Activities to do in Antarctica
Activities to Do in Antarctica
Looking for things to do in Antarctica? This amazing destination brings to you some of the best experiences and activities that you can enjoy in the most remote place on earth. Surrounded by icebergs, icy glaciers, frozen waters, Antarctica is known as the coldest and driest place on the planet, ranking top on the lists of adventure junkies and travellers all over the world. From sightseeing tours and unique adventure activities, to water-based tours, cruises, aurora tours and more, there is a lot that you can enjoy during your holiday in Antarctica.If you are a nature lover and into adventure, you can choose between the various top things in Antarctica, including whale watching, cruise tours, kayaking, penguin watching and more. You can also enjoy exploring the numerous active science research bases scattered around Antarctica.
Want to soak in the glorious natural landscapes here? You can also head over to the black sandy beaches or active volcanoes in Antarctica, such as the ones on Deception Island, Cuverville, Neko Harbour and St. Andrew’s Bay, among others. There is no limit to the things you can do in Antarctica, so a holiday here is sure to be like no other you have had before.
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Antarctica Things To Do FAQs
Which are the best things to do in Antarctica?
1. Pay a visit to Deception Island: Being a lot more than what it looks like, a visit to the stunning Deception Island is amongst the best things in Antarctica. Being the abode of sailors from all over the world, the island is also home to an active volcano that holds numerous mysteries and secrets of the old whaling industry of Antarctica.
It is here where you can find several processing plants where whale blubber is processed for sale, along with ship processing plants and factories. Furthermore, Deception Island is also home to the only thermal spa in all of Antarctica. As of today, the island is known for its spooky ancient buildings, old whale skeletons and rusty oil drums, all of which are surrounded by black volcanic sand.
Location: Near South Shetland Islands Archipelago, Antarctica
2. Explore the icy waters of Antarctica by scuba diving: Scuba diving is undoubtedly one of the top things in Antarctica. Offering an experience like no other, scuba diving allows tourists a chance to explore the icy waters of this continent. Get a chance to experience the changing colours of the water with the ever changing position of the sun while you dive under.
With scuba diving, you can also enjoy crystal clear views of the icebergs, along with the vibrant and unique marine and coral life present in Antarctica.
Location: Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctic Circle
3. Explore the Vernadsky Scientific Research Station: Exploring the famous Vernadsky Scientific Research Station is one of the most unique Things to do in Antarctica. On your expedition of this land, head over to this research station and take a close look at some of the best and most cutting-edge research conducted on earth.
Dating back to the 1940s, this Ukrainian science base is especially known for its research on environmental issues, global warming, temperature changes and more. You can tour the base and also get a resourceful insight into the life of one of the most unspoilt and remote places on the planet.
Location: Marina Point, Galindez Island, Argentine Islands
4. Camp under the open sky and indulge in stargazing: Amongst the best experiences and activities in Antarctica is stargazing. Spend some time camping under the open sky during your Antarctic holiday and get a chance to catch millions of stars, constellations and more for a more adventurous and unique experience.
What makes the experience even better is the fact that you get to wake up to one of the most breath-taking sunrises of your life when you camp in Antarctica. With the stars glowing and giving you company at night, with the snowy terrain and complete solitude, this is one thing you should absolutely do when you visit Antarctica.
Location: Hovgaard Island
5. Witness colonies of penguins: One of the best Things to do in Antarctica is to watch the different species of penguins. The beautiful land of Antarctica is home to numerous different colonies of these unique bird species, and on your holiday here, you can hang out with these creatures. Watch the penguins in their natural habitats as they waddle around freely. However, tourists are advised to keep an optimum distance from the penguins to maintain their safety.
Location: Antarctic Circle, Weddell Sea
6. Kayak with whales: Want to experience something that you have never done before? Go on a kayak tour on your holiday, which is one of the top Things to do in Antarctica.Explore the beautiful cold surroundings of the continent and the stunning landscapes on a tranquil kayak tour. On your kayaking journey, you can also spot various marine animals, the most common of which are different species of whales, including orcas, humpback whales, minke whales, killer whales and more. Witness the beauty of this land along with the whales and soak in an experience that is incomparable.
Location: Along the Gerlache Coastline
Which are the best places to stay in Antarctica?
1. Whichaway Camp: Staying at the luxurious Whichaway Camp in White Desert is one of the best experiences and Things to do in Antarctica. One of the finest accommodations in the continent, this camp boasts of modern amenities, private charter jet service, ice tunnels, adventure activities and more.
