Skydiving itself never gets old, however skydiving in the same place, over and over can get tiresome. That’s why so many avid jumpers prefer to travel and go skydiving in various places around the world. However, did you know that you could skydive in Antarctica?
Three reputable companies offer skydiving in Antarctica. The trip will cost between $28,775 and $35,900, which includes your jumps, accommodations, and the flight in and out of Antarctica, as well as a few other things.
In this article, we will uncover all you need to know about skydiving in Antarctica. We’ll also go through the daily itinerary so you can get a closer look at what a trip would entail. Let’s get started!
Can You Go Skydiving in Antarctica?
Yes, you can go skydiving in Antarctica! You can choose between three different companies, however, the information for each is practically the same, aside from the cost.
There’s only one section of the continent that’s safe to jump over, and that’s the Ellsworth Mountain range. You’ll embark on this journey from the Union Glacier Camp.
Who Can Go Skydiving in Antarctica?
Anyone can go skydiving in Antarctica, you don’t even need any experience skydiving. However, qualifications differ depending on the company you choose to go with. So, make sure you check over the requirements of the company you book with.
Plus, you’ll need to check with the company to ensure they offer tandem jumps if you are inexperienced. For those looking to do solo dives over Antarctica, you will need to have our USPA D license or an equivalent.
Overall, though, you need to meet the basic requirements to skydive, which are:
- You must be flexible and able to hold your legs out or tuck your knees to your chest without assistance.
- Must be of sound mind.
- Need to be at least 18 years old.
- Need to be moderately fit to jump.
- You should also be cleared of any serious health issues before you embark on the journey.
The skydiving factor isn’t the main issue when it comes to skydiving in Antarctica. For example, the weather and environment are more of a problem than the actual sport itself.
Therefore, if you are intolerant to the cold, or have any bone, nerve, or muscle problems that flare up in the cold, chances are you’ll want to find a place closer to home to go skydiving.
How Do You Get to Antarctica to Go Skydiving?
When you purchase an Antarctica skydiving package, this typically includes your flight from Punta Arenas to Antarctica and back. There are no flights you can schedule to Antarctica as they only operate on a charter basis.
However, you’ll have to find your own transportation from your location to Chile. Some people prefer to fly, while others like to take a cruise. And if you want to bypass the flight to Antarctica, you can take a cruise to Union Glacier Camp, however, I highly advise against this as it’s better to stick to the itinerary your tour company has planned for you.
Where Do You Go Skydiving in Antarctica?
The only place open to the public for skydiving in Antarctica is Union Glacier Camp. This is because when you come to an ice-covered continent, you need to have all your bases covered.
Union Glacier Camp is a full-service camp where all your needs are met, and they also have their own ice runway, allowing the plane to take off and land safely.
Not to mention, there’s a designated drop zone to keep anyone from accidentally landing on the unsafe no-go zones.
Here is a video of the camp to understand what it looks like and get some extra information:
Skydiving Over Antarctica 7-Day Itinerary Explained
The itinerary pertaining to your Antarctica skydiving trip will differ depending on which company you choose to tour with. However, I’ll give you a nice overview so you know what you can expect in general!
Arrive In Punta Arenas, Chile
You will need to arrive in Punta Arenas at least three nights in advance, before your flight to Antarctica. This allows you time to sort out any potential mishaps with delays, or baggage issues as none of the companies can delay your flight.
Some companies will have transport set up for you to bring you to your hotel. The chauffeur will be holding a sign, and they’ll be standing near the exit from baggage claim. So, if you hit any delays, make sure you call the company to let them know of any changes to the time you arrive.
Sometime during this period, you will go through a gear check where you’ll attend a group that will take you through what you need to bring with you to Antarctica. Expect to leave a few items behind in Punta Arenas, as you should only take what’s necessary with you to Antarctica.
The Day Before Departure
This is the time you’ll want to check into your flight to Antarctica to ensure you have your seat! You can do this 24 hours before you depart, which is when you’ll also have your baggage weighed.
Concerning your baggage, there are a few rules you need to keep in mind when choosing what to take:
- The baggage has to meet international air transport rules.
- Your individual bags cannot weigh more than 55 pounds.
