provide insights into the challenges faced by early explorers and the enduring human connection to Antarctica.

Expedition Mountaineering:

• Antarctica’s mountain ranges and glaciated terrain attract experienced mountaineers seeking challenging and rewarding expeditions. Climbing enthusiasts can embark on mountaineering adventures, conquering peaks such as Mount Vinson, the highest mountain on the continent. These expeditions demand specialized skills, equipment, and a high level of physical fitness.

Each of these types of tourism in Antarctica offers a distinct perspective and engagement with the continent’s awe-inspiring landscapes, unique wildlife, and rich scientific and historical heritage. It is crucial, however, to approach these activities with a strong commitment to environmental conservation, sustainability, and adherence to strict guidelines to preserve the delicate ecosystem and ensure the long-term viability of Antarctic tourism.

The tourism industry in Antarctica has both positive and negative impacts on the continent’s social, environmental, and economic aspects. Understanding these impacts is crucial for sustainable management and ensuring the long-term preservation of this unique and fragile ecosystem. Let us examine the impacts of tourism in Antarctica:

Positive Social Impacts of Tourism in Antarctica:

a. Education and Awareness: Tourism in Antarctica provides an opportunity for visitors to gain a deeper understanding of the region’s scientific significance, climate change, and environmental conservation. This can foster a sense of environmental stewardship and inspire individuals to advocate for the protection of Antarctica.

b. Cultural Exchange: Tourism in Antarctica facilitates cultural exchange between tourists and the small community of scientists, researchers, and support staff residing in Antarctica. This exchange can promote cultural understanding, global cooperation, and the sharing of knowledge and experiences.

c. Economic Opportunities: Antarctic tourism contributes to the economic development of countries involved in supporting the industry. It generates employment opportunities, particularly in South American port cities, providing income and improving the livelihoods of local communities.

Negative Social Impacts of Tourism in Antarctica:

a. Disturbance to Wildlife: The presence of tourists can cause disturbance and stress to wildlife, particularly if guidelines and regulations are not followed. Noise, overcrowding, and invasive behavior can disrupt natural behaviors, breeding patterns, and nesting sites, affecting the well-being and survival of wildlife populations.

b. Safety Risks: The harsh and unpredictable Antarctic environment poses inherent risks to tourists. Accidents, extreme weather conditions, and remote locations can present challenges for search and rescue operations, potentially jeopardizing the safety of visitors and emergency responders.

c. Cultural and Heritage Impact: Increased tourist activity in Antarctica may impact the preservation of cultural and historical sites, such as the huts and relics of early explorers. Inadequate management and visitor behavior can lead to damage or degradation of these important cultural heritage sites.

Positive Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Antarctica:

a. Conservation Efforts: The tourism industry in Antarctica plays a role in promoting the conservation and protection of the continent’s fragile ecosystems. Responsible tourism operators adhere to strict guidelines, ensuring minimal impact on the environment, managing waste appropriately, and protecting sensitive areas from human disturbance.

b. Research Support: Some tourism activities contribute to scientific research efforts in Antarctica. Tourists may participate in citizen science programs, data collection, and environmental monitoring, providing valuable information for ongoing scientific studies.

Negative Environmental Impacts of Tourism in Antarctica:

a. Pollution and Waste: The transportation of tourists to Antarctica, primarily by cruise ships, can contribute to pollution through greenhouse gas emissions and the discharge of untreated wastewater. Strict regulations and waste management practices are in place to minimize these impacts, but compliance is essential to prevent pollution.

b. Introduction of Non-Native Species: Tourism activities can inadvertently introduce non-native species, such as seeds, spores, or insects, which may disrupt the delicate Antarctic ecosystem and threaten native species that have evolved in isolation.

c. Habitat Disturbance: Uncontrolled access, excessive visitation, and improper behavior can result in habitat disturbance, particularly in fragile coastal areas. Trampling of vegetation, erosion, and alteration of nesting sites can have long-lasting negative effects on the local flora and fauna.

Positive Economic Impacts of Tourism in Antarctica:

a. Employment and Economic Growth: Antarctic tourism contributes to the economies of countries involved in supporting the industry. It generates employment opportunities, including guides, crew members, researchers, hospitality staff, and support services in port cities. This leads to economic growth and improved infrastructure.

Negative Economic Impacts of Tourism in Antarctica:

a. Dependency on Tourism: Overreliance on tourism in Antarctica can create economic vulnerability for local communities, especially if there are fluctuations in visitor numbers or unforeseen events that disrupt the industry. Diversification of economic activities is necessary to mitigate this risk.

b. Unequal Distribution of Benefits: The economic benefits of tourism in Antarctica may not be equally distributed among all stakeholders. Local communities and indigenous populations may not always receive a fair share of the economic gains, leading to social inequalities and marginalization.

Understanding the complex and multifaceted impacts of tourism in Antarctica is crucial for implementing sustainable practices, fostering responsible visitor behavior, and ensuring the long-term preservation of this pristine environment. Striking a balance between tourism development and environmental protection is essential to safeguard Antarctica’s unique ecosystems and cultural heritage for future generations.

Now that we know a bit more about tourism in Antarctica, lets answer some of the most common questions on this topic:

Q: Can anyone visit Antarctica?

• A: Yes, anyone can visit Antarctica, but it is primarily accessible through organized tours or cruises arranged by authorized tour operators.

Q: When is the best time to visit Antarctica?

• A: The Antarctic tourism season typically runs from November to March when the weather is relatively milder, and wildlife activity is at its peak. The exact timing may vary depending on the specific activities and experiences you seek.

Q: How long does an Antarctic trip usually last?

• A: Most Antarctic trips range from 8 to 20 days, depending on the itinerary and activities involved. Longer expeditions allow for more comprehensive exploration of the continent.

Q: What kind of wildlife can I expect to see in Antarctica?

• A: Antarctica is home to diverse wildlife, including penguins, seals, whales, seabirds, and various marine species. Visitors can witness these incredible creatures in their natural habitat during their expedition.

Q: How much does a trip to Antarctica cost?

• A: The cost of a trip to Antarctica can vary greatly depending on factors such as the duration, type of expedition, level of luxury, and additional activities. On average, prices range from several thousand to tens of thousands of dollars per person.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Antarctica?

