It’s the very best time of the 12 months 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 far more than snow and ice. From witnessing the majestic fantastic thing about towering icebergs and huge glaciers to encountering various wildlife corresponding to penguins, seals, and whales, this information unveils the very best issues to do in Antarctica, making certain your expedition isn’t just a visit, however a transformative journey. If you go to Antarctica, be certain that so as to add these actions to your Antarctic Cruise itinerary.
Finest 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 swimsuit each sort of traveler. We sailed on an all-suites cruise ship, however there are huge luxurious cruise strains, journey cruises, and small ships which can be crusing throughout the Drake Passage as of late.
After we visited Antarctica, we adopted our journey with a cruise to the Galapagos Islands, and as we put together for one more 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 aficionado, or just looking for the fun of the unknown whereas including the ultimate frontier to your journey checklist. An Antarctic expedition provides the final word in bragging rights. Each time anybody asks us what our favorite vacation spot is and Dave solutions Antarctica, folks do a double take. What? You’ve been to Antarctica?
So, if you wish to brag to your pals as effectively, 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 positive if we wished to hop in chilly water kayaks. I used to be nervous about kayaking in such chilly water and had a concern of tipping over. So we booked just a few classes within the native pool to discover ways to do a moist exit and self-rescue. Since that point, we’ve discovered 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 value could be price it. We thought we’d get out on the water a couple of times in the course of the cruise. Nevertheless, 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 course of the ocean, and paddled with penguins leaping via the air on the entrance of our boats.
It was a unprecedented solution to see marine life up shut whereas we quietly explored the Antarctic Peninsula. It was the journey of a lifetime as we paddled via sea ice whereas minke whales surfaced to say hiya alongside the wild Antarctic coast. Learn extra about Kayaking in Antarctica – our favorite thing to do in Antarctica
2. Polar Plunge
Should you requested me what I considered the polar plunge whereas I used to be collaborating on this zany journey the place we leaped into the freezing Antarctic waters, I might have informed you to not do it. It was fearful of hitting the chilly water. Nevertheless, now that I’m house 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 folks that you just jumped into sub-zero waters within the South Pole and lived to inform the story? This takes bragging rights to the nth diploma. 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 onerous to prime that!
It’s the acute spectrum of journey journey and never many individuals will be capable to prime you when you’ve informed them you survived the polar plunge. We jumped from our cruise ship whereas tethered to a rope in the course of the Antarctic Peninsula. Our guides stored an in depth eye on us as we jumped into the frigid waters and zodiacs had been armed and able to retrieve us. I used to be tremendous pleased with Dave who not solely jumped in with gusto, he swam the ten or so meters to the zodiac, gave the motive force a excessive 5 and swam again. I alternatively, barely dipped my head beneath the chilly waters earlier than scrambling up the ladder towards heat and security.
With heat robes 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 primary 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 Explained.
Tenting on the Sub-Antarctic Islands
Within the grand scheme of issues, only a few folks have traveled to Antarctica and even fewer have really stayed in a single day on the continent. Tenting on Antarctica is an unimaginable expertise. Usually folks 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 course 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 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 crammed with pleasure and gratitude that you just 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, read more about it here.
A small group of us hopped on zodiacs to the shore the place we had been dropped off simply earlier than sundown. Armed with our sleeping baggage and bivy sacs, we walked to our chosen spots the place we settled in for the evening. We needed to stamp out our tenting space to flatten the snow round us after which we went inside zipping all the things within the tiny bag. Earlier than going to the continent, we barely at and drank as little as potential. There was an emergency bathroom ought to we have to go, however we had been inspired to carry it till the subsequent morning once we obtained again on the ship.
We suggest bringing booties and hand and ft heaters for the evening. Be sure 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 Tips to Dress for Extreme Cold Weather
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 overlook.
We normally went out twice a day on zodiacs to go wildlife watching. There’s a shocking 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 via thick brash ice looking for extraordinary ice formations. We stopped to look at calving glaciers and circle huge icebergs as our knowledgeable expedition group 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 better view. We checked out these nice mammals within the eye as they appeared to offer us a pleasant hiya. See extra of what it’s like on a Zodiac Tour in Antarctica
5. Penguin Submit Workplace
There are lots of analysis stations in Antarctica. One of many prime Antarctica sights is an precise publish workplace. 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 possibility 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’re keen on from the underside of the world to your family members at house. Learn all about it at – A Post Office 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 sights.
We couldn’t get sufficient of visiting penguin colonies throughout the Antarctic peninsula. Penguins are really the cutest animals on the planet and watching them go about their each day lives will deliver pleasure to anybody’s coronary heart.