- Your checked bags will be loaded on your Antarctic flight the day before takeoff, so make sure you have what you need access to in your carry-on.
- Your combined total for checked baggage is 88 pounds, and you will incur a $35 fee for anything over that amount.
Furthermore, when you hop on your plane, you will need to wear the clothing necessary to keep you safe when landing in Antarctica. So, you’ll need your boots, snow pants, jacket, gloves, and hat. Once you’re on the aircraft you can take these extra layers off to ensure you have a comfortable flight.
Remember that there are some items you’ll need to keep behind in Punta Arenas. However, you’ll want to ensure all your valuables are with you, as the company is not responsible for anything that’s lost or stolen.
Your baggage will be stored by the company and not the hotel. So, make sure you check with the company you’re booking with to see what their protocol is concerning your left-behind luggage.
Day 1: Flying To Antarctica
Always expect a call on the morning of day one, as the weather changes frequently in Antarctica. The company will call you to let you know about the weather conditions, and if all is good to go, your transportation will be there within the hour to pick you up.
When you arrive at the airport, you will need to pass through the security check to hop on the plane. Depending on the company you book with, you might be flying over the Drake Passage, and up the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula. However, this may change depending on weather conditions.
Once you land on the ice runway, you’ll hop in a van for a shuttle ride to the main camp, where you can expect a full tour, and you’ll be shown to your tent.
Day 2 to 6: Exploring Antarctica
You’re going to be in Antarctica for a little under a week, so you’ll have plenty of time to enjoy a few other things that Antarctica has to offer aside from skydiving.
Below are a few of the things you can check out while staying at Union Glacier Camp:
- Drake Icefall: You can check out the local icefall at Union Glacier. Here, you can witness the power of wind, as the winds have carved large waves in the ice over time.
- “The Beach” at Rossman Cove: Chances are, when you decided to take a trip to Antarctica, a beach probably didn’t even cross your mind. However, there’s a “beach” nearby, which is the perfect place to grab some photos or enjoy an outdoor picnic.
- Elephant’s Head: Take a ride in a vehicle to look for some trace fossils! You’ll be able to find fossils of plants and various kinds of animals that existed in the area once upon a time.
- Buchanan Hills: Take a ride up to Buchanan Hills either for the scenery, or hiking. Hiking should only be done by the most physically fit individuals as the terrain can be rough. But, if you don’t plan on hiking, you can still check out the views of Union Glacier.
The Skydive
Of course, the whole reason you even embarked on this journey was to skydive, right? You can enjoy the views as you dive over the Ellsworth mountains!
You will do your skydive sometime during day 2 to day 6, when the conditions are best. When the time is right, you will board the Twin Otters plane and prepare alongside the “Skydive Master”.
Safety is more than the top priority during these expeditions, the skydiving conditions must be optimal for them to happen.
Enjoy a fresh breath of Antarctic air as you freefall for about one minute long. You will have view that majority of people on our planet have never seen with their own eyes.
Watch a video created by one of the tour options Antarctic Logistics & Expedition (ALE) to see the skydive yourself:
Day 7: Your Return Flight Back to Chile
Sadly, the day has come. After a full week in Antarctica you are heading back to Chile to finish off your wild adventure. The tour staff will still be with you when you land, they will take you to your hotel.
Most of these tours recommend not booking a flight out of Chile too close to your return date. You never know with Antarctica travel and you want to make sure you don’t miss it.
Most travelers will explore Chile for a week or two and then fly home. The company you have booked the Antarctica tour with will be able to help you with local tours in Chile.
Where Will You Land When You Skydive In Antarctica?
There is a drop zone near the main camp where you will land. They keep the zone groomed, and it measures 492 feet by 492 feet, providing plenty of room to land safely. You’ll have a medical team on standby just in case!
As a further safety step, each skydiver will be equipped with a personal locator that will help find you in the event something does go wrong, and you land outside of the drop zone.
How Much Does it Cost to Skydive in Antarctica?
The cost to skydive in Antarctica depends on the tour company you go with, but overall, you can expect to pay between $28,775 per person and $35,900 per person. This typically includes two skydives, however, you can pay extra for additional jumps as the weather permits.
What Is Included In The Cost To Skydive In Antarctica?
