A journey to Antarctica is undoubtedly the journey of a lifetime for many vacationers — in any case, it’s a distant grandeur that’s unmatched in relation to pure vistas and pristine wilderness! However not like what most individuals assume, a visit to this southerly a part of the world is NOT simply all about cruising as a result of by means of accountable IAATO-approved expedition suppliers, there’s a gradual improve of thrilling and distinctive issues to do in Antarctica which can be a match for almost anybody.
I had the wonderful likelihood to go to Antarctica with Hurtigruten final December and it was completely probably the most awe-inspiring journey that I’ve ever carried out in my life. As much as at the present time, I nonetheless can’t shake off the fantastic encounters and recollections that I’ve made!
So if I’ve managed to pique your curiosity, under are simply a number of the most epic experiences that you are able to do if you’re within the ‘White Continent’ — with or and not using a cruise expedition ship. Plus, relying in your curiosity (might or not it’s gentle or excessive) there may be absolutely sufficient so that you can do right here!
NOTE: Wanna know when is the perfect time to go to Antarctica? Learn right here for an entire listing of FAQ (Continuously Requested Questions).
Issues to Do in Antarctica
1. Get near Antarctic animals
That is actually one of many experiences that everybody goals to do once they get to set foot in Antarctica!
In the beginning, the penguins: there are 7 lovely penguin species that you could find in and across the continent, and I guarantee you, you will see them regardless of the time or month that you just come. Additionally, with a view to not stress these unbelievable creatures, everybody is suggested to preserve a 5-meter distance however I assure you: given how curious the penguins are, there might be so many cases whereby they may voluntarily stroll as much as you!
Different very good Antarctic animals that you could stand up near are whales and seals.
Throughout my journey with Hurtigruten, I managed to see a giant pod of finback whales except for a few orcas and humpbacks. In the event you’re fortunate, you’ll be able to even witness extra of them! In the meantime, seals quantity loads, particularly in South Georgia and there are 5 sorts in complete which you’ll doubtless discover in an expedition: crabeater, fur, elephant, leopard, and weddell.
READ: Antarctic Animals: Varieties of Wildlife to Spot Throughout an Antarctica Cruise
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2. Witness nearly one million penguins!
I counsel (or I insist) that you just select an Antarctic cruise that makes a stopover to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia (e.g.: Hurtigruten’s 20-day expedition).
Why so…? As a result of in case you land in South Georgia, you should have the perfect wildlife expertise in your whole life — assured!
To not point out, the fantastic thing about this island is actually unparalleled. Moreover, if you land in St. Andrew’s Bay, you’ll be blown away by the enormous colony of king penguins that quantity nearly one million!
Personally, it was an especially surreal second after I lastly noticed tons of those penguins huddled collectively while their chirping circulated by means of the air like a loud orchestra. In brief: I’m fairly positive that this sight will depart a mark on you; due to this fact I dearly suggest that you just put this excessive in your listing of issues to do in Antarctica! (You possibly can see extra of my expertise in my vlog sequence above this put up).
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3. Expertise in a single day tenting
It’s not day by day that you could have the prospect to go tenting in probably the most excessive and southern place on the earth — so when the chance presents itself, I urge you to present this a attempt!
It received’t be probably the most snug tenting escapade given the chilly circumstances and the robust winds on the continent, however it is going to absolutely make for a memorable exploit nonetheless. Relaxation assured, so long as you include an IAATO tour supplier, your security might be assured!
But when I say so myself, my tenting expertise in Antarctica was nice and heat, due to the high-quality help and tools that was given to us by Hurtigruten.
READ: Tenting in Antarctica ~ A Distinctive In a single day Expertise
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4. Kayak in Antarctic waters
After you’ve explored the icy terrain and stated good day to the penguins or seals as part of your issues to do in Antarctica, it’s time to discover the waters! Moreover, kayaking is one of the simplest ways to get tremendous near gigantic glaciers, icebergs, and whales.
Anyhow, regardless of your talent degree, it’s completely doable to go kayaking in Antarctica. Nonetheless, it helps to recollect to remain cautious — moreover, it helps that you just’ve had prior expertise of kayaking too since this exercise would require a superb sense of steadiness from you.
