Antarctica Travel Forum

My friend told me he just returned from a controversial research trip from Antarctica. He told me it was secretly organized by the alliance of National Geographic, Greenpeace, Gaia Mater and Global Witness and it's main interest was global warming effects over Antarctica. According to him, the expedition took place between March 8th - April 8th 2008. He told me he volunteered and did some work for them and that they paid for his transportation, shelter and gave him appropriate clothing. And that they may organize the same thing next year. Lately, I didn't manage to get a hold of him because I would like to go to such an expedition too. But, somehow, it sounds too good to be true. i was just wondering, anybody knows anything about such thing?
Or I should just start saving if I am ever planning on seeing Antarctica?

If it sounds to good to be true it usually is. There are thousands of people who would love to go to antarctica but cant becuase it is so expensive. Volunteering positions are very rare and there is a huge demand. As a scientist I often dreamed of working in antarctica, however only the most highly qualified people get to go. There are sometimes positions for trades people but again these are often limited. Find out what organisations in your country do research or have bases in Antarctica and check their websites for information. The chnaces of an average person without specialist skills getting to go are quite small, but good luck and start saving those pennys.

Yeah, good luck with that.... Turns out my friend is a chronic liar. saving pennies mode as of now... Thing is that I researched how expenssive it is to get down there, and, believe me, it's extremely very expenssive. $10.000 for a 7 day cruise. Oh well, maybe just apply to work there at McMurdo for the summer.

I've spent several seasons in Antarctica as a Scientist, depending on your background you might be able to work for on of the research teams that spends the summer season on the ice. Working for Raytheon will get you to Antarctica but your ability to "see the sights" will in most cases be limited.