Despite the hefty price tag and the long journey, there are many good reasons why people would go to such great lengths to visit Antarctica. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you can witness an abundance of wildlife up close, from whales to seals, penguins, and polar bears. Aside from seeing these incredible creatures, visitors will have the opportunity to witness majestic sceneries, such as massive glaciers and dazzling blue-white icebergs. Here are some of the best things to see on a luxury journey when discovering Antarctica and its beautiful scenery.
Discovering Antarctica – all you need to know
The Penguin Colonies
The penguin colonies are some of the most interesting sights you’ll come across on a luxury journey to Antarctica, and one not to miss! There are six species of penguins living in Antarctica. These are the Emperor, Adelie, Macaroni, Chinstrap, Rockhopper, and Gentoo. You’ll have the incredible opportunity to see them up close as you explore Antarctica.
It’s not ethical to get too close to all kinds of wildlife. However, the penguins of Antarctica are unfamiliar and unfazed by humans, so don’t be surprised if some of them will walk right up to you! The safest and most ethical way to see penguins in Antarctica is to join a polar expedition where you will be with experts knowledgeable about the strict guidelines on wildlife viewing.
The best time to see penguins in Antarctica is from November to December as the continent slowly recovers from the harsh winter. During this time, the ice will start to melt, and large icebergs will start to form. Since the days are longer, there will be more time to admire the snow-capped landscapes. It is also the perfect time to witness penguins laying their eggs in their natural habitat.
Incredible Icebergs
You will see icebergs floating all around Antarctica. These were ices calved off from tidewater glaciers or ice shelves and are available in different sizes, from small chunks to massive floating behemoths that could take years to melt! Ninety per cent of the iceberg is submerged underwater, and you’ll only see a small part above the water level.
Whenever we hear of icebergs, we immediately think about immense spiky chunks of ice floating majestically in the freezing waters. However, any chunk of ice over 5 meters long and at least 30 metres thick can be considered an iceberg. They are available in different sizes and shapes but are divided into two main categories, tabular icebergs and non-tabular icebergs.
The icy waters surrounding Antarctica are home to incredible icebergs navigating the Earth’s oceans. The U.S. National Ice Centre, an organisation that names and tacks all Antarctic icebergs, are monitoring these icebergs. They provide ice analyses and forecasts, and over 95% of the data used in their analysis came from the remote sensors of satellites orbiting in space.
The Drake Passage
There are a few ways you can see Antarctica on a luxury holiday. Take a charter flight to King George Island or travel on a cruise ship. Every adventurer should experience the thrill of sailing from South America to the Antarctic Peninsula. This vast stretch of sea is called “The Drake Passage” and has a reputation for being the world’s most dangerous sea.
As your ship sails across the Drake Passage, you’ll see vast oceanic currents flowing in a narrow channel. Despite its reputation, sailing through the Drake Passage is not dangerous thanks to modern ship-building techniques that cruises have and satellite weather monitoring. You will have the opportunity to see whales, albatrosses and other incredible wildlife when passing through this area.
The Drake Passage extends from Cape Horn, the southernmost tip of South America, and into Antarctica’s South Shetland Islands. It’s the quickest route possible to reach Antarctica. The journey can be choppy and sailing through it is an exhilarating adventure!
The South Shetland Islands
Some of the places to look forward to on your adventure when discovering Antarctica are the South Shetland Islands. These are a cluster of islands spread across the Antarctic peninsula’s northwest coast. Almost all of them consist of ice. About 3% of the islands are free of ice. These areas are close to the coast, where you will find fascinating wildlife species, such as penguins and seals.
King George is the largest of the South Shetland Islands and the least isolated. It’s about 1,295 sq. km, and more than 90% consists of ice. Here, you’ll find human inhabitants of various bases squeezed into this small area. If you’re taking a charter flight to Antarctica, you’ll land on this island and board your cruise ship to explore the Antarctic peninsula. King George is low and flat, while its coast consists of several bays and fjords.
The other islands that make up the South Shetland Islands are Elephant Island, Deception Island, Penguin Island, Bridgeman Island, Greenwich Island, and more. It’s worth noting that the South Shetland Islands do not belong to any country. They are covered by the Antarctic Treaty, where all territorial claims to the continent are suspended.
The Weddell Sea
The Weddell Sea is one of the best things you’ll see on a luxury journey discovering Antarctica. It marks the northernmost tip of mainland Antarctica and is considered a southern extension of the Atlantic Ocean. The south side of the Weddell Sea is covered in thick ice shelves and massive icebergs throughout the year. Thus, navigating the area will depend on the weather and ice conditions.
The Weddell Sea is believed to be the cleanest body of water in the world. In the 1980s, scientists revealed that the sea has the transparency of distilled water. Objects below 80 metres can still be seen from above the water, making it the clearest water body on the planet.
The Weddell Sea was named after Scottish explorer James Weddell who discovered it during a seal-hunting expedition in 1823. At first, it was called the Sea of King George IV but was later on renamed after James Weddell in 1900.
Are you heading to Antarctica soon? Or is it somewhere you want to go? What do you think of our tips for discovering Antarctica? Let us know!
