least expensive way to get to Antarctica?
 

What is the least amount of money one could reasonably spend to get to Antarctica? Assume that one is just a tourist, and not able to get there as a scientist. This is just to get to the continent. No specific destination, but just to be able to set foot on the continent of Antarctica.

Portions of the post that previously appeared in this space have been deleted. I would provide you with a reason why, but doing so would likely be against the TOS.

hahaha :)

I am looking to set foot on Antarctica... not die in the Southern Ocean! Ideally, I am inquiring for an approximate cost inclusive of r/t airfare from a major hub in the US, transfers to Ushuaia, lodging for the night before & after the cruise & cruise to Antarctica.

Tough question. Airfare, for any FlyerTalker, would be free. :D I'm flying SFO-SCL on AS miles and the tour company gets me to USH as part of the package.

My guess would be that $8Kpp for the cruise would be the least you could get by for, though I have no operator in mind who might do that.

Lindblad, for example, currently offers a rate of $10,250pp from SCL, but that excludes tips and whatever else you might by while enroute.

But a;lo be careful. Regent Seven Seas costs more and it a much larger ship, offering much less time on land.

Is there not any way for travelers to go to Antarctica independent of a cruise reservation? Are there not ferries or other forms of transportation often used by scientists or something?

Antarctica is a looong way away from anything. The research stations are supplied by government ship or aircraft.

You can overfly Antarctica on a Qantas charter.

Otherwise, it is still very much a frontier.

Try the Great Adventure Program folks
http://www.gapadventures.com/tour/XVCASX as far as I know about the cheapest operator.

Sam

Be aware that there is no guarantee that you can set foot on the continent, even if the tour program says so. Many people who travelled to Antarctica can tell stories about wheather conditions which can make zodiac landings impossible.

The three-masted barque Europa (originally built in 1911) offers 3-week sailing cruises from Ushuaia for EUR-5100.

In addition to a scheduled landing on the Antarctic continent, the vessel makes many stops in the islands of the Antarctic Peninsula. As well, the crew encourage your participation in the sailing of this traditional tall ship.

Feel free to PM if you have any questions about their programme... I've made several trips with them in the past, all of which were amazing.

The price looks good. Thanks Sam! Has anyone actually tried their service? Do you recommend it?

I don't know...discount Antarctic trips sound about as appealing as discount Lasik.

My goal is to go on a scuba trip in three years.

I don't know...discount Antarctic trips sound about as appealing as discount Lasik.

I assume you have been on a discount trip. There are several cruises for around US$3.5k towards the end of the season in late February/early March. I cant vouch for discount Lasik but can certainly say that my 'discount trip' was one of if not the highlight of my travels over 20 years.

I was also trying to find the cheapest way to get to Antacrtica, and everything is way out of my price range right now.

I did think though, I'm not a scientist (yet), but they have got to need more menial positions like custodians and such. Have any idea how to get a job like that? Something that doesn't require much experience... I would love be down there for a few months.

I was also trying to find the cheapest way to get to Antacrtica, and everything is way out of my price range right now.

There are definitely some excellent deals at the very end of the season in early March. What is the most you would be prepared to pay?
I think it would be extremely hard to get any worthwhile work in that market without a fair degree of training.

If the Australian Antarctic program is anything to go by - it isn't just a question of looking for a "non-specialist" job... If the experience of my dive instructor is anything to go by..

He spent a season in antarctica as the base carpenter and standby diver... so it seems everyone has two roles.. primary and secondary...

That may vary of course at a (relatively) huge concern like the USA's South pole facility! :D

I'd say google is your friend looking at that option!!!