- Arctic Guides
- Lecturer
- Skydive Instructor
- Furnished tent in Antarctica including sleeping bag, pillow, and cot.
- Checked luggage (up to 88 pounds)
- Airport transfers to and from Punta Arenas, Chile
- Roundtrip flight to and from Antarctica from Punta Arenas
- Celebration Dinner
- Certificate of Achievement
- Meals
- Two skydives.
What Is NOT Included In The Cost To Skydive in Antarctica?
- Commercial flights or cruises to Punta Arenas
- Luggage fee for anything over 88 pounds
- Any insurance coverage
- Satellite phone charger
- Meals or accommodation in Punta Arenas
- Flights around Antarctica for other activities
- Gear
- Clothing
- Any expenses due to delays
Are There Numerous Tour Company Options to Choose From?
There are only three companies to choose from if you want to skydive in Antarctica. These companies are:
- Antarctica Logistics & Expeditions (ALE)
- Swoop Antarctica
- Skydive High – A division of Incredible Adventures
Some companies only offer solo skydiving, while others offer tandem. So, if you do not have your USDA D license, you’ll need to go with the company that offers tandem dives, which is Skydive High.
Is Skydiving in Antarctica Dangerous?
Skydiving in Antarctica is considered much riskier than in other areas, but its mainly due to the unpredictable weather. However, I wouldn’t necessarily say it’s ‘dangerous’ per se. Although, there are many more precautions you will need to take.
For example, each person will be fitted with a personal location beacon to ensure that the team can locate them in the event that they land outside of the drop zone.
It’s worth mentioning too that weather patterns can change quickly. If the weather changes while on the ground, the team will monitor the patterns and postpone skydiving until it is safe to continue.
Antarctica is known as the the windiest and the coldest place on earth, wind is a major issue when it comes to skydiving. It must be calm and this means the slightest changes in wind patterns will cancel your jump.
As long as you follow instructions and stay out of the no-go zones, you’ll be fine! The team you jump with are some of the best skydivers in the world. They are doing everything they can to ensure your safety along with theirs.
What Amenities Are Available For Anyone Skydiving In Antarctica?
Antarctica is a very remote continent, so that means that the amenities it offers guests to Union Camp are limited. Below are a few of the things you can expect when you stay in Antarctica for your skydiving trip.
Tent
The tents there are specially made to hold up against the arctic weather that can take place. Since it’s always daylight in Antarctica, the sunlight heats the tent so that you don’t have to worry about how you’re going to stay warm, as this will keep the tent at about 60 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Additionally, there is a cot with bedding and a mattress. You’ll also have towels and a wash basin in your tent.
Bathrooms And Showers
There are no private bathrooms or showers available so you will have to share the facilities with fellow travelers and staff. However, because of environmental standards, guests are asked to shower every two to three days.
Furthermore, there is hand sanitizer available for use around the camp to minimize water usage, so that they can cut down on the amount of grey water.
Meals
You can head to the dining tent for breakfast, lunch, and dinner as all of your meals are covered. Also, there are snacks and drinks always available! The meals are always freshly cooked and consist of meats, cheeses, vegetables, and fresh fruit, all flown in from Chile.
Some say the food is the best part of the trip, the chefs are amazing at Union Glacier Camp.
If you have any special dietary restrictions, such as being vegetarian, let the kitchen staff know! However, due to the remoteness, they cannot cater to anyone who has severe food allergies.
Communication
You can still call home while in Antarctica, however, it will cost you a pretty penny as it is $40 for 30 minutes! A crucial factor to note is that you are charged per attempt, not per connection.
Before you arrive, you will have a personal information form that you can fill out and put select individuals on. That way, in the event of an emergency, your family can call the company you book with, who will then forward an emergency notification to the staff on the ice.
However, if someone’s name is not listed, they will not be able to receive any information in the event of an emergency that involves you.
Additional Activities
There are plenty of additional activities to enjoy at Union Glacier Camp; everything from excursions to skiing or watching a movie. It depends on what you want to do, after all, you’re the one who purchased the trip.
You can find all the expedition gear located in the field guide store, including skis, expedition foods (dehydrated), fat bikes, towing sleighs, and so much more.