Both method, the waters might be calm and there might be skilled guides who might be with you always. Moreover, your security will all the time be of utmost significance, so no sweat!
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5. Go inside a volcano
Photograph by: Shutterstock
The South Shetland Islands are a gaggle of islands on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula (or the northernmost a part of mainland Antarctica) and there you will discover the distinctive Deception Island as a result of it’s the caldera (volcanic ‘crater’) of an energetic volcano.
Yep, you learn that proper — it’s the crater of an energetic volcano! How’s that for an incredible Antarctic journey?
First issues first, coming into right here might be fairly exhilarating. To provide you some background, a portion of the wall of the volcanic caldera in Deception Island had collapsed way back which resulted within the flooding of its inside — due to this fact, entry to this inside is barely by means of a 200 metre-wide (660 toes) entrance often called Neptune’s Bellows.
There’s even a rock within the center slightly below the water; plus, the realm to at least one aspect can be foul. So you’ll be able to simply think about how our ship had solely 100 meters (330 toes) with which to navigate! Relaxation assured, we received in safely (in fact!)
As soon as inside, you’ll be able to even discover the protected black sand bay of Deception Island the place you’ll be able to witness some analysis stations in addition to study its previous whaling stations. But when I could say so, probably the greatest issues you are able to do right here is to…
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6. Do a polar plunge!
I imply… I used to be already in Antarctica AND I used to be even inside a volcano, so why not do the primary polar plunge of my life within the freezing waters of this distinctive location?! …
Aaah, I can nonetheless really feel the coolness!
Some cruise firms let their friends do a polar plunge by leaping off a ledge on the ship, however on my journey with Hurtigruten, we got the chance to do it from the Pendulum Cove seashore on Deception Island. (So sure, I did a polar plunge “inside” an energetic volcano — and I even received a certificates for it! How’s that for being ‘excessive’? Haha.)
TRIVIA: There was a time when you’ll be able to dig holes within the sand (because the sand IS heat in Deception Island) so you’ll be able to get pleasure from a ‘sizzling spring’ by the bay; nonetheless, that is NO longer allowed underneath the Antarctic Treaty. Therefore, folks’s notion that there are sizzling springs in Deception Island is NOT true; and imagine me, even when it was nonetheless allowed to do this, there isn’t a method that your plunge received’t be chilly.
You can even do a polar plunge in Whalers Bay of Deception Island, however the upside of doing it in Pendulum Cove is that after you get again on the seashore after your swim, you’ll get to get pleasure from transient moments of heat sand in your toes.
After all, I instantly dipped within the ship’s sizzling outside jacuzzi after my polar plunge — in any case, I wanted to remind my physique the way it felt to be heat once more!
READ: Polar Plunge ~ The Day I Swam in Antarctica’s Icy Waters!
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7. Attempt snowshoeing or mountaineering
You’ll positively be given plenty of alternatives to go mountaineering or snowshoeing — not solely in Antarctica but in addition within the sub-Antarctic islands that you’ll be stopping in (as dependent in your cruise expedition tour supplier).
As somebody who’s into mountaineering, this was one of many issues to do in Antarctica that I actually loved; in any case, it provides you entry to locations and sights that different friends wouldn’t have the potential for seeing in the event that they didn’t go for this further exercise. (Apart from the truth that it makes for some good train.)
NOTE: It’s VERY vital to put on shades or sun shades whereas in Antarctica as a result of there may be such a factor as ‘snow blindness’. Don’t neglect to place sunscreen both as a result of the UV rays listed here are harsher than regular given its southerly location.
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8. Get pleasure from cruising round with zodiac boat excursions
Once you’re part of an Antarctica cruise expedition, there might be plenty of possibilities so that you can go on further or non-obligatory excursions similar to happening the zodiac or polarcirkel boat excursions.
These small but sturdy boats are mainly used to ferry folks both ashore or on different kinds of adventures with a view to get as shut as doable to the scenes and wildlife round you.
