It’s the very best time of the yr to go to Antarctica and what higher Christmas current for the traveler in your life than a visit to the seventh continent? The southernmost continent on Earth will shock you. It’s so way more than snow and ice. From witnessing the majestic fantastic thing about towering icebergs and huge glaciers to encountering various wildlife reminiscent of penguins, seals, and whales, this information unveils the very best issues to do in Antarctica, guaranteeing your expedition isn’t just a visit, however a transformative journey. While you go to Antarctica, be sure that so as to add these actions to your Antarctic Cruise itinerary.
Greatest Issues to do in Antarctica
We traveled to Antarctica with Quark Expeditions, the chief in polar adventures. Since our Antarctic cruise, the white continent has opened as much as journey with a cruise ship to go well with each sort of traveler. We sailed on an all-suites cruise ship, however there are large luxurious cruise strains, journey cruises, and small ships which are crusing throughout the Drake Passage lately.
After we visited Antarctica, we adopted our journey with a cruise to the Galapagos Islands. As we put together for an additional journey to the Galapagos with Hurtigruten (one other polar expedition chief), we wished to encourage vacationers to get out and begin exploring the top of the world.
Whether or not you’re a nature lover, a images fanatic, or just searching for the joys of the unknown whereas including the ultimate frontier to your journey record, an Antarctic expedition affords the final word in bragging rights. Each time anybody asks us what our favorite vacation spot is and Dave solutions Antarctica, individuals do a double take. What? You’ve been to Antarctica?
So, if you wish to brag to your mates as properly, begin saving up your money for an Antarctic Cruise.
1. Kayaking
After we noticed that kayaking was an Antarctic exercise supplied on our ship, we weren’t certain if we wished to hop in chilly water kayaks. I used to be nervous about kayaking in such chilly water and feared tipping over. So we booked a couple of classes within the native pool to discover ways to do a moist exit and self-rescue. Since that point, we’ve realized to whitewater kayak, however having that primary data helped our confidence within the water. I’m glad we did it.
The price of including kayaking to a cruise expedition is steep, and we questioned if the worth could be price it. We thought we’d get out on the water a few times in the course of the cruise. Nonetheless, we ended up kayaking eight instances nd it was magnificent.
We floated quietly previous leopard and Wedell seals sunning themselves on ice flows, circumnavigated icebergs floating in the midst of the ocean, and paddled with penguins leaping by way of the air on the entrance of our boats.
It was a unprecedented option to see marine life up shut whereas we quietly explored the Antarctic Peninsula. It was the journey of a lifetime as we paddled by way of sea ice whereas minke whales surfaced to say howdy alongside the wild Antarctic coast. Learn extra about Kayaking in Antarctica – our favourite factor to do in Antarctica
2. Polar Plunge
If you happen to requested me what I considered the polar plunge whereas I used to be participating on this zany journey the place we leaped into the freezing Antarctic waters, I might have advised you to not do it. It was petrified of hitting the chilly water. Nonetheless, now that I’m residence and within the comforts of a heat and comfortable home, I say is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Antarctica.
Why? How usually do you get to inform individuals that you simply jumped into sub-zero waters within the South Pole and lived to inform the story? It’s exhausting to prime this journey. If somebody says “I did the polar bear plunge within the native lake? You say, oh yeah, I did it within the Antarctic Circle! It’s fairly exhausting to prime that!
With heat robes and sizzling chocolate ready for us, we took a shot of vodka and as soon as my tooth stopped chattering, we celebrated within the sizzling tub on the principle deck. All of the concern melted away and I used to be able to do it once more! Questioning what an Antarctica journey is like? Take a look at our Antarctic Expedition Defined.
Tenting on the Sub-Antarctic Islands
Within the grand scheme of issues, only a few individuals have traveled to Antarctica and even fewer have truly stayed in a single day on the continent. Tenting on Antarctica is an unimaginable expertise. Usually individuals sleep on expedition ships or fly to Antarctica to have the ability to step on the land. However not many individuals have camped in a bivy sack in the midst of the snow beside loud night breathing leopard seals.
Tenting in Antarctica is a should. Sure, it’s chilly, it’s uncomfortable, and you may’t eat, drink, or pee when tenting in Antarctica, however as soon as you might be again on board your ship after surviving an evening because the early explorers did, you’ll be full of satisfaction and gratitude that you simply by no means have to try this once more. Tenting on the Continent is without doubt one of the greatest issues to do in Antarctica, learn extra about it right here.
A small group of us hopped on zodiacs to the shore the place we have been dropped off simply earlier than sundown. Armed with our sleeping luggage and bivy sacs, we walked to our chosen spots the place we settled in for the night time. We needed to stamp out our tenting space to flatten the snow round us after which we went inside zipping every part within the tiny bag. Earlier than going to the continent, we barely at and drank as little as attainable. There was an emergency rest room ought to we have to go, however we have been inspired to carry it till the following morning once we acquired again on the ship.
