Antarctica is the fifth largest continent in the world; However, the majority of cruises and tour guides will focus on the Antarctic Peninsula (the pointy part). This is a much safer option than venturing too far indoors.
The peninsula is home to a whole host of different landmarks, many of which are named after hundreds of different polar explorers who attempted to conquer this land before they realized it was inhospitable, and even more so in the 18th and 19th centuries.
Differences in time of year
During the fall and winter, much of Antarctica's coast is impenetrable due to thick ice and extreme temperatures that can drop to as low as minus 60 degrees. Yes, you read that correctly – 60 degrees below zero! Not to mention that the continent is immersed throughout the six winter months in 24-hour darkness.
So, to sum it up, the only time of year you can survive without freezing to death is from November to March. This is also the time when you will see wildlife at its busiest and enjoy the 24-hour sunshine, leaving you all day every day to explore.
One thing I would say is that the demand for cruise ships during this season is very high, and there are limited numbers of them, so if you want any chance of securing a place, you will need to book at least 12 months in advance. For the more popular ships, like Fly and Cruise Ships, it wouldn't hurt to book 18 months in advance.
October to November
These are the early summer months in Antarctica, and for many beings, they are the awakening of utopia. During the young season, snow and ice are very prominent, and millions of penguins return for the breeding season. If you are coming to Antarctica to see wildlife, this is the best time to come.
December to January
This is high summer, and temperatures are at their highest. The constant daylight also leaves plenty of time to explore. At this time of year, you'll see delicate penguin chicks in their nests, as well as many whales and king penguins arriving to start feeding.
February to March
This is late summer, and a great time to see penguins and seal pups hatching. There are also a lot of young animals during this time, which is when predators are most prominent. This is also the best time to watch whale encounters of all types.
Recommendations when planning
When planning a trip to Antarctica, it is essential to consider several key recommendations to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience. Here are the key points you should consider when planning your dream Antarctica vacation.
Get a smaller ship
When it comes to Antarctica, bigger doesn't necessarily mean better. Larger boats (more than 100 people) will reduce seasickness, so if you suffer from it, you may prefer one. However, a smaller boat gives you a more private feel.
You will also get the opportunity to interact one-on-one with scientists and lecturers and have access to shallow ports. Another downside to the larger boat is that only 100 passengers are allowed ashore at a time, so you'll have to take the boat in turns.
On board lecturers
When you sign up for an outdoor adventure in a wild landscape, the lecture program may seem a bit boring. However, I assure you that scientists share some interesting insights about the Earth and the creatures around you. With their help, you'll be able to identify the species yourself, and having a little knowledge will mean you'll be even more amazed by the landscape and creatures.
New Zealand subantarctic islands
If Antarctica is considered the forgotten continent, I am not sure how to describe these patches of land because it is the least explored part of it. New Zealand's sub-Antarctic islands are grazed by huge, exotic grasses, and are a very popular resting place for seabirds because they are the only land for thousands of miles.
A little further south is Macquarie Island, which is home to large colonies of seals and penguins. If you are interested in wildlife, you will not be disappointed.
Zodiac journeys
The beauty of Antarctica appeals to most individuals lucky enough to be able to go on a Zodiac cruise. This is when you go out on a small boat and can get up close and personal with the water, wildlife, and land. The weather and surroundings will determine your schedule for this once-in-a-lifetime experience. It's simply exciting!
Lumiere Channel
Sailing the Lemaire Canal was a special trip for me. If you look up, you will see glaciers, icebergs and cliffs. Then if you look down you will see the sea giants (humpback whales) along with the killer whales.
The channel can be up to 1,600 meters thick and is surrounded by loose icebergs, making this route dangerous. However, its beauty and mirror-like waters make it a photographer's paradise, earning it the nickname “Kodak Gap.”
How to choose a trip to Antarctica
Choosing an excursion can be difficult because there are so many different options. So, here are some important things to consider before booking your flight:
Itinerary
Take a look at each trip's itinerary in advance, as different trips focus on different aspects of Antarctica. For example, some will focus more on wildlife, others will focus more on landscapes, so it all depends on what you're most interested in seeing.
Size and number of passengers
It is very important to know that cruise ships are not allowed to stop in Antarctica, and any boat carrying more than 500 people is not allowed to land. So, if you want to step foot on the ice, you'll need to keep this in mind.
A polar ship with 50 to 200 people can navigate through the ice much easier and land in a wider range of areas, so, if possible, I recommend going on a smaller boat.
Accommodation
Take a look at the level of accommodation you want. For example, there are more luxurious cabins and much more basic ones. Be aware that, as in most places, an increase in comfort is often associated with an increase in price.
reputation
It is very important that the captain and crew you choose to go with are experienced and competent, as although this place is beautiful, it can be dangerous with inexperienced staff. So, before you book, take a look at the reviews of previous travelers to know whether the company is reliable or not.
Environmental impact
Antarctica is amazing, and it's our job to protect it. Therefore, when choosing a tour company, make sure that it follows strict environmental guidelines. The best cruises follow guidelines, so if a company doesn't follow these guidelines, it could be a sign that they are not trustworthy.
Flexibility
Consider how much flexibility you need. For example, some people like to explore on their own without anyone to guide them. So, if you're interested in a hands-off approach, there are options for that.
Journey to Antarctica
It can be difficult to get to Antarctica. However, the most common way to get there is to start in a small town in the far south of Argentina called Ushuaia. This is the city I came out of and it was a beautiful place.
The easiest way to get here is to fly to the capital, Buenos Aires, which has an international airport that receives flights from all over the world, regardless of which country you live in. I flew from London, and it was a very pleasant long plane ride; However, there is no quick way to get here. Then you can fly from the capital to Ushuaia.
What company did you go with and do I recommend them?
When I went on my trip, I decided to go with Poseidon Tours, and I couldn't recommend them enough. Before I went, I did a lot of research on it and found a lot of positive reviews as well as many repeat passengers, which was a very promising sign.
There are many different options within the company; However, I decided to go to the Antarctic Peninsula – “The World of Penguins and Icebergs”. This was an amazing experience that I will never forget, and although it may be expensive, it was worth every penny.
Conclusion
Overall, Antarctica is like no other; I recommend a trip if you have the financial resources. As long as you go with the right company and choose the right style of trip, you will have a great time.
About the author
My name is Jake and I am an avid traveler as well as running my own website (dannyconvery.com) with my brother. I've been traveling for the past few years, and one of the most memorable places I've ever been is Antarctica. This was the trip of a lifetime and I hope everyone has as good an experience as I did.
Hello! We are Jane and Ed Coleman also known as Coleman Concierge. In short, we are a 10th generation couple from Huntsville sharing our stories of amazing adventures through transformative and experiential activity-based travel.