• A: As there is no permanent population or governing body in Antarctica, there is no visa requirement. However, you may need visas for the countries from which your trip departs or where you transit.

Q: Are there any restrictions on visiting Antarctica?

• A: Yes, visitors to Antarctica must adhere to the regulations set forth by the Antarctic Treaty System. These regulations aim to protect the environment, wildlife, and cultural heritage of the continent.

Q: How do I get to Antarctica?

• A: Most visitors reach Antarctica by embarking on a ship or cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile. Flights to these gateway cities are typically arranged separately.

Q: What should I pack for a trip to Antarctica?

• A: Packing essentials include warm and waterproof clothing, thermal layers, sturdy boots, gloves, hats, and sunglasses. It is crucial to follow the packing list provided by your tour operator to ensure you have the necessary gear for the extreme Antarctic conditions.

Q: How many people can visit Antarctica at once?

• A: The number of visitors allowed in specific areas is regulated to minimise environmental impact. Typically, the number of passengers on a cruise or expedition ship can range from tens to a few hundred, depending on the vessel’s capacity.

These FAQs and their answers provide a starting point for understanding the key aspects of tourism in Antarctica. However, it is important to consult with authorised tour operators or travel agencies for the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding specific trips, requirements, and guidelines for visiting Antarctica.

Antarctica, the world’s last true frontier, is a breathtaking realm of ice and mystery. As more adventurers set foot on this pristine continent, the implications of tourism come under scrutiny. Balancing the thirst for exploration with the imperative to conserve, it’s vital to consider the delicate ecosystems and unparalleled beauty of Antarctica. The responsibility lies with every visitor to ensure minimal impact on this untouched wilderness. As we reflect on the profound allure of the frozen south, one cannot help but emphasise the importance of preserving Antarctica for generations to come.

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The Last Place on Earth Any Tourist Should Go

Take Antarctica off your travel bucket list.

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On the southernmost continent, you can see enormous stretches of wind-sculpted ice that seem carved from marble, and others that are smooth and green as emerald. You can see icebergs, whales, emperor penguins. Visitors have described the place as otherworldly, magical, and majestic. The light, Jon Krakauer has said, is so ravishing, “you get drugged by it.”

Travelers are drawn to Antarctica for what they can find there—the wildlife, the scenery, the sense of adventure—and for what they can’t: cars, buildings, cell towers. They talk about the overwhelming silence. The Norwegian explorer Erling Kagge called it “the quietest place I have ever been.” All of these attractions are getting harder to find in the rest of the world. They’re disappearing in Antarctica too. The continent is melting; whole chunks are prematurely tumbling into the ocean. And more people than ever are in Antarctica because tourism is on a tear.

Four decades ago, the continent saw only a few hundred visitors each summer. More than 100,000 people traveled there this past season, the majority arriving on cruises. In the context of a land this size, that number may not sound like a lot. It’s roughly the capacity of Michigan Stadium, or about the attendance of the CES tech conference back in January.

But it’s also a record—and a 40 percent jump over 2019–20, the season before the coronavirus pandemic brought Antarctic travel to a near standstill. And although scientists who visit the continent to study its life and demise have a clear place here, many sightseers bring a whiff of “last-chance tourism”—a desire to see a place before it’s gone, even if that means helping hasten its disappearance. Perversely, the climate change that imperils Antarctica is making the continent easier to visit; melting sea ice has extended the cruising season. Travel companies are scrambling to add capacity. Cruise lines have launched several new ships over the past couple of years. Silversea’s ultra-luxurious Silver Endeavour is being used for “fast-track” trips—time-crunched travelers can save a few days by flying directly to Antarctica in business class.

Overtourism isn’t a new story. But Antarctica, designated as a global commons, is different from any other place on Earth. It’s less like a too-crowded national park and more like the moon, or the geographical equivalent of an uncontacted people. It is singular, and in its relative wildness and silence, it is the last of its kind. And because Antarctica is different, we should treat it differently: Let the last relatively untouched landscape stay that way.

Traveling to Antarctica is a carbon-intensive activity. Flights and cruises must cross thousands of miles in extreme conditions, contributing to the climate change that is causing ice loss and threatening whales, seals, and penguins. By one estimate, the carbon footprint for a person’s Antarctic cruise can be roughly equivalent to the average European’s output for a year, because cruise ships are heavy polluters and tourists have to fly so far. Almost all travel presents this problem on some level. But “this kind of tourism involves a larger carbon footprint than other kinds of tourism,” says Yu-Fai Leung, a professor in the College of Natural Resources at North Carolina State University who has done extensive research on Antarctic travel.

Antarctic tourism also directly imperils an already fragile ecosystem. Soot deposits from ship engines accelerate snow melting. Hikes can damage flora that take well over a decade to regrow in the harsh environment. Humans risk introducing disease and invasive species. Their very presence, North Carolina State scientists have shown, stresses out penguins, and could affect the animals’ breeding. Yet as tourism gets more popular, companies are competing to offer high-contact experiences that are more exciting than gazing at glaciers from the deck of a ship. Last year, for instance, a company named White Desert opened its latest luxury camp in Antarctica. Its sleeping domes, roughly 60 miles from the coast, are perched near an emperor-penguin colony and can be reached only by private jet. Guests, who pay at least $65,000 a stay, are encouraged to explore the continent by plane, Ski-Doos, and Arctic truck before enjoying a gourmet meal whose ingredients are flown in from South Africa.

All of this adds up. A recent study found that less than a third of the continent is still “pristine,” with no record of any human visitation. Those untouched areas don’t include Antarctica’s most biodiverse areas; like wildlife—and often because of wildlife—people prefer to gather in places that aren’t coated in ice. As more tourists arrive, going deeper into the continent to avoid other tourists and engage in a wider range of activities, those virgin areas will inevitably shrink.

The international community has banned mining on the continent, and ships aren’t allowed to use heavy fuel oil in its waters. Yet tourism is still only loosely regulated. “I think it’s fair to say the rules are just not good enough,” Tim Stephens, a professor at the University of Sydney who specializes in international law, told me. There’s no single central source of governance for tourism. The Antarctic Treaty System imposes broad environmental restrictions on the continent. Individual governments have varying laws that regulate operators, ships, and aircraft. The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators has extensive guidelines it requires its members to follow, out of genuine concern and, perhaps, to ward off more rigorous outside regulation.

