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During my unforgettable journey to Antarctica, I discovered firsthand the importance of preparation and respect for this awe-inspiring yet fragile ecosystem. Here are some personal travel tips based on my experience, aimed at helping future explorers navigate the wonders of the Antarctica.
When planning your Antarctica vacation, make sure to choose your cruise based on what you want to see. If you want to go further south, don’t go early in the season as the ice will be frozen and the ship will not be able to sail. I purposely planned my trip later in January so that I could see the baby penguins but still make it further south.
It’s summertime in Antarctica when cruise ships usually set sail. One calm, sunny day, we were dressed and ready to go onshore for a landing and the seas got too crazy for us to board the zodiacs. Others were onshore and thankfully, our team of expedition leaders got them back to the ship safely (drenched from the cold sea). However, some of the leaders lost their expensive cameras and lens. (Tip: Always remember to pack important items in a waterproof bag and get trip insurance.)
It didn’t take long for the day to go from sunny to cloudy and foggy looking with rough seas. Be prepared to listen to your expedition leader in case of weather changes to keep safe.
Cruise ships sail in Antarctica during the summer months when the days are long. I felt like there was only 3-4 hour of darkness a day during my sailing in January. This made for a long day of adventure with expeditions, picture taking, searching for wildlife and other onboard activities. You can participate as much or as little as you would like but it’s Antarctica, don’t miss out on too much.
I absolutely enjoyed my Antarctica cruise solo. I quickly made friends on the ship with the other like minded travelers eager to see the continent, so I never felt alone. After the first meal, I met a couple other solo travelers that happened to follow a similar schedule as mine. I never felt like I had to eat alone if I didn’t want to. However, I had the room to myself which was nice to get away if I wanted time alone. I didn’t have to share the shower after the polar plunge or do what anyone else wanted me to do.
Penguins smell and are louder than I thought. You have to stay 15 feet away from them. However, in some areas it is difficult to stay away from them because there are so many of them. In areas where there are penguin highways, you have to stop in an appropriate distance to give them the right of way. Penguins seem so clumsy (like myself) and I just love watching them.
I’m asked quite frequently about how many polar bears I saw in Antarctica. There are no polar bears in Antarctica. Polar bears live in the Arctic towards the North Pole.
Despite its icy appearance, Antarctica receives very little precipitation, making it technically a desert.
I had no clue what the Drake Passage is before researching cruises to Antarctica. I will tell you now it is an unforgettable experience. The Drake Passage is the confluence of the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern Oceans. Due to the unimpeded flow of water around the globe at this latitude, the passage is a significant factor in global oceanic circulation.
The passage is notorious for its unpredictable and often rough sea conditions. You will either have what they call the “drake shake” or the “drake lake.” We had the drake lake for the sailing down and it was like sailing the Caribbean.
However, we were told by the captain to get our rooms drake ready on our return home. It was like having my mom constantly rock me to sleep at night as I slept. At lunch, I was afraid my plate or drink would slide off the table as I ate. Walking around the ship was difficult and most people stayed in their rooms during the worst of the seas due to being seasick or not wanting to walk around.
No matter how strong of a stomach you have I suggest still bringing something to help calm sea sickness. There are many options for seasickness from the more natural gum to pills and patches. I would use caution with use of the scopolamine patch as the side effects seemed to bother me and many others worse than aid us and we ended up taking it off.
Tip: Atlas cruises did a great job handling people that were seasick that I could tell. I’ve never been on a cruise ship where I felt like I could go for help if I needed it and I did on Atlas.
Because of the changing in weather conditions in Antarctica this is a cruise that you learn you have to be flexible. There were plans made on our cruise that had to be changed due to worsening weather conditions or icy conditions. We had to listen to our expedition leaders as to what the next plan would be in preparation for it. Pretty much expect nothing from your cruise itinerary and be prepared for the surprises, I was.
The expedition leaders are educated professionals in their expertise that are sometimes seeing for the first time what you are. It was so exciting to not only share their knowledge of photography, glaciers, birds, penguins, and so much more, but their actual enjoyment for being in Antarctica.
It may be labeled an Antarctica cruise but it’s an expedition to the windiest, driest, coldest place on earth. While on board the expedition leaders gave lectures of various topics related to the southern continent and we explored sometimes twice a day inland or via zodiacs. Think of a cruise to Antarctica as more of an adventure instead of your normal pleasure cruise.
You can get still get sunburned in Antarctica. Don’t forget polarized sunglasses and lip balm with SPF. The reflection off the ice is no joke. I think it’s the only place I’ve ever wanted to wear sunscreen and hand warmers at the same time.
Many people asked me how many people lived in Antarctica. No one lives there permanently due to the harsh conditions. The people who live there come related to research projects and only come for temporary stays. I found it interesting that our ship would bring food to the research stations if we were stopping and let the researchers come on board to eat a warm meal. I didn’t see this occur but I heard this happens.
For cruise to Antarctica, waterproof gloves are necessary for combating the cold and wet conditions. Essential for warmth and dryness, especially during zodiac landings and wildlife sightings, choose gloves with a waterproof exterior and thermal insulation. Features like adjustable wrist straps and grips improve comfort and functionality, ensuring you can handle equipment with ease. The right gloves are key to enjoying your adventure without the distraction of discomfort in this extreme environment.
Click for packing list for Antarctica.
The fragile ecosystem of Antarctica is susceptible to the impacts of increased human activity, prompting the need for stringent conservation efforts. Recognizing this, many cruise operators, in conjunction with international regulations set forth by the Antarctic Treaty System and guidelines by the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO), have implemented various measures to minimize their environmental footprint.
In addition to educational programs to raise awareness about the importance of preserving Antarctica’s unique wilderness, our expedition team checked all of our clothes that had been worn prior to Antarctica for any seeds, soil, or biological material that could harm Antarctica. If fact, even my hat was vacuumed to make sure there was nothing on it. When getting off on or off the ship, we stepped on a brush with a disinfectant solution to prevent the introduction of non-native species to the continent’s fragile ecosystem. These conservation efforts are vital in ensuring that the continent remains a pristine wilderness for future generations to experience and study.
Reflecting on my Antarctica journey, I can’t stress enough the importance of being well-prepared and environmentally conscious. The right gear, especially waterproof gloves, and a respectful approach towards the pristine ecosystem, make all the difference in experiencing the true essence of this remote wilderness. Embrace the unpredictability, immerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty, and cherish every moment of this unparalleled adventure. The memories and lessons learned from the southernmost continent are not just souvenirs but treasures that will inspire and stay with you long after your return. As you embark on your own Antarctic voyage, carry with you a sense of adventure with an open heart and a commitment to preserving the pristine beauty of the southernmost continent.
Do you want to book a cruise to Antarctica? I can help you book an Antarctica cruise.
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