By Ute Hohn-Bowen
What makes Antarctica a good travel destination?
Antarctica is the last unspoilt, pristine continent and you will encounter amazing landscape and abundant wildlife.
Tell us something that every traveller should know when travelling to Antarctica?
You can only travel between November and March.
What is the Antarctic landscape like?
Antarctica, on average, is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents. More than 98% of Antarctica is covered with ice. The land is covered with ice and snow but it is also incredibly colourful; the whites, blues and greens of the ice and colours in plants and wildlife. Only cold-adapted organisms survive in Antarctica, including many types of algae, animals, bacteria, fungi and plants.
Which are the most surreal sights to visit when in Antarctica?
Antarctica has been described as “hauntingly beautiful” – from glistening inlets and floating ice sculptures to natural hot springs – it is simply stunning. Long days in December create longer daylight hours and photographs can be taken at midnight!
Which is the most aspiring experience one has when on a cruise to Antarctica?
Our cruises to Antarctica operate during the austral summer, early November to late March and all the different months have unique characteristics.
November is the courting season for penguins and seabirds and the spring ice is breaking up, creating beautiful sculptured shapes.
In December and January, the first seal pups and penguin chicks are born, whales are starting to appear more frequently, and the days are at their longest.
By February and March whale sighting is at its best and the penguin chicks are beginning to fledge, building up their strength for the long winter ahead.
How to prepare for a perfect voyage to Antarctica?
Arrive in Ushuaia a day or two early so that you do not miss embarkation and familiarise yourself with IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) visitor guidelines in order to continue the protection of Antarctica and it’s wildlife.
Any non-clothing essentials that one needs to carry when they travel to Antarctica?
A camera! You will undoubtedly want to capture some of the amazing sights you see and wildlife you encounter.
The things guidebooks will not tell anyone about Antarctica.
If you were to work in Antarctica during winter, you would have to get your wisdom teeth and your appendix removed beforehand!
According to you what is the best thing about Antarctica?
The whole package – pristine landscapes, stunning wildlife and incredible history.