Gina Greer, IAATO’s executive director, says the organization is proactive about protecting Antarctica. Visitors are asked to keep a distance from wildlife, decontaminate their shoes to keep novel bugs and bacteria at bay, stay on established paths, and more. Because tour operators visit the same sites repeatedly, they can spot changes in the landscape or wildlife populations and notify scientists.

This spring, IAATO added a new slow zone—an area where ships have to reduce their speed to 10 knots because whales have been congregating there in greater numbers—to those implemented in 2019. “It’s amazing to see how members come together and make decisions that may be difficult but are necessary,” Greer told me.

Still, these are all essentially voluntary behaviors. And some operators don’t belong to IAATO.

Accidents also have a way of happening despite the best intentions. In 2007, the MS Explorer, a 250-foot expedition cruise ship, sank near penguin breeding grounds on the South Shetland Islands, leaving behind a wreck and a mile-long oil slick. Most cruise ships are registered in what Stephens calls “flag-convenient countries” that are lax on oversight. “If you have a cruise ship going down in Antarctica, it’s not going to be the same seriousness as the Exxon Valdez,” he said. “But it’s not going to be pretty.”

To reduce crowding and environmental pressure, modern-day tourists have been asked to think twice about visiting a slew of alluring places: Venice, Bali, Big Sur. But the calculus can get complicated—in almost any destination, you have locals who are trying to improve (or just sustain) their lot.

Most of the Maldives, for instance, lies just a meter above sea level. “Climate change is an existential threat,” Aminath Shauna, the minister of environment, climate change, and technology, said in an interview with the IMF in 2021. “There’s no higher ground we can run to.”

Within decades, the decadent overwater bungalows that the islands are known for could be underwater bungalows. But more than a quarter of the country’s GDP comes from tourism. So this year, the Maldives hopes to welcome 1.8 million tourists—all of whom can reach it only by plane or boat rides that indirectly contribute to rising seas.

That conflict doesn’t exist in Antarctica. With no human residents, it’s the rare place that still belongs to nature, as much as that’s possible. It is actually most valuable to us when left wild, so that it can continue to act as a buffer against climate change, a storehouse of the world’s fresh water, and a refuge for birds, whales, seals, fish, and even the krill that the entire marine ecosystem depends on.

Some argue that tourists become ambassadors for the continent—that is, for its protection and for environmental change. That’s laudable, but unsupported by research, which has shown that in many cases Antarctic tourists become ambassadors for more tourism.

Antarctica doesn’t need ambassadors; it needs guardians. Putting this land off-limits would signify how fragile and important—almost sacred—it is. Putting it at risk to give deep-pocketed tourists a sense of awe is simply not worth it.

We have more than a continent—or even our planet—at stake. The treaties that govern Antarctica helped lay the foundation for space agreements. Space is already crowded and junked up with human-made debris. Tourism will only add to the problem; experts are warning that it is intensely polluting and could deplete the ozone layer. If we can’t jointly act to put Antarctica off limits, our view of the moon may eventually be marred. Imagine a SpaceX–branded glamping resort, or a Blue Origin oasis stocked entirely by Amazon’s space-delivery business.

As a species, we’re not very good at self-restraint (see: AI). And these days, few arenas exist where individual decisions make a difference. Antarctica could be one of them. Maybe, despite our deepest impulses to explore, we can leave one place in the world alone.

This story is part of the Atlantic Planet series supported by HHMI’s Science and Educational Media Group.

Luxury tourism is landing in Antarctica — but at what cost?

Decked out with wooden flooring, timber bedheads and even leather couches in the dining room, Wolf's Fang looks more like a Nordic guesthouse than a remote outpost in Antarctica.

For around $US48,000 ($68,000) travellers can fly to and spend six days at the luxury polar campsite — taking part in various activities like hiking, abseiling and skiing.

Visitors willing to spend more can also fly within the continent, watch emperor penguins and visit the South Pole.

Once the temporary home of only the toughest explorers and dedicated scientists, Antarctica has seen tourism steadily grow in recent decades.

But there are concerns about the environmental impact on the White Continent. 

So remote, a can of Coke costs $53

Last month, the first-ever Airbus A340 to land in Antarctica touched down on the camp's private blue ice runway.

Capable of carrying up to 254 passengers, the chartered flight was ferrying 23 people and supplies to the camp for this year's summer tourist season.

Wolf's Fang and another camp, Whichaway, are run by White Desert tours, which flies tourists out of Cape Town, South Africa, to an area of Antarctica called Queen Maud Land.

They take a maximum of 12 guests on expeditions but even with such small numbers, the logistics of each trip are immense and expensive. 

"For us, it costs about $US38 ($53) for a can of Coke once it arrives in Antarctica," says White Desert's chief marketing officer, Mindy Roberts, who has just returned from a visit to one of the camps.

"So the cost of our trips is high."

Potatoes and carrots for the camps' food are peeled in Cape Town before departure, "because we've got specific weight restrictions on getting things into the ice and the peelers are heavy," she says.

Other tour companies also operate in Antarctica, in some cases offering private campsites, cruises and skydiving.

Should people be travelling there?

According to the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO), 74,401 visitors travelled to Antarctica with IAATO member operators during the 2019-2020 season — compared to 56,168 visitors of the previous year.

Only 731 visitors were "deep field" tourists, travelling inland by air.

Most Antarctic tourists visit by sea, often with expedition cruises that make brief landings ashore on the Antarctic Peninsula, south of Chile.

While many operators emphasise their commitment to sustainability and ecological sensitivity, some involved in Antarctic research have voiced concern that tourism in Antarctica remains largely self-regulated.

Despite multiple nations — including Australia — having territorial claims to parts of the continent, Antarctica itself isn't governed by one single authority but rather by the Antarctic Treaty, which has been ratified by 54 countries.

That means tourism and visitor behaviour is mainly controlled through guidelines outlined in the Antarctic Treaty system.

Operators also need to fulfil certain requirements to gain membership to IAATO.

Those include the need to conduct environmental impact assessments, and provisional members must carry an IAATO observer aboard to ensure they're adhering to the organisation's standards.

With Antarctic tourism expected to rebound after the COVID-19 pandemic, there are questions around how much longer those guidelines can successfully minimise the impact of visitors to parts of Antarctica — and whether tourists should be travelling there at all.

