A penguin approaches a leopard seal in Antarctica. (mantin)
Testing the waters in Antarctica: Are You Crazy?
In this photo shot by Times reader "mantin," a penguin investigates a leopard seal as his friends stand by to watch this potentially fatal encounter. Unfortunately for this brave little guy, leopard seals are one of Antarctica's top predators and are known to eat penguins.
Cruises:
The cost of sea cruises varies, but if you're getting much change from US$5000 for a 14-day circuit, it's not a bad deal; a few companies now offer cruises for under US$4000, but these are few and far between. Most ships have a range of accommodation options - if you don't mind bunking in with a few other penguin-spotters (and sharing the bathroom) you can reduce your bill significantly. At the other end of the scale, if you require a corner suite with a marble bathroom, private butler service and your own satellite telephone, you can start adding the zeroes.
The cost of sea cruises varies, but if you're getting much change from US$5000 for a 14-day circuit, it's not a bad deal; a few companies now offer cruises for under US$4000, but these are few and far between. Most ships have a range of accommodation options - if you don't mind bunking in with a few other penguin-spotters (and sharing the bathroom) you can reduce your bill significantly. At the other end of the scale, if you require a corner suite with a marble bathroom, private butler service and your own satellite telephone, you can start adding the zeroes.
Average Cruise Costs:
| Basic wildlife viewing & landings - (9-12 days) | $3,500 - $10,000 |
| Mountains, Icebergs & Glaciers - (11-16 days) | $9,000 - $16,000 |
| Falklands & So. Georgia - (15-21 days) | $10,000 - $23,000 |
| The Great Explorers Trip - (25-29 days) | $12,000 - $35,000 |
Flights to Antarctica:
Currently, the only tour operator servicing commercial overflights to Antarctica is based in Australia, which is where the flights originate from. Economy flights to Australia average $3500 for coach to $6000 and up for first class.
Average Flight Costs:
Most flights last roughly 12 hours
First Class - $5,000
Business Class $3,400 - $4,200
Economy - $ 2,000
Additional surcharges and fees not included.
The average flight duration is 12 hours (depending on departure point). About four hours are spent flying to Antarctica, four hours over Antarctica and the remaining four hours traveling home.
Most flights last roughly 12 hours
First Class - $5,000
Business Class $3,400 - $4,200
Economy - $ 2,000
Additional surcharges and fees not included.
The average flight duration is 12 hours (depending on departure point). About four hours are spent flying to Antarctica, four hours over Antarctica and the remaining four hours traveling home.
Expeditions:Expeditions vary depending on what is offered, what you want to do and what you're willing to pay.
Climb Vinson Massif (16 days) - Prices from: $26,000
Fly to the South Pole (10 days) - Prices from $25,000
Patriot Hills Fly & Stay (10 days) - Prices from $14,000
Dronning Maud Land Fly & Stay (9 days) From $22,000
Skiing Across the Continent Flights and Support - $ Varies
Climb Vinson Massif (16 days) - Prices from: $26,000
Fly to the South Pole (10 days) - Prices from $25,000
Patriot Hills Fly & Stay (10 days) - Prices from $14,000
Dronning Maud Land Fly & Stay (9 days) From $22,000
Skiing Across the Continent Flights and Support - $ Varies
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