Merely put: this is without doubt one of the issues to do in Antarctica that may bode effectively as a substitute for people who find themselves not too assured with their kayaking expertise. Don’t fear in regards to the components although as a result of your cruise tour operator will just remember to’re tucked in securely and that you just’re sporting the suitable gear that may shield you from the tough chilly winds and water.
Therefore, all that it’s worthwhile to do is to remain alert and preserve a glance out for any penguins leaping up and down within the water, seals gliding within the water, whales coming out from their swim, and extra!
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9. Ship a postcard from the Penguin Publish Workplace
The Penguin Publish Workplace in Port Lockroy is the world’s most southerly put up workplace and it’s sometimes run by a workers of 4 — people; sadly, NOT penguins… however the put up workplace IS surrounded by about 3,000 gentoo penguins!
There may be another stops throughout your cruise expedition the place you’ll get to purchase and ship postcards, such because the Arctowski analysis station on King George Island; however I say, Port Lockroy is the put up workplace on this world that you just shouldn’t miss as a part of your issues to do in Antarctica. In the end although, your family members will merely get the shock of their life once they obtain your postcards all the way in which from Antarctica!
The stamps right here price solely $1 every and you should purchase your postcards there or in your cruise ship.
TRIVIA: Throughout Operation Tabarin in 1944, the British arrange two bases within the Antarctic Peninsula to ascertain a everlasting presence within the Antarctic. They arrange Base A at Port Lockroy and Base B at Whalers Bay, Deception Island. Since its restoration in 1996 by the Antarctic Heritage Belief (AHT), Base A on Goudier Island at Port Lockroy has develop into one of the crucial visited websites in Antarctica. It now operates as a museum, stored because it was within the Nineteen Fifties, in addition to a put up workplace and memento store with all proceeds going to the AHT, a non-profit group devoted to conserving this and different historic huts in Antarctica.
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10. Cross the notorious Drake Passage
Photograph by Karsten Bidstrup / Hurtigruten
An alternative choice for reaching Antarctica is by aircraft; however for positive, the commonest method for visiting is by cruise ship.
Talking of which, I might counsel doing the latter as a result of other than it being cheaper, it is going to additionally offer you a shot at experiencing the notorious Drake Passage!
What’s up with this Drake Passage? Properly, it’s stated to be the world’s roughest seas provided that it’s the place the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge. There aren’t any close by landmass both so the currents right here meet with NO resistance, leading to it being the choppiest waters on the earth.
However in fact, one’s exploit right here can both be known as ‘Drake Lake’ or ‘Drake Shake’ as depending on climate circumstances. In my case, it was someplace within the center: it was swaying greater than traditional, nevertheless it was manageable — nonetheless, it’s fairly cool to have the bragging rights of crossing and ‘surviving’ this well-known physique of water.
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11. Be taught extra about Antarctica by means of scientists
That is but once more one other a type of issues to do in Antarctica that I positively loved and was grateful for!
You see, all IAATO operators are inspired to supply methods of enriching and educating friends in regards to the surroundings of Antarctica and its safety — so with ships like Hurtigruten, there have been FREE instructional packages or lectures obtainable day by day whereby everybody was free to take part or not. They allow us to study extra in regards to the wildlife and the locations we had been visiting, and so they had been even delivered by the expedition staff that was made up of professional geologists, marine biologists, historians, and ornithologists amongst many others!
If I occur to have any particular requests, I used to be additionally all the time free to strategy any of the workers scientists on board or on shore. With that in thoughts, doesn’t it simply make a visit to Antarctica enriching?
NOTE: Alternatively, you’ll be able to go a step additional and work in Antarctica as a scientist or help workers! A fast search on-line will take you to some job listings for this. Anyhow, it helps to notice that there are extra folks fascinated about working in Antarctica than there are precise job openings obtainable.
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12. Attempt scuba diving
Photograph by: Shutterstock
Diving underneath Antarctic waters might be like no different dive on the market, so in case you’re a seasoned driver, that is an exercise that you just CANNOT afford to overlook when within the ‘White Continent’. In spite of everything, it’s stated that with the mixture of the daylight and the ice formations, the water wonderland that you just’ll see can have a relentless shifting of spectacular colours!