"When you look at people's ecological footprint to get to Antarctica, it's already unsustainable," says Freya Higgins-Desbiolles, a senior lecturer in tourism management at the University of South Australia.

"I know that some people will say the environmental education that the visitors get will outweigh their damage, because they become advocates for protection, but I think that's a pretty dodgy argument.

"What I'd like to see is firm regulations rather than voluntary codes of conduct."

Ms Roberts says there's a big difference between the mass tourism of cruise ships and the bespoke experiences provided by smaller operators.

"The majority of people that come to us are influencers, they're powerful, they're captains of industry, they're royalty, they're celebrities — people that do have an ability to influence change," Ms Roberts says.

"Antarctic tourism can be done in a sensitive and sensible way … but it's keeping it small.

"Operations in Antarctica are not easy, and so I don't think you're ever going to have even tens of tourism operators that do what we do."

The cumulative impact of visitors

There are many ways human activity can impact the Antarctic environment — from the carbon footprint of planes and ships to the effects of visitors on local flora and fauna.

"Most Antarctic tourism concentrates in a relatively small area in the north-west Antarctic Peninsula and in a discrete number of sites within that area," says Ricardo Roura, a senior advisor with the Antarctic and Southern Ocean Coalition.

"Even if people behave as required, there might be issues to do with the concentration of activities and their cumulative effects."

Mr Roura was a guest on a cruise ship to the Antarctic peninsula in December 2019, at the height of the tourism boom before the pandemic.

"It was kind of crazy, the whole thing, the whole set of activities," he says.

"In some instances, we had to leave the site earlier to let others come in, that kind of thing."

But he says inland tourism is also cause for concern.

"They have a big chunk of the Antarctic as a playground if they have the time and the means to get there," Mr Roura says.

"If land-based tourism expands, then it will open quite a new set of issues to discuss and a new set of concerns for us."

Then there's the potential for pollution.

While the Antarctic Treaty requires waste to be removed, and for operators to have no more than a "minor or transitory" impact on the environment, damage can be unavoidable in the case of an accident.

In 2007, the MS Explorer struck an iceberg while cruising off the Antarctic peninsula and sank, causing an oil spill near penguin breeding grounds.

All 154 people on board survived after being rescued by nearby vessels.

In 2011, the International Maritime Organisation banned ships from using heavy fuel oil in the Antarctic and in 2017, it introduced the International Code for Ships Operating in Polar Waters.

Future of the industry

Tourism researcher at the University of Canterbury, Daniela Liggett, says interest in Antarctica is here to stay.

"I think it will pick up again after the pandemic, there is still an interest in visiting Antarctica as one of the 'last continents' that is still reasonably untouched by human presence," she says.

A spokesperson from IAATO told the ABC that preliminary estimates from May this year suggest about 60,000 people will visit Antarctica in the 2021-2022 season.

Mr Roura says the competition within the industry to offer unique experiences is one of the driving forces behind the growing numbers.

"There is this frenzy sometimes that people need to land in lots of places, they need to see all sorts of wildlife, they need to see all sorts of things and maybe that's just not possible or necessary."

Another driver of tourist numbers? The desire to see untouched wilderness of Antarctica before it disappears.

"'Last-chance tourism' is going to be the phenomenon that's driving the demand for it," says Ms Higgins-Desbiolles.

"But by engaging in last-chance tourism, we're actually causing the very thing that's the problem."

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Is it sustainable to visit Antarctica?

Apr 5, 2022 • 7 min read

Antarctica is one of the last truly remote places on earth, but can you visit sustainably? © Caryn B. Davis

The Antarctic is one of the last undisturbed places on the planet. Human beings have only been traversing this isolated landscape for a mere 200 years since it was discovered in 1820. Unlike many other locations where our presence has had a negative impact, Antarctica still remains virtually unspoiled.  

It is our most unpopulated continent. It has no permanent residents or Indigenous cultures, only a scientific community of about 1000 people in winter, burgeoning to approximately 4000 in summer. With mind-blowing scenery, opportunities to get close to wildlife, and a chance to experience what few have and ever will, Antarctica has become a coveted destination. But is travel there sustainable?

Read more: This is your brain on Antarctica: penguins, icebergs, and a lifetime supply of awe

The history of tourism to Antarctica

Tourists arrived in Antarctica in 1966 when Lars-Eric Lindblad, a Swedish-American entrepreneur and explorer, led the first group onboard a charted Argentine naval ship. Three years later, he commissioned his own vessel, the MS Lindblad Explore , and spent the next 20 years taking passengers on educational tours, pioneering what became “expedition cruising.” With the influx of commercial operators, came the need to regulate the industry to protect scientific projects, historic sites and monuments, wildlife and the pristine landscape. In 1991, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) was established “to advocate and promote the practice of safe and environmentally responsible Antarctic travel.”

IAATO works in concert with the Antarctic Treaty System. Antarctica is not owned by one nation but rather governed by this treaty, which was set up to foster scientific investigation. It mandates “Antarctica shall be used for peaceful purposes only,” all scientific results must be publicly shared, and there shall be no military activity, no nuclear testing, or territorial claims to the land. Since the signing of this treaty on December 1, 1959, in Washington, DC, by 12 countries, an additional 42 nations have become part of the system. To further guarantee Antarctica’s health is retained, the Protocol on Environmental Protection was added to The Treaty. Both governmental and tourism entities are bound by it. 

“IAATO plays its part proactively by following Antarctic Treaty rules, as well as creating our own comprehensive set of guidelines for our members to ensure visitors have an enriching and educational experience without impacting the environment,” says Janeen M. Haase, director of Governance & Finance for IAATO. “We see going to Antarctica as a privilege, not a right.”

How you can visit Antarctica sustainably

So what do we, as conscientious travelers, need to consider when looking for a tour operator that values penguins over profits? 

There are many different types of vessels and sizes from hands-on sailing yachts to polar research boats, from major cruise lines to small and high-end luxury expedition ships. Most depart from Argentina or Chile , though some leave from Australia , New Zealand and Tasmania, and occasionally from South Africa . Prices vary, but a trip to the bottom of the world can average $6,000 (€5503) to $25,000 (€22,932) depending on how lavish your accommodations are, the time of year you travel, the length of the voyage, the onboard amenities, and if airfare, charter flights, alcoholic beverages and gratuities are included or not. Some companies offer last-minute discounts on undersold trips, while others have dormitory-style cabins, which can defray costs. A good place to start when ship shopping is the IAATO website. While membership is not compulsory, tour companies in this directory follow strict protocols. 