We suggest bringing booties and hand and ft heaters for the night time. Ensure that to have a balaclava to maintain your face heat in addition to all of your layers. It will get chilly within the wee hours of the morning. Learn extra: 5 Winter Layering Tricks to Costume for Excessive Chilly Climate
4. Zodiac Cruises
Most expeditions to Antarctica will provide zodiac excursions of bays and icebergs. Seeing humpback whales floor proper beside a tiny zodiac will take your breath away. Whales, seals, and calving glaciers from a zodiac are moments you received’t quickly neglect.
We often went out twice a day on zodiacs to go wildlife watching. There’s a stunning quantity of wildlife on the white continent. We noticed killer whales and humpback whales, leopard and Weddell seals floating on ice formations, and loads of penguin colonies alongside the coast.
Zodiac cruises weren’t nearly wildlife both. There are such a lot of attention-grabbing issues to discover within the Antarctic waters. We liked scooting round icebergs and puttering by way of thick brash ice in quest of extraordinary ice formations. We stopped to observe calving glaciers and circle large icebergs as our skilled expedition staff dealt with the zodiacs with ease.
Getting off the ship to see issues on this intimate method is a should. We had whales floor beside our boats after which dive beneath for a more in-depth view. We checked out these nice mammals within the eye as they appeared to present us a pleasant howdy. See extra of what it’s like on a Zodiac Tour in Antarctica
5. Penguin Submit Workplace at Port Lockroy
There are not any everlasting residents in Antarctica, solely a small settlement of researchers that spend a couple of months a yr on a analysis base. There are lots of analysis stations in Antarctica that you may go to however one of many prime Antarctica points of interest is an precise publish workplace on the British base Porto Lockroy. Sure, you heard me: stopping at Port Lockroy analysis station is a enjoyable cease on an Antarctica itinerary. It’s a spot the place you’ll run into different Antarctic expeditions and get the prospect to speak with the workers of the English analysis base.
A penguin colony inhabits the shores of the analysis station and also you’ll see loads of them hanging out within the space, therefore its nickname Penguin Submit Workplace.
In Port Lockery, you’ll be able to browse the museum, play with the penguins, and purchase some souvenirs. However the prime antarctic exercise right here is to by a postcard and mail it to somebody you like from the underside of the world to your family members at residence. Learn all about it at – A Submit Workplace in Antarctica?
6. Go to Penguin Colonies
Talking of penguins. A spotlight of any Antarctica go to is to work together with penguins. The Antarctic Circle and Weddell Sea are filled with Penguin colonies, and seeing penguins up shut is on the prime of all Antarctica points of interest.
We couldn’t get sufficient of visiting penguin colonies throughout the Antarctic peninsula. Penguins are actually the cutest animals on the planet and watching them go about their each day lives will carry pleasure to anybody’s coronary heart.
They waddle by way of their penguin trails making their option to the ocean in frantic style. It’s cute to see the power of penguins speeding about doing their enterprise.
Moms shield their chicks and penguins name out to at least one one other. They stroll in organized strains alongside trails to the ocean from one penguin colony to a different. While you go to Antarctica, you’ll see loads of penguins. Be ready, they odor horrible. However they’re so darn cute, you neglect the odor and easily take pleasure in
Essentially the most memorable of all penguin encounters are once you sit quietly and let the curious creatures method so shut that they stroll in your legs or choose at your coat. You aren’t allowed to method or go inside 5 meters of penguins, however when you sit nonetheless, typically they may stroll proper as much as you and say howdy. They’re so curious. It’s a reminiscence of a lifetime.
7. Go to Deception Island
One of the vital ominous issues to do in Antarctica is to go to Deception Island. Deception Island is without doubt one of the most secure harbors in Antarctica which simply so occurs to be an energetic volcano. Within the early twentieth century, it was an outdated whaling station and excursions will take you to see the remnants of that darkish time.
Visiting Deception Island is a stark reminder of the evils of human nature. At one time whales have been hunted to close extinction in Antarctica and when visiting Deception Island, you will notice outdated oil drums, boilers, and whale bones from a darker time. It’s as horrifying as it’s lovely.
The energetic volcano heated the waters off the seashore and at one time, individuals dug holes within the sand to benefit from the heat sand. However due to the Antarctic treaty that’s now not allowed. This could be overrun with the variety of individuals touring to Antarctica right this moment. For extra learn The Ominous Deception Island
8. Cruise the Lemar Channel
Nicknamed the Fuji Funnel, Kodak Canal, and Agfa Alley the Lemaire Channel is without doubt one of the prime issues to do in Antarctica for photographers.
