Icebergs, glaciers, scientific research bases, penguins… as if it were the tragic expedition of Ernest Shackleton, the Antarctic superhero, to the South Pole. What we imagine is real, and there are opportunities for travel that allow you to experience it. Here are some notes from the journal of our trip to Antarctica aboard an expedition cruise vessel.
The tail of a whale that plunges into the cold waters
Sometimes from the boat you see a group of whales Swimming around. You need to be ready: a boat excursion can be arranged in an instant, allowing us to sail alongside the animal. The moment it arches its body and dips its tail is magical. February and March are usually the best months for sightings.
Snow in Antarctica
Once ashore, the guiding team organises various excursions. Some are simple beach walks, while others are more demanding. Deep snow and the absence of roads can turn a simple walk to the top of a nearby hill into a full adventure Exciting.
The inflatable boat, or Zodiac, is the most practical
We travel and live aboard a ship equipped with everything needed for an Antarctic cruise, but we need Zodiacs to go ashore. Boarding them and stepping onto land are the main challenges of a trip to the coast of Antarctica; the rubber is slippery, water splashes and you feel the wind. Zodiac excursions among blocks of blue ice are extraordinary, unforgettable experiences.
The ship’s bridge
A real treat: sitting beside the officers on the bridge and watching how the ship is navigated, with nautical charts, weather reports and radio transmissions…
We are at the end of the world, Antarctica
When the sky turns grey and the mineral world dominates the landscape, it becomes unsettling. Some places resemble the setting of Cormac McCarthy’s novel The Road.
Icebergs
What you soon learn: frozen sea (pack ice) is different from the large blocks of ice that break off the glaciers forming the icebergs. With a little luck, approaching by Zodiac, it is sometimes possible to land on one and step onto its hard, frozen surface.
The penguins
A natural history note: the Arctic has polar bears, while the Antarctica, penguins. Many, many penguins, forming vast colonies. They are not afraid of humans and let us approach. Their unmistakable smell stays with us even after the trip ends.
We are therefore faced with a expedition which is much more than a trip to the South Pole; it is a life experience that we will never forget and that deserves to be experienced at least once. If you would like to join us on our next expedition to Antarctica, For more information. Don't waste time, places are limited! If you need more information before deciding to explore the South Pole, see our guide to travelling to Antarctica.