Here are a few suggestions of things to see and do in my favourite places in Antarctica.
Take heed, my lists are not intended as essential bucket lists and nor are they written in any particular order. To protect our sanity, I’ve limited each country to only ten suggestions. While there may be more worthy sights to see first, you don’t need to worry because you’ll hear all about those as soon as you arrive.
Antarctica - Destination guide
It’s bleak, it's cold, there is no one about and the only smell is the sweet stench of guano. If you visit, you will forget the danger, you will forget how seriously sea sick you felt getting there, but you will never forget how simply amazed you were with Antarctica’s stunning beauty. Here are a few things to do:
You haven't been there until you have
If you sail to Antarctica, be sure to step foot on the continent. Remember, you can’t say you have been there until you’ve been there. Those who satisfy themselves swanning about on the boat taking photographs haven’t technically been to Antarctica.
Polar plunge
Do the polar plunge. Embrace the cold, strip down and dive into those Antarctic waters while attempting not to trigger a cardiac arrest.
Lemaire Channel
Sail through the Lemaire Channel – it is simply amazing.
Penguin colony
Visit a penguin colony. It’s smelly, it’s noisy but there is nothing quite like it in the world.
Make friends with a seal
Make friends with a seal. They look so cute when they are not devouring innocent penguins.
Research stations
Visit one of the many research stations on the continent and have a drink with the scientists.
Have a whale of a time
Get up close and personal with a whale. But mind you don’t get too close.
Chillax
Chillax, dig yourself a beach sauna with the volcanically heated sand at Deception Island and give the local penguins something good to look at.
Rare birds
Keep a look out for rare birds, emperor penguins generally don’t stray too far north but can occasionally be seen in the peninsular. If you don’t see an emperor, keep a look out for a rare camouflaged albino penguin.
Penguins need to eat too
Upon your return home be sure to explain to all your friends why taking Krill Oil is destroying the fragile Antarctic ecosystem.
Antarctica - Tips
When to go
Visit in January if you wish to see lots of cute baby penguins. Alternatively, March is good if you’re more interested in whales.
You're going to need a smaller boat
Many Antarctic sites limit landings to a maximum of 100 people. So, if you want to place your boots on terra firma, be sure to book a berth on the ship with the least number of passengers you can afford.
Not too small
Don’t skimp on the ride, Antarctic waters can be rough. While you’re not necessarily going to need a bigger boat, you’re certainly going to need a boat with stabilisers.
Keep your batteries warm
Keep your camera batteries warm with heat pads, the cool temperatures will drain your batteries faster than you can imagine.
Giveaways
Take some supplies to swap with research station personnel – you’ll be surprised with what you may receive in return.
Smells
Give your nose a good time and take a handkerchief to breathe through when visiting a penguin colony.
History
Read about the great Antarctic explorers before you leave home.
Don't feed the birds
No matter how tempting, don’t feed the wildlife.
Boots
Take a pair of rubber boots and three pairs of thick socks.
There are no shops in Antarctica
Arrive at least two days before your boat sails, this is one trip you can’t take if your airline loses your luggage.