Passenger size does matter in terms of your experience. Ships carrying 500 visitors or more are not permitted to go ashore while ships with fewer than 500 can land at approved sites, but only one ship at a time. There is also a cap on how many ships can visit the same site on the same day. As an additional layer of protection from overuse or disruption to historic structures and wildlife, only 50-100 people are permitted on land at a time, and for every 20 guests onshore, there must be at least one crew member. Permission to visit scientific bases must be obtained and is not automatically granted. 

Before heading ashore, passengers attend mandatory briefings on where they can and cannot walk always being mindful of damaging nests, terrain or vegetation. They wash their clothes, boots and gear before and after landings to prevent the spread of foreign matter or disease. Wildlife always has the right of way, and a distance of at least 15 to generally 300ft must be maintained depending upon the species, and whether they are being viewed on land or water. Of course, it goes without saying that no food or drink can be taken ashore, no littering, no smoking, no feeding the animals, and nothing can be removed, not even one tiny pebble, so don’t even think about it. 

Educational cruises

While all tour operators are encouraged by IAATO to offer an educational component, the richness of that program varies, as does the quality of the guest lecturers, and expertise of the onboard expedition team. When comparing the comfort of a ship, the accommodations, the cuisine, the destinations visited and the price point, these two factors will make a real difference in your Antarctic experience. This is where all tour companies are not created equal. 

On a cruise I took to Antarctica with Abercrombie & Kent (A&K), we had daily enrichment lectures from renowned historians, scientists, naturalists, ornithologists and geologists on a diverse range of topics. We also heard personal accounts from experts who have been coming to Antarctica for over 40 years, making hundreds of trips to scientific bases, often wintering over.

“Education was a really big part of this voyage. So whilst it’s called a cruise there is much learning about the continent, and not just seeing it first hand, but attending lectures from really competent people,” said A&K passenger Martin Mackay from the United States. 

As passengers, we took for granted the ease in which the expedition team safely maneuvered us in out of the zodiacs for shore landings, and the skill it took them to navigate the small boats through moving sea ice, even when the weather turned unexpectedly snarly. 

Suzana Machado D'Oliveira, the expedition director for A&K, who has made over 300 trips to Antarctica, has worked with the same expedition staff for over 20 years. She believes what will impact tourism as it grows will be the quality of the onboard teams. “I can confidently say we can do landings in conditions other companies can’t and still operate safely. Everybody has been coming here for many years so our individual and collective experience is enormous,” said D'Oliveira. “You can’t train people like us fast enough to keep up with the increase in tourism.”

Since its inception IAATO has recorded the amount of ships, voyages and passengers that have visited the Antarctic, how many people have gone ashore, and what activities they were engaged in. The 2019-2020 season saw over 70,000 visitors, a drastic increase from the first documented season in 1992-1993, which saw 59 cruises with just 6,704 passengers. Yet, as of right now, our tourism footprint is still minimal. Climate change is the more pressing issue.

“What people do in other places on this planet has a way, way bigger impact than the tourists that come here do,” said D'Oliveira who attends IATTO’s annual meetings on A&K’s behalf, and is on IATTO’s Tourism Growth committee.

Dr. James McClintock, a SCAR Medal recipient for Education and Communication, an author, professor, and a marine scientist at Palmer Station in Antarctica where he has been studying the effects of climate change, was at first conflicted about tourism to the White Continent. “Would tourists damage the fragile ecology of such a place? Would tourist visits to the research stations be disruptive to the ongoing science? Now, after ten years serving as lead lecturer for the Antarctic Communicating Climate Change cruise for A&K, I can say with conviction the benefits far outweigh the negatives,” said McClintock. “Yes, there is a carbon footprint to cruises to Antarctica. But, I believe the guests who listen enthusiastically to the lectures on climate change, and its impact in Antarctica and elsewhere offset this cost. They return home ambassadors of Antarctica and more appreciative of the urgent need to address global climate change by reaching out to their elected representatives on this issue.”

Zezinho Santos, a passenger with A&K from Brazil believes “the best sustainability action cruises can take is to give people awareness, knowledge and comprehension of the effort it takes to maintain Antarctica as it is.”

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This article was first published Jun 3, 2020 and updated Apr 5, 2022.

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Discovering Antarctica

Interactive teaching and learning resources on Antarctica from RGS-IBG in partnership with BAS and supported by UK FCO.

Tourism / Destination Antarctica / The future of tourism

• Wilderness challenge
• Being there
• The sound of silence
• Antarctica the movie
• Be a media critic
• Sizing up Antarctica
• The world turned upside down?
• Introduction to Antarctica’s Ice Sheets
• Going back in time
• Antarctica: The frozen continent
• Seasonal change
• The climate today
• The climate of the past
• The climate of the future
• Rising seas
• Making waves
• So you think you know about glaciers?
• What are glaciers?
• Glacial features
• Exploring ice
• Pine Island Glacier
• Key physical features
• Tectonic history: into the deep freeze
• Antarctica’s geology
• Ice sheets and glaciation
• The coast and adjacent ocean
• Key factors behind Antarctica’s climate
• Regional climate variation and weather
• Climate change: past and future
• The ozone hole
• Who’s looking at you
• Food from the freezer
• A time to Krill: a murder mystery
• A view to a Krill
• Biogeography of Antarctica
• The terrestrial environment
• The marine environment
• Ecosystem change and exploration
• A letter never sent
• The race to the pole
• The Rime of the Ancient Mariner
• Explorer’s diaries
• Packing your bag
• What (not) to wear
• Keeping healthy
• Generation next
• The job of a lifetime!
• Spot the difference
• Polar extremes
• The importance of Polar science
• Your polar proposal – become a scientist
• Decision time
• Guess the gadget
• Prepare to travel south
• Collect data about the ocean
• Collect atmospheric data
• Collect data about the land
• Using your data
• Bases for understanding
• Developing understanding
• Contemporary understanding
• Using the past to research the present
• Conserving the past
• Understanding the past and the present
• Mapping wind speed and direction in Antarctica
• Working in 3D using digital elevation models
• Ice shelf retreat on the Antarctic Peninsula
• Why Antarctica?
• A trip of a lifetime
• Avoiding footprints

