When I first saw Cecilia Blomdahl’s vlog about living in Antarctica, I was as amazed as her 830K subscribers. Known for its extreme weather conditions, the population here varies between 1300 and 5100, depending on the season. Most of these people are semi-permanent occupants, consisting of scientific research station staff.
Despite all this, from 2022 to 2023, the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO) estimated that 106,000 people visited Antarctica. This southernmost island is teeming with land and sea wildlife, stunning scenery, volcanoes, and several adventure activities to enjoy.
So, if you are looking for a unique travel experience to the fifth-largest continent in luxury, we have got you covered. Let’s explore the frozen island of Antarctica. Also, learn about Antarctic Wildlife Encounters by reading this article.
The Best Time to Visit Antarctica
Being in the South Pole, Antarctica has its best travel season during summer, which is from November to March. During this time the temperature is above zero and many wildlife animals like penguins, seals, and polar bears can be seen playing on the icy land.
Most photographers visit this place during its prime season to get good shots. Adventure enthusiasts travel in groups for skiing, deep sea diving, and cold hiking through the winter landscapes.
FUN FACT
Winter in Antarctica is freezing darkness, where temperatures regularly hit -50 degrees Celsius.
The Best Way to Get Around Antarctica
Only two commuting ways are available to reach Antarctica – take a flight from South America or Australia and then a cruise to Antarctica. If you haven’t ever experienced a cruise life, a visit to the coldest region is a good start.
You should be well-prepared, and book the best by joining an Antarctica luxury cruise which has all the amenities for a comfortable sailing expedition. The cruise operators handle all permits and itineraries for the visitors.
Their onboard facilities include roomy cabins with beautiful ocean views, gourmet cuisines, elegant lounges, and top-level guides for a detailed interpretation of life in Antarctica. They also provide outdoor tour packages to explore the islands through zodiac excursions, kayaking, wildlife spotting, polar plunges, etc.
The Best Places to Visit in Antarctica
We travel to faraway places to experience something extraordinary and a different culture from ours. Antarctica is one such place that is unique from any other region. It’s a winter wonderland with many peninsulas, islands, and seas still unexplored. So, put on your winter goggles and gloves to deep dive into this polar desert.
The Antarctic Peninsula
Spread over an expanse of 1300 km, the Antarctic Peninsula is considered the most popular among tourists. While cruising along the icy waters, you will encounter multiple species of whales and seals welcoming you to the island.
Or direct your binoculars to spot penguins and seabirds over the rugged white coastlines, mountains, glaciers, and bays. Other areas to explore in the Antarctic Peninsula are Danco Island, Neumayer Channel, Neko Harbour, Paradise Bay, Port Lockroy, and more.
THINGS TO CONSIDER
To explore the island on foot, indulge in some snowshoeing, which is basically hiking in the snow with the help of walking poles and a guide.
South Georgia Island
They are also called the South Sandwich Islands included in most of the Antarctic itinerary. South Georgia is 170 km long and approximately 40 km wide, with two mountain ranges – the Allardyce and Salvesen – and many other glaciers.
Places to visit here and activities for tourists:
- South Georgia Museum
- The Norwegian Anglican Church
- Explore the biodiversity and wildlife of this island
- Historic Whaling Stations
- Falkland Islands to view the large colony of King Penguins
- Take zodiac excursions
- Argentinian science station Orcadas Base on Laurie Island
- Elephant Island
Most of the tourists like to visit the trio of selective Antarctic, South Georgian, and Falkland islands. But if you are feeling seasick, you can keep your itinerary limited to touring around the Antarctic only.
Deception Island
This volcanic island in the South Shetland Islands is one of the few places to set foot on an active volcano in Antarctica. The island’s horseshoe-shaped caldera provides a natural harbor, and the geothermal activity creates warm waters where you can swim in the thermal springs surrounded by snow and ice, a unique Antarctic experience!
