5 Best Ways To Experience True Adventure In Antarctica

If you are looking for a new adventure in spectacular landscapes, Antarctica offers this and more. The world’s southernmost continent may be mostly uninhabited and ice-covered, but it offers a huge range of activities to choose from. Whether sea kayaking, whale watching, snowshoeing or wildlife viewing, Antarctica offers a truly exciting experience for anyone.

Getting to Antarctica

A range of cruises is available to take you to Antarctica, with experts in biology, geography, history and more offering sound advice and information along the way. Below, we offer a look into the best activities and adventures to enjoy in Antarctica on your next cruise.

1. Sea kayaking & boat tours in Antarctica

When you first climb into a kayak in Antarctica, it can feel a little daunting, padding along through shards of ice. However, once you get into the swing of things, those turquoise icebergs will catch your eye, along with cute penguins and seals resting on the ice floes. Meanwhile, beneath the water you and often spot orcas and minke whales gliding beneath you.

Once you head to the shoreline and climb out of the kayak, you can enjoy a stroll on an Antarctic beach, surrounded by comical Emperor penguins, all squawking for attention. Depending on your cruise, if you don’t fancy kayaking, enjoy a boat tour instead.

2. Snowshoeing expedition

At certain times, the best way to explore the Antarctic landscapes is by snowshoeing. You will follow your expedition leader as he takes your small group of visitors to explore the shoreline and hills. Meanwhile, the expeditions range from two-hour strolls for beginners to full-day snowshoe treks for experienced folk.

Moreover, while snowshoeing is reasonably easy, it can also be physically tiring. Due to this, your tour guide will plan out the most suitable routes to suit everyone before you clip your lightweight snowshoes onto your boots.

3. Whale watching in Antarctica

For animal lovers, the waters of Antarctica are rich with squid, krill and crustaceans, making it the ideal stopover for whales. Meanwhile, despite the fact that thousands of these magnificent intelligent creatures were killed in the 20th century, Antarctica is one of the best places to spot the elusive blue whale.

Among the other species, it is possible to spot killer whales, sperm whales, southern right whales, humpback whales and more. Spotting these amazing mammals makes a visit to Antarctica worthwhile for this alone.

4. Port Lockroy Museum & Post Office, Goudier Island

For travelers who want to learn more about Antarctica and its fascinating history, a visit to Port Lockroy Museum & Post Office is the perfect answer. The former British research base is set on Goudier Island and operates as a modest museum, gift shop and post office.

Meanwhile, those researchers worked here until 1962, after which the base was abandoned. However, restorations were made in 1996 under the terms of the Antarctica Treaty, which declared the buildings Historic Monuments.

5. Onboard lectures about Antarctica

While experiencing a cruise to Antarctica, you may wish to learn much more about the marine life and wildlife of the icy continent. Wherever possible, your cruise ship will provide onboard lectures giving insights into the history, biology, geography and more in Antarctica.

Through the lectures, you will be taught how to identify wildlife species and iceberg formations. Moreover, experienced photographers will help you capture those magnificent landscapes perfectly. Find out more on the Visit Antarctica website here.