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 with regards to pure vistas and pristine wilderness! However in contrast to what most individuals assume, a visit to this southerly a part of the world is NOT simply all about cruising as a result of via accountable IAATO-approved expedition suppliers, there’s a gradual improve of thrilling and distinctive issues to do in Antarctica which are a match for almost anybody.
I had the wonderful probability to go to Antarctica with Hurtigruten final December and it was completely essentially the most awe-inspiring journey that I’ve ever achieved in my life. As much as today, I nonetheless can’t shake off the fantastic encounters and reminiscences that I’ve made!
So if I’ve managed to pique your curiosity, beneath are simply a number of the most epic experiences that you are able to do whenever you’re within the ‘White Continent’ — with or and not using a cruise expedition ship. Plus, relying in your curiosity (could 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 very best time to go to Antarctica? Learn right here for an entire record of FAQ (Often Requested Questions).
Issues to Do in Antarctica
1. Get near Antarctic animals
That is definitely one of many experiences that everybody goals to do after they get to set foot in Antarctica!
Firstly, the penguins: there are 7 lovable penguin species that yow will discover in and across the continent, and I guarantee you, you will see them irrespective of the time or month that you simply come. Additionally, with the intention to not stress these unbelievable creatures, everybody is suggested to maintain a 5-meter distance however I assure you: given how curious the penguins are, there can be so many situations whereby they are going to voluntarily stroll as much as you!
Different very good Antarctic animals that you could rise up near are whales and seals.
Throughout my journey with Hurtigruten, I managed to see a giant pod of finback whales other than a few orcas and humpbacks. If you happen to’re fortunate, you possibly can even witness extra of them! In the meantime, seals quantity so much, particularly in South Georgia and there are 5 varieties in complete which you’ll possible discover in an expedition: crabeater, fur, elephant, leopard, and weddell.
READ: Antarctic Animals: Sorts of Wildlife to Spot Throughout an Antarctica Cruise
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2. Witness nearly 1,000,000 penguins!
I counsel (or I insist) that you simply 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 should you land in South Georgia, you should have the very best wildlife expertise in your whole life — assured!
To not point out, the fantastic thing about this island is really unparalleled. Moreover, whenever you land in St. Andrew’s Bay, you’ll be blown away by the big colony of king penguins that quantity nearly 1,000,000!
Personally, it was a particularly surreal second after I lastly noticed tons of those penguins huddled collectively while their chirping circulated via the air like a loud orchestra. Briefly: I’m fairly certain that this sight will go away a mark on you; subsequently I dearly advocate that you simply put this excessive in your record of issues to do in Antarctica! (You may see extra of my expertise in my vlog collection above this put up).
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3. Expertise in a single day tenting
It’s not each day that you could have the prospect to go tenting in essentially the most excessive and southern place on the planet — so when the chance presents itself, I urge you to provide this a attempt!
It gained’t be essentially the most snug tenting escapade given the chilly circumstances and the sturdy 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 can be assured!
But when I say so myself, my tenting expertise in Antarctica was nice and heat, due to the high-quality help and gear 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 mentioned hiya 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 best ways to get tremendous near gigantic glaciers, icebergs, and whales.
Anyhow, irrespective of your ability stage, it’s completely doable to go kayaking in Antarctica. Nevertheless, it helps to recollect to remain cautious — moreover, it helps that you simply’ve had prior expertise of kayaking too since this exercise would require a very good sense of steadiness from you.
Both manner, the waters can be calm and there can be skilled guides who can 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
Picture by: Shutterstock
The South Shetland Islands are a bunch of islands on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula (or the northernmost a part of mainland Antarctica) and there you’ll 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 a tremendous Antarctic journey?
First issues first, coming into right here can 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 — subsequently, entry to this inside is simply via a 200 metre-wide (660 toes) entrance often known as Neptune’s Bellows.
There’s even a rock within the center just below the water; plus, the realm to at least one aspect can be foul. So you possibly can simply think about how our ship had solely 100 meters (330 toes) with which to navigate! Relaxation assured, we received in safely (after all!)
As soon as inside, you possibly can even discover the protected black sand bay of Deception Island the place you possibly can witness some analysis stations in addition to find out about its previous whaling stations. But when I could say so, among the best 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 nippiness!
