Latin America - Antartica - Country Information

Antarctica is the last vast wilderness on the planet. Its gigantic icebergs, mountain ranges and the emptiness of the polar plateau boggle the mind, while its weather curdles the blood. Antarctica is also home to at least two active volcanoes, one being situated just north of the Antarctic Penisula. It is here that many tourists enjoy bathing in the volcanically warmed waters whilst being surrounded by Antarctic ice and Penguins. Antarctica is beautiful and serene yet savage and violent, making it an unusual but captivating destination.

Visas:

Since no-one owns Antarctica no-one needs a visa to visit it. However, you will need visas for any countries that your ship visits en route to Antarctica

Health risks:

When to Go:

Antarctica is synonymous with cold. Mean temperatures in the Antarctic interior range get down to -70C (-94F) during the coldest month, and -35C (-31F) during the warmest month. On the coast, temperatures are considerably warmer: -15C (5F) to -32C (-25F) in the winter, and from 5C (41F) to -5C (23F) in the summer. The Antarctic Peninsula experiences the highest temperatures year round. Strangely, Antarctica is classified as the world's driest desert, due to the interior receiving an average annual precipitation (in equivalent of water) of only about 50 mm (only about 50 mm less than the Sahara). Annual snowfall on the polar plateau is equivalent to less than 5cm (2in) of rain. Antarctica experiences some of the strongest winds on the planet: the katabatics can achieve velocities of up to 320kmph (199mph). The winds on the polar plateau, by contrast, are usually very light. Antarctic whiteouts and blizzards - which can be extremely dangerous - are common.