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South Georgia is often called the “Galapagos of the Poles” because of its biodiversity. Crossing south across the Antarctic Circle, at 66°33' S, is a milestone experienced by only a few polar travelers. Deception Island is a mountainous, horseshoe-shaped destination located off the coast of Antarctica in the South Shetland Islands. Home to an active volcano and eight nesting seabirds, Deception Island is a wildlife lover’s paradise. The largest group of penguins in Antarctica, and possibly the world, is located here.
Antarctica Expedition Cruise Guide
Most expedition ships that offer kayaking in Antarctica have a limited number of kayaks, so early reservation is crucial. As icebergs loom majestically overhead and seals laze on floating ice, you can navigate through a surreal world rarely experienced by others. You can see lots of whales too such as humpback whales, minke whales and orca (killer whales), and occasionally blue or southern right whales in the Southern Ocean. You can wander around a predetermined path, set out by the expedition guides, to visit research stations and viewpoints, or get closer to penguin colonies. Starting in Buenos Aires or Ushuaia, you then have one sea day to make it to Falkland Islands, then usually have two days exploring around the British archipelago. The length of your voyage determines not only how much of Antarctica you get to explore but also how much time you spend on the open sea versus the continent itself.
About the The Antarctica Explorer
Calling All Adventurers: Atlas Ocean Voyages Reveals New Polar Expeditions to Antarctica for 2025/2026 - Travel And Tour World
Calling All Adventurers: Atlas Ocean Voyages Reveals New Polar Expeditions to Antarctica for 2025/2026.
Posted: Thu, 18 Apr 2024 21:03:20 GMT [source]
Holland America offers a wide range of stateroom choices, from lower-cost interior cabins (which have advantages in Antarctic-length days) to large suites, and all come with fare options to make them more all-inclusive. We always recommend booking Antarctic cruises sooner rather than later. Book Celebrity with the right timing and you might find getting to Antarctica is more affordable than you thought.
Night Rio De Janeiro To UshuaiaDetails
These ends-of-the-Earth lands are tough toaccess and offer constant changes in scenery. Protect the unique wildlife, stunning environment and exploration history of one of the world’s most spectacular places by selecting a reputable company to travel with, like the ones we recommended in this article. Only every book a trip with a company that is registered of IAATO, which is an official organisation that designates Antarctica purely for the purpose of science and research. A couple of companies now also offer skiing and snowboarding trips to Antarctica.
Viking Ocean Cruises
Marvel at the massive icebergs and vast glaciers on a Zodiac cruise in Paradise Bay. Be moved by penguins tenderly caring for their precious eggs, and fiercely defending their nests on Cuverville Island. Watch cataracts of ice tumble into clear blue ocean on a hike over the active glaciers of Neko Harbour. Experience the Antarctica of old at historic huts such as Damoy Point, lovingly restored and open to all.
We’re deeply committed to being a responsible business and understanding the impact we have on the places we visit. All Intrepid trips are 100% carbon neutral, but we are driven to do more, from committing to science-based decarbonisation targets to and recently updating our Seven-point Climate Action Plan. Sail the icy waters of the Drake Passage, keeping watch for seabirds, whales and icebergs.
Some Antarctica tours go to the eastern side of the Peninsula and enter the Weddell Sea, which promises a different experience again and is not often visited by travellers. If stepping foot on the Antarctic continent isn’t enough, you can become one of the 0.001% of the human population who will ever cross the fabled Antarctic Circle at 66º southern latitude. Just because it’s the most common tour doesn’t mean it’s not worth doing. A Peninsula trip is truly mind-blowing, and allows you to officially step foot on the 7th continent. There are a variety of different itineraries that are available to book for cruises to Antarctica.
Because our fleet of intimate expedition ships takes you so far off the beaten track, there is no track. Because we have made all-inclusive luxury cruising to Antarctica into an art form. Lengthier cruises include visits to such destinations as the Falkland Islands and South Georgia. To bypass the notoriously rough waters of the Drake Passage, passengers can book an Antarctica Bridge sail. Passengers fly business class to and from King George Island in the South Shetland Islands and board Silver Endeavour from there. Scenic is for cruisers seeking the ultimate hybrid of a luxury cruise ship and a small environmentally conscious expedition vessel.