2. Gould Bay Camp: Located in the Weddell Sea, a stay in this tented camp is amongst the best things in Antarctica, especially due to its proximity to a colony of emperor penguins in the area. The amenities here are simple, just perfect for everyday use and stay, with comfortable beds, running water, good food, etc.
3. Union Glacier Tented Camp: This camp offers an experience like no other, making it one of the top things in Antarctica. Located in the Ellsworth Mountains, this is a full-service camp with 35 clam tents, basic amenities and good food. A stay here is nothing short of experiential, with a thick blanket of snow all around you.
4. Hebridean Sky: Stay in the Hebridean Sky, a luxury cruise ship, during your holiday in Antarctica. This luxury expedition boat boasts modern amenities, comfortable rooms, penthouse and veranda suites with private balconies, along with a sun deck, lounge, fine dining restaurants, library and more.
Which are the best places to see wildlife in Antarctica?
1. Shetland Islands: Exploring the exotic and unique wildlife at Shetland Islands is one of the top things in Antarctica. From Antarctic terns, chinstrap and Adélie penguins, to blue-eyed shads, southern giant petrels, albatrosses, whales, dolphins as well as numerous seabirds, the Shetland Islands boasts of an abundance of wildlife.
2. South Georgia and the Falkland Islands: Amongst the Things to do in Antarctica is to head over to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia and witness over 40 species of birds, from seabirds to albatross and others. It is here where you can catch sights of the only meat-eating duck in the world, also known as the pintail, along with the popit bird, different penguin species, elephant seals, fur seals and more.
3. Macquarie Island: Visiting this world heritage site and exploring the diverse wildlife here is one of the best activities in Antarctica. The island is home to wildlife and bird species like albatross, penguins, petrels, shearwaters, prions, sea lions, fur and elephant seals, in addition to different penguin species.
How can I reach Antarctica?
To reach Antarctica, you need to fly into Ushuaia in Argentina, from where you can avail a cruise to Antarctica. The traditional cruise route from Ushuaia takes around two days and passes through the Beagle Channel and the famous Drake Passage, which is an experience in itself. Alternatively, you can also avail a charter flight in Ushuaia and fly to the King George Island in the South Shetland Islands, which takes around two to three hours.
What is the best month to go to Antarctica?
The best months to go to Antarctica are November to March, when this land experiences the summer season. These are the months when there is abundant sunshine in Antarctica and the ice caps melt to give way to ships and cruises coming in. These months are also great to explore the wildlife of the region, in addition to 24 hours of daylight, adventure activities and sightseeing, among other things.
What is Antarctica known for?
From thick ice covering almost 98 percent of the land to unique wildlife such as whales, penguins and elephant seals, Antarctica is known all over the world as the southernmost continent. It is also the highest, driest, coldest, windiest and iciest continent on the globe. You can also enjoy watching icebergs and glaciers here, in addition to indulging in adventure activities such as scuba diving, whale watching and cross-country skiing, etc.
Is it safe to go to Antarctica?
Yes, it is safe to go to Antarctica. However, it is imperative to discuss your travel plans with the guides, and be prepared for sudden weather changes there, owing to extreme weather conditions.
How many days are enough in Antarctica?
A minimum of ten days is required for a holiday in Antarctica. This includes cruise travel, along with sightseeing and other activities.
Where can I go for whale watching in Antarctica?
Some of the best places to go for whale watching in Antarctica include the Drake Passage, Wilhelmina Bay and Lemaire Channel. It is in these places where you can catch a glimpse of the various different species of whales, including killer whales, humpback whales, minke whales and orcas.
Which are the famous places to do kayaking in Antarctica?
Some of the most famous places in Antarctica where you can enjoy a kayaking experience are Danco Island, the Mikkelson Harbour and Wilhelmina Bay.
Which is the famous cruise in Antarctica?
The famous cruises in Antarctica include the Silversea Expeditions Cruise, the Hapag-Lloyd Cruises and Aurora Expedition Cruise, among others.
Why is Vernadsky Research Station famous in Antarctica?
The Vernadsky Research Station is famous for being one of the longest operating research bases in Antarctica. Along with conducting scientific research studies on trends related to long-term temperatures, the station is also a pioneer in studies related to global warming and other environmental issues.
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