Introducing of Antarctica
About Antarctica
Amidst the solitude of Antarctica, adventurous travellers can discover an ethereal landscape that lingers in the memory. Very few have ventured onto this appealingly inaccessible continent, but those who have rave about the privilege of gazing upon towering mountains, bulky glaciers and luminous, dreamlike icebergs. Perhaps more than anywhere else, Antarctica reminds those who visit it of the awesome (and savage) power of nature.
Antarctica is welcoming more tourist-orientated cruises and ferries to the region every year, and facilities are continually developing, with more accommodation, culinary and travel options available. There is now ample opportunity to ascend Mount Erebus, the southernmost active volcano on Earth; to fly via helicopter or venture by boat to
Penguin colonies, and to really make the most of a terrain that teems with wildlife, with a multitude of birds, seals, albatrosses and enormous whales.
Some argue that Antarctica is changing, and by man-made causes rather than natural ones. Many regard the increasing focus on tourism as disconcerting and wish to preserve Antarctica in its elemental state to avoid any potential environmental damage. Antarctica is still a magical experience that most, given the chance, would find hard to resist Those who do visit should be aware of their impact upon the landscape and do their utmost to limit the effect of their stay.
Perhaps the reason behind the fascination with Antarctica is its function as a symbol of endurance and survival. Before Antarctica was first spotted (in 1819), the continent was the subject of constant speculation, spoken of in almost mythical terms as Terra Australia Incognita (the Unknown Southern Land). Humans first occupied the continent in 1899, but Antarctica seemed inhospitable and incomprehensible and, in many ways, it still is.
Language, Culture & History
History of Antarctica
Antarctica is the coldest driest (its annual rainfall is comparable to that of desert regions) and windiest continent on Earth. It also has the highest elevation.
The main human activity undertaken in Antarcfica is scientific research and it was at the British Halley research station that the hole in the ozone layer was discovered in 1985. It was this discovery, perhaps more than any other event, bar nuclear accidents, to bring ecology to prominence in the international political agenda.
The constitutional position of Antarctica is governed by the terms of the Antarctic Treaty of 1959, which came into effect in 1961 and was signed initially by Argentina, Australia, Chile, France, New Zealand, Norway, the UK, Belgium, Japan, South Africa, the USA and Russia. The first seven of these countries have historic claims to the ice-bound continent (none of which were, or are, generally recognised) and the Treaty preserves the status quo, neither recognising nor rejecting the old claims, but forbidding their expansion in any way. The terms of the Treaty also forbid, absolutely, the assertion of new claims. The Treaty applies to all land and ice shelves below 60. South.
A further 38 countries have since signed the treaty.
In May 1994, the International Whaling Commission agreed to the creation of a whale sanctuary around Antarctica below Q. South.
In May 1997, it was suggested by the World Meteorological Organisation that the longterm outlook for the ozone layer over the Antarctic was improving, although it will take some years for this to be conclusively proved. Even depending on a significant reduction of CFCs and other harmful emissions, it is unlikely that the hole will repair itself permanently (if, indeed, it does at all) before 2060 at the earliest.
Antarctica’s first zero-emission research station, Princess Elisabeth, opened in 2009 and runs solely on renewable energy.
Did you know?
- Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen lead the first expedition to reach the South Pole, on 14 December 1911 a month before the doomed British expedition led by Robert Falcon Scott.
- Mount Erebus on Ross Island in the world’s southernmost active volcano and was the scene of the crash of a New Zealand sightseeing flight in 1979 that killed all 257 people on board.
- There are no indigenous peoples associated with Antarctica, but it is reckoned there is a working population of about a thousand researchers and technicians during winter months, rising to as many as 5000 in the summer.
Geography & Weather
Weather and climate
Required clothing
It is imperative to wrap up warm in Antarctica given its sub-zero temperatures. Required clothing is a mix of foundation or base layer clothing (thermal tops, thermal trousers, gloves, socks), insulating layer clothing (fleeced tops, woollen sweatshirts, jackets, trousers) and outer or shell layer clothing (waterproof and windproof trousers, jackets, mittens and gloves). Scarves, insulating head gear, waterproof and insulated boots, goggles and sunglasses are also essential items.
Geography
Antarclica is the largest remaining wilderness on Earth and is still relatively untouched by human impact It covers an area of 14 million sq km (5.4 million sq miles) around the South Pole and is covered with an ice sheet 4km (2.5 miles) deep. It has no permanent human population other than a small number of personnel at over 60 research staffers run by 30 different nations. Antarctica is the coldest and windiest continent.
Business Opportunity
Doing Business in Antarctica
Economy
Scientific research is the key undertaking in Antarctica, with the region’s limited economic activity in fishing and tourism being based abroad. Fishing occurs in the areas designated by the Convention of Antarctic Marine Living Resources (CCAMLR), although unregulated fishing is a growing problem. Tourism numbers have been estimated at around 40,000 per year in recent years.
