Set Out on an Antarctic Expedition
- Rachel Evers
- Aug 31, 2021
- 3 min read
Antarctica's frozen landscapes have long drawn adventurous explorers, but visiting this distant continent is becoming more accessible than ever.
"We must always remember with gratitude and admiration the first sailors who steered their vessels through storms and mists, and increased our knowledge of the lands of ice in the South." - Roald Amundsen (1872-1928)
Visiting Antarctica is a Life-Changing Experience
Antarctica is like no other place on earth, with expansive untouched landscapes, icebergs the size of cathedrals, and unique wildlife. Seeing firsthand these jaw-dropping vistas is sure to humble any intrepid traveler, and put into perspective the greatness of experiencing life on earth. Whether that is watching emperor penguins waddling with their young or seeing a whale breaching the icy waters, or simply experiencing the pure vastness of the land and sky, a visit to Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime trip.
This also means that every Antarctic trip is unique, because of the changing weather conditions and spontaneous wilderness opportunities. This makes an Antarctic visit even more special, because no one else will experience it exactly the way you did.
You'll Get Up Close and Personal with Wildlife
Nowhere else can you watch penguins waddling alongside you on the icy Antarctic shores, or kayak between glaciers while seals swim and play beneath you. One of the biggest draws of Antarctic expeditions is the animals. Antarctic animals are varied and unique, with over fifteen varieties of penguins living in Antarctic and about ten species of whales, not to mention seals, sea lions, and birds such as the graceful albatross.
More exploration options are available than ever before, no matter your preferred level of activity. For the more adventurous explorers, try paddleboarding, kayaking, or even hiking across the glaciers or camping overnight on the ice. If you prefer a more relaxed approach, most expeditions offer small boat tours to get you as close to the native wildlife as possible. Experience the joy of watching penguins dive through the water while fishing, or the thrill of seeing a humpback whale breach beside you. It's a sight you'll never forget.
Pristine Landscapes Offer Unparalleled Views
Antarctica's vast emptiness has been compared to being on an alien planet, especially as it receives so few visitors and is vastly untouched. From towering mountains to unusual ice formations, tabular glaciers and dramatic cliffs and coastlines, Antarctica's landscape is truly a sight to behold.
When Should You Visit?
Each month during the Antarctic summer offers new delights as the weather warms (relatively speaking, as average temperatures may be -10 C or 14 F along the coast). Most expeditions won't start traveling to Antarctica before November, but some may visit in late October. Whenever you decide to travel, know that the different summer months offer different sights and experiences.
If you visit Antarctica in October you may enjoy lower fares and bigger icebergs since the weather will still be quite cold. In November, you will similarly enjoy landing sites unsullied by tourist groups or penguins as the season is still just beginning, and you may see penguin chicks beginning to hatch. Also in November, traverse into the Weddell Sea on an icebreaker to visit the remote emperor penguin colonies.
By December, temperatures are warm, the days are long, and the wildlife is active, meaning December is arguably the best month to visit Antarctic. In December you can watch migrating whales passing through and seabirds courting, as well as seal pups along the beaches of South Georgia. January similarly offers nearly 24 hours of daylight, adorable penguin chicks, as well as prime seal and whale-spotting opportunities. For a rare experience, in January join a voyage into the Ross Sea to visit the remote huts Scott and Shackleton used on their historic expeditions.
February is best for whale-watching, allowing you the chance to see many species including humpback, orca, sperm, and others. Polar ice should be at its lowest, so February is ideal for venturing beyond the polar circle. In South Georgia, the albatross nesting sites that have been closed the rest of the season are now open to visit. March offers the best value fares because it is the end of the season and snow cover is at its lowest, and it's too late to see penguin chicks, though you will still have ample opportunity to spot whales and fur seals as well as some spectacular sunsets.
Interested? Contact us to begin planning the expedition of a lifetime.
Photo 1 by Henrique Setim on Unsplash
Photo 2,3,4,5 by Derek Oyen on Unsplash