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 is a lot greater than snow and ice. From witnessing the majestic great thing about towering icebergs and huge glaciers to encountering numerous wildlife resembling 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. When you go to Antarctica, be sure that to add these actions to your Antarctic Cruise itinerary.
Best Things 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 up to journey with a cruise ship to swimsuit 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 can be crusing throughout the Drake Passage today.
When 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 tip of the world.
Whether you’re a nature lover, a pictures aficionado, or just searching for the joys of the unknown whereas including the ultimate frontier to your journey record. An Antarctic expedition provides the last word in bragging rights. Whenever 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 would like to brag to your folks as nicely, begin saving up your money for an Antarctic Cruise.
1. Kayaking
When we noticed that kayaking was an Antarctic exercise provided 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 had a worry of tipping over. So we booked just a few classes in the native pool to find out how 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 in 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 can be price it. We thought we’d get out on the water a few times through the cruise. However, we ended up kayaking eight occasions nd it was magnificent.
We floated quietly previous leopard and Wedell seals sunning themselves on ice flows, circumnavigated icebergs floating in the center of the ocean, and paddled with penguins leaping by way of the air on the entrance of our boats.
It was a rare method 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 whats up alongside the wild Antarctic coast. Read extra about Kayaking in Antarctica – our favourite factor to do in Antarctica
2. Polar Plunge
If you requested me what I considered the polar plunge whereas I used to be participating in this zany journey the place we leaped into the freezing Antarctic waters, I’d have informed you not to do it. It was afraid of hitting the chilly water. However, now that I’m dwelling and in the comforts of a heat and comfy home, I say is among the greatest issues to do in Antarctica.
Why? How usually do you get to inform individuals that you just jumped into sub-zero waters in 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 in the native lake? You say, oh yeah, I did it in the Antarctic Circle! It’s fairly laborious to prime that!
It’s the acute spectrum of journey journey and never many individuals shall be ready 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 center of the Antarctic Peninsula. Our guides stored an in depth eye on us as we jumped into the frigid waters and zodiacs have been armed and prepared to retrieve us. I used to be tremendous happy 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 under 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 in the new tub on the primary deck. All the worry melted away and I used to be prepared to do it once more! Wondering what an Antarctica journey is like? Check out our Antarctic Expedition Explained.
Camping on the Sub-Antarctic Islands
In the grand scheme of issues, only a few individuals have traveled to Antarctica and even fewer have really stayed in a single day on the continent. Camping on Antarctica is an unimaginable expertise. Normally individuals sleep on expedition ships or fly to Antarctica to find a way to step on the land. But not many individuals have camped in a bivy sack in the center of the snow beside loud night breathing leopard seals.
Camping in Antarctica is a should. Yes, it’s chilly, it’s uncomfortable, and you’ll’t eat, drink, or pee in Antarctica, however as soon as you’re again on board your ship after surviving an evening because the early explorers did, you’ll be crammed with satisfaction and gratitude that you just by no means have to do this once more. Camping on the Continent is among 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 baggage and bivy sacs, we walked to our chosen spots the place we settled in for the night time. We had to stamp out our tenting space to flatten the snow round us after which we went inside zipping the whole lot in the tiny bag. Before going to the continent, we barely at and drank as little as attainable. There was an emergency rest room ought to we’d like to go, however we have been inspired to maintain it till the subsequent morning once we received again on the ship.
We suggest bringing booties and hand and toes heaters for the night time. Make certain to have a balaclava to preserve your face heat in addition to all of your layers. It will get chilly in the wee hours of the morning. Read extra: 5 Winter Layering Tips to Dress for Extreme Cold Weather
4. Zodiac Cruises
Most expeditions to Antarctica will supply 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 gained’t quickly neglect.
We often went out twice a day on zodiacs to go wildlife watching. There is 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 so many attention-grabbing issues to discover in the Antarctic waters. We cherished scooting round icebergs and puttering by way of thick brash ice in search of extraordinary ice formations. We stopped to watch calving glaciers and circle large icebergs as our knowledgeable expedition group dealt with the zodiacs with ease.
Getting off the ship to see issues in 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 in the attention as they appeared to give us a pleasant whats up. See extra of what it’s like on a Zodiac Tour in Antarctica
5. Penguin Post Office
There are many analysis stations in Antarctica. One of the highest Antarctica points of interest is an precise submit workplace. Yes, 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 in the realm, therefore its nickname Penguin Post Office.
In Port Lockery, you may browse the museum, play with the penguins, and purchase some souvenirs. But the highest 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 dwelling. Read all about it at – A Post Office in Antarctica?
6. Visit Penguin Colonies
Speaking of penguins. A spotlight of any Antarctica go to is to work together with penguins. The Antarctic Circle and Weddell Sea are stuffed 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 day by day lives will carry pleasure to anybody’s coronary heart.
They waddle by way of their penguin trails making their method to the ocean in frantic trend. It’s cute to see the vitality of penguins speeding about doing their enterprise.
