Antarctica — Cruise Highlights and Expedition Tips
Antarctica, the great southern continent, is among the most remote and inaccessible places on our planet, and for the seasoned traveller who has been everywhere else, its allure can prove irresistible. Here are some highlights of Antarctica expedition that can push you get on the trip and some tips to help you through it.
Antarctica Cruise Highlights
- Spot bird and marine species from the deck of your cruise ship as the excitement builds during the crossing of the infamous Drake Passage en route to Antarctica.
- Marvel at the spectacle of a sea filled with serene, ethereal icebergs as your ship nears the great southern continent.
- Step foot on the Antarctic Peninsula, the great spit of land that arcs up towards South America from the Antarctic landmass, a place where only a privileged few get to tread.
- Travel south of the Antarctic Circle to see a part of the world that just a handful of other human beings ever visit
- Leave the ship and enjoy the thrill of exploration in a kayaking adventure on the Antarctic seas.
- Photograph the many iconic species of the Antarctic region, including elephant seals, penguins, orcas and humpback whales.
- For the bravest travelers only, test your mettle by taking a dip in the icy waters of the Antarctic — just to say you’ve done it!
- Take in other islands in the area like the Falklands and South Georgia, visiting scientific outposts and abandoned whaling settlements along the way.
Antarctica Expedition Tips
- If you hope to step onto the Antarctic Peninsula, understand that numbers of tourists allowed onshore at any one time are strictly limited, so booking a cruise on a smaller ship may allow you to have more time on land.
- The cruise season runs from October to March, with December to February being peak season — December and January are the best times to see penguin pups while you have the best chance of spotting whales at the end of the season
- Since evacuation from Antarctica in the event of an emergency is by helicopter, you should make sure you take out an adequate insurance policy that covers such eventualities before travelling.
- Be clear about what you want to do and see during your trip – for example, if you want to step foot onto the Antarctic continent or hope to enjoy kayaking trips, make sure these activities are included in your package when booking your Antarctica cruise.
- There are several points of origin for Antarctica cruises, including South Africa and Chile, but the most common and convenient place to begin your Antarctica adventure is the attractive waterside town of Ushuaia in Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego province.
