To main content
Information on upcoming sailings and your health and safety
Hurtigruten logo Hurtigruten logo 8665520371
Find Your Cruise Destinations Offers Health and safety My Booking
  • Find a Voyage
  • Destinations
  • Our Ships
  • Special Offers
  • Excursions
  • Pre- and post-programs
  • Get Inspired
  • My Booking
8665520371
  • Switch to United States
Search
  • Map
  • Why Cruise with Hurtigruten
  • About Hurtigruten
  • Practical Information
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Register for our Newsletter!
  • Request a Quote
  • Order Brochures
  • Press
  • Contact Us
  1. Home
  2. Our Destinations
  3. Antarctica
  4. Antarctica Travel Guide
  5. 9 Reasons to Travel to Antarctica

National Plan for Vacation Day

$500 Deposit Today Only!

Book Now

National Plan for Vacation Day

$500 Deposit Today Only!

Book Now

Updating your booking
Info: We at Hurtigruten use cookies to optimize our websites for your needs. By using this website you consent to our cookie policy
  • 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.

Related Cruises

  • Multiple offers
    MS Fridtjof Nansen
    19 days March 18, 2022

    Antarctica and Falklands - Southern Hemisphere Adventure

    • Experience Antarctica, Patagonia and the Falklands in one expedition cruise
    • See amazing wildlife; penguins, seals, whales, albatross and more
    • Enjoy landings and ice-cruising in Antarctica
    • Wide-ranging science and activity program led by our expert Expedition Team
    Price from $ 13,655
    $ 9,654
  • Multiple offers
    MS Fram
    19 days October 15, 2021

    Antarctica, Patagonia, Chilean Fjords - Exploration of the Southern Highlights (Southbound)

    • Experience Patagonia and Antarctica in one expedition cruise
    • Discover the magnificent Chilean fjords
    • See Cape Horn and cross the Drake Passage
    • Enjoy ice-cruising, landings and encounters with wildlife in Antarctica
    Price from $ 13,710
    $ 10,709
  • Multiple offers
    MS Roald Amundsen
    18 days November 24, 2021

    Antarctica, Chilean Fjords and Falklands - Great Explorers and Solar Eclipse

    • Experience the Solar Eclipse in the South Orkney Islands with an expert astronomer
    • Explore the unique beauty of Patagonia, Antarctica and the Falkland Islands
    • Great opportunities to see wildlife – penguins, seals, whales and more
    • Exciting ice-cruising and landing activities led by our expert Expedition Team
    Price from $ 18,856
    $ 14,855

Further reading

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

Receive $100 On Board Credit Today

Sign up for our newsletter today to received $100 On Board Credit on Your First Cruise

Yes, sign me up!
When packing for Antarctica, remember to bring your mittens! 🧤
.
.
.
.
#hurtigruten #antarctica #weexplore #whattopack #ribboat #travel #berniesanders #berniesmittens #berniesandersmeme #bernie #berniesandersmemes What's better than a warm embrace from someone you love? We hope we can all hug each other soon again. For now, we're sending you a virtual hug for National Hug Day. 📷: Chelsea Claus / Hurtigruten 
.
.
.
#hurtigruten #weexplore #nationalhugday #hug #penguin #antarctica #travel #adventuretravel #wildlife For Penguin Awareness Day, here are some facts you might not know about everyone's favorite flightless bird: 
- Their black and white "tuxedo" is a smart camouflage called countershading
- You'll never actually see them with polar bears (despite what you've seen in classic cartoons)
- Penguins huddle together to protect themselves—or to stay warm
- You can see this fascinating creature if you go with Hurtigruten to Antarctica (but this we bet you knew already!)
 📸: Ingemund Skålnes / Hurtigruten

Contact

  • 8665520371
    or contact a Certified Hurtigruten Specialist

  • [email protected]
  • 1505 Westlake Avenue North, Suite 125, Seattle, WA 98109

  • Contact us

About Hurtigruten

  • Why travel with us?
  • Sustainability
  • Careers
  • Charters and Incentives
  • Agent Portal
  • Hurtigruten Svalbard
  • Press

Support

  • Request a Quote
  • Coronavirus Update
  • My Booking
  • Make a Payment
  • Uplift - Book Now, Pay Later
  • Terms and Conditions
  • Statement of Privacy
  • Cookie Compliance

Social media

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • YouTube
Hurtigruten LTD

Search for destinations, attractions, or information

Got a promotion code?