Antarctica! E-Book

Gerardo Bartolomé

• Herausgeber: Ediciones Históricas
• Kategorie: Lebensstil
• Serie: Be There
• Sprache: Englisch
• Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2023

Seitenzahl: 80

Beschreibung

¿Se embarca en una aventura antártica? Le espera el sueño de su vida, pero el viaje puede plantearle dudas y preocupaciones. Desde el precio hasta la incertidumbre de lo que le espera, es una decisión que requiere una cuidadosa consideración. Reconocemos que planificar un viaje a la Antártida puede ser una tarea compleja, especialmente cuando el entusiasmo varía entre los compañeros de viaje. En esta guía, abordamos sus dudas y le proporcionamos una orientación inestimable. Tanto si está indeciso como deseoso de explorar este extraordinario continente, le cubrimos las espaldas. Descubra el momento ideal para visitarlo, desentrañe los entresijos de la organización de su viaje y obtenga información sobre la logística de su expedición antártica. Nuestra misión es asegurarnos de que esté bien preparado e informado, mejorando su aventura y creando recuerdos duraderos. Con una gran cantidad de conocimientos y consejos al alcance de su mano, navegará por la Antártida con confianza y saboreará cada momento de esta experiencia única en la vida.

Leseprobe

ANTARCTICA!

A Guidebook for Planning and Traveling

Gerardo, Bartolomé

Antarctica: A guidebook for planning and traveling / Bartolomé Gerardo; fotografías de Paula Ford. - 1ª ed. - Ciudad Autónoma de Buenos Aires: Ediciones Históricas, 2023.

Libro digital, EPUB - (Be There / Gerardo Bartolomé; 4)

Archivo Digital: descarga y online

ISBN 978-987-82942-8-5

1. Antártida. 2. Antártida Argentina. 3. Turismo. I. Ford, Paula, fot. II. Título.

CDD 919.89

Copyright 2023 by Gerardo Bartolomé.

Published by Ediciones Históricas / Gerardo M. Bartolomé, established in Buenos Aires, Argentina. For more information write to [email protected] or [email protected]

This book is sold subject to the condition that it shall not by way of trade or otherwise be lent, re-sold, hired out or otherwise circulated without the publisher’s prior consent in any form of binding or cover other than that in which this is published and without a similar condition including this condition being imposed on the subsequent purchaser.

Without limiting the rights under copyright reserved above, no part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in or introduced into a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form, or by any means without the prior written permission of the copyright owner of this book.

Cover by Paula Ford and Gerardo Bartolomé.

Book design by Ricardo Dorr.

Index

Introduction. Antarctica? What do you Expect?

Welcome to our guide

Chapter 1. How and When

Who can go to Antarctica?

When to go to Antarctica?

How to choose a cruise?

What to pack for Antarctica

Conclusion

Chapter 2. What’s an Antarctic Expedition Cruise Like

The adventure starts

A day in Antarctica

Landings

Zodiac Cruising

Other activities

Chapter 3. What is Antarctica About

The Antarctic Continent

Antarctic Life

Chapter 4. Past and Present of the White Continent

Geologic history

Humans discover Antarctica

The Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration

Tragic Race to the Pole

Shackleton’s Endurance Expedition (1914-1917)

Sovereignty Claims

Antarctic Treaty

IAATO and Ecotourism

Chapter 5. Photography in Antarctica

Chapter 6. Ideas and Combinations of Antarctica with Other Destinations

Appendix 1. Expedition Cruises Companies

Appendix 2. List of Landing Sites

Appendix 3. General Behaviour Guidelines for Visitors to Antarctica

Protect Antarctic Wildlife

Protecting Antarctic Vegetation

Introduction of Non-Native Species and Pathogens

Historic Sites, Monuments and Other Structures

Respect of Scientific Research

Keeping Antarctica Pristine by Leaving No Trace of Your Visit

Wilderness Values

Safety Precautions

Appendix 4. List of Antarctic Stations

Appendix 5. List of Animals

Whales

Dolphins

Seals and Sea Lions and Elephant Seals

Penguins

Birds

360 Pictures

About the Authors

Introduction. Antarctica? What do you Expect?

Welcome to our guide

Planning to visit Antarctica? It’s a destination that often finds its way onto people’s bucket lists after years of dreaming. However, there are a couple of factors to consider. Price can be a concern, and there’s also uncertainty about what to expect, making the decision process quite a challenge. It’s not uncommon for one person in a couple to be more enthusiastic than the other about the trip.

Some individuals may be convinced about visiting Antarctica, but they still have various doubts. Questions about when to go, how to go, and where to go often arise. We understand these uncertainties and aim to provide guidance in this guidebook. Our goal is to help you evaluate whether to embark on this journey or not, and if you’re already convinced, we’ll assist you in planning and arranging your trip. Whether it’s finding the right time to go or understanding the logistics of hiring a trip, we’ve got you covered.

