Take An Antarctica Cruise For An Adventure Of A Lifetime
Experienced vacation cruisers understand the growing popularity of Antarctica, especially after they have been there. From the exotic wildlife to the fascinating scenery, an Antarctica cruise is an adventure of a lifetime. Let’s explore a few useful considerations for your cruise trip to the Antarctica.
Antarctica has cold blue waters stretching for miles around. Wildlife roam freely without a care for humans watching them and icebergs are plentiful. Summer months in Antarctica are filled with sunny days while the spring season holds captivating sunsets. Travelers often visit Antarctica to sight see, but this is not the only activity available.
Wildlife viewing is popular on an Antarctica cruise. Whether you choose to watch whales breaching near your ship from the safety of the deck or venture onto land to get up close and personal with penguins, you will find plenty of wildlife for your viewing delight. Humpback, Minke and Orca whales are common here and you will be able to see them from your ship. These amazing creatures are quite breathtaking to see in the freezing blue Antarctica waters
You can observe many seals when you tour on land, such as Weddell, Leopard, and Crabeater seals. They are easy to find during February and March since this is also when the small penguins they feed on are most abundant. Huge Orca whales and baby penguins are also fun to watch during springtime. Penguin chicks hatch a couple of months earlier and more whales can be seen around this time, so if you want to witness these you better get there before spring.
Tours offer many different activities, wildlife viewing, and unique scenery. Most ships allow you to savor the rugged outdoors by briefly camping on land as part of the trip. But you cannot compare this camping with the one you do behind the house. Shifts in the weather can happen anytime and you need to be ready with the right protective gear. Antarctic camping is for those who are up for a challenge and do not want to leave disappointed.
Cruise ships often use smaller boats to let people get closer to diving whales, wildlife and the scenic landscape. Canoeing and kayaking may also be available. A guide always goes with kayaking groups to help assess the ocean and environment and watch for your safety.
Certified divers can also scuba dive in the Antarctica waters to experience the unique sea life. Diving is generally done in a dry suit so you need adequate recent experience before going. Be sure to check with your cruise line for details in advance so you can get prepared if ocean diving is what you want to experience.
After an exciting day of exploration you will still be back on the cruise ship with fine dining and excellent warm accommodations to look forward to. Antarctica cruises provide a lot of choices and comfort.
Filed under: Antarctica • Cruises
Author: Jacob Phillips
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The expedition leader and his team of experts — geologist, marine biologist, ornithologist, and others — were very knowledge, ran well organized zodiac trips to the peninsula and islands, and gave outstanding educational presentations in their fields of expertise. I can’t say enough about the ship, crew, expedition team and the excellent job by the expedition leader, John Frick.
Antarctica is beautiful — high, craggy mountains tipped with snow, lava sand and pebble beaches, hugh icebergs studded with resting seals and active penguins. We traveled to shore twice a day and had plenty of time to photograph the penguins who sometimes nipped at our boots, seals, sea lions, and birds. We also saw humpback whales and orcas. An outstanding experience!