Why Antarctica?

Antarctica’s first tourists arrived in 1958. In those days, visitor numbers were very small. But today, thanks to an increase in cruise ships, about 28,000 tourists visit the continent every year - more than three times the number that visited 15 years ago.

Antarctica is no place to get a suntan, and temperatures are freezing all year round. What’s more, there are no restaurants, shops, theatres or nightclubs.

So why do people go there?

Download a larger copy for printing:

• Fill the speech bubbles with reasons why you think people want to holiday in Antarctica.
• If you had the time and money, would you want to go there? Why?
• Do you know anyone who has been to Antarctica?