Antarctica
All Destinations
Antarctica
The trick with Antarctica is choosing a vessel and route that will suit you best. Exceptional Travel only recommend boats that we know can deliver the best in comfort, professional crew and guiding. A direct flight can now avoid a crossing of the infamous Drake Passage though many travellers prefer to include this as part of the experience (or an initiation). A relatively new experience is accessing Antarctica from Cape Town by plane and staying in specially designed accommodation on the Seventh Continent itself.
Once on board, each day will be unlike the one before. Land excursions are expertly arranged in small groups with some of the world’s most knowledgeable and passionate environmentalist guides. The season runs from October to March and each month within this window of time comes with its own unique opportunity to see wildlife in action from the mating season, which is in full swing by the end of October to whale-watching in February and March. Throughout it all, vast ice sculptures form and twist into incredible monoliths rising out of the glacial ocean.
Quick Facts
Antarctica is the 5th largest continent in the world covering an area of approximately 14 million sq km
Countries that have claimed ownership to parts of Antarctica and are free to carry out scientific research include: The United Kingdom, Chile, Argentina, Norway, Australia, France and New Zealand.
Antarctica is best visited between late October and early April. Each month comes with its own magical display of wildlife. December for sweet, fluffy penguin chicks hatching; January to reach some of the more remote waterways such as the Lemaire Channel; February for whale-watching and breaching Humpbacks; March is a flurry of activity when animals are getting ready to pack up for the winter.
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- Shoulder Season
Highlights
Exceptional Wildlife
Nowhere else on earth illustrates better than Antarctica nature’s ability to thrive in the harshest of environments. Antarctica is the largest desert on earth and the coldest and yet, somehow this white continent is bursting with hundreds of species of marine life. It is a wonder to see before one’s very eyes the product of centuries of evolutionary adaptation thriving, against all the odds, in this pristine world at the end of the earth.
Expert wildlife guides are on hand throughout the journey to explain how and why a chinstrap penguin differs from an emperor penguin, where to spot leopard seals and why crab-eater seals actually live mostly on krill. Beady eyes are always on the lookout for whale, most commonly spotted between early February and late March.
Exploring the Water
One of the most exciting ways to explore these icy waters is to get up close and personal on a sea kayak or zodiac. This allows you to get closer to wildlife as well as gaining a better sense of the majestic surroundings. Glide through the silent waters surrounded by towering icebergs and craggy mountain peaks.
From the peaceful waters you can watch as penguins transform from awkward land-waddlers to sleek swimmers as they jump from iceberg to ocean. Many of our guests are lucky enough to spot whales from the water – a life changing experience.
Learn As You Sail
We are careful to select vessels that not only provide space and comfort on board but also the very best in guides and lectures. In order to get the most out of this extraordinary continent, it is essential that you are in the hands of experts who have unrivalled knowledge and passion.
When you are out exploring, guests are divided into smaller groups to allow you to ask questions and get to grips with the landscape and wildlife. Back on board guides and experts are on hand to continue the conversation and dedicated lectures will open up a world of knowledge.
Exceptional Wildlife
Nowhere else on earth illustrates better than Antarctica nature’s ability to thrive in the harshest of environments. Antarctica is the largest desert on earth and the coldest and yet, somehow this white continent is bursting with hundreds of species of marine life. It is a wonder to see before one’s very eyes the product of centuries of evolutionary adaptation thriving, against all the odds, in this pristine world at the end of the earth.
Expert wildlife guides are on hand throughout the journey to explain how and why a chinstrap penguin differs from an emperor penguin, where to spot leopard seals and why crab-eater seals actually live mostly on krill. Beady eyes are always on the lookout for whale, most commonly spotted between early February and late March.
Exploring the Water
One of the most exciting ways to explore these icy waters is to get up close and personal on a sea kayak or zodiac. This allows you to get closer to wildlife as well as gaining a better sense of the majestic surroundings. Glide through the silent waters surrounded by towering icebergs and craggy mountain peaks.
From the peaceful waters you can watch as penguins transform from awkward land-waddlers to sleek swimmers as they jump from iceberg to ocean. Many of our guests are lucky enough to spot whales from the water – a life changing experience.
Learn As You Sail
We are careful to select vessels that not only provide space and comfort on board but also the very best in guides and lectures. In order to get the most out of this extraordinary continent, it is essential that you are in the hands of experts who have unrivalled knowledge and passion.
When you are out exploring, guests are divided into smaller groups to allow you to ask questions and get to grips with the landscape and wildlife. Back on board guides and experts are on hand to continue the conversation and dedicated lectures will open up a world of knowledge.
Where to stay
These are just a selection of the properties we can personally recommend. Please get in touch to hear more about our full portfolio.
Magellan Explorer
Magellan Explorer is one of the finest small scale, Antarctic expedition ships. Custom built for Antarctic operations and with capacity for only 76 passengers, the ship provides a true expedition style adventure, with all the comforts and amenities you would find in a wilderness lodge.
Silver Cloud
With new Zodiacs, the only Relais & Chateaux restaurant in Antarctica and a pole-to-pole expedition itinerary, Silversea’s Silver Cloud really does break the ice between expedition and luxury.
White Desert
Follow the footsteps of polar explorers, scientists and researchers into the interior of Antarctica. A pioneering and life-affirming experience, all those who travel here return as Antarctic Ambassadors with a new perception of the world.
Get in touch with us now to start planning your journey
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