Here it is ice and weather, not clocks and calendars, that dictate polar proceedings, and patience and flexibility are paramount. Everyone who comes to this isolated continent must ‘earn it’, none more so than those embarking on an expedition cruise from South America’s “Land of Fire”, Tierra del Fuego, bound for Antarctica’s antithetical “Land of Ice”. For any cruises listed, Cruise Critic does not guarantee any specific rates or prices. The White Continent is a dream destination for any explorer at heart, and travellers certainly won't be disappointed when they see it in all its splendour. Details are often available in cruise itineraries, and early registration ensures you’re part of these enriching experiences.
I've sailed on nearly all of these new vessels, in many cases in polar regions, and have been consistently amazed by just how much of an upgrade they really are. When the conditions are right, there's no better way to cross the frozen terrain than by wearing snowshoes. Our modern equipment makes it easy to walk on the soft snow, and the elements are usually best during our late spring and early summer Antarctica cruises. Next we’ll place a free, no obligation, 24-hour cabin hold on your preferred cruise option whilst we discuss the final details. Book and relax safe in the knowledge you’ll be paying the lowest price guaranteed. Prepare yourself properly for the voyage of a lifetime with our comprehensive Antarctica cruise guide.
A sister vessel to Viking Octantis, Viking Polaris, will debut in August 2022 and also will sail to polar regions. They're also very stable ships, thanks to an unusual new sloping bow design -- something that can make a big difference when sailing to and from Antarctica across the notoriously rough Drake Passage. Some of the fanciest of the newcomers also have such over-the-top amenities as helicopters for sightseeing from above and submarines for seeing what lurks just under the water. At the very high end, some ships feature all-suite accommodations with butler service. Handpicked experts from a range of backgrounds, you'll soon discover their passion and energy for Antarctica is infectious. They'll lead you on adventures off the ship, deliver fascinating lectures, unlock nature's wonders in the Science Centre, and perhaps even entertain you along the way.
First crossed by the British explorer James Cook in 1773, it's an integral part of the history of Antarctica. Travellers will feel a true sense of accomplishment and joy as they follow in the footsteps of the great explorers. Finally, remember that it’s a privilege to visit Antarctica and you should always make sure you do so responsibly. There’s also only a couple of companies that are equipped for this and it’s quite expensive. As above, you need to prove you have backcountry skiing/snowboarding experience, all the right gear and avalanche rescue training before you can sign up. With the guidance of expert mountaineers, you can ascend icy peaks or navigate glacial routes for an epic bucket list adventure.
Aurora has a small fleet of luxury ships and a fantastic team of seasoned expedition guides, so travellers are in good hands. When researching Antarctic Peninsula cruises you’ll probably see that the majority of the itineraries sail across the Drake Passage, the infamous stretch of sea between South America and Antarctica, while a couple fly over the Drake to King George Island. Speak to a Polar Travel Advisor who can explain where your voyage will embark and the nearest airport.
Windproof and waterproof clothing, including a jacket and overpants, with plenty of warm layers are essential. Long underwear, socks, gloves and waterproof boots are highly recommended. Most cruise lines that disembark passengers in Antarctica will provide necessary gear, including thick outerwear. Be the first to know about our itineraries, and receive exclusive offers, destination articles and more. We’re proud to announce that our newest addition has joined the fleet.
Canadian company Quark Expeditions is one of the true pioneers in polar adventures. And if you ask for opinions from a travel agent, they’ll just tell you the one that either a) pays them the most commission or b) is going to offer them a free trip if they sell X number of spots. With more than 100 operators running trips to Antarctica it’s very easy to be overwhelmed with who to go with. Choosing the right Antarctic cruise is essential for crafting an unforgettable polar experience.
