A day trip to Antarctica? Yes, it exists

Ever thought about going to Antarctica for the day? It’s possible through sightseeing tours by Antarctica Flights. The company operates flights that depart from Australia and fly one of 19 routes over the ice-covered continent.

Flights depart and land at the same airport, making this one trip that actually is more about the journey than the destination.

Tours in Antarctica’s summer

Tours by Antarctica Flights depart from Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, Adelaide and Hobart. Each flight is 12 to 14 hours long, and flights take off and land on the same day (excluding a New Year’s Eve tour that travels overnight). Icebergs emerge about three hours into the flight, and at least four hours are spent over Antarctica.

The aircraft, pilots and crew are chartered from Qantas, an arrangement that has existed since Antarctica Flights began polar tours in 1994. The company has operated more than 150 sightseeing flights to Antarctica to date.

Around six to 10 tours are scheduled each season, which lasts from November to February. That corresponds to Antarctica’s summer, when the sun can shine 24 hours a day.

Read More