The future of tourism

• Acting responsibly
• Visit Antarctica
• Impacts and Management
• Environmentally friendly tourism
• A treasure trove of resources
• Farming Antarctic waters
• Putting you under pressure
• Fishing and biotechnology
• Under pressure: Land
• Overfishing
• Future of Antarctica
• Mineral resources
• Which view of the future? You decide!
• Reporting on the future
• Evidence of Change
• Impacts of climate change
• All agreed?
• The Antarctic Treaty system
• Making claims
• Working together
• Antarctic Treaty
• Conservation
• Science in Antarctica
• For teachers

In the early 1990s there were about 5,000 tourists a year visiting Antarctica. By the 2009-2010 tourist season there were an estimated 37,000 visitors and by 2019-2020 this figure jumped to 74,401.

Student Activity

• Read the newspaper article about an environmentalist’s view of the potential impact of tourism.

Tourism of the future

Imagine you are on holiday in Antarctica in 2030. Choose one of the scenarios below, and imagine these changes have taken place:

• Tourism is now limited to cruise trips only, and all activities and facilities for tourists on land are banned.
• There is a quota for the number of tourists that can visit Antarctica in any one season. Trips to Antarctica are now very expensive and exclusive, and there is a ban on all vehicles and helicopters on land.
• Mass tourism is allowed, including cruises on an increasing number of large ships carrying over 2,000 passengers. Land-based facilities now include luxury hotels, restaurants and airstrips for daily flights for tourists.

Newspaper article

• Download a postcard.  You’ve got 10 minutes to write a postcard home!
• Describe your holiday. What have you seen and done, and what you think about it?
• Afterwards, compare your postcards. Which of these futures would you prefer? And which of them do you think is most likely?

• India Today
• Business Today
• Reader’s Digest
• Harper's Bazaar
• Brides Today
• Cosmopolitan
• Aaj Tak Campus
• India Today Hindi

Regulated tourism in Antarctica: India working to save fragile environment

Discussion on regulating tourism in antarctica will be on the agenda at the antarctic treaty consultative meeting (atcm) and a meeting of the committee for environmental protection (cep)..

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• Travel to Antarctica costs an estimated Rs 1 crore per person
• India's research stations in Antarctica are meticulously maintained
• It costs the government Rs 150 and Rs 200 crore to maintain the research bases

India is working with like-minded countries to promote regulated tourism in Antarctica as a steady increase in the number of tourists threatens to harm the fragile ecology in the White Continent.

Discussion on regulating tourism in Antarctica will be on the agenda at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) and a meeting of the Committee for Environmental Protection (CEP) scheduled to be held in Kerala's Kochi from May 20 to May 30.

"The problem is that tourism in Antarctica is not properly regulated. So this year, there is a discussion on its regulation," M Ravichandran, Secretary, Ministry of Earth Sciences, said in an interaction with PTI editors here.

The Ministry of Earth Sciences is hosting the 46th meeting of the ATCM, the highest governing body for Antarctica, and the 26th CEP meeting.

Ravichandran also hinted at plans to facilitate visits to Indian research stations in Antarctica for the general public.

Travel to Antarctica costs an estimated Rs 1 crore per person for researchers who travel onboard a ship from Goa to Cape Town in South Africa and from there, to the White Continent.

Thamban Meloth, Director of the National Centre for Polar and Ocean Research (NCPOR), said India operates two active research stations in Antarctica -- Maitri and Bharati -- where scientists from different institutes across the country conduct research throughout the year.

It costs the government anywhere between Rs 150 and Rs 200 crore every year to maintain the research bases in Antarctica.

Ravichandran emphasised that India's research stations in Antarctica are meticulously maintained, subject to regular inspections to ensure that those are kept in pristine condition.

He emphasised the strict protocols in place for waste management, including the requirement to transport all waste, including human waste, back to the mainland.

Notably, the number of tourists visiting Antarctica has been steadily increasing each year, with several thousands of visitors making the journey annually, transiting through Argentina or Chile.

"There is a major working group in the ATCM and they will discuss and recommend to the Antarctic Treaty to have some criteria that a tourist needs to fulfil when visiting Antarctica," Ravichandran said.

Tourism began in Antarctica way back in the 1950s with tourists hitching rides on supply ships and the numbers have increased steadily over the years.

Why You Shouldn’t Travel to Antarctica

Why Antarctica? Why would you want to venture to the Antarctic continent? And should you, taking into consideration the significant Antarctica tourism impact?

I got the same questions over and over again from friends, family, and people that I met along my travels. Why would you want to go to Antarctica? Isn’t it cold, expensive and very, VERY far away? Can you even go to Antarctica as a traveler? 

When I was in university, a few of my professors did their research in Antarctica. In my mind, I too thought Antarctica was a research-only destination for scientists. I hadn’t considered it a travel destination until I saw other travelers sharing their own adventures on travel blogs and vlogs.

When I booked my Antarctica Basecamp Adventure with Oceanwide Expeditions, I wanted to learn about the Antarctic environment, the wildlife, and how climate change and humans have impacted this untouched place. But, in all honesty, like many other travelers who venture to the southern continent, I just wanted to cross it off my bucket list. And that was wrong of me.

Stepping foot on the Antarctic continent showed me just how small I am in this world. It made me more humble about my existence and more appreciative of the world around me. My Antarctic expedition also taught me about the environment, the wildlife, and the Antarctic conservation and preservation.

But, as a science lover and environmentally-conscious person, that brings me to the bigger question – should I have traveled to Antarctica? What impact did I have? And how will my travels influence further tourism and the potential detriment to this pristine continent?

Reasons why people want to travel to Antarctica

Over the past 20-30 years, Antarctica tourism has grown rapidly. The increased media presence, the threat of global warming, the increase in disposable income, and the rise in ecotourism have started turning heads. People are seeking out Antarctica as a travel destination just as they would a Mediterranean cruise or an African safari. 

In today’s day and age, the media is one of the most influential sources of information. And we breathe it all in as if it were air. We are constantly consuming and absorbing new information, learning about places, and watching events take place in real-time from halfway across the globe.