You can visit the following places on Deception Island:
- Goose Rock Summer Trail
- Deception Pass Bridge
- Cranberry Lake
- Admiralty Head Lighthouse
- Coupeville Pier
The Weddell Sea
Located in the southern extension of the Atlantic Ocean, the thick icebergs of the Weddell Sea greet you. Visiting this place on a luxurious cruise becomes memorable with panoramic views. It covers about 2.8 million sq km, with a depth of 1600 ft (0.49 km).
Scientists claim that it has the cleanest water among all the world’s seas. Due to its unique location, it is home to iconic Antarctic animals like leopard seals and minke whales.
The Best Things to Do in Antarctica
Though we have listed quite a few activities that may already be included in your cruise itinerary, here are more suggestions for a memorable Antarctica trip:
- Luxury Tours and Cruises – booking luxury tours for your Antarctica vacation is a great way to see the best things here. These tours offer all-inclusive packages that allow you to explore the remote continent while enjoying top-notch amenities.
- Wildlife Watching – As mentioned before, the exotic wildlife that you see here is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Its unique location attracts many rare animals and fishes that may not be found anywhere else.
- Zodiac Excursions – Wherever the cruise ship cannot travel, a small but sturdy inflatable boat is hired to carry a few explorers between the icebergs. You might be lucky to see seals lounging on the icy coastline or penguins ready to jump from a cold cliff.
- Kayaking – Paddling away in the winter wonderland is a challenge and a privilege for tourists. Go with a small group and a guide to touch the corners with floating ice and don’t forget to put on your wetsuits and life vests.
- Polar Plunge – Take your adventure to the next level by trying the polar plunge. The cruise will provide a physician and expert divers while passengers dive into the Atlantic cold waters, participating in a ritual like baptism.
What to Pack for a Trip to Antarctica
If you have a true wanderer’s brave heart, everything you pack for your trip to Antarctica will be life-saving. You should pack stuff that keeps you warm and dry, with lots of layering to cover your face as well.
Here are some of the essential items to pack for a trip to Antarctica:
- Thermal Base Layers – is the first piece of clothing that will be touching your skin. Protecting your skin and keeping your muscles warm is the best strategy when visiting the cold continent. Consider Merino wool and synthetic as the base layer.
- Middle Warm Layering – From base layer to covering with woollen layering is a must. It regulates your body temperature well. Most tourists to Antarctica wear at least four woolen layers, but carry extra overcoats and jackets if you feel freezing.
- Waterproof External Wear – The icy region is either too dry or wet and therefore protecting your base and middle layer with a waterproof cover is very important. From top to bottom, even winter boots are relevant for Antarctica travel. Buy snow pants which are ideal when skiing because they also have multiple pockets, proper insulation, and are comfortable to wear. Some luxury cruises also provide guests with weatherproof parka jackets.
- Socks, Gloves, and Headwear – Warm socks go a long way but their length should be according to the boots you are wearing, providing complete coverage and warmth. A beanie headwear that also covers your ears properly. Always carry an extra pair just in case one gets wet while participating in outdoor activities. Wearing thick and waterproof gloves is a great idea to keep your hands warm and dry.
- Accessories – Travelling with protective gear is as significant as carrying winter accessories such as ski goggles, walking sticks, moisturiser/lip balm, and hand cream. Don’t forget your necessary gadgets like portable tripods, batteries, and a power bank for capturing exotic photographs.
- Medications and First Aid Kit – Your luxury cruise liner will have all the basic first aid kit as well as a doctor-on-call. Nevertheless, as per your health and any medical condition (if any), carry your daily medications to enjoy the Antarctica trip to the fullest.
Final Thoughts
Antarctica is truly a winter wonderland, and visiting this place opens doors to unique experiences. From the huge icebergs to winter hiking, and polar plunges to cruising through the clear waters, it has a lot to offer its visitors.
The rare wildlife this location has such as Humpback Whales, colonies of penguins, polar bears, and seals, cannot be found anywhere else. It is the attraction of the unexplored that brings tourists to this place.
Pack everything necessary to keep you warm and dry to enjoy all the venues. But don’t forget that this island is also a symbol of human survival amid challenges, with natural wonders to be preserved for a climate-conscious world.
