Antarctica - A Cruise Through Ice
A White World Teeming with Wildlife and Majestic Ice Sculptures
Only 1000kms south of Ushuaia in Argentina lies the Antarctic Peninsular, a remote, fascinating and adventurous world, accessible to travellers as never before.
Despite its increasing popularity over recent years a voyage to the huge white continent of Antarctica will still draw comments of disbelief. Antarctica's reputation for cold, unstable weather and rough seas appear to make it a destination more suitable for explorers than holiday makers.
However, if you talk to anyone who has experienced the remotness of Antarctica there is as much enthusiasm as wonder. Despite being the coldest, driest and windiest place on the planet it is abundant with wildlife and offers beautiful vistas of floating ice in a pristine sapphire coloured sea.
In addition it has a fascinating history of exploreres like Magellan and Sir Francis Drake, remarkable survivors like Shackleton, brillant naturalists like Darwin and it's share of tragedies like Scott's ill fated attempt to be the first man to the South Pole.
Types of Cruises
Cruises range from 9 or 10 days through to voyages lasting more than a month. Vessels vary from large cruise ships with as many as 2,000 passengers to small research vessels with 45 passengers. Large cruise ships are unable to make landings but smaller vessels not only make landings in rubber zodiacs but offer kayaking, mountaineering, camping, hiking and diving options. To research cruising options click here.
For the really adventurous trips to Antarctica can be made in a yacht. Check out Victory Cruises which offers voyages to Antarctica as well as Cape Horn and Tierra del Fuego.
Wildlife
For particular wildlife sightings plan around the following;
- The appropriate month to visit. Whale sightings are best in March whereas penguin chicks hatch in December and January.
- Where to cruise to see the wildlife you want to see. Most visit the Antarctic Peninsular and/or the sub-antarctic islands like South Georgia and The Falklands. These islands are the places to see King penguins wheras Adelie, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins can be seen on the Antarctic peninsula.
Programs On Board
The cruise ship will have qualified staff to give presentations and film shows on history, natural history and geology. These presentations are not only interesting but relieve the tedium of the four days Drake Strait crossing. At other times there will be landings in zodiacs and wildlife and bird spotting.
How to Get ThereAerolineas Argentinas runs several flights a day between Buenos Aires and Ushuaia during the summer Antarctic season. Flights take about four hours. It is advisable to allow a reasonable amount of time between flight arrivial in Ushuaia and boarding the cruise ship as flights are often delayed.
When to GoCruises run through the summer months from November to March.
What to Bring
Warm and wet weather gear is essential. Water proof trousers and jacket as well as warm layers underneath. Gloves and hat are also essential. Most vessels provide rubber boots for landings from the zodiacs.
Health
The Drake passage crossing from Ushuaia to the Peninsula takes about four days in all for the return journey. This crossing can be very rough so sea sickness medication is best pre-arranged with your doctor. For those prone to sea sickness a voyage in a yacht may not be a good choice. Smaller vessels are less stable and take longer to make the Drake Strait crossing.
Ushuaia
Ushuaia,a town catering mainly to travellers in transit to Antarctica, is dramatically set at the foot of snow capped mountains on the Beagle channel and worth spending a few days there to see the attractions which include;
- Museo al Fin del Mundo (Museum at the End of the World) which has displays of early exploration and information on the indigenous Yamana people whose fires gave the area it´s name of Tierra del Fuego (Land of Fire).
- Boat tours on the Beagle Channel to penguin colonies and to view seals.
- Tierra del Fuego National Park. There are several circuits which are about 3 to 4 hours walking.
- The local delicacy is the centolla crab. It is in season between July and November.
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