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Antarctica tours are much more than a chance to get away. For many people it’s a defining moment. To seasoned travelers it might mark the crowing achievement to years spent seeking out singular destinations. Others might have worked hard and saved for years for one big adventure. Well, they don’t get any bigger than this. Even the most hearty world traveler might say, “I’ve been everywhere.” But few can say they’ve been to the 7th continent.
Destination Must-See's
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Southernmost post office in the world:
After being abandoned for over 50 years, the most southerly post office in the world has re-opened. It’s possibly the most visited place in Antarctica even though it has no telephone, internet, electricity, or running water. Each letter sent from there will receive a highly-prized Antarctic stamp and postmark. Stamps are available that say “South Pole” as well as other commemorative and interesting stamps that are sure to delight collectors and non-collectors alike.
Penguins:
Antarctica is home to 6 of 17 species of penguins: Adélie, Chinstrap, Emperor, Gentoo, Macaroni, and Kings. Penguins are the most common birds in the arctic and live in colonies that can have populations larger than some cities. They can survive in the harshest conditions, but only two species (the Emperor and the Adélie) are native to Antarctica. Other species that can be found in Antarctica breed on the northern tip, where conditions are not as harsh.
Errera Channel:
This is one of the most beautiful areas of the Antarctic Peninsula. It’s almost 6 miles long and runs south before it turns west around Ronge Island. It has a constant current and can fill with small icebergs or occasionally be blocked by some very large ones. Errera Channel is home to several Gentoo penguin colonies and also to a few hundred of the rare chinstrap penguins.
Drake Passage:
Cruise south through the fabled Drake Passage, named for the explorer Sir Francis Drake. Warmer waters of the north meet the colder, denser waters of the south here in the Antarctic Convergence, making the area rich in marine life. Spot whales and sea birds as you begin this voyage of exploration. Experts provide presentations on history, biology and geology throughout your adventure.
Destination Must-Do's
Hurtigruten Cruise:
Hurtigruten offers a unique advantage and takes you to ports and waterways that other cruise ships cannot reach. Enjoy an incredible nature-based experience on one of their 11 different ships.
Polarcirkel boats:
These rugged boats will be your form of transportation while venturing off the ship in Antarctica. They are very safe and versatile vessels that allow you to get closer to nature than any other boat can. The boats fit roughly about 12 people plus cargo.
Roca Lake:
Roca Lake is a glacial lake in the southern part of Los Glaciares National Park in Argentina. Camping, hiking, fishing and climbing are fantastic in these parts as it is an ideal place to enjoy the Patagonian landscape. There are also horseback riding tours and lots of birdwatching opportunities.
Neumayer Channel:
Because it’s shaped like an ’S’, Neumayer Channel is said to be a maze since it looks like there’s no way out. The channel is known for its majestic cliffs, but also as a summertime feeding ground for humpback whales. Humpbacks are the most active species of whale and one of the biggest creatures known to science. Very entertaining to watch, humpbacks can be seen bubble netting, breaching, spy hopping, and competing against other whales. However, they tend to be alone or with just one other mate, so it’s a rare treat to catch them in a small group. Since they’re so big and move so slowly, it’s easy to study them up close from a boat.
Expert Advice
Use a dry bag or waterproof bag to protect your things.
Pack plenty of warm clothing, you can always take off layers if needed. But it is better to have than have not.
Batteries die faster in the cold so be sure to carry extra or keep external chargers with you.
