In 2025, Antarctica is attracting not only scientists and explorers but also a growing number of tourists interested in educational and environmental experiences. Scientific tourism has gained momentum as a way of traveling that combines adventure, learning, and ecological awareness. This phenomenon raises questions about the human impact on a fragile ecosystem and the ethical lines between observation and conservation in extreme territories.
Scientific tourism combines the accompaniment of scientists, outreach activities, and guided visits to research stations. Travelers do not just observe the landscape; they actively participate in workshops on climate change, marine biology, or geology. They also conduct wildlife observation, glacier monitoring, and basic data collection. This provides a transformative experience that seeks to promote environmental awareness.
Between 2020 and 2025, demand grew by 80%, driven by sustainable tour operators and agreements with scientific institutions. This type of tourism is particularly appealing to professionals with a high level of education, especially in science or environmental fields. It also attracts families and young people with growing ecological awareness, along with photographers, documentary filmmakers, and educators.
Expeditions are limited to fewer than 100 people per group, often utilizing hybrid or electric cruises with low-impact protocols. These trips include stops at international scientific bases, such as the Esperanza Base (Argentina) or McMurdo (USA). Scientific tourism provides indirect funding for science, as some tours contribute resources to research projects. It also offers direct environmental education, where travelers understand firsthand the effects of global warming.
Additionally, it fosters cultural diplomacy, reinforcing the idea of Antarctica as a territory of scientific cooperation and peace. Many tourists become climate ambassadors, promoting ecological actions upon their return to their home countries. However, tourism in Antarctica also raises concerns. These include an increase in maritime traffic, which threatens marine ecosystems and the risk of introducing invasive species or diseases.