17. Visit Antarctica

For the next month this might as well be the "Antarctica" blog because that's pretty much the main thing on my mind. Plus there are so many things to share about the trip!

The main question I get when I tell people I'm going to Antarctica is "Why?" Well, not to be rude, but if you have to ask "Why?" then you probably will never fully understand. See, the type of wanderlust I have would never have me questioning the reasons to visit someplace. Just the opportunity to go somewhere new, see unknown sights, and experience novel things is enough for me! However, I could also explain my goal to see all 7 continents and that usually helps clear things up :)

The next question I get is, "What do you do in Antarctica?" The answer to this is a little more fun.

Here is a summary of our itinerary (provided by our tour company):

Although it is the Austral Summer, it may seem to be a Winter Wonderland and the perfect place to celebrate Christmas and the Holiday Season. On this magical journey explore the World’s largest wilderness with historic sites and wildlife – see penguins, seals, seabirds and whales in their natural environment. Each day will also celebrate one of the different holiday traditions from around the world. This seems fitting while in a land effectively owned by no one, yet collectively managed and protected by the Antarctic Treaty Nations.

Day 1: Ushuaia, Argentina

Board the M/V Polar Star in Ushuaia to celebrate the greatest holiday season of the year in the appropriate whiteness of the icy south.

Days 2-3: At Sea

As the ship steams across the Drake Passage, the program of informative lectures begins and a constant watch for birds and marine wildlife is kept.

Days 4 - 7: Antarctic Peninsula

Cruise amongst the islands and in the fjords and bays watching for whales surfacing, seals basking on ice floes and penguin activity along the shores. There is excellent Zodiac cruising in places such as Neko Harbour and Paradise Bay. Landings are planned at historic and wildlife sites such as Petermann Island, Port Lockroy and Vernadsky.

Days 8-9: South Shetland islands

At the top of the Antarctic Peninsula, these islands are well known for penguin rookeries and the black lava sands of Whaler’s Bay on Deception Island. Landings in these islands may also include Hannah Point, Arctowski and Penguin Island.

Days 10-11: At Sea

Time at sea is filled with lectures, recaps, watching for wildlife and time to relax.

Day 12: Ushuaia, Argentina

We disembark after breakfast in the charming town of Ushuaia now coming into high summer.