What Is It Like To Travel to Antarctica?
What is it like to travel to Antarctica on an expedition cruise?
Well, first off the opportunity to see some of the most remote places on earth is like no other. The Antarctic Peninsula in its pristine state draws visitors far and wide, into a world that few of us are lucky enough to encounter. Breathtaking scenery, majestic wildlife and unique excursions are a few simple reasons – but let’s explore further why visiting Antarctica is a truly inspiring experience.
An Antarctic expedition cruise is unlike any other type of cruise travel. Generally, only a handful of scientists and about 40,000 travelers a year have the opportunity to visit the ‘white continent’, and each ‘season’ in Antarctica is special in its own unique way.
Antarctica’s beauty is unparalleled
Adelies commuting on the “penguin highway”
Austral Spring in the sub Antarctic islands and Antarctica is when everything comes back to life. In October, birds become highly animated as mating begins. Seals and penguins flood to the beaches to breed, creating a flurry of activity and fascinating ritual.
After several weeks the entrance to the Antarctic peninsula becomes more accessible. By early November our ice-breaking ships are visiting vast areas of snow-covered mountains and serene bays. The Adelie, Gentoo and Chinstrap penguins start to gather on the shores, re-establishing nesting areas with their partners, waddling down their ‘penguin highways’ to gain access to the rocky shorelines where they argue over rocks to build their nests.
Hiking in the pure white snow or sea kayaking through the floating ice alongside icebergs is jaw-dropping for any lucky visitor. Camping on the ice and waking up in the company of curious penguins is an incredibly unique experience. Being guided by our on-board Photography expert how to capture the perfect shot of a whale breaching is invaluable.
Later in the season as the temperature starts to climb, penguin parents nestle their eggs or feed their chicks, and the varied seal and whale populations gorge themselves on their favorite meal. With a commitment to environmentally friendly visitor practices Polar Latitudes ensures that wildlife viewing is done at a safe, respectable distance while still providing great viewing opportunities. Wildlife is able to remain to roam freely through their natural environment.
Guests have the opportunity to participate in our Citizen Science program, learning from on-board scientists from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute as they conduct their research. Humpback and Minke whales migrate towards the Antarctic Peninsula early in the season, then feed in abundance before migrating north at the end of the season. The month of March provides the ideal circumstance for whale scientists to conduct research.
No matter what part of the season you chose, your adventure to Antarctica begins with Polar Latitudes. Antarctica is a spectacularly unpredictable environment with incredible experiences that can present themselves anywhere, anytime. We are ready for them – are you?
Hiking on the Peninsula
Interested in booking a voyage to visit Antartica with us? Contact your preferred travel professional or reach out to us here.