Some cruise corporations let their company 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 possibly can dig holes within the sand (because the sand IS heat in Deception Island) so you possibly can get pleasure from a ‘scorching spring’ by the bay; nonetheless, that is NO longer allowed beneath the Antarctic Treaty. Therefore, folks’s notion that there are scorching springs in Deception Island is NOT true; and consider me, even when it was nonetheless allowed to try this, there is no such thing as a manner that your plunge gained’t be chilly.
You can too do a polar plunge in Whalers Bay of Deception Island, however the upside of doing it in Pendulum Cove is that when you get again on the seashore after your swim, you’ll get to get pleasure from temporary moments of heat sand in your toes.
In fact, I instantly dipped within the ship’s scorching out of doors 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 company wouldn’t have the opportunity of seeing in the event that they didn’t go for this additional exercise. (Apart from the truth that it makes for some good train.)
NOTE: It’s VERY essential 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. Take pleasure in cruising round with zodiac boat excursions
Whenever you’re part of an Antarctica cruise expedition, there can be plenty of probabilities so that you can go on additional or elective excursions akin to happening the zodiac or polarcirkel boat excursions.
These small but sturdy boats are mainly used to ferry folks both ashore or on other forms of adventures with the intention to get as shut as doable to the scenes and wildlife round you.
Merely put: this is among the issues to do in Antarctica that may bode nicely instead for people who find themselves not too assured with their kayaking expertise. Don’t fear concerning the parts although as a result of your cruise tour operator will just be sure you’re tucked in securely and that you simply’re sporting the correct gear that may shield you from the cruel chilly winds and water.
Therefore, all that you must do is to remain alert and maintain 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 employees of 4 — people; sadly, NOT penguins… however the put up workplace IS surrounded by about 3,000 gentoo penguins!
There is likely to 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 simply 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 after they obtain your postcards all the best way 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 determine 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 visited websites in Antarctica. It now operates as a museum, saved because it was within the 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
Picture by Karsten Bidstrup / Hurtigruten
Another choice for reaching Antarctica is by aircraft; however for certain, the most typical manner for visiting is by cruise ship.
Talking of which, I’d counsel doing the latter as a result of other than it being cheaper, it is going to additionally provide you with a shot at experiencing the notorious Drake Passage!
What’s up with this Drake Passage? Nicely, it’s mentioned 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 planet.
However after all, one’s exploit right here can both be referred to 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 common, but it surely was manageable — however, 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 via scientists
That is but once more one other a kind 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 company concerning the setting of Antarctica and its safety — so with ships like Hurtigruten, there have been FREE academic packages or lectures accessible each day whereby everybody was free to take part or not. They allow us to be taught extra concerning the wildlife and the locations we have been visiting, they usually have been even delivered by the expedition crew that was made up of skilled 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 method any of the employees scientists on board or on shore. With that in thoughts, doesn’t it simply make a visit to Antarctica enriching?
NOTE: Alternatively, you possibly can go a step additional and work in Antarctica as a scientist or assist employees! A fast search on-line will take you to some job listings for this. Anyhow, it helps to notice that there are extra folks considering working in Antarctica than there are precise job openings accessible.
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12. Attempt scuba diving
Picture by: Shutterstock
Diving beneath Antarctic waters can be like no different dive on the market, so should you’re a seasoned driver, that is an exercise that you simply CANNOT afford to overlook when within the ‘White Continent’. In spite of everything, it’s mentioned that with the mix of the daylight and the ice formations, the water wonderland that you simply’ll see may 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 should be a educated and authorized scuba diver with an internationally-recognized certificates, have prior adventures in chilly water dives and dry-suit diving, have not less than 20 dives, and a accomplished diver’s logbook.
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13. Climb the tallest mountain in Antarctica
Picture by: Shutterstock
When you have the aim of climbing the world’s 7 summits, Antarctica’s Vinson Massif is a peak that you simply’ll should concur.
Technically talking, it’s not so tough to go up this 4,897-meter mountain however given the intense Antarctic setting, you would wish to have cheap expertise and coaching beforehand.
Referred to as the “high of the underside of the world“, there are a number of tour teams providing the service of taking you on this expedition which takes not less than 14 days. Evidently… that is an journey I’m unqualified for — however, I nonetheless want that sometime I will do it as a result of I’m certain it will likely be such a tremendous endeavor!
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14. Go trekking to the South Pole
Picture 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 corporations on the market that do treks to the South Pole.
However a phrase of warning: should you assume that scuba diving and climbing Vinson Massif as issues to do in Antarctica are already excessive, then trekking to the South Pole can be far crazier.