Oh yeah, there is volley, soccer, and a small gym! This camp knows how to keep people happy and busy.
Medical Treatments
In the event of an emergency medical situation such as frostbite, or dehydration, there is a medical tent on the premises that is equipped to treat minor problems. However, they do have emergency medicine to help stabilize anyone who may need it in case something needs to be evacuated to Chile for medical treatment.
All medical care is on your dime, which is why you need to carry medical evacuation insurance if you are traveling to Antarctica skydiving.
What other Extreme Sports are Available in Antarctica?
Skydiving isn’t the only extreme sport available in Antarctica! Here are some of the activities you can schedule while you’re visiting.
Camping
When you think of camping, you most likely don’t think of it being an ‘extreme’ anything. However, doing it on ice, in the middle of a remote area at the south pole is not a typical camping experience.
You’ll have to camp when you book your skydiving adventure as this is the only accommodation available! However, you can take it up a notch by grabbing your sleeping bag and sleeping on the ice.
Kayaking
Want to get a closer look at the water? Go kayaking! Arctic kayaking is majestic and allows you to get up close and personal with the wildlife and icebergs. As long as the weather allows, there are plenty of places you can kayak in Antarctica.
Hiking & Snowshoeing
Hiking or snowshoeing are great ways to explore the continent. However, you should be in good physical condition if you want to embark on a hike. Expect the trip to take about two to three hours. If you want to visit when the time is optimal for hiking, visit between November and December.
Mountaineering
If you don’t feel challenged enough by any of the other activities listed, you can try your hand at mountaineering. However, this is only available to those most physically fit. However, no prior experience is required! This trip will take at least a half day, so make sure you come prepared.
Scuba Diving or Snorkeling
Scuba Diving and Snorkeling in Antarctica are vastly different than doing in warmer waters. It is a strictly controlled activity, and dangerous to some degree. You will need to wear a dry suit when you go, but the trip is so worth it!
Participate In The Ice Marathon
Every November there is an ice marathon and a half marathon that takes place at Union Glacier. Marathon races are pretty extreme within themselves, however, due to the frigid temperatures and extreme conditions, make this an extreme sport.
What Is The Weather Like In Antarctica?
The weather in Antarctica is very cold, dry, and windy. The temperatures fall between -12 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit, on average.
However, the weather is known to change quite suddenly and is susceptible to blizzards and cold snaps. So, you’ll need to make sure you pack properly.
What Should You Know Before You Venture To Antarctica?
Staying in Antarctica is something only a few people get to experience in their lifetime. While it’s genuinely safe to stay on the continent, there are a few things that you should be aware of. For example, Union Glacier Camp is on an actively moving glacier.
When it moves, the friction can cause cracks to form under the snow, resulting in crevasses. The crevasses are extremely dangerous, as sometimes rescue is not possible since they can be hundreds of feet deep, resulting in the fallen person’s death.
So, when you’re walking around, you should assume that there is a crevasse under all glacial terrain. However, it’s best just to stick to the travel routes set by the camp as these routes are maintained for visitors safety.
What Are The “No Go Zones”?
There is a safety boundary set by the camp, that you should stay within. This means you should not walk past any of the flags unless you are with a staff member or guide on your way to an excursion.
Furthermore, when unloading or loading, you should not be anywhere near the back of the Ilyushin. Guy lines and antennas are also no-go zones.
Lastly, clean snow areas, staff sleeping areas, garages, workshops, and the medic tent (unless accompanied by a medic) are all areas that you should not venture into.
Final Thoughts
Skydiving in Antarctica is a venture most people dream of, however, that dream can become a reality now that there are available ways for you to do so! You just need to make sure you meet some of the qualifications. For example, if you want to solo dive, you will need to have your USPA D license. Or find a company to go with that does tandem dives.
Just make sure you follow the safety rules set by the camp, as well as any instructions you receive for your skydiving or any other experience you decide to embark on! This way, you can ensure you have a safe, fun time.
Have a thought? Idea? A question? Please start the conversation in our comment section below about Antarctica travel below.
When Heather is not participating in extreme sports you can find her working the events across the country, or writing about these amazing adrenaline rushes. She loves to go skydiving, snowboarding, parasailing, hang gliding, dirt boarding, off-roading and hiking.
