CuriOdyssey Travel
Custom & Curated Travel Planning
Antarctica Peninsula:
The Great White Continent
DESCRIPTION:
Journey to Antarctica's principal destination - the Peninsula. Located nearest to Tierra del Fuego, it boasts the impressive topography of the Antarctic Andes, island hot springs, and the continent's densest concentration of research stations. Discover huge tabular icebergs, sculptural bergs floating in pools of turquoise blue melt water, mountains rising some 9,000 feet straight up from the sea, penguins galore, and abundant marine mammals.
Antarctica is notable for being the only continent with no significant land plant life and no native land mammals, reptiles, or amphibians. (There are no polar bears; they are only at the North Pole.) However, its shoreline serves as nesting ground for many species of migratory birds and penguins, and the Southern Ocean surrounding it is home to many fish and marine mammals, including whales. Encounter iconic penguins, leopard seals, and marine mammals Kayak among icebergs, Zodiac cruise past resting leopard seals, and hike on the White Continent.
However, don't be fooled by all the ice: Antarctica is a desert. The region's moisture is all tied up in frigid seawater and the huge sheets, shelves, and packs of ice which cover nearly all of the continent plus surrounding waters. There is little snowfall here, and even less rain.
There are two primary ways for tourists to visit Antarctica:
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Aboard an authentic expedition ship with shore visits (by far the most popular)
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Flying to Antarctica, then boarding a ship to avoid the often rough Drake Passage
There are several expedition ships to Antarctica that are recommended. Please inquire as to which is best for you.
CONSIDER:
The Drake Passage or Mar de Hoces—Sea of Hoces—is the body of water between South America's Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It is notoriously rough - although some people do get a smooth passage. However, it is also a badge of honor for those who have made the journey to and from Antarctica.
OPTIONAL EXTENSIONS & ADD-ONS:
Please inquire.
Ideal Length of Trip:
14+
days
Please contact CuriOdyssey Travel for more details.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL:
November through March is the short expedition season. This is not only the best time to visit Antarctica, it is the only time it is possible – as the ice breaks up allowing ships to pass. Icebergs are hugest in November, sculptural and surreal. The continent is colder but at its most untouched, with pristine ice and snow, and wildflowers blooming on the islands. The 20-hour sunshine in Dec-Jan brings welcome warmth; temperatures hover above freezing, creating perfect conditions for seal pups and penguin chicks – as well as whales. Later in the season, the rookeries are a rabble of noise and activity, as chicks fledge and sea ice drifts away.