Yachting expeditions to the Antarctic are an option for those with a taste for something a bit more adventurous, hands-on and in a more personal atmosphere. Journeys on commercial vessels which travel to the region every season are very popular.
Description
Travel to the Antarctic Treaty area by sailing or motor yacht has occurred since the 1960s. In addition to cruise ships, yachts are an everyday sight in Antarctic tourism. Every year a couple hundred of tourists embark on private and commercial yacht journeys.
One popular destination is Port Lockroy, formerly a British base on the West Antarctic Peninsula. The United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust operates a museum and a small post office and souvenir shop. 32 different yachts landed in its small natural harbour during the 2012/2013 season. Several yachts are members in the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) and are thereby subject to compliance with its regulations. The Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) also published yachting guidelines for Antarctic cruises in 2012. However, there are private individuals navigating the Antarctic Treaty territory unmonitored, whose presence is only registered upon berthing at Port Lockroy.