Moreover, this expedition would require a humongous quantity of dedication — emotionally, financially, and bodily (and there’s even an opportunity you may not attain it). But after all, should you’re up for the problem, this can be a journey that can be a memorable achievement!
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15. Run a marathon
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If you happen to’re a marathon runner or ultra-athlete who’s on the lookout for the following large problem or exercise to tick off in your record, then the well-known Antarctic Ice Marathon must be put beneath 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 guess that it will likely 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!
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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 lovers the prospect to do a bucket record exercise on this distant location.
Now, after all, to be part of an journey like this, you don’t actually must be a professional athlete — however you will want to not less than have an inexpensive stage of health, some prior coaching, and functionality in ski touring. Equally, snowboarding is one thing that you are able to do too when 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 probability 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 visited scientific stations, largely as a result of it’s readily accessible and the Polish employees is pleasant. Established in 1977, the station is managed by the Polish Academy of Sciences and its principal analysis areas embody marine biology, oceanography, geology, geomorphology, glaciology, meteorology, climatology, seismology, magnetism, and ecology. Guests are free to return 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 essentially 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 planet! Individuals used to have the prospect to buy a $3 shot of horilka or a Ukrainian alcoholic beverage right here, but it surely led to 2016. Anyhow, you possibly can nonetheless mingle with the wonderful Ukrainian scientists on web site and have a tour of the entire base.
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18. Cruise via the scenic Lemaire Channel
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Lemaire Channel is an 11-kilometer strait (or a naturally-formed navigable waterway) in Antarctica that’s typically referred to as the “Kodak Hole“. As you would possibly already know, “Kodak” is a kind of well-known movie manufacturers and the rationale 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 might NOT cease taking footage of the snow-capped mountains, steep cliffs, and icebergs that surrounded us!
As considered one of Antarctica’s high vacationer locations, going via this channel is a regular 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 may not have the ability to go! Nevertheless, should you get to take action, it is going to completely be a sight that you’ll endlessly bear in mind.
This was truly the final panorama that we noticed in Antarctica and it was absolutely an effective way to finish our journey!
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19. Observe your pictures expertise (or hone them!)
It’s completely tough to take a foul photograph in Antarctica — it’s simply so photogenic, irrespective 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 start out.
In spite of everything, most cruise tour operators (akin to Hurtigruten) present pictures lessons which are dealt with by their onboard skilled photographer. As such, this gives you the right alternative to hone your expertise! Don’t fear although as a result of anybody is definitely free to method the mentioned photographer to ask for tips about capturing the very best pictures 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
If you happen to ask me, it will likely be a disgrace to go to Antarctica with out stopping by a few of its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands. Due to this fact, should you get the prospect to go to this far-off vacation spot, you should absolutely take the chance to cease by a number of the locations just like the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney, and extra!
For example, you possibly can benefit from the beautiful landscapes within the Falkland Islands which are stuffed with penguins of various species in addition to different wild birds.
However I suppose the island that I really like essentially 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 1,000,000 and it was actually a spectacle!).
READ: South Georgia ~ A Breathtaking Antarctic Hub for Wildlife Viewing!
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Antarctica Journey F.A.Q.
Provided that you’ll be staying on a ship, it is going to rely upon the tour or expedition supplier that you’re crusing with. Kindly inquire with them, or higher but, simply deliver a common adapter on your journey.
You would possibly assume that December can be the worst time to go, but it surely truly is the very best time as a result of it’s one of many ‘hotter months’ in Antarctica! In actual fact, 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 worth of $5,000 per individual. Nevertheless, there’s the opportunity of paying solely $4,000 should 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 simply best if in case you have the time and endurance to attend for an opportunity to return by — which they are saying might be fairly uncommon. But once more, it’s price a shot!
For a extra hassle-free expertise, naturally, it’s higher to ebook upfront. Hurtigruten‘s expeditions often begin at $5,000 per individual (my 20-day expedition’s price begins at $17,000).
There’s a LOT to be aware of: from seasickness medication to the correct clothes. For a whole record, learn this complete article: Antarctica Cruise Packing Checklist.
Desire a detailed Antarctica journey information?
For more information about find out how to get to Antarctica, which supplier to ebook with, visas, and many others. — come and browse my Antarctica Itinerary information!
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Total
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 record helped provide you with a greater thought of what the continent can supply in order that you could possibly quickly jumpstart in your epic journey. Take pleasure in!
