"Antarctica - the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, but also one of the most stunning and thrilling places to visit. Let's discover its icy landscapes, wildlife encounters, and activities like ice climbing and polar diving."
I have always been fascinated by Antarctica ever since I was a kid. I watched documentaries on Discovery and Nat Geo and read books about it in the library. I loved learning about its history, science, wildlife, and mysteries. I dream of one day seeing it for myself, feeling its cold wind on my face, touching its ancient ice with my hands, and hearing its silence with my ears.
Have you ever dreamed the same? Of visiting the most remote and extreme place on the planet? Do you love ice and snow and want to see them in their most pristine and spectacular form? Do you want to witness the incredible diversity of life that thrives in the harshest conditions? If you answered yes to any of these questions, Antarctica is your perfect destination.
Antarctica is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent on Earth, with an average temperature of -49°C (-56°F) and a precipitation of less than 200 mm (8 inches) per year. It covers about 14 million square kilometres (5.4 million square miles), almost twice the size of Australia, and is almost entirely covered by ice that can reach up to 4 km (2.5 miles) thick. It is also the most isolated and uninhabited continent, with no permanent human settlements and only a few thousand scientists and tourists visiting annually.
But despite its harshness and remoteness, Antarctica is also one of the most stunning and thrilling places to visit. It offers unparalleled views of icy landscapes, such as glaciers, icebergs, mountains, volcanoes, and frozen lakes. It is home to diverse wildlife, such as penguins, seals, whales, seabirds, and krill. And it provides a range of exciting and adventurous activities, such as hiking, kayaking, camping, mountaineering, wildlife watching, photography, ice climbing, and polar diving.
Did You Know?
Did you know that only about 55,000 people visit Antarctica each year? That's less than 0.001% of the world's population! And only about 11 people have been born there since 1978! That means that if you go to Antarctica, you will be part of an exclusive club of adventurers who have seen this incredible continent with their own eyes.
One of them is Henry Worsley, a British explorer who attempted to cross Antarctica solo and unsupported in 2016. He was inspired by his hero Ernest Shackleton, who led one of the most famous expeditions to Antarctica in 1914-1917.
Worsley wrote in his diary: "I feel immensely privileged to be here in Shackle ton's footsteps...This place never ceases to amaze me with its raw beauty." Sadly, Worsley died 30 miles short of his goal, but his courage and spirit live on in his legacy.
Best Time To Visit Antarctica
The best time to visit Antarctica is between November and March, the summer season in the Southern Hemisphere. This is when the sea ice melts enough to allow access by ships and planes, the temperatures are relatively warmer (around 0°C or 32°F), the daylight hours are longer (up to 24 hours), and the wildlife is most active and abundant.
How To Get There?
The most common way to get to Antarctica is by taking a cruise or an expedition from South America (usually from Ushuaia in Argentina or Punta Arenas in Chile). These trips typically last 10 to 20 days, depending on the itinerary and the destinations.
Some popular places to visit are the Antarctic Peninsula, the South Shetland Islands, the Falkland Islands, South Georgia Island, and the Weddell Sea. Some cruises also offer the option to fly over the Drake Passage (the notoriously rough stretch of water between South America and Antarctica) to save time and avoid seasickness.
The alternative way to get to Antarctica is by flying from South Africa or Australia to one of the research stations or airstrips on the continent or nearby islands. These flights are usually shorter (4 to 8 hours) but more expensive and less frequent than cruises. They also offer less flexibility and variety in terms of activities and destinations. Some places that can be reached by flights are King George Island, Patriot Hills, Union Glacier, Mount Vinson (the highest peak in Antarctica), and the South Pole.
Things To Do In Antarctica
The most exciting part of visiting Antarctica is doing the adventure activities that it offers. You can choose from various options: hiking, kayaking, camping, mountaineering, wildlife watching, photography, ice climbing, and polar diving. You can also learn more about Antarctica's history, culture, and science by visiting the research stations, museums, monuments, and historic sites. You can also enjoy Antarctica's stunning scenery and peaceful atmosphere by simply relaxing on the ship or on land.
Other Adventure Activities In Antarctica
Besides ice climbing and polar diving, there are many other adventure activities that you can do in Antarctica, depending on your interests, skills, and budget. Here are some of them:
Snowshoeing
Snowshoeing is a great way to explore the Antarctic terrain on foot without sinking into the deep snow. You can strap on snowshoes and follow your guide on a scenic hike across glaciers, hills, and valleys. You can enjoy the views of the icebergs, mountains, and wildlife along the way. Snowshoeing suits anyone who can walk comfortably for a few hours and requires no special training or equipment. Some cruises offer snowshoeing as an optional activity that you can sign up for on board.
