About Antarctica
As the world’s coldest and most isolated landmass, Antarctica holds infinite fascination for humans. While the waters around the continent support diverse marine life – animal and plant – and various forms of lichens, mosses and other vegetation are found on the landmass, there are no terrestrial mammals native to Antarctica: the continent is thus an exceptionally important region in terms of scientific studies ranging from marine biodiversity to climate and space research, as well as an alluring landscape for exploration.
Antarctica is Earth’s fifth-largest continent – fourteen times the size of Türkiye and nearly twice as big as Australia, with an area of 14,200,000 square kilometers (5,500,000 square miles). It is mostly covered by ice (average ice thickness is 1.9 kilometers – 1.2 miles).
The continent does not belong to any country, and the Antarctic Treaty, signed in 1959, declared it an international independent region.
Antarctic exploration
The ancient Greek philosopher Aristotle allegedly proposed that, if the world was round, a land at the bottom of the globe was holding everything else in place and he called this continent ‘antarktikos’ – literally, ‘opposite to the Arctic.’ While the existence of Antarctica had been discussed for centuries, the continent was first sighted by Polynesian explorer Hui Te Rangiora in the 7th century AD. From the 15th century onward – with the rise of ocean exploration and whale and seal hunting – finding Antarctica became something of a quest. Allegedly the continent’s first modern-day sighting was in the early 1800s. The first documented landing is believed to have been made by American sealer John Davis on February 7, 1821, but whether he set foot on an offshore island or the continent itself is still unconfirmed; the first confirmed Antarctica landing was made in 1895 by a Norwegian-Swedish whaling ship.
In the first half of the 20th century, Antarctica exploration accelerated, with various expeditions vying to reach the South Pole. While Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen was the first to reach the South Pole, other Antarctic expedition leaders are equally famous, with British explorers Ernest Shackleton and Robert Scott and the American Richard Byrd among the most well-known. Numerous books have been written regarding the various voyages, including Shackleton’s acclaimed South. Note: It is worth reading a few of these volumes – the details of these early polar explorations are both fascinating and inspiring.
Aside from research stations with staff, the continent of Antarctica is free of permanent human residence – no villages, towns or resorts!
Where is Antarctica?
Antarctica is at the southernmost tip of the Southern Hemisphere and includes the geographic South Pole. It is surrounded by the Southern Ocean, which is now officially recognized as the world’s fifth ocean. The Antarctic region refers to Antarctica, along with the Kerguelen Plateau and various island territories on the Antarctic Plate and south of the Antarctic Convergence.
How to get to Antarctica
Turkish Airlines is the airline that flies to the most countries and international destinations worldwide – but we do not operate flights to Antarctica, as there is no commercial airport on the continent. Although special flights to Antarctica are operated for research station staff, tourists – who typically visit Antarctica via cruises or other ships – usually depart from Ushuaia, a port city in Argentina. Turkish Airlines offers connecting flights to cities in Argentina, including Ushuaia.
When to visit Antarctica
Summer occurs in the Southern Hemisphere between November and March. This is the best time to visit Antarctica: first, because the continent has 24 hours of daylight during this period and, second, because the weather is (slightly) warmer. In addition, icy winter conditions usually preclude air or sea travel in and around the continent.
Places in Antarctica: The world’s coldest desert
South Shetland Islands
One hundred and sixty miles north of the Antarctica Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands are among the continent’s most visited areas. This picturesque archipelago contains eleven major and several minor islands. Featuring fjords and glaciers, the South Shetland Islands are also habitats for penguins and elephant seals. In addition, many countries operate research stations on the Islands, most notably on King George Island.
Drake Passage
The dramatic Drake Passage is an icy, wide and deep waterway – 4,800 meters at its deepest point – between Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands. It is notoriously treacherous due to strong currents and winds; on the other hand, boat passengers can observe several sea bird species, including albatrosses.
South Georgia Island
With no airstrip, South Georgia Island is accessible only by sea. Along its coastline, the Island is a habitat for several species of penguins, as well as seals and a variety of sea birds. In addition, tourists can visit Grytviken, the Island’s former whaling station, which includes the South Georgia Museum, set in the former home of a whaling manager, and the burial place of Ernest Shackleton.
Lemaire Channel
The narrow Lemaire Channel (1,600 meters!) is considered one of the most photogenic locales in the Antarctic region. Ice cliffs lining the eleven-kilometer Channel keep the waters relatively calm – it is also a haven for sea birds and marine life.
Port Lockroy
Set on Goudier Island – just off Weincke Island in the Palmer Archipelago, Port Lockroy is a natural harbor and one of the most visited locales in the Antarctic region. A former British military base on the Island is now a museum. There’s also a post office known as the “Penguin Post Office.” In addition, the Island is home to a colony of gentoo penguins.
Ross Sea
This deep bay, considered the Earth’s southernmost sea and one of its most pristine environments, is known for its diverse marine life and the majestic Ross Ice Shelf. Mount Erebus, an active volcano on Ross Island, amplifies this extraordinary landscape.
McMurdo Dry Valleys and Blood Falls
The McMurdo Dry Valleys are considered the driest, coldest, and windiest environment on Earth – and also considered the area closest in characteristics to that of the Mars surface. High-speed katabatic (gravitational) winds prevent ice and snow from forming in most parts of the Valleys, although there are ice-covered lakes and glaciers. The Blood Falls pour from a fissure in one of these glaciers. This waterfall comes from a lake inside the glacier; the striking crimson color of the Blood Falls comes from the iron oxide and bacteria in the lake.
