Antarctica

The ‘White Continent’ is a photogenic dream, and the last frontier for intrepid explorers.

Enter a frozen world where seals lazily watch the ships go by, and stark white icebergs stand out vividly against the deep blue sea. A once-in-a-life-time adventure awaits for anyone making this voyage across the sea. Despite the harsh conditions, Antarctica holds a remarkable concentration of wildlife, much of which has evolved to survive in this extreme environment. The deep guttural calls of penguins in their thousands are carried across the landscape on fierce winds. With their swagger-like walk and comical habits, penguins are a firm favourite with visitors. Species that can be seen include Adelie, Chinstrap, Macaroni’s, Gentoo and Rockhopper. Look to the skies and petrels, skuas and albatross glide overhead. Mammoth cetaceans including humpback, southern right and minke whales are at home in the freezing waters below, and Antarctica also boasts a large population of Orca.

Wildlife, photography and a love of the extraordinary are what draw most people to visit this remarkable place, but a little further afield there is also a historic side. Cook, Scott and Shackleton are names all closely associated with Antarctica, and for good reason. Their explorations of this vast and icy continent are legendary, and many people are interested to see the conditions through which they battled many years ago.

Cruise ships now commonly combine journeys to Antarctica with the surrounding islands including South Georgia and the Falkland Isles. These remote and barren specks of land in the middle of the ocean are beautiful in their own right. Although they are missing the magnificent pure white landscapes, what they do have is dramatic snowcapped peaks, sweeping valleys and coves, and an astounding concentration of bird life. Hundreds upon thousands of king penguin nest on South Georgia, alongside Gentoo, chinstrap and Macaroni penguins. In addition, there are 4 different albatross species, plus skua, shearwater and petrel among others. The Falkland Isles boast similar wildlife populations, with five penguin species, and many types of whale and dolphin in the surrounding waters. During a cruise to these fascinating and rarely-visited islands, it is also possible to visit abandoned whaling stations, Shackleton’s grave, historic churches and war memorials.

SAMPLE HOLIDAYS

Below are 3 sample itineraries of what you could do on holiday to Antarctica. 
Contact us to create your own luxury holiday.

WHERE TO VISIT

DISCOVER COUNTRY

WHEN TO VISIT AND FACTS

November is the beginning of the travel season in Antarctica and signals the arrival of the first few boats. It’s the middle of spring, the penguin rookeries are bursting with activity, and the presence of fast ice gives you the opportunity of walking on sea ice.

In December, Antarctic travel is becoming more popular as the temperatures begin to rise and the days start to get longer. Wildlife numbers are increasing, hungry humpback whales start arriving and the first penguin chicks are starting to hatch.

In January you can get face-to-face with newborn wildlife, who are now curious and playful. As the temperatures rise and ice melts, new areas become accessible and voyages down to the Polar Circle are now possible.

• It is the height of summer on the Peninsula with warm temperatures and generally stable weather.
• The opening up of the ice allows the season’s first voyages to reach the Polar Circle.
• Penguin chicks are at their fluffiest and making strong demands on their parents for food.
• Humpback whales are actively seen at the surface gorging on krill.
• The ice in the Ross Sea opens up allowing access the historic huts of Shackleton & Scott.

February is Antarctica’s most active month for wildlife with penguins, seals, whales and birds at their highest numbers. The melting and breaking of the ice allows for the maximum exploration of the region.

• February is peak whale watching season as all migrating pods have now made it down to Antarctica’s rich waters.
• The penguin chicks are now very active and inquisitive, and are learning to swim in the shallows now that they are developping wing feathers.
• The moulting stage begins for the adult penguins, making them look rather silly at times.
• It’s the perfect month to explore the Polar Circle, now that the ice has receded to its maximum.
• The full-up whales are now beginning to explore and play, approaching boats and breaching the water.

Whale season is in full swing proving great chances of sighting the different types of whale. The juvenile penguins are busy learning to swim and catch fish themselves. With fewer boats about now the season is coming to an end, prices are generally lower with good cabin availability.