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  • A large body of water
  • A group of people on a boat in the water
  • A group of people on a beach near a body of water
  • A couple of people that are standing in the snow
  • A bird flying in the sky

9 Reasons to Travel to Antarctica

Below, nine reasons you should join us on an Antarctic expedition.

What do you most look forward to when getting ready for a vacation? Is it the sites you'll see, or the fun and exciting things you'll do? Do you long to explore a new place, or wish to get away from the noise of your day-to-day life? Regardless of which camp you fall into, there's no better destination to visit than Antarctica. Here are nine reasons you should join us on an expedition to Antarctica:

1. The Cold

You probably weren't expecting this to be first on this list, but there's something about being in a truly cold environment that wakes up your brain. As long as you're dressed for the weather (hint: layers), you’ll be fine; in fact, you'll be amazed by how quickly you adjust to the temperature!

2. Adventure

Adventure is the very nature of an expedition to Antarctica. After all, you certainly don't go to the Great White Continent to lay out in the sun! Traveling to Antarctica means kayaking, hiking, and exploring one of the most untouched destinations on the planet. When you visit Antarctica, you're sure to have an experience you'll never forget.

3. Part of History

Because Antarctica is so far away and has such extreme weather, few people have even visited the continent; which means, when you do visit the southernmost realm, you're a part of history! Instead of traveling to established destinations, you're discovering a remote region. Here, you're part of the story.

4. The Most Remote Destination

The vast emptiness of Antarctica cannot be exaggerated. When you travel to the region, it's just you and your shipmates; occasionally, you may meet scientists staying for an extended period of time. You're not even in a location people used to live—not only has Antarctica never had an indigenous population, there's no evidence to suggest anyone ever stepped foot there until the last few centuries.

5. Another World

Gabrielle Walker, an environmental scientist who has visited Antarctica to study the effects of climate change, describes the continent as being almost alien.

"The first time I went there," she says in a video about her travels, "It was like walking on another planet. It's just ice and rock—no trees, no plants, nothing else. No humans have ever lived there, so it really was like walking on the moon..."

Anyone who has ever been fascinated by the thought of traveling through space to an uninhabited world can find that experience right here on Earth, no spaceship required. Antarctica is your alien landscape right at home.

6. Wildlife

That uninhabited quality means the wildlife, particularly the penguins, have no fear of humans at all. They've never had predators on land, so they're confident—and extremely curious. Traveling to Antarctica is your chance to get up close and personal with everyone's favorite flightless bird.

In addition to penguins, there are also many whales and seals that live in the southernmost part of the world. If you travel to their feeding and breeding grounds, you'll get a glimpse into their lives in the wild—something no zoo or aquarium can ever truly replicate.

7. Science

From a scientific perspective, Antarctica is one of the most exciting places in the world. It likely comes as no surprise that this is a prime destination for those studying climate change, but it's also a favorite spot for astronomers. The clear air, stable weather, and absence of light pollution make the South Pole one of the best places in the world to look at the sky, which means scientists can take a better look at what's happening in the universe around us. It also gives even casual stargazers visiting Antarctica a chance to see the night sky like no other place on Earth.

8. Icebergs

Even if you've seen icebergs before, you've never seen ones like those in Antarctica. As your ship draws nearer to the Great White Continent, the concentration of icebergs increases. These floating structures come in all shapes and sizes, and no two are alike—you'll be amazed at the sight of dozens of icebergs surrounding you on all sides.

9. Photography

Whether you're a casual hobbyist, or hoping to become the world's next great nature photographer, Antarctica presents the opportunity of a lifetime. From the utterly un-shy creatures to the foreign and captivating landscapes, this continent will give you the chance to take some absolutely incredible pictures. The images you capture here will be unlike any you've shot before.

Further reading

  • The History of Antarctic Exploration
  • 15 Interesting Facts About Antarctica
  • Changing Climate in Antarctica
  • 10 physical features of Antarctica that will amaze you

Related Cruises

  • Multiple offers
    MS Roald Amundsen
    16 days Nov 7, 2022 - Feb 24, 2024

    Antarctica & Falklands Expedition

    • New Season
    • Summer in Antarctica means longer days and milder weather
    • Spot different penguin species in Antarctica and the Falkland Islands
    • MS Roald Amundsen is the world’s first hybrid electric–powered expedition ship
    • An experienced Expedition Team is on board to present lectures, and guide landings and small boat (RIB) cruises
    Price from $ 12,428
    $ 10,799
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    MS Roald Amundsen
    18 days Oct 22, 2022 & Oct 17, 2023

    Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition (Southbound)

    • New Season
    • See Antarctica in late austral spring, when the icebergs and glaciers are at their most stunning
    • Take in the fjords of Patagonia and observe the mating and nesting rituals of the wildlife in Antarctica
    • Sail aboard the world’s first sustainability focused, hybrid electric–powered expedition ship
    • Travel with a dedicated and experienced Expedition Team of experts and scientists
    Price from $ 15,219
    $ 12,304
  • Multiple offers
    MS Roald Amundsen
    18 days Jan 12, 2023 - Feb 8, 2024

    Antarctic Circle Expedition

    • The long austral summer days are perfect for whale watching and spotting young penguins
    • Weather permitting, we may attempt to sail below the Antarctic Circle and on to Marguerite Bay
    • The hybrid electric–powered expedition ship with a PC6 ice-hull will be your comfortable haven at sea
    • An expert Expedition Team gives lectures and guides landings and ice-cruises
    Price from $ 16,285
    $ 13,371

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