If you happen to took images pre-digital world, you’ll be accustomed to Fuji, Kodak, and Agfa; all common manufacturers of movie.
Throughout our passing by way of the slim channel, we spent hours standing exterior on deck taking images of probably the most spectacular surroundings on the planet.
Antarctica is actually the ultimate frontier of pure magnificence and the Lemaire Channel is probably the most lovely of the highest vacation spot. Now that’s saying lots.
9. Pictures Tour
One of many prime issues to do in Antarctica is to hitch a images expedition. {Many professional} photographers lead picture excursions to Antarctica and if you wish to take residence superb reminiscences, you’ll be able to e-book a images tour on most ships.
On our Antarctic Cruise, there was a separate group of individuals on the tour specializing in images. That they had their very own separate excursions the place the skilled photographers went out collectively, focusing extra on capturing photographs than the expertise. Each methods of touring are a tremendous expertise, you’ll be able to select whichever means you need. Talking of images, one of many best issues to see on earth is precise icebergs.
Your information will present you tips on how to seize the textures of the ice formations, tips on how to seize unforgettable photographs of wildlife and profit from your panorama photographs capturing Antarctica’s snow-capped mountains and glaciers. That is the way in which to journey in case you are a photographer.
10. Antarctica Ice
In Antarctica, the icebergs are large. They’re filled with layers of colourful hues of blue creating a few of the most attention-grabbing formations. At instances, the icebergs dwarfed our ship and we have been grateful for the experience of our captain who stored a secure distance from the formations that have been bigger than residence buildings. If that a lot was displaying above the water, two-thirds extra have been above. And icebergs transfer and roll. You can’t journey to this space with out guides and individuals who know the waters.
At one level, we took a cruise by way of an iceberg graveyard the place icebergs have grounded on the underside of the ocean and that is the spot the place they may spend the ultimate days breaking up within the water till they dissolve into nothing. It’s eerie and delightful abruptly. Take a look at our images of Icebergs in 23 Epic Photographs of Antarctica Ice
11. Whale Watching
I don’t suppose there’s a higher place on earth to observe whales than in Antarctica. We talked about whale watching from zodiacs, however a few of our greatest whale watching occurred proper from the ship. There are many species of whales residing within the Antarctic waters from Antarctic Minke Whales, Southern Proper Whales, Orcas, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, and Pilot Whales, you should have lots to select from.
In Antarctica, whales don’t have any concern of man. They haven’t been hunted for greater than a century and they’re on the prime of the meals chain. Subsequently, whales don’t have any purpose to cover. Due to that, the whales of Antarctica are very curious.
After we have been kayaking, on a zodiac or on the ship, they at all times surfaced close by for a more in-depth look. Seeing a whale within the wild is a magical expertise and when touring to Antarctica, you will get so near them, you’ll be able to nearly attain out and contact them.
Throughout one in every of our days at sea, we had two killer whales exhibit for us breaching regularly. It’s like they have been excited to see us! One other day, we had a mom and calf observe our ship, and the calf continued to breach for 45 minutes, placing on a blinding present for the spectators on board. This expertise was one of many coolest issues we’ve ever witnessed in our travels.
12. Cross the Drake Passage
Okay, so it’s not in Antarctica however the Drake Passage takes you to Antarctica. Loads of persons are taking different routes to Antarctica to keep away from the Drak Passage, however we really feel that crossing the Drake Passage is actually a badge of honor.
The Drake is without doubt one of the most treacherous our bodies of water on the planet.
If the climate is calm, it’s uneventful and straightforward, if the seas are tough, the Drake Passage will set you on a rumble and tumble two-day journey that may flip even probably the most seasoned sailor right into a ball of mush.
We had a clean crossing out, however coming again to civilization was one other story and our crew advised us it was one of many worst of the season.
How do we all know it was dangerous? When Dave went down for dinner one night time, solely 2 different passengers joined him within the eating room. All through a really tough day, lectures have been canceled on account of passengers and crew alike being caught in mattress with a foul case of seasickness. It’s a tough experience, but it surely makes for an incredible journey story.
Different Antarctica Actions
Antarctica is a vacation spot that’s always evolving and new actions are being added to itineraries. From ski touring to stand-up paddle boarding, there are many new issues to see and do. To offer you an concept of different issues to do in Antarctica, maintain studying.
13 Scuba Diving
We didn’t scuba dive in Antarctica, however Antarctic expeditions are including to their journey journey record annually. A diving expedition in Antarctica is actually a once-in-a-lifetime alternative for avid divers.
This distinctive journey permits you to discover the mesmerizing underwater world of the Southern Ocean, the place vividly coloured marine life, dramatic ice formations, and the ethereal fantastic thing about the polar seascape await. You’ll dive from zodiacs with skilled guides.