Regrettably… this isn’t one thing anybody can do as a result of inexperienced divers will solely be a hazard to themselves and to others too. Even when the dive isn’t so technical, as a result of unpredictable circumstances, that is solely restricted to skilled or superior divers.
NOTE: To be part of this diving expedition, you have to be a skilled and authorized scuba diver with an internationally-recognized certificates, have prior adventures in chilly water dives and dry-suit diving, have no less than 20 dives, and a accomplished diver’s logbook.
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13. Climb the tallest mountain in Antarctica
Photograph by: Shutterstock
When you’ve got the purpose of climbing the world’s 7 summits, Antarctica’s Vinson Massif is a peak that you just’ll must concur.
Technically talking, it’s not so tough to go up this 4,897-meter mountain however given the acute Antarctic surroundings, you would want to have cheap expertise and coaching beforehand.
Referred to as the “prime of the underside of the world“, there are a number of tour teams providing the service of taking you on this expedition which takes no less than 14 days. For sure… that is an journey I’m unqualified for — however, I nonetheless want that sometime I will do it as a result of I’m positive it is going to be such an incredible endeavor!
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14. Go trekking to the South Pole
Photograph by: Shutterstock
If time just isn’t a problem and also you’ve received grand polar ambitions of going to each ends of the Earth, there are firms on the market that do treks to the South Pole.
However a phrase of warning: in case you assume that scuba diving and climbing Vinson Massif as issues to do in Antarctica are already excessive, then trekking to the South Pole might be far crazier.
Moreover, this expedition would require a humongous quantity of dedication — emotionally, financially, and bodily (and there’s even an opportunity you won’t attain it). But in fact, in case you’re up for the problem, this might be a journey that might be a memorable achievement!
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15. Run a marathon
Photograph by: Shutterstock
In the event you’re a marathon runner or ultra-athlete who’s searching for the subsequent large problem or exercise to tick off in your listing, then the well-known Antarctic Ice Marathon needs to be put underneath your radar!
Will probably be a formidable race on the continent with a median windchill temperature of -20C and an altitude of 700 meters however you wager that it is going to be a novel and fulfilling feat.
NOTE: Registration payment is about $18,000+ inclusive of roundtrip flights to the Antarctic inside, lodging, meals, working paraphernalia and images. It’s additionally doable to do a half marathon throughout this occasion.
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16. Hit the slopes!
Photograph by: Shutterstock
If what you need is the last word snow-sports expedition, nothing beats exploring Antarctica by snowboarding or snowboarding on its grand slopes!
These days, there are a number of Antarctic tour operators that give snowboarding fanatics the prospect to do a bucket listing exercise on this distant location.
Now, in fact, to be part of an journey like this, you don’t actually must be a professional athlete — however you have to to no less than have an affordable degree of health, some prior coaching, and functionality in ski touring. Equally, snowboarding is one thing that you are able to do too whilst you’re exploring the wild corners of Antarctica!
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17. Go to a analysis station
There are NO everlasting residents in Antarctica and there are solely two transient teams that go there: both vacationers or researchers. Talking of which, as a vacationer to the ‘White Continent’ you may get to have the unique likelihood of visiting a number of the energetic analysis stations on the continent!
There are two well-known stations that I do know of and they’re:
- Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station: one of the crucial visited scientific stations, largely as a result of it’s readily accessible and the Polish workers is pleasant. Established in 1977, the station is managed by the Polish Academy of Sciences and its fundamental analysis areas embrace marine biology, oceanography, geology, geomorphology, glaciology, meteorology, climatology, seismology, magnetism, and ecology. Guests are free to come back in and speak to the scientists; plus, the station’s official stamp is out there to be used by anybody on their passport or on postcards.
- Vernadsky Analysis Base: Present in Marina Level on the Argentine Islands, this Ukrainian Antarctic Station has a number of buildings, however probably the most well-known half of all of them can be their lounge which is taken into account to be the southernmost public bar on the earth! Folks used to have the prospect to buy a $3 shot of horilka or a Ukrainian alcoholic beverage right here, nevertheless it led to 2016. Anyhow, you’ll be able to nonetheless mingle with the wonderful Ukrainian scientists on web site and have a tour of the entire base.
