How much tourism can Antarctica sustain?

by Heiner Kubny

07/30/2026

Whilst expedition ships carrying fewer than 500 passengers allow shore excursions, large cruise ships such as the Celebrity Equinox, carrying over 3,100 passengers, usually sail through Antarctica without allowing passengers to go ashore. (Photo: Celebrity Cruises)

Tourism in Antarctica has been growing steadily for years, and with it the debate over its impact on one of the Earth’s most sensitive natural landscapes. Whilst tour operators emphasise that trips to Antarctica raise guests’ environmental awareness and thus contribute to the long-term protection of the continent, some former expedition leaders are taking an increasingly critical view of this development.

The debate has been sparked by a recent scientific study in which 25 former Antarctic guides were interviewed about their experiences. Many of them report a growing moral conflict between their passion for the polar regions and their work in an industry whose environmental footprint they increasingly question.

Maintaining the prescribed minimum distance is one of the most important rules of Antarctic tourism. On Robert Island, however, visitors can observe Adélie penguins from the closest permitted distance. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)

Tourism at record levels

According to the study, more than 120,000 people travelled to Antarctica or went on cruises to the region during the 2025/26 season. The number of visitors has risen significantly in recent years. Should this trend continue, up to 450,000 visitors could reach Antarctica each year over the next ten years.

As the number of ships and passengers rises, so too does the pressure on the few accessible landing sites along the Antarctic Peninsula. Although strict regulations set by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) apply there, scientists and conservationists are increasingly questioning whether these measures will be sufficient in the long term.

The Ortelius, operated by Oceanwide Expeditions, is one of the classic expedition vessels for voyages to the Arctic and Antarctic. With space for around 108 passengers, it is particularly well-suited to immersive nature experiences and landings in small groups. (Photo: Oceanwide Expeditions)

Climate change up close

The expedition leaders interviewed describe how they have been able to observe the changes in Antarctica first-hand over many years. Melting glaciers, unusually high temperatures and more frequent glacier calving are no longer abstract scientific concepts for them, but visible changes to the landscape.

It was particularly distressing that spectacular glacier calving events were perceived by many guests as the highlight of their trip, whilst they themselves saw them as clear signs of the advancing climate crisis.

A helicopter and a Zodiac complement the expedition vessel on an Antarctic voyage, giving guests access to regions that are virtually inaccessible by conventional means. (Photo: Scenic)

Stress on wildlife and the environment

Another point of criticism concerns the concentration of tourism on a few, particularly attractive landing sites. According to some former guides, penguin colonies are visited by groups of tourists almost daily during the peak season. Even if minimum distances and visitor limits are observed, the constant presence of people can cause additional stress for the animals.

Added to this are the significant CO₂ emissions caused by long-haul flights and expedition ships. The former tour guides doubt that the positive educational impact of such trips can fully offset these emissions.

Tourists observe Adélie penguins from a Zodiac at Brown Bluff on the Antarctic Peninsula, one of the region’s best-known landing sites. (Photo: Rosamaria Kubny)

A difficult balancing act

The tourism industry, on the other hand, points to the high educational value of Antarctic trips. Many visitors returned with a significantly greater awareness of climate change and nature conservation and subsequently became involved in environmental and marine conservation projects. Furthermore, Antarctic tourism is subject to strict international regulations, which stipulate, amongst other things, visitor numbers per landing, minimum distances from wildlife and comprehensive biosecurity measures.

Nevertheless, the authors of the study speak of a growing tension between nature conservation and tourism. Some of the expedition leaders surveyed ultimately decided to give up their jobs because they could no longer reconcile their personal responsibility for the protection of Antarctica with their work.

Tourists experience one of the most remote regions of Antarctica: emperor penguins in front of the tented camp on the Dawson-Lambton Glacier, with two Twin Otter aircraft in the background, which provide access to this extraordinary destination. (Photo: Heiner Kubny)

Debate likely to gain further momentum

In view of rising visitor numbers, the discussion about the future of Antarctic tourism is likely to intensify further. Whilst tour operators advocate responsibly organised tourism as a tool for environmental education, critics are calling for a fundamental debate on how many visitors the white continent can sustain in the long term without its unique natural environment being damaged.

This leaves a key question unanswered for policymakers, scientists and the tourism industry: How can people’s interest in Antarctica be reconciled with the long-term protection of one of our planet’s last largely untouched ecosystems?

Heiner Kubny, PolarJournal