The 2025-26 season brought approximately 113,500 travelers to Antarctica under IAATO oversight. Of those, roughly 85,000 traveled on expedition vessels making landings. (Which incidentally, is the only experience this site covers.) The rest were sail-by passengers on larger ships that never put people ashore, or deep field visitors who land on ice runways and camp. The season runs November through March. Outside of that window, there is essentially no tourism.
Where they come from
Visitors to Antarctica represent more than 100 nationalities in a typical season. Americans have historically made up the largest share of expedition travelers, followed by visitors from the UK, Australia, Germany, and China. China has seen the most significant growth in recent years and is an increasingly significant presence on expedition ships. The nationality mix varies by operator and ship, which can affect the onboard language and dynamic in ways worth considering when choosing a voyage.
How old they are
IAATO does not publish detailed age demographics, but the industry picture is consistent: expedition travelers skew toward their 50s and 60s, reflecting both the financial commitment required and the tendency for this trip to surface later in life. The range is wide. Solo travelers in their 20s and 30s, multigenerational families, and milestone birthday travelers at every decade are all common.
What kind of traveler goes
Antarctica draws a specific personality more than a specific demographic. Curious people. People who have been to a lot of places and want somewhere different. People completing their seventh continent. The common thread is intention. Very few people end up in Antarctica by accident.
