Introducing Antarctica
It is strange to write about a continent where nobody permanently lives due to the region’s harsh and hostile terrain and weather. With wind speeds of up to 220 mph and an ice layer 4.8 km deep which is deeper than many of the world’s great mountain ranges, this is a continent like no other on earth.
Antarctica is the world’s least visited and as such a relatively undiscovered continent. Yet it holds the key to all of our futures when we talk about global warming and climate change. Here researchers and scientists have uncovered the signs that our planet is crying out for help.
Thankfully the many expedition ships and cruises that pass through these icy waters work with authorities to ensure the minimum damage is done to the environment. They also educate visitors on eco-tourism, sustainability, and a wide range of measures aimed at ensuring this experience will be available for years to come.
Polar Routes
Many expedition ships such as Ponant, Silversea, Hurtigruten, and Holland America offer amazing itineraries to this remote part of the world. Some also allow you at certain locations to get out on the water on Kayaks or Zodiacs. This allows you to get up close to marine animals and also icebergs that the larger ships cannot access.
There are plenty of activities and trips you can do in Antarctica. One of the most popular is penguin watching with six species regularly seen on trips – Adelie, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Chinstrap, Macaroni, and the King of them all, the Emperor.
You can visit and get a true understanding of what happens at one of the many Antarctica research stations where they study all manner of different subjects such as meteorology, ecology, seismology, and physics.
A once-in-a-lifetime opportunity may also present itself in that you can camp out under the stars either under a tent or simply in a sleeping bag on the ice looking at the stars.
Underwater, there are scuba opportunities and also if you need a quick burst of refreshment there are places you can take a brief plunge to clear the senses!
For more expert advice why not check out one of my guest blogs here “Tour Of Antarctica“.
Top Things To See & Do
Ushuaia
The capital of Tierra del Fuego and the gateway to Antarctica. Located close to the beautiful Tierra del Fuego National Park there are opportunities for hiking and sightseeing. You can take a trip up the Beagle Channel, discover the Vinciguerra Glacier or go dog sledging.
Deception Island
This volcanic island has a safe and natural harbor making it a popular stopping point en route to further adventures. It was also the home to the region’s whaling industry in the early 20th century.
Blood Falls
This strange natural phenomenon is an iron oxide-tainted stream of salt water that flows from the Taylor Glacier.
Trinity Church
The Holy Trinity Church is a Russian Orthodox church on King George Island. The site is also close to Bellingshausen Station which is a Russian research station.
The Drake Passage
The stretch of sea from the tip of South America to the Antarctica peninsula has a reputation for being one of the most dangerous in the world. This is due to the considerable ocean currents flowing through the channel. However, for the adventurous, it is the only way to travel.
Mount Vinson
This is Antarctica’s tallest mountain at 4,897 meters. It can be climbed however it takes practice, training, and a skilled team to embark on this challenge.
Port Lockroy
The harbour of Port Lockroy is a scientific research base as well as a museum. There is also a post office where the tradition is you send a postcard home. Better than a text I reckon!