The media’s exposure of Antarctica through productions, such as BCC’s Frozen Planet, Anthony Powell’s Antarctica: A Year on Ice documentary, March of the Penguins, and more recently Disney Natures’ Penguins, have only increased Antarctica tourism.

Videographers, photographers, and journalists are capturing the natural beauty and magnificence of the Antarctic continent. Through their work, they are sharing everything from the wildlife to the unpredictability of Antarctic storms to the unbelievable silence of nature that can be found nowhere else.

Antarctica has not seen so much publicity since the explorers were fighting for the fame of conquest to reach the continent and the South Pole. And people are flocking to the southern continent to experience it for themselves.

Global Warming & Climate Change

The threat of global warming has impacted tourism in a way we have not seen before.

As the world population grows, millions of people every year are seeking every opportunity to travel and travel more. They want to explore regions of the planet before they all change or become inaccessible. And this includes travel to Antarctica.

Climate change has also impacted ice growth and recession on the Antarctic continent. This change has opened up previously inaccessible routes and passages. Landing sites that used to be covered with snow are now open because it is so much warmer than in previous years. The ice is not reforming or remaining in certain areas and tour operators are taking advantage of them. 

More access to the continent has encouraged an increase in exposure and promotion for Antarctica cruises and expeditions. And thus, more people are seeking out the once on a lifetime experience.

Disposable Income

With the rise of more disposable incomes and the drive to explore places that are not the normal travel destination, more and more travelers are looking to places like Antarctica for their next adventure.

Antarctic cruises and expeditions are not cheap. The average Antarctic cruise can cost you anywhere from $3,000 to $6,000 USD, while the average Antarctica expedition will cost you anywhere from $5,000 to upwards of $20,000 USD depending on the length of the trip, destinations, activities, and stateroom. And that’s just the cost of the expedition. These prices do not include your transportation to your port of embarkation.

A disposable income provides people with financial stability and the knowledge that they can travel to Antarctica and can afford such an expensive venture.

Related read: Epic adventures to take in your 20s, 30s, 40s, and beyond

Ecotourism & Adventure Tourism

The rise in ecotourism and adventure tourism culture has increased the public’s awareness of the accessibility of the polar regions. People, including myself, only thought that Antarctica was for researchers. You didn’t hear about travelers going to Antarctica until ecotourism and adventure tourism really took off.

More and more organizations are starting to promote ecotourism and environmentally-friendly practices. They are trying to draw in this new type of traveler and still positively impact the environment and wildlife. And why shouldn’t Antarctica be one of those places?

Tourism in Antarctica is the driving force behind continuing Antarctic research and conservation. Antarctica travel operators, companies, and organizations strongly promote ecotourism. They draw people in by promising them the trip of a lifetime while educating the public on the conservation and protection practices they uphold. 

While exploring Antarctica, travelers learn about Antarctic conservation, wildlife and marine biology, and threats impacting the continent from climate change. They also help travelers become Antarctic Ambassadors to continue educating people about Antarctica. And a portion of the cost of the Antarctica expedition goes towards further conservation efforts and research.

“First-hand travel experiences foster a better understanding of a destination where no indigenous population exists to speak for itself. Visitors — representing more than 100 different nationalities on average per season — return home as ambassadors of goodwill, guardianship, and peace.” – IAATO.org.

Reasons you shouldn’t travel to Antarctica

The combined efforts of the Antarctic Treaty , IAATO , Antarctica tour operators, and Antarctic ambassadors are great and do make a positive impact on the continent, but there work only goes so far. Antarctic travel comes with a price.

Carbon Footprint

Unfortunately, any type of travel comes with an environmental price. Planes, trains, and cars all have an associated carbon footprint that they make on the planet. And ships have some of the highest carbon footprints of them all.

When I was booking my Antarctica Basecamp Adventure with Swoop Antarctica and Oceanwide Expeditions, the carbon footprint that I would have on the planet was listed for me on the booking site. For the 12-day Basecamp Adventure, with camping, sea kayaking, mountaineering and snowshoeing included with the expedition, my personal carbon emissions would be approximately 4,239 kg of CO 2 !

To put that into perspective, according to the European Commission 2018, the average per capita CO 2 emissions in 2017 was 5,729 kg. In 12 days alone, my emissions were 74% of the average. Which is crazy high! And that’s not even taking into account the transportation to get down to Ushuaia to embark on the expedition. Or the other trips I had taken that year.

Related read: Here’s how to travel without flying

Pollution from Ships

Besides the large carbon footprint that comes with traveling by ship to Antarctica, there are other sources of pollution that a ship produces that are harmful to Antarctica and its inhabitants.

Antarctica cruises and expedition ships produce a lot of waste – food waste, carbon waste, sewage waste, and water waste. Thankfully, there are strict regulations in place that prevent ships from disposing of any waste into the ocean. This prevents the ships from polluting the water and reduces the risk of animals relying on ships for food.

However, there are still other forms of pollution that are very harmful to the environment and are more difficult to control.

Oil spills are a huge fear when traveling to Antarctica. There have been a handful of oil spills that have occurred in Antarctica over the decades.  Major oil spills are thankfully not as common in the Antarctic Ocean, but the increase in tourism may increase the risk of oil spills. 

Noise pollution is another form of pollution that is detrimental to the environment and ocean life. The sound of ships passing through the ocean has been shown to change behavioral patterns, especially in migratory species like whales. 

Wildlife Disruption

The increase in tourism in Antarctica may bring unknown risks to the environment and wildlife. Since there is no native human population that lives on Antarctica, the wildlife inhabitants are not used to sharing their home with us.

Our presence through research and tourism may be impacting the breeding season or patterns, the population size, and the food resources. It could also be changing the natural ice loss and formation. This changes the overall landmass size and impacts breeding grounds and habitat size.

We may not be able to see significant wildlife disruption right now, but the more tourism increases, the greater the impact becomes. And when we begin to see those changes, it may already be too late to reverse them. 

Fragile Environment

Antarctica, like the rest of the planet, is a fragile environment. And it is very susceptible to even the smallest changes in the environment. It has no native human population and the only true residents of the continent are the native wildlife, bacteria, and plant species.

