TRAVEL &
TOURS -
ANTARTICA

INTRODUCTION TO ANTARTICA
>Antarctica is often considered the ultimate travel destination
for travellers. Many consider an Antarctic tour as exploring
the last frontier. Travel to the end of the earth and explore
the vast wilderness of the great white continent on one of
our many incredible Antarctic Expeditions.
>Antarctica is the fifth largest, coldest and driest continent on
Earth. Not only are travellers given the opportunity to
observe the abundance of wildlife it has to offer from the
comfort of their expedition vessel, but also to gain
inspirational insights from a dedicated and knowledgeable
crew.

A Brief History Of
Antarctic Exploration

• Antarctica may only be the fifth largest
continent, but in many other ways it is ahead of
the pack. It is the driest, coldest and windiest
continent, and it also has the highest average
elevation. It is the only continent with no
permanent residents and it is home to 90% of
the world’s ice and 70% of global fresh water
reserves.

Ernest Shackleton

• It was not until the early 1900s that Antarctica would
really seize the headlines. In 1901 Britons Robert Scott
and Ernest Shackleton attempted to reach the South
Pole on the Discovery Expedition. This first sortie
served mainly to show them how little they knew
about Antarctic exploration, and the fact that they
were able to reach 82°S had far more to do with their
guts and endurance than it had to do with their
preparation or expertise. In 1909 Shackleton tried
again on the Nimrod Expedition and he and three
companions got as far as 88°S – only 112 miles from
the pole and far further South than anyone else had
ever gotten.

“Three explorers and heroes of the Edwardian”

What’s the best time for Antartica
Travel?
• This is the time to see Antarctica at its most
undisturbed. At this time of the year the
landscape is abundant with pack ice and pristine
icebergs. It is also generally colder and as the
season goes on, the landing areas become
impacted and muddy. Wildlife is not as plentiful,
as whales have only just started to arrive, but it is
a good time to see the penguins mating. By the
end of November the nests are full of eggs and
are beginning to hatch.

November to early December:
• Mid December to January:
Late December and January offer around 20
hours of daylight and are usually Antarctica’s
warmest months. Wildlife is at its most
abundant as whales arrive in great numbers
and penguin chicks are hatching. Receding
pack ice may open new channels for
exploration.

• February to March:
At this time, beautiful Antarctica sunrises and
sunsets create stunning photo opportunities.
It is also the best time to spot whales. Penguin
chicks become more active and predator
activity is more common.

Get Ready to
Explore!

• Antarctica: the great white continent and one
of the last true wilderness areas on earth –
largely unchanged since the early explorers.
It’s home to the world’s greatest
concentration of wildlife, where penguins,
seals and whales are the only permanent
residents.

Antarctica Food – 3
things on the Menu in
Antarctica

Bannock

Chocolate

Less Fresh Fruit and Vegetables