Words by Dana Ter

At the bottom of the Earth is a vast white continent pristine and otherworldly. There aren’t many untouched places on our planet left to explore – except for Antarctica. A voyage to the planet’s southernmost landmass is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and not many people can say they’ve been here.

This mysterious land that occupies the geographical South Pole is the coldest and driest place on earth and has the highest average elevation. A land of extremes, it continues to fascinate scientists and intrepid travelers alike though it has no full-time inhabitants, humans or other terrestrial mammals.

When is the best time to travel to Antarctica? The winters are too harsh but during the Southern Hemisphere summer, from November to February, albatrosses, penguins, seals, whales and other majestic creatures make Antarctica their home. During this time, the seas melt just enough to let cruise ships pass, allowing us a rare glimpse into this sunny, snowy realm. This time of the year, the sun never sets on the endless stretches of snowy plates and glaciers.

The White Continent

Those who journey here will find wonderful contrasts: resounding solitude and great adventure, quietude and camaraderie with other travelers. But it wasn’t always so peaceful. Historically, Antarctica’s natural resources were grossly exploited. Whales and seals were hunted by men, which still has a long-lasting impact on the marine ecosystem that might take centuries to recover. Luckily, most whales and seals are protected nowadays and some species have even seen population increases. Since 1958, the continent has been governed by the Antarctic Treaty which establishes it as a cooperative international research zone and the only place on Earth to visit that isn’t a country.

It’s the animals who are the true inhabitants. Out of nearly 20 penguin species, only the emperor penguin and Adélie penguin live in or near the South Pole year-round, the rest being migratory. Like whales and seals, penguins have a thick layer of fat under their skin for insulation. Of the half dozen species of Antarctic seals, four breed on ice during the austral spring. The leopard seal is the largest, known for its heightened sense of sight and smell in water, and the only seal that eats other seals and penguins. By contrast, all Southern Ocean whales are migratory, mating in warmer waters and returning to Antarctica in the spring.

Travelers will have a rare opportunity to get up close with these magnificent animals, though we must do as our guides say, stay a safe distance from the animals and do not touch them. Also take care to not photograph them in intrusive ways, do not pick any rocks, fossils or specimens, and avoid walking on moss and lichen. Only a hundred cruise passengers are allowed to step foot on Antarctica at any one time, thus ensuring the landscape remains unspoiled.

How to get to Antarctica?

Antarctica Expedition Cruises

“It’s the journey, not the destination.” – In Antarctica, it’s both. The easiest and most popular way to reach Antarctica is by taking an Antarctica expedition cruise from Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost inhabited town in the world. From this scenic frontier town with snow-capped mountains, we embark on one of the best Antarctica expedition cruises, making the 620-mile journey to the Antarctic Peninsula in luxury.

Be warned: this involves 48 hours of crossing the Drake Passage, which arguably has the most turbulent waters in the world. Ship captains are highly skilled in navigating these choppy waters but brace yourself – there will be splashing and tipping. The wondrous sight of seas parting, the thundering surge of currents, and the eventual silence of Antarctica unveiling itself from behind the frozen wall makes it worth it.

As we approach the Weddell Sea, the first thing we’ll notice is its clarity. With some of the clearest waters in the world, it’s possible to see leopard seals and humpback whales swimming. We’ll cruise through drifting chunks of ice and board Zodiacs – heavy-duty inflatable boats designed to carry around a dozen passengers at a time – to get up close to the seabirds, seals and penguins. In Atka Bay, hundreds of black-winged, yellow-necked Emperor penguins, the largest penguin species in the world, welcome us. Finally, we’ll step foot on the white continent, hiking through the frozen terrain and savoring its stillness.

Other Ways to Explore Antarctica

Private yacht charter or private jet are other ways to reach Antarctica. Private yacht charters depart from Ushuaia and provide a uniquely personalized experience. Passengers choose what they wish to do, whether it be visiting remote research stations or ice trekking, all that their own pace

On a private jet departing from Cape Town, South Africa, you’ll be able to fly directly to an expedition camp built with minimal impact on the environment and spend a longer time exploring Antarctica on foot. Antarctic guides will take us on daily activities such as kite skiing and traversing ice caves like true polar explorers.

Sun and snow, stormy seas and calm icescapes, Antarctica is an incredible land of contrasts and it’s almost guaranteed a voyage of a lifetime.