Antarctica – it’s a destination that many only dream of and earlier this year, I was lucky enough to make the dream a reality when I visited the white continent. It was a long-awaited trip, I had booked well in advance (more than a year out) to take advantage of a good deal and to have plenty of time to save for the trip and to be as well prepared as possible. I had booked the trip with Hurtigruten Expeditions, a12-day expedition cruise to Antarctica. The trip would start and finish in Buenos Aires, Argentina. I shared this trip with my mother, a trip of a lifetime for both of us, and we had booked the excursion to include a twin share Artic Superior ship cabin with a balcony.
Preparing for Traveling to Antarctica
This trip is quite costly and requires a lot of preparation and there is much to be aware of and plan for before departure and given that is in the most isolated location on earth, it is understandable.
Health and safety requirements for the trip include:
- A doctor’s medical assessment
- An insurance policy with remote evacuation
- Current passport and visas (if required for Argentina)
- Vaccinations
- Ships Manifest
There are a range of requirements to meet to be able to safely take the trip. Whilst children are welcome on the trip there are limitations to the activities that they can participate in dependent on age and anyone under 18 years must have a parent or guardian present at all times.
Packing for Traveling to Antarctica
Once the pre-trip planning was complete and the flights were booked, I moved onto purchasing and gathering appropriate gear and then packing for the extreme weather in Antarctica. For on board the ship I just needed standard winter indoor gear light sweaters and pants. For on the deck to observe wildlife and scenery I needed a scarf, beanie, warm socks, comfortable walking shoes, jacket (provided by the ship) and gloves and finally for the landings I needed thermals (pants and tops), warm sweater, neck gaiter/buff, beanie, waterproof pants, multiple pairs of socks and waterproof gloves. Keeping in mind that you are only on shore for a short amount of time some items can be re-worn so you don’t need to pack too much.
Camera gear was important and a substantial zoom lens was valuable for my DSLR camera as it allowed far off whales and icebergs to be captured. I also used my phone for quick snaps and selfies and a Go Pro to capture all the action on land. At the time of our trip no one was permitted to take a tripod on to the land as there was Avian Bird Flu which can be transferred through contaminated surfaces. If you are intending on taking a trip should check what is allowed at the time of your expedition.
Traveling to Antarctica Begins
Once the long flight to Argentina was complete we had a few days of sightseeing in Buenos Aires before we joined the expedition and headed south to join the ship. A charter flight took us to Ushuaia, Argentina dubbed the ‘end of the world’. Upon arrival we boarded a bus for a tour of Tierra Del Fuego National Park with its dramatic scenery mountains and lakes. After the tour we arrived at the harbour in Ushuaia and boarded the huge ship that would take us all the way to Antarctica, the world’s southern-most continent.
Getting to Antarctica
We were making the voyage to the white continent on a Norwegian ship, the MS Roald Amundsen. It was reasonably new ship built in 2019. It is a high-tech, sustainable hybrid Hurtigruten fleet which cruises seasonally between the Artic and Antarctic. With capacity for 530 passengers the ship boasts 265 cabins, 3 restaurants, a gym, day spa, science centre, lecture space, explorer lounge and bar, observation decks, roof top walking/running track, outdoor gym, two hot tubs and a swimming pool with bar. An extensive crew and expedition team support all the excellent facilities on board. The Expedition team are made up of experts in their field – scientists and outdoor adventurers that are dedicated to keeping passengers informed, educated and safely experiencing the magic of Antarctica.
Once we left Argentina we crossed the Drake Passage, renowned for the world’s strongest currents and roughest seas. The crossing certainly lived up to its reputation with the nickname of the ‘Drake Shake’. The crossing was very rough on day one it did ease on the second day.
Arriving in Antarctica
After participating in the mandatory information briefings and getting kitted up with our extreme weather gear we were ready to experience the wild of Antarctica. As we wandering the decks enjoying the view out to sea we suddenly saw a huge iceberg.
We had finally made it to Antarctica!
Our first shore landing took place the following day at Damoy Point. We had been given our landing order and it was trim to get dressed for the first excursion. Waterproof pants, water and windproof jacket, thermal layers, gloves, beanie and sturdy rubber boots – preparing to land was certainly a process. Boarding a small rubber dingy or Zodiak we headed out on the water and aimed for the land. It was breathtaking. You feel so small enveloped in an icy, white landscape.
The most amazing thing is the silence there is no other noise but the whale song or a squark of a cranky penguin or two.
Experiences Galore!
The next 5 days in Antarctica were filled with incredible experiences – shore landings, hikes on the ice, iceberg cruises, whale and seal sightings, penguin and bird watching, educational lectures and the most pristine and stunning scenery one can imagine.
The program was subject to adjustments based on weather conditions and wildlife sightings and each evening a briefing took place to advise the anticipated activities for the next day. There were so many activities offered both on and off the ship there was not much time for resting but on an expedition this was not the aim of the adventure.
I was lucky enough to take the polar plunge at Deception Bay on our final landing. Leaving all the layers of warm clothing and boots on the shore and wearing just a swimsuit I waded into the 3-degree celsius water for a few brief moments fully submerged. The dip into the icy water was quick to avoid attracting the attention of nearby seals!
Leaving Antarctica
After an unforgettable adventure, our time exploring the white continent had come to an end. The return trip across the Drake Passage was surprisingly quite calm and aptly earned the title ‘the Drake Lake’. The weather was fine complete with sunshine and blue skies. We arrived safely back in the harbour at Ushuaia and bid farewell to the ship and all the fantastic crew. We took the shuttle bus to the airport to return to Buenos Aires, Argentina on a dedicated charter flight.
Visiting Antarctica exceeded expectations and left us with lasting memories, a greater appreciation the wildlife and ecosystem and the fragility of the world’s environment. Part of the learning throughout the entire trip linked back to what each person can do in their daily life to preserve the beauty and wonder of the white
continent.
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