Kayaking
Kayaking is one of the most popular adventure activities in Antarctica, as it allows you to get closer to the water and the wildlife than any other mode of transportation. You can paddle in a small group with an experienced guide and glide past icebergs, seals, penguins, and whales.
You can also explore hidden coves, bays, and channels inaccessible to larger vessels. Kayaking suits anyone with prior experience and is comfortable in the water. Some cruises offer kayaking as an optional activity that you can sign up for in advance.
Camping
Camping is another way to experience the Antarctic wilderness more immersive and adventurously. You can spend a night under the stars (or the midnight sun), sleeping in a tent or a bivy sack on the ice or snow. You can listen to the sounds of nature, such as the wind, the waves, and the wildlife. You can also witness the sunrise or sunset over the horizon. Camping suits anyone willing to brave the cold and the elements and does not require any special skills or equipment. Some cruises offer camping as an optional activity that you can sign up for on board.
Scuba Diving
Scuba diving is one of the most challenging and rewarding adventure activities in Antarctica, as it allows you to explore the underwater world of the polar region. You can dive under the ice and see colourful marine life, such as fish, starfish, corals, sponges, anemones, and krill. You can also encounter seals, penguins, and whales underwater. Scuba diving is suitable for experienced divers with advanced certification and a dry suit qualification. Some cruises offer scuba diving as an optional activity that you can sign up for in advance.
Whale Watching
Whale watching is one of Antarctica's most amazing and unforgettable adventure activities, as it allows you to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. You can join a Zodiac cruise or a kayak trip that takes you to the best spots to observe whales, such as humpbacks, orcas, minkes, fins, blues, and sei whales. You can watch them breach, spout, fluke, spy hop, and feed. You can also listen to their vocalizations with a hydrophone. Whale watching is suitable for anyone who loves wildlife and respects their space. Some cruises offer whale watching as an included or optional activity that you can sign up for on board.
Cost of Travelling To Antarctica
The cost of visiting Antarctica varies depending on the mode of transportation, the duration of the trip, the type of accommodation, the level of service, and the activities included. Generally speaking, cruises are more affordable than flights but still expensive compared to other destinations. The average cost of a cruise is around $10,000 per person for a 10-day trip. The average cost of a flight is around $20,000 per person for a 4-day trip. These costs do not include airfare to South America or South Africa/Australia, visas, insurance, tips, souvenirs, etc.
Antarctica is the ultimate adventure destination for ice lovers. It is a place where you can experience nature's beauty and challenge in its most extreme and pure form. It is a place where you can witness life's amazing diversity and adaptability in the harshest conditions. It is a place to enjoy various exciting and adventurous activities that will test your limits and create unforgettable memories.
Going to Antarctica may seem expensive, but it is worth every penny. It is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that will leave you speechless and amazed. It is an investment in your personal growth and happiness. It is a priceless opportunity to see one of Earth's most beautiful and unique places.
Don't miss this opportunity to visit Earth's most remote and extreme place. Book your trip to Antarctica today and get ready for an epic adventure.
Antarctica Travel FAQs:
How bad is the Drake Passage crossing?
The Drake Passage is the notoriously rough stretch of water between South America and Antarctica, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. It is known for its strong winds, high waves, and unpredictable weather. The crossing can take 36 to 48 hours, depending on the conditions and the ship's speed.
The Drake Passage can be either calm or stormy, depending on the luck of the draw. Some call it the Drake Lake when it is smooth or the Drake Shake when it is rough. Either way, it is part of the adventure of going to Antarctica and a rite of passage for many travellers.
How can I stay in contact with people back home?
Antarctica has no phone coverage and limited internet connectivity, so staying in touch with people back home can be challenging. However, there are some ways to communicate with your loved ones while on your trip.
Most ships have satellite phones that you can use to make or receive calls or texts, but they are usually expensive and unreliable. Some ships also have Wi-Fi or email access that you can use for a fee or with a prepaid card, but they are often slow and limited. You can also send postcards from some places like Port Lockroy or South Pole Station, but they may take weeks or months to arrive.
The best way to stay in contact with people back home is to inform them that you will be offline for a while.
How cold does it get in Antarctica?
Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, with an average temperature of -49°C (-56°F) and a record low of -89.2°C (-128.6°F). However, you will be visiting during the summer season (November to March), when the temperatures are relatively warmer (around 0°C or 32°F) and the daylight hours are longer (up to 24 hours).
What kind of wildlife can I see in Antarctica?
Antarctica is home to a rich and diverse wildlife that thrives in the harsh conditions. Some animals you can see in Antarctica are Penguins, Seals, Orcas, Humpback Whales, Albatrosses, Cormorants and Shags.
How much does it cost to go to Antarctica?
The average cost of a cruise is around $10,000 per person for a 10-day trip. The average cost of a flight is around $20,000 per person for a 4-day trip.
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