Mothers defend their chicks and penguins name out to each other. They stroll in organized strains alongside trails to the ocean from one penguin colony to one other. When you go to Antarctica, you’re going to see a variety of penguins. Be ready, they scent horrible. But they’re so darn cute, you neglect the scent and easily take pleasure in
The most memorable of all penguin encounters are while you sit quietly and let the curious creatures method so shut that they stroll in your legs or decide at your coat. You will not be allowed to method or go inside 5 meters of penguins, however in the event you sit nonetheless, typically they are going to stroll proper up to you and say whats up. They are so curious. It’s a reminiscence of a lifetime.
7. Visit Deception Island
One of essentially the most ominous issues to do in Antarctica is to go to Deception Island. Deception Island is among the most secure harbors in Antarctica which simply so occurs to be an lively volcano. In 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 to 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 stunning.
Once upon a time, the waters have been heat right here as a sizzling spring warmed the waters off the seaside. At one time individuals dug holes in the sand to benefit from the heat sand however thanks to the Antarctic treaty that’s now not allowed. With the variety of individuals touring to Antarctica right this moment, this is able to 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 among the prime issues to do in Antarctica for photographers.
If you took pictures pre-digital world, you’ll be aware of Fuji, Kodak, and Agfa; all fashionable manufacturers of movie.
During our passing by way of the slender channel, we spent hours standing exterior on deck taking pictures of essentially the most spectacular surroundings on the planet.
Antarctica is actually the ultimate frontier of pure magnificence and the Lemaire Channel is essentially the most stunning of the highest vacation spot. Now that’s saying quite a bit.
9. Photography Tour
One of the highest issues to do in Antarctica is to be part of a pictures expedition. Many skilled photographers lead photograph excursions to Antarctica and if you would like to take dwelling wonderful recollections, you may e-book a pictures tour on most ships.
On our Antarctic Cruise, there was a separate group of individuals on the tour specializing in pictures. They had their very own separate excursions the place the skilled photographers went out collectively, focusing extra on capturing photos than the expertise. Both methods of touring are a tremendous expertise, you may select whichever method you need. Speaking of pictures, one of many best issues to see on earth is precise icebergs.
Your information will present you ways to seize the textures of the ice formations, how to seize unforgettable photos of wildlife and profit from your panorama photos capturing Antarctica’s snow-capped mountains and glaciers. This is the best way to journey in case you are a photographer.
10. Antarctica Ice
In Antarctica, the icebergs are large. They are stuffed with layers of colourful hues of blue creating a few of the most attention-grabbing formations. At occasions, 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 condo buildings. If that a lot was exhibiting 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 are going to spend the ultimate days breaking up in the water till they dissolve into nothing. It’s eerie and exquisite unexpectedly. Check out our pictures of Icebergs in 23 Epic Photos of Antarctica Ice
11. Whale Watching
I don’t assume there’s a higher place on earth to watch 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 loads of species of whales residing in the Antarctic waters from Antarctic Minke Whales, Southern Right Whales, Orcas, Humpback Whales, Sperm Whales, and Pilot Whales, you should have quite a bit to select from.
In Antarctica, whales don’t have any worry of man. They haven’t been hunted for greater than a century and they’re on the prime of the meals chain. Therefore, whales don’t have any purpose to disguise. Because of that, the whales of Antarctica are very curious.
When we have been kayaking, on a zodiac or on the ship, they all the time surfaced close by for a more in-depth look. Seeing a whale in the wild is a magical expertise and when touring to Antarctica, you may get so shut to them, you may nearly attain out and contact them.
During considered one of our days at sea, we had two killer whales exhibit for us breaching frequently. It’s like they have been excited to see us! Another day, we had a mom and calf comply with our ship, and the calf continued to breach for 45 minutes, placing on a stunning present for the spectators on board. This expertise was one of many coolest issues we now have 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. Plenty 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 among 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 can flip even essentially 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 informed 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 in the eating room.
Throughout a really tough day, lectures have been canceled due to passengers and crew alike being caught in mattress with a foul case of seasickness. It’s a tough trip, nevertheless it makes for an awesome journey story.
Other Antarctica Activities
Scuba Diving
Ice Climbing
Ski Touring
Antarctic Itineraries to Consider
Our itinerary took us by way of the South Shetland Islands which is among the prime routes to take by way of Antarctica, however there are different itineraries you might have considered trying to take into account or add to your epic journey.
Falkland Islands
South Georgia
King George Island
So there you’ve got it. These are the highest issues to do in Antarctica in accordance to Dave and Deb.
We did each considered one of these excursions and adventures and we will attest that they’re magnificent.
Some of them are higher in retrospect (hehem, the polar plunge) others have been pure perfection from starting to finish. The Antarctic is astounding.
You shall be in awe from starting to finish and you’ll discuss this journey for years to come.
It’s been 3 years since we have been in Antarctica and we nonetheless can’t cease speaking about it.
Planning Resources for Antarctica