I never thought that I would ask myself this question, How to reach Antarctica, in such a serious manner. Here I was, thinking all about how to go to Antarctica. I wrote in my search engine: How do I go to Antarctica? This single question became months of research, planning, budgeting, and eventually an actual trip. I swear, you might be sitting on the couch while reading this, but trust me, there is no rocket science used behind the concept of traveling to Antarctica.

What is the Way to Antarctica? A step-by-step guide

It was not an easy task, and I would like to share with you how I managed to figure out the logistics required to travel to Antarctica as a regular Indian traveller. To start with, I discovered that there is no commercial airport in Antarctica and thus no chance of flying there. The vast majority of individuals travel to Antarctica by sea via Argentina or Chile.

I also confirmed my international flight by leaving Delhi for Buenos Aires, Argentina. This would be the main thing to do if you want to talk about the way to go to Antarctica. From Buenos Aires, I took another flight down to Ushuaia, a small town that is the farthest south in the world. 

This is where the Antarctica cruise begins!

If you are planning to visit Antarctica, this is the path that I followed.

Delhi-Buenos Aires-Ushuaia-Antarctica (on cruise).

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Antarctica Cruise: This is the only Way the Tourists Can Travel

The easiest and most popular option for ordinary citizens to set foot on the 7th continent is an Antarctica Cruise.

The duration of my Antarctica cruise was 10 days. It sailed over the Drake Passage to the South Shetlands and then landed in various places on the icy coast of Antarctica itself. The cruise ship was not a luxury liner, but it was well-equipped to handle the polar environment, and that’s what matters the most. Each day, we had the opportunity to explore different parts of Antarctica, witnessing its unique landscapes and wildlife from close up. It was a truly unforgettable experience.

Therefore, in case you are indeed contemplating the way to go to Antarctica, first of all, you must book your Antarctica cruise.

Traveling to Antarctica with Scenic Cruise: A Lifetime of Adventure

I saw snow and the mountains! No one can prepare you against the white silence of a continent such as Antarctica. My picturesque trip presented me with a side of the world I did not even realize was there. Tall houses, icebergs, walking penguins, and diving whales were only visible for a few miles. It’s overwhelming. This transformative journey to Antarctica is a lifetime adventure that will inspire and motivate you.

I used to believe that cruises are boring, but this Antarctica cruise was more of an expedition. Polar scientists lectured us, and we were given lectures on gear and even on how to avoid disturbing the wildlife.

Each day spent on the beautiful Antarctic cruise, we would dress up in thermal layers, go on small boats known as zodiacs, and land on the clean, icy lands.

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How much will it cost to go to Antarctica? Start Saving Now

The big question is, how much will it cost to visit Antarctica? Honestly, this is not a low-cost trip. The total expenditure of my journey was between 7.5 and 8.5 lakhs – this cost included airline fare, stay, accommodation, and other expenses. The details below will surely ease your query session on how to visit Antarctica!

• Delhi-Buenos Aires-Ushuaia round-flight fare: 1.3 lakh
• Scenic cruise (10-day expedition): 5.8 lakh
• Woolen shoes, parkas, garments, gloves: 20,000
• Insurance and visa (Argentina) 15,000
• Misc. costs and food: 40,000

My total expenditure was close to 8 lakh. Provided that you are closing down the amount to spend going to Antarctica, you should start with the cost of going on an Antarctica cruise.

Book your Antarctica Cruise now!

Now we have to discuss how I managed to prevent burning a hole in my pocket!

• I made reservations during the off-season. Cruises in November tend to be less expensive than in December-January when the costs are highest.
• I was in a small communal room that also served to reduce my expenditure.
• I followed end-of-the-day bargains. A great number of Antarctica cruise operators provide discounts to flexible travellers.

Is It Safe and Legal to Fly to Antarctica?

Just in case you freak out yet, yes, it is legal. If you are wondering how I can get to Antarctica and not get in trouble, take it easy. Visitors can come in, but they must do so with established travel agencies under the Antarctic Convention rules. So, rest assured, your journey to Antarctica is not only legal but also safe and secure.

The one rule I remember being told strictly before going on an Antarctica cruise was that we absolutely were not to take anything off the land, not even a pebble. Boots were disinfected before and after each landing. Those are the precautions that these cruises take. So when you Google how to get to Antarctica and think whether you can do it legally, fear not, it is perfectly fine, except that you use the right company.

Things I Wished I knew Before I Went on an Antarctica Cruise

I would have appreciated having been told the emotional feelings that I would have. I never imagined that I would end up shedding a tear on the first time I was able to see a penguin in detail. I had not anticipated that I would feel so minuscule in a territory that was so pristine. When you start a search on how to get to Antarctica and you think it is just something you do because it is on your bucket list, then stop.

Antarctica is transformative. A scenic cruise cannot be called a trip – it is more of a reminder as to how little we know and how much we can save.

Final Word: So, How Do I Get to Antarctica? Just Go.

If you are reading this and you are still asking the question of how to get to Antarctica, then stop wondering. Start planning. Do not be scared by the price or the distance. It is an intimidating exercise trying to determine how much to spend on a trip to Antarctica.

As soon as I got off that cruise to Antarctica, I felt that I had been on another planet. No filter on Instagram, no video on YouTube, no book is capable of telling you what this continent looks like.

And when someone asks me how much I paid to go to Antarctica, I will answer them:

It is expensive monetarily–and it awards you something intangible.

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