Did you ever imagine that the legendary continent of Antarctica could be accessed by you, the tourist? Home to tuxedoed penguins; once the destination of scientists and famed explorers only; and covered in 5 million square miles of ICE. Despite its inhospitable environment, Antarctica is home to a variety of unique and hardy species, including penguins, seals, krill, and whales and the research conducted there is focused on a wide range of topics, including climate science, glaciology, geology, biology, and astronomy.
Back to my original question, slightly paraphrased...have you added The White Continent to your list of must-sees? A trip to Antarctica is the ultimate travel goal. These ends-of-the-Earth lands are tough to access and offer constant changes in scenery. Here are five reasons to set off on an Antarctic cruise.
1. Treat yourself to a unique adventure
Far from major tourist routes, Antarctica remains one of the few preserved areas on the planet. Tourism is regulated. Vessels departing for continent do not carry more than 200 passengers at a time. It's an opportunity for everyone to enjoy an extraordinary experience in surprising luxury, and to create absolutely unforgettable memories and social media bragging rights.
2. Witness exceptional wildlife
A true sanctuary for wildlife, Antarctica is home to a diversity of marine mammals and birds that have come ashore to breed. In the water, Weddell seals, Minke whales, humpback whales, sea leopards, and subantarctic fur seals put on an enchanting show for travellers. Both on the ground and in the air, king penguins, gentoos, southern rockhoppers, and chinstraps, along with albatrosses and petrels, jump and frolic to complete the show.
3. Move through incredible scenery
Blue icebergs, sparkling towers of ice, an immaculate ice floe, imposing mountain ranges and thousand-year-old glaciers serve as backdrops to these dreamy views. Here, you'll be dazzled by shades of white, blue, grey, and sometimes purple. Sunsets give the ice a fiery glow. The sheer vastness of the setting and the 'noise' of the elements evoke moments of pure emotion.
4. Follow in the footsteps of the greatest explorers!
Even if Antarctica remains very enigmatic today, think about what it must have been like more than a century ago. British explorer James Cook ventured there as early as 1773. Adventurers followed in their droves. From Captain Charcot to Sir Ernest Shackleton, or Roald Amundsen, who was the first to reach the South Pole, or, more recently, Paul-Émile Victor, these men have tried to unravel the mysteries of the ice floe.
5. Visit historical sites and scientific bases
Even today, the White Continent keeps some of its secrets for itself. Scientific bases have been set up there to carry out research, particularly relating to climate. Former whaling stations, veritable open-air museums, bear witness to the ravages of the seal and whale hunting that took place at the beginning of the 20th century. Port Lockroy is home to the southernmost post office in the world, from which you can send your loved ones a postcard featuring the Antarctic stamp.
There are two ways to do this trip: in absolutely all-inclusive luxury, and a more casual explorer-ready style. Either way you'll enjoy highly personalized service, destination immersions, and a travel experience made for seasoned explorers like you. I can help you select the perfect cruise line and itinerary for your Antarctic adventure; the START PLANNING button is right here:
'til next week.
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Contact: GLOBAL EXOTIC ADVENTURES - Juliet Weller, Owner