Researchers first went out to Antarctica because of its pristine environment untouched by humans. It was and still is one of the best places to understand Earth’s history, climate cycles, and wildlife. Their groundbreaking work captured the public eye through the media and inspired people to travel to the continent.

However, the more travelers who visit, the greater the impact it will have on the environment and wildlife long term. Larger ships and more ships are being built to meet the higher demand. This will increase the number of passengers each ship carries and will negatively impact the continent.

Increased tourism to Antarctica will greatly disrupt the natural environment. This disruption could be detrimental and could take the continent decades to recover if we are not careful.

Non-native Species & Bacteria

When we travel from one place to another, we unknowingly spread species and bacteria on our clothing, bodies, and luggage. Travelers and researchers may unknowingly bring seeds, dirt, and bacteria from other places to Antarctica.

Tour operators attempt to prevent this by providing all travelers with special landing muck boots. The muck boots are used for all landings and zodiac cruises. Anytime you leave the ship, you must wear your boots. These boots must be thoroughly cleaned with a special solution before leaving the ship, before returning onto the zodiac, and after returning to the ship.

All outer gear must also be vacuumed thoroughly before it can be worn for landings. Both of these steps are extremely important to ensure that nothing is unknowingly transferred from the ships to the landing sites and nothing from the landing sites is transferred to the ship.

However, it is not 100% effective. Disruption may still occur. When we got hot while snowshoeing or mountaineering or even walking around, we took off our outer layers. This exposed our middle and inner layers, and we had not been required to vacuum those items. 

Also, we naturally shed dead skin cells and bacteria. Our skin cells are not normally found in Antarctica and the minute we step into the continent, we are already shedding and spreading debris and species.

Possible solutions to further reduce the Antarctica tourism impact

Unfortunately, there are a lot of negatives that come with Antarctica travel and research. They are extremely important to know when making the decision of whether or not you should travel to Antarctica. But there are also some great solutions that travelers and tour operators 

Limit the number of passengers

Per IAATO regulations, only 100 people are allowed to set foot on the continent at each landing site at a time. Also, ships carrying more than 500 passengers are not allowed to make any landings on Antarctica or on any surrounding islands. These rules are followed very strictly by IAATO partners and tour operators and I agree with the rules completely. 

They greatly reduce the number of people on the continent, reducing the overall impact. But, I believe that this should be taken even further.

As mentioned above, Antarctica tourism has grown rapidly over the past 20-30 years and is expected to continue growing. And tour operators are trying to keep up with the demand. This is resulting in more expeditions and more ships traveling during the Antarctica travel season.

I believe that IAATO should not just limit the number of people that can go ashore, but the number of people allowed to travel each season. They could cap the number of ships traveling between November and March and prevent new ships from being built to carry more passengers.

They could also create a lottery system for tour operators. Each tour operator is allowed a set number of passengers for the entire Antarctica travel season. This will cap the number of travelers allowed to travel to Antarctica as well. 

Expand the wildlife protection zone 

Per IAATO regulations, all travelers, staff, crew, and researchers must keep at least 5 meters away from wildlife and nesting grounds. This is also followed very well be Antarctica tour operators, however, I believe this wildlife protection zone could be even larger. Instead of 5 meters, the zone could be expanded to 7 or 10 meters away to limit human interaction even more and decrease wildlife disruption.

Large fines & strict regulations

All Antarctica tour operators, travelers, and researchers should be required to abide by IAATO and conservation guidelines. Should any party refuse to follow the regulations, they should be required to pay large fines and be penalized harshly for their inability to follow.

Unfortunately, there are still a very small handful of operators who are not members of IAATO and independent travel vessels that choose not to follow the guidelines. It should be a requirement for all vessels and operators to be members of IAATO and must abide by the rules and things such as minimizing waste and pollution there should become a priority.

Tour operators provide all outer gear 

All tour operators provide travelers with muck boots for landing and zodiac excursions. Some operators will also provide travelers with an outer parka jacket. Otherwise, travelers are asked to bring their own gear for Antarctica.

As mentioned above, the problem with travelers bringing their own gear is the risk of spreading debris, seeds, and bacteria. To reduce this risk, all tour operators should provide all travelers with the special outer gear necessary for landing excursions (i.e. muck boots, parka jackets, pants, gloves, etc.).

This gear should be professionally cleaned and carefully inspected by the operating crew and staff to limit the spread between ship and landing sites and between different landing sites. The provided gear should be included in the cost of the trip. 

This will also encourage passengers to bring less clothing with them to Antarctica. Less clothing decreases the luggage weight on planes and on the ship. It’s a win-win-win situation all around. 

Travel to Antarctica from the comfort of your home 

You can easily learn all about Antarctica without ever setting foot on the continent. You can read Antarctica travel guides and expedition stories, like Loney Planet’s Antarctica travel guide or Endurance: Shackleton’s Incredible Voyage .

There are countless movies and documentaries exploring the history, climate, and wildlife of Antarctica. Antarctica: A Year on Ice , Secrets Beneath the Ice , and Frozen Planet are a few of my favorites that give you an in-depth look and understanding of Antarctica and all she has to offer.

You can also learn more about Antarctica and current research projects directly from IAATO and the British Antarctic Survey. They are constantly updating their information, research projects, and they provide great tips on how you can travel to Antarctica while keeping the environment and wildlife safe.

Many people, including myself, feel that they must see something to truly understand its value and beauty. And to be honest, it was powerful to witness the beauty of Antarctica with my own eyes and to now be able to share it with others. However, my expedition took a toll on the environment and climate. I was aware of these factors prior to traveling to Antarctica, and many other travelers and researchers are very aware of the costs as well.

So, as you begin to think about traveling to Antarctica, keep all of these factors in mind. Yes, you are about to experience one of the most amazing places in the world and see things that you may have never dreamed of seeing. But at what cost.

The Economic Times daily newspaper is available online now.

India in talks with like-minded countries to regulate tourism in antarctica.

India is collaborating with like-minded nations to advocate for regulated tourism in Antarctica, recognizing the threat posed by an increasing number of tourists to the continent's delicate ecology. The issue of regulating Antarctic tourism will be discussed at the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting and the Committee for Environmental Protection meeting in Kochi from May 20 to May 30. The Ministry of Earth Sciences, hosting these meetings, aims to facilitate visits to Indian research stations in Antarctica for the general public.

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