Introduction
Antarctica, the world’s southernmost and fifth largest continent, is like nowhere else in the world. A place of extremes, it is described as the driest, coldest, windiest and highest continent. It is also the iciest, with about 98% of the area covered in thick ice – in some areas, the ice sheet is over four kilometres thick!
Although there are no permanent human residents or indigenous people in Antarctica, its seas and land are home to more than 200 different species, including whales, seals, penguins and seabirds.
To get to Antarctica, you would join one of the organised polar expeditions, usually departing from Ushuaia at the southern tip of Argentina. If you do, you will be in for a very memorable journey that you’ll be talking about for years to come. The barren beauty of the glaciers, mountains and immense silence will take your breath away. And then there’s the wildlife. You may spot orcas, humpback and minke whales, look for seals and visit penguin rookeries. You’ll explore the icy waters by small boat and on foot. Depending on the expedition and weather conditions, you may also have the opportunity to take part in optional kayaking, camping, snowshoeing or photography workshops.
Antarctica is no ordinary trip, this is an adventure! Are you up for it?