Plan your Trip
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Staying there
Hotels
There are no hotels in Antarctica. All tourist accommodation is aboard expedition ships. Some tour operators include a one-night pre-tour stay in a hotel in Argentina, Chile, New Zealand or Tasmania.
Camping
Camping options are available as part of some expedition voyages and tours.
While you’re there
Places to see & do their
Attractions in Antarctica
Admire the hardy wildlife
Come to Antarctica and you can take advantage of some of the best wildlife viewing in the world. Elephant and Weddell seals, emperor, chinstrap and Adelie penguins and humpback and minke whales are just a few of the regulars spotted in these chilly waters.
Brush up on your Antarctic history
Antarctica was the scene of intense rivalry between some of the world’s greatest polar explorers such as Earnest Shackleton and Robert Scott. Brave visitors can follow in their footsteps in Antarctica, though reading about their endeavours from aboard your boat is a for more comfortable way to learn about these great men.
Climb Observation Hill
Observation Hill, a 30-minute ascent from nearby McMurdo, awards intrepid travellers with magnificent views of Mount Erebus and the Ross Ice Shelf, plus the ‘Royal Societies’ range across the ice. You will also find here the Memorial Cross erected in honour of Captain Robert Scott and his polar party.
Deceive your senses on Deception Island
Living up to its name, Deception Island is revered for its thermal springs, but don’t be fooled: the water here is nowhere near as warm as some might have you believe. Located in the South Shetland archipelago, the island was a former whaling station and the rusting remains of this bloody industry litter the island – along with decaying whalebones.
Hop in a helicopter for a bird’s eye view
If you’ve got the cash then hire a chopper and get a bird’s eye view of polar animals (including penguins and albatrosses) in their natural environment. Though unaffordable for most Antarctic explorers, helicopters offer the best access to the continent’s emperor penguin colonies.
Kayak around icebergs
For an even closer view of the glistening blue-tinted ice of Antarctica, hop M a kayak and go for a paddle. If the weather permits you may even be able to camp on the ice. Kayaking and camping trips are offered as part of some expedition voyages.
Kick back on an Antarctic cruise
Explore this icy continent the lazy way, by taking a cruise around some of the most dramatic scenery in the world. Most trips depart from Ushuaia (in Argentina) or Punta Arenas (in Chile), and the passage from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula takes approximately two days.
Run the Antarctica Marathon
Hardcore runners can test their mettle in one of the most inhospitable places on Earth, by signing up to the Antarctica Marathon on King George Island. Participants must brave sub-zero temperatures and biting winds as they complete the course. For those less brave, there’s also a half-marathon.
Send a postcard from Port Lockroy
Impress your friends by sending them a postcard from the only post office in Antarctica, at Port Lockroy, which used to be a British station and is now a museum to early Antarctic exploration. It is one of Antarctica’s most popular attractions, designated as Historic Site Number 61 under the Antarctic Treaty.
View the night sky in all its glory
Unspoiled by light pollution, Antarctica puts on one of the greatest cosmos displays in the world. Gaze up at night and delight in an exceptionally clear sky full of stars.
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Before you go
Visa & Passport
Passports Visas
Since no country owns Antarctica, no visa is required. However, the countries that signed the Antarctic Treaty’s Protocol on Environment Protection require that visitors from those countries (including the USA, Canada, EU and Australia) need permission. This is nearly always through tour operators.
Our visa and passport information is updated regularly and is correct at the time of publishing
We strongly recommend that you verify critical information unique to your trip with the relevant embassy before travel.
Embassies and tourist offices
International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators in the USA
Telephone: (401) 272 2152.
Website: http://www.iaato.org
Address: Box 302, 11 South Angell Street, Providence, 02906, Opening times:
British Antarctic Survey in the UK
Telephone: (01223) 221 400.
Website: http://www.antarcrica.ac.uk
Address: Madingley Road, High Cross, Cambridge, CB3 OET, Opening times:
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HOLIDAYS
Below are listed Public Holidays in Tunisia
New Year’s Day
01 January 2020
Youth Day
11 February 2020
Good Friday
10 April 2020
Easter Sunday
12 April 2020
Labour Day
01 May2020
National Day
20 May 2020
Lailat al Miraj (Night of Ascension)
21 May2020
Sheep Festival
21 May 2020
Ascension Day
21 May 2020
Djoulde Soumae (End of Ramadan)
24 May 2020 to 25 May 2020
Eid al-Adha (Feast of Sacrifice)
31 July 2020
Assumption
15 August 2020
Unification Day
01 October 2020
Milad un Nabi (Birth of the Prophet Muhammad)
29 October 2020
Note: Celebrated 5 days later for Shia.
Christmas Day
25 December 2020
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