They waddle via their penguin trails making their solution to the ocean in frantic style. It’s lovely to see the vitality of penguins speeding about doing their enterprise.
Moms shield their chicks and penguins name out to 1 one other. They stroll in organized strains alongside trails to the ocean from one penguin colony to a different. If you go to Antarctica, you’ll see plenty of penguins. Be ready, they odor horrible. However they’re so darn cute, you overlook the odor and easily get pleasure from
Probably the most memorable of all penguin encounters are once you sit quietly and let the curious creatures strategy so shut that they stroll in your legs or decide at your coat. You aren’t allowed to strategy or go inside 5 meters of penguins, however if you happen to sit nonetheless, typically they are going to stroll proper as much as you and say hiya. They’re so curious. It’s a reminiscence of a lifetime.
7. Go to Deception Island
Probably the most 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 lively volcano. Within the early twentieth century, it was an previous 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 had been hunted to close extinction in Antarctica and when visiting Deception Island, you will note previous oil drums, boilers, and whale bones from a darker time. It’s as horrifying as it’s stunning.
As soon as upon a time, the waters had been heat right here as a sizzling spring warmed the waters off the seaside. At one time folks dug holes within the sand to benefit from the heat sand however due to the Antarctic treaty that’s not allowed. With the variety of folks touring to Antarctica immediately, this might be overrun. 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.
Should you took images pre-digital world, you can be aware of Fuji, Kodak, and Agfa; all fashionable manufacturers of movie.
Throughout our passing via the slender 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 stunning of the highest vacation spot. Now that’s saying so much.
9. Images Tour
One of many prime issues to do in Antarctica is to affix a images expedition. {Many professional} photographers lead picture excursions to Antarctica and if you wish to take house 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 photos than the expertise. Each methods of touring are an incredible expertise, you’ll be able to select whichever method 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 photos of wildlife and take advantage of your panorama photos capturing Antarctica’s snow-capped mountains and glaciers. That is the best way to journey in case you are a photographer.
10. Antarctica Ice
In Antarctica, the icebergs are huge. 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 had been grateful for the experience of our captain who stored a secure distance from the formations that had been bigger than house buildings. If that a lot was exhibiting above the water, two-thirds extra had 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 via an iceberg graveyard the place icebergs have grounded on the underside of the ocean and that is the spot the place they are going to spend the ultimate days breaking up within the water till they dissolve into nothing. It’s eerie and delightful . Take a look at our images of Icebergs in 23 Epic Photos of Antarctica Ice
11. Whale Watching
I don’t suppose there’s a higher place on earth to look at 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’ll have so much to select from.
In Antarctica, whales haven’t 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 haven’t any motive to cover. Due to that, the whales of Antarctica are very curious.
After we had been kayaking, on a zodiac or on the ship, they at all times surfaced close by for a better 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 virtually attain out and contact them.
Throughout considered one of our days at sea, we had two killer whales showcase for us breaching regularly. It’s like they had 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 got 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 individuals 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 easy crossing out, however coming again to civilization was one other story and our crew informed us it was one of many worst of the season.
How do we all know it was unhealthy? When Dave went down for dinner one evening, solely 2 different passengers joined him within the eating room. All through a really tough day, lectures had been canceled on account of passengers and crew alike being caught in mattress with a foul case of seasickness. It’s a tough journey, however it makes for an important journey story.
Different Antarctica Actions
Scuba Diving
We didn’t do that when in Antarctica, however Antarctic cruises are including actions annually.
This distinctive journey helps 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 guided.
This isn’t an exercise for novices, scuba diving in Antarctic requires expertise in dry swimsuit diving and chilly water diving. You’ll have the chance to see distinctive marinelife and in case you have gone scuba diving world wide, that is one other vacation spot so as to add to the bucket checklist.
Ice Climbing
Ice Climbing is one other exercise on provide that has turn out to be fashionable in Antarctica. We didn’t do mountaineering right here, however we’ve got tackled mountaineering in different elements of the world.
Ski Touring
Antarctic Itineraries to Contemplate
Our itinerary took us via the South Shetland Islands which is without doubt one of the prime routes to take via Antarctica, however there are different itineraries it’s possible you’ll need to think about or add to your epic journey.
Falkland Islands
South Georgia
King George Island
So there you may have it. These are the highest issues to do in Antarctica in accordance with Dave and Deb.
We did each considered one of these excursions and adventures and we are able to attest that they’re magnificent.
A few of them are higher on reflection (hehem, the polar plunge) others had been pure perfection from starting to finish. The Antarctic is astounding.
You’ll be in awe from starting to finish and you’ll speak about this journey for years to return.
It’s been 3 years since we had been in Antarctica and we nonetheless can’t cease speaking about it.
Planning Assets for Antarctica