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18. Cruise by means of the scenic Lemaire Channel
Photograph by: Shutterstock
Lemaire Channel is an 11-kilometer strait (or a naturally-formed navigable waterway) in Antarctica that’s usually known as the “Kodak Hole“. As you may already know, “Kodak” is a type of well-known movie manufacturers and the explanation why Lemaire Channel was nicknamed as such is as a result of this place is simply so ridiculously photogenic.
I swear, after we handed by this strait’s calm waters, we may NOT cease taking photos of the snow-capped mountains, steep cliffs, and icebergs that surrounded us!
As one in all Antarctica’s prime vacationer locations, going by means of this channel is a normal a part of a cruise itinerary, however the one hindrance to probably seeing it are the icebergs within the water — in the event that they’re too many, you won’t be capable to go! Nonetheless, in case you get to take action, it is going to completely be a sight that you’ll perpetually bear in mind.
This was really the final panorama that we noticed in Antarctica and it was absolutely a good way to finish our journey!
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19. Apply your images expertise (or hone them!)
It’s completely tough to take a nasty photograph in Antarctica — it’s simply so photogenic, regardless of the climate or the time!
So go and snap away loopy; however certainly, if you wish to enhance your expertise, this would be the finest place to begin.
In spite of everything, most cruise tour operators (similar to Hurtigruten) present images lessons which can be dealt with by their onboard skilled photographer. As such, this provides you with the proper alternative to hone your expertise! Don’t fear although as a result of anybody is actually free to strategy the stated photographer to ask for recommendations on capturing the perfect photographs doable.
Ain’t {that a} deal with as one of many issues to do in Antarctica?
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20. Go to close by islands
In the event you ask me, it is going to be a disgrace to go to Antarctica with out stopping by a few of its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands. Subsequently, in case you get the prospect to go to this far-off vacation spot, you will need to absolutely take the chance to cease by a number of the locations just like the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney, and extra!
As an example, you’ll be able to benefit from the beautiful landscapes within the Falkland Islands which can be crammed with penguins of various species in addition to different wild birds.
However I assume the island that I like probably the most can be South Georgia due to its rugged but gorgeous vistas! To not point out, it holds a number of colonies of fur seals, elephant seals, and king penguins. (As I’ve already talked about beforehand, it was right here that I received to see a colony of king penguins that numbered nearly one million and it was really a spectacle!).
READ: South Georgia ~ A Breathtaking Antarctic Hub for Wildlife Viewing!
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Antarctica Journey F.A.Q.
On condition that you’ll be staying on a ship, it is going to depend upon the tour or expedition supplier that you’re crusing with. Kindly inquire with them, or higher but, simply carry a common adapter in your journey.
You may assume that December can be the worst time to go, nevertheless it really is the perfect time as a result of it’s one of many ‘hotter months’ in Antarctica! Actually, Antarctica’s summer time season is from November to March with temperatures averaging at solely about 0°C to eight°C (with near 24 hours of daylight).
Antarctica is clearly NOT a funds vacation spot given how most cruise expeditions begin at a value of $5,000 per individual. Nonetheless, there’s the potential for paying solely $4,000 in case you handle to get a last-minute deal in Ushuaia (the primary start line of cruise ships in Argentina) throughout November or December. This feature is barely excellent if in case you have the time and persistence to attend for an opportunity to come back by — which they are saying may be fairly uncommon. But once more, it’s value a shot!
For a extra hassle-free expertise, naturally, it’s higher to guide prematurely. Hurtigruten‘s expeditions normally begin at $5,000 per individual (my 20-day expedition’s price begins at $17,000).
There’s a LOT to pay attention to: from seasickness medication to the right clothes. For a whole listing, learn this complete article: Antarctica Cruise Packing Checklist.
Desire a detailed Antarctica journey information?
For more information about learn how to get to Antarctica, which supplier to guide with, visas, and many others. — come and skim my Antarctica Itinerary information!
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General
There positively are an array of actions in Antarctica that may cater to simply about any type of traveler.
All in all, I hope this listing helped offer you a greater concept of what the continent can supply in order that you would quickly jumpstart in your epic journey. Get pleasure from!
