Antarctica and Places You Might See

Are you planning on visiting Antarctica this year? On every journey, our Antarctica21 team includes at least 12 expert polar guides and their number one priority is ensuring you have an unforgettable experience. Our team knows Antarctica’s unique geography, natural history, wildlife and ecology, and loves sharing their travel tips with you.

Antarctica’s surface spans a bit more than 14,000,000 km². It is divided into two sectors: Major or Eastern Antarctica, the widest and oldest, and Minor or Western Antarctica. The formation, which is characterized by its curved tail and points north like a serpent and is known as the Antarctic Peninsula. Most cruises or small-ship expedition cruises like those of Antarctica21, explore the Antarctica Peninsula. When thinking about Antarctica, many imagine the huge icebergs, glaciers, snow and, of course, its wildlife. But what about the places you could see and step foot on? Here is a list of four of the types of places you might see when visiting Antarctica on an air-cruise.

1. The Channels –There are many narrow channels in Antarctica, one of the most famous being the Lemaire Channel. This one has the nickname “Kodak Gap” for its epic photography opportunities. Whether its this one or another that your expedition takes you down, you will be sure to see ice floes, the mountain peaks and many glaciers that make up the Antarctic landscape.

2. Scientific Bases -There is so much history in Antarctica and you can visit it during your trip. Old scientific bases like Port Lockroy, a retired English base, offer opportunities for visits that include a souvenir shopping and the chance to post a letter to yourself or someone else back home. Many times, you arrive back to your neighborhood way before the mail arrives from Antarctica.

3. Wildlife Colonies– There is no question that Antarctica is the home to some of the world’s most epic wildlife like humpback whales and leopard seals. However, some areas in Antarctica are home to more wildlife than others. For example, Cuverville Island is well-known for its large gentoo penguin colonies, which includes 6500 breeding pairs. And while you cannot predict when you will see bigger marine life, you can 100% guarantee that penguins will make up some of your best memories on the 7^th continent.

4. Volcanic Islands– Imagine swimming in the waters of Antarctica; surely that would come as a surprise as this is the continent that houses 90% of Antarctica’s freshwater ice. On your expedition, a visit to one of the peninsula’s volcanic islands could be in your itinerary. And in some places like here in Deception Island, the water is warm enough to take a quick dip.

To learn more about visiting Antarctica and our expeditions, contact us today!