Sights of Antarctica
Every year Antarctica receives tens of thousands of tourists from all over the world, and every year the tourist flow only increases. Such an interest in the icy continent is explained by the desire to visit an extraordinary, mysterious and deserted place, admire the majestic giant icebergs, look at the wonderful animals of Antarctica, admire the polar lights, visit mysterious places and stations of polar scientists, and also enjoy the silence and tranquility of eternal ice. It should be noted that in Antarctica there is transparent clean air, which is unusual for the human eye, because of this, objects here seem closer than they really are. The sunlight here is very bright, so all agencies recommend that tourists bring good sunglasses and special attachments (lenses) for cameras. Most tourists arrive on the continent on cruise ships. The organizers of such trips additionally offer their clients diving services (study of the underwater world of Antarctica, including observation of unusual “ice” white-blooded fish); “kayaking” (exploring glaciers and icebergs from the sea in boats called kayaks); mountaineering (climbing the mountain peaks of Antarctica, including Vinson, Erebus, etc.); camping (services of a tent camp located on the coast); ski trips and photo tours. Particular attention is paid to the organization of New Year’s tours to Antarctica, within the framework of which tourists will be able to celebrate the New Year within the walls of a polar scientific station. The cost of such cruises averages from 10,000 USD for 13-18 days of travel. Popular attractions in Antarctica include: South Shetland Islands and Deception Island. Notable for their volcanic origin and geothermal activity, about. Deception is part of a once-existing volcano; “Dry Valleys” (“Dry Valleys”). The conditions of this area are close to those on Mars, astronauts are trained here, and the desert itself has been protected by the UNESCO community since 2004; “Blood Falls” Located in the “Dry Valleys”, East Antarctica; Ice active volcano Erebus (Erebus). This is one of the highest volcanoes on Earth (3794 m), it is notable for its unusual origin, and the composition of the erupted lava differs significantly from the composition of the eruptions of other terrestrial volcanoes; South Pole (South Pole). Among tourists, tours to the South Pole of the Earth are in demand, the average annual temperature here is -49 degrees. Severe weather conditions do not scare people who want to get to the southernmost point of the Earth. The cost of tours is from 43000 USD; Mount Vinson (Vinson Massif). Vinson Peak is the highest peak in Antarctica, its height is 4892 m; Lake Wanda. One of the saltiest lakes on the planet, its depth is 69 meters. In winter, this lake is covered with a crust of ice, and in summer you can swim here. Particular attention is paid to the flora and fauna in Antarctica. Its representatives live mainly in the coastal zone. Vegetation on the mainland is sparse, with some species of mosses and lichens and a few flowering plants. But unique birds live here (polar koryaks, skuas, petrels), seals (elephant seals, Ross seals, leopard seals, Weddell seals, etc.), emperor penguins, Adélie penguins, as well as whales.
Transport
Antarctica can be reached by water or air transport. By plane, tourists get to Antarctica from Chile and South Africa. Australian airlines arrange tourist air excursions to Antarctica, but do not come in for a landing. Expeditionary and cruise ships to Antarctica depart from the coasts of Argentina, Australia, South Africa and New Zealand.
Health
To visit Antarctica as part of a cruise tour, the tourist will need to fill out a special medical questionnaire and hand it over to the doctor of the cruise ship. Each passenger must have their own first aid kit, which will contain their individual medicines, as well as medicines for seasickness. Emergency medical assistance to the tourist can be provided by the doctor of the cruise ship.