Finally, our hope is that by knowing what to expect and having access to numerous tips, you’ll be able to have an even more enjoyable trip. Being prepared and informed can enhance your experience and make it truly memorable. We want to equip you with the knowledge and insights necessary to navigate through your Antarctic adventure smoothly and make the most of every moment.

Paula and Gerardo

Chapter 1. How and When

Antarctica is undeniably the most challenging continent to visit, but it is accessible to every tourist. The key factors are financial resources and making the decision to embark on this extraordinary journey. While it requires careful planning and financial investment, anyone with the means and determination can experience the awe-inspiring beauty of Antarctica. In fact in the 2022-2023 season more than 100,000 tourists visited the White Continent!

Antarctica is a vast icy expanse, isolated from civilization, devoid of cities, and protected by the Antarctic Treaty. Unless you receive an invitation from a country with a research base or possess a substantial budget to charter a private expedition, the primary means to reach Antarctica is through a cruise ship. The cruise ship allows visitors to access this remote and pristine continent, providing a unique opportunity to explore its breathtaking landscapes and encounter its unique wildlife.

There are two types of cruises that visit Antarctica. The first type consists of large ships accommodating up to 3,000 tourists, similar to those seen in the Caribbean or Mediterranean seas. These ships do not make landings on Antarctica, and passengers only have a brief opportunity to observe the continent from the ship for a few days. Unfortunately, this means they miss out on the chance to capture stunning pictures of icebergs, witness the diverse wildlife (aside from some distant whales), and truly experience Antarctica. It’s safe to say that this type of cruise does not align with the expectations one might have when envisioning a visit to the White Continent.

The second type of cruise is known as Expedition Cruises. These smaller ships accommodate up to 500 passengers, although they usually transport less than 350. They offer trips that last between 10 and 16 days. Unlike the larger cruise ships, Expedition Cruises provide numerous opportunities for landing on Antarctica. You’ll have ample chances to capture breathtaking photographs of animals, icebergs, landscapes, and more, while immersing yourself in an incredible experience. It’s important to note that this type of cruise is more expensive, with costs ranging from approximately 8,000 to 22,000 dollars/euros per person, depending on various factors, although there might be options as low as 5,000. Throughout the remainder of this guide, we will primarily focus on Expedition Cruises.

As an alternative, we mentioned chartered yachts or small ships. However, it’s crucial to recognize that this option is significantly more expensive, starting at a minimum of 50,000 dollars/euros. Additionally, these vessels offer less space and comfort compared to traditional cruises, and they are often subject to more significant sea movements. This alternative is typically reserved for specialized purposes, such as documentary film making or adventurous activities like scuba diving, where individuals are willing to take on more risk. It’s essential to remember that when opting for this choice, you’ll be days away from any form of assistance, so careful consideration and preparation are necessary.

The third alternative we mentioned is being invited to visit some of the country bases in Antarctica, and in some cases, this can even be done by plane. However, it’s important to note that these invitations are typically reserved for scientists, journalists, or filmmakers who present projects for evaluation. Even if you are fortunate enough to receive an invitation, your access will likely be limited to the base and its immediate surroundings. This experience may not provide the same depth of understanding and connection to Antarctica as an Expedition Cruise would. While visiting a base can be an interesting opportunity, it may not offer the comprehensive Antarctic experience that many seek when traveling to this extraordinary continent.

Who can go to Antarctica?

You might be concerned about your physical fitness for this journey, but there’s no need to worry! If you can walk one mile on open grounds, then you can go to Antarctica. The trip won’t involve challenging hikes or mountain adventures. Most landings will be on flat or gently sloping terrain, and while you’ll be walking on snow, you’ll have plenty of time to do so at your own pace. Of course, being in good physical shape can make the experience more comfortable, allowing you to walk faster and feel less tired, but that’s the only difference. Age is not a barrier either, as most passengers on board are in their late 50s to late 70s. Cruise companies usually require passengers to present a medical certificate, but it’s mainly to ensure you are prepared for being days away from hospital services, not related to the physical requirements of the landings. So, as long as you can walk, you can visit Antarctica!

When to go to Antarctica?

Cruises typically visit Antarctica from November to March/April, but we recommend going between December and February. Why? Firstly, it will be extremely cold earlier in the season, and secondly, for the penguins. If you go in November, you’ll be there before the penguins arrive to nest, You might see a few but certainly not what you expect. After February penguins will be starting to leave their nesting places and as March advances you’ll see less and less of them, and eventually you’ll only be seeing the bodies of those who haven’t survived the season. Very sad… Therefore, we suggest going from December to February. During this time, you’ll witness an abundance of life in their nesting sites and have plenty of opportunities to take remarkable photographs.

How to choose a cruise?

Choosing a cruise usually starts with considering the price. As mentioned earlier, none of the options are cheap, but you can easily request a quotation from the cruise companies through their websites or your travel agent. In the appendix at the end of this book, you’ll find a list of cruise companies for your reference.