This isn’t an exercise for inexperienced persons, scuba diving in Antarctic requires expertise in dry go well with diving and chilly water diving. You’ll have the chance to see distinctive marinelife and when you have gone scuba diving around the globe, that is one other vacation spot so as to add to the bucket record.
14. Ice Climbing
Throughout our expedition we did some glacier trekking and we thought that was the final word journey for polar vacationers, however now you can add Ice Climbing to your Antarctica adventures. We didn’t do it throughout our journey, however we’ve tackled mountain climbing in different elements of the world. In case your expedition affords this exercise, we extremely suggest it. Are you able to think about telling folks that yo
Antarctic Itineraries to Think about
Our itinerary took us by way of the South Shetland Islands, which is without doubt one of the prime routes to take by way of Antarctica, however there are different itineraries you could wish to think about or add to your epic journey.
The primary areas to sail within the Antarctic embody the Antarctic Peninsula which regularly contains the South Shetland Islands. (which we did) and the sub-Antarctic islands which are regularly included in a few of these expeditions are the Falklands and South Georgia
Lesser travelled locations embody the Weddell Sea, and Ross Sea which is the least-visited tourism area. In case you are including these to your itinerary, plan on longer expeditions as much as 30 days.
15. Falkland Islands
An distinctive add on for a visit to the South Pole is visiting the Falkland Islands. This British Colony has loads of issues to see and do. The Falkland Islanders, often called “Kelpers,” are recognized for his or her heat hospitality and attention-grabbing tales about island life.
The capital of the Falkland Islands, Port Stanley, is usually a spotlight. This small, colourful city has a distinctly British character, with quaint homes, English-style pubs, and a historic cathedral.
The Falklands are additionally wealthy in historical past, with varied websites associated to the Falklands Struggle of 1982. This was such large information once we have been youngsters. You possibly can go to battlefields, memorials, and museums that present insights into this important occasion within the islands’ historical past.
You’ll additionally see an abundance of abundance of chicken species, together with King Penguins, Gentoo Penguins, and Rockhopper penguins, in addition to different seabirds like albatrosses. The islands are additionally residence to elephant seals and sea lions, providing spectacular wildlife viewing alternatives.
16. South Georgia
A lot of our buddies have visited South Georgia and we’re resentful. It’s right here that you simply’ll see the world’s largest king penguin colonies. Usually hailed because the ‘Serengeti of the Southern Ocean you’ll additionally see large elephant seals and playful fur seals.
It’s famously often called the ultimate resting place of Sir Ernest Shackleton, the legendary Antarctic explorer. You possibly can go to his grave in Grytviken, a former whaling station, and study concerning the island’s historical past in its museum.
South Georgia affords a few of the most dramatic surroundings within the Southern Hemisphere, with rugged snowcapped mountains, huge glaciers, and fjords. These landscapes present a shocking backdrop for images and exploration. It’s excessive on our record to go to.
17. Snow Hill Island
You too can see Emperor Penguins in South Georgia, but when it’s your objective to actually see this penguin species, the very best place to see them is the Emperor Penguin Colony at Snow Hill Island. Positioned within the Weddell Sea, this island is off the crushed path and might be reached by helicopter. You probably have the cash and the means, e-book a helicopter flight to see the Emperor Penguin Colony of Snow Hill and make historical past as being one of many few individuals on earth to witness them. Bucket record anybody?
18. King George Island
One of many first stops as you permit from Ushuaia in South America is King George Island. Positioned off the coast of Antarctica within the South Shetland Islands, King George is notable for internet hosting a number of analysis stations operated by varied nations. These stations play an important function in innovative analysis within the area. Among the distinguished analysis stations on King George Island are. Eduardo Frei Base from Chile, Nice Wall Station from China, King Sejong Station from South Korea and Bellingshausen Station from Russia, simply to call a couple of.
19. Ushuaia
Nestled on the southern tip of South America in Argentina, Ushuaia isn’t just a departure level however a vacation spot brimming with distinctive points of interest.
Earlier than setting sail to the icy continent, immerse your self in Ushuaia’s must-do actions. Eplore Tierra del Fuego Nationwide Park, providing a mixture of glaciers, forests, and wildlife. Or experience the historic Finish of the World Practice for a journey by way of picturesque landscapes. We spent two days having fun with Ushuaia earlier than setting sail and are glad that we did.
You need to go to the Museo del Fin del Mundo to delve into the area’s wealthy historical past. You’ll be leaving Ushuaia by way of The Beagle Channel the place you’ll see the rugged fantastic thing about the realm out of your ship.
So there you will have it. These are the highest issues to do in Antarctica. It is a vacation spot that’s altering annually. So even when you go to in 2024, it is going to have in all probability modified once more by 2025. Tell us what’s modified within the feedback under.
Planning Sources for Antarctica