McMurdo Station: Visitor’s Guide to Antarctica’s Largest Research Base

McMurdo Station operates year-round, but visits are limited to the Antarctic summer:

• October to February (Summer): Warmer temperatures (-20°F to 30°F), long daylight hours, and peak research activity.
• March to September (Winter): Dark, extreme cold (-50°F or lower), station closed to visitors.

• Observation Hill (Ob Hill) – A scenic viewpoint overlooking McMurdo Sound and Mount Erebus.
• Discovery Hut – Built by explorer Robert Falcon Scott in 1902, one of the oldest Antarctic structures.
• Ross Ice Shelf – One of the largest floating ice masses in the world.
• Mount Erebus – Earth’s southernmost active volcano, sometimes visible from the station.
• Scott Base – A nearby New Zealand research station with vibrant green buildings.
• Pressure Ridges – Unique ice formations created by the movement of the Ross Ice Shelf.
• McMurdo Dry Valleys – A rare ice-free region in Antarctica, often compared to Mars.
• Ice Runway & Pegasus Field – Landing zones for research aircraft arriving from New Zealand.

McMurdo Station has no native cuisine, but meals are provided at the main galley (dining hall):

• Hearty comfort food – Designed for extreme cold conditions, including soups, pasta, and stews.
• Fresh fruits & vegetables – Occasionally flown in but limited in availability.
• Homemade baked goods – A highlight of station life, especially during the winter.
• McMurdo Coffee House & Southern Exposure Bar – Social spots where staff unwind.

• S. Military Aircraft: The main way to reach McMurdo is via LC-130 Hercules or Boeing C-17 flights from Christchurch, New Zealand.
• Icebreaker Ships: Used for cargo resupply missions via McMurdo Sound.
• Snowmobiles & PistenBullys: Common for local transportation on snow and ice.
• Hiking & Walking: Many areas around the station are accessible on foot, weather permitting.

• No visa is required for Antarctica itself, but travelers must comply with regulations from their departure country (New Zealand or Chile).
• All visitors must obtain special permits through the National Science Foundation (NSF) or an approved tour operator.
• Your passport must be valid for at least six months beyond your travel date.
• Travel insurance is mandatory, covering medical evacuation.

• No official currency is used at McMurdo Station.
• S. Dollars (USD) are accepted for small purchases at the McMurdo Store.
• Credit cards are accepted in the station store and at bars, but there are no ATMs.

• English is the primary language spoken at McMurdo Station.
• Some interactions with New Zealand’s Scott Base personnel may involve English with Kiwi slang.
• No native human population exists in Antarctica.

• Respect station rules and protocols—McMurdo is a working research station, not a tourist attraction.
• Follow environmental regulations—no littering, and avoid disturbing wildlife.
• Keep a safe distance from wildlife, including seals and penguins.
• Alcohol consumption is regulated—drinking is allowed only in designated areas.
• Limited internet access—most communication is for research purposes, and bandwidth is restricted.

• Tipping is not expected—all station staff and researchers are salaried personnel.
• Volunteers and workers appreciate small gestures of thanks, but gratuities are unnecessary

• For specialized Antarctic cruises or flights to McMurdo: Book 12–18 months in advance.
• For scientific research grants and NSF programs: Applications must be submitted years in advance.
• For limited tourist access via expedition cruises: Availability is extremely rare, and spots fill quickly.

• COVID-19 restrictions have been lifted, but all visitors must pass strict health screenings.
• Limited medical facilities—serious injuries require evacuation to New Zealand.
• Drones are restricted and require special permits.
• Extreme weather conditions may delay or cancel travel plans—expect flexibility.

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