Antarctica is one of the most beautiful and unexplored places in our planet. For over two centuries, this white continent has attracted scientists and adventurers with its unmatched natural beauty.
This frozen land has recently become much more accessible to wildlife enthusiasts and tourists, who can now study its unique wildlife, and enjoy the majestic icebergs and superb scenery. The austral summer, from November to March, with its long hours of daylight means plenty to time for exploration and wildlife watching.
The sea ice has retreated, so it is possible to get to the continent itself and the wildlife is plentiful and active. During summer on the Antarctic coast, the daily temperature is usually about 0oC to 5oC.
In December you are more likely to see massive icebergs in the water and for the ship to have to crash through plates of ice on the water’s surface – if you want spectacular ice, this is the time to go. Penguins abound and are nesting their eggs. In January the penguins are hatching and there will be plenty of action around the colonies with penguin chicks galore and skus circling overhead waiting for the chance to swoop. In February the mammals will be out in force – seals, orcas, humpback whales and minke whales abound.
The changing climate and the whims of stranded icebergs mean two voyages will never be alike. |
