Hidden Secrets of Antarctica
What is in your mind’s eye when you think of the Antarctic? Is it pristine, snow-clad mountains? Perhaps a sea of cacophonous, cavorting, penguins? Is it the thought of photographing these dinner-suited denizens among a sea of icebergs? Perhaps the idea of watching massive elephant seals shirt-front each other, with their wobbling noses and steamy breath?
What do you dream about seeing (and feeling like) when you go to sleep wondering about a trip like this? Everyone has a different idea of what it should be like. But nature is fickle and doesn’t work to our timetables.
We spoke to the experts and they gave us their three absolute top tips! It turns out there are a lot of options but not so many for the more discerning visitor. Experiences with nature, stunning landscapes and abundant wildlife … isn’t that what makes the Antarctic special?
So, what do our most trusted associates think about when they want to discover Antarctica’s hidden secrets?
Here is what we found out:
Q. What is it that we need to know before we consider any trip to Antarctica?
- Consider a fly-cruise. This way you dispense with more than two days of sailing across the notorious Drake Passage. With priority over the flight window, these options can land you at the ship in less than 2 hours!
- Always travel with far fewer than 100 guests.
- Judge a trip by the quality of its guides and its commitment to the outdoors. A good guide to guest ratio means you get a really intimate experience. You don’t compromise on the wildlife and outdoors, while also having fantastic hospitality, food and accommodation. You should still feel like you’re on a true expedition of discovery – for yourself.
Q. What are your top three recommendations for Antarctic travel?
Choose the right season for wildlife experiences
The best time to visit Antarctica is November and every serious trip should include South Georgia and the Falklands – these are when there are the hoards of penguins, seals and albatross. These are the kinds of flocks that people have in their minds eye when thinking about the Antarctic. Travellers who miss out usually end up having to come back to see what they missed! November is peak of the breeding season for penguins and elephant seals. It’s in this season you get to see the spectacular colonies and have those ‘BBC’ moments.
Travel when the scenery is still white
Trips later in the year may appear attractive but colder weather, rougher seas and less abundant wildlife, may compromise on the experience. These later trips tend to be more specialised. They can be cheaper but there’s a reason for that. The weather warms up in summer, so those snowy mountain peaks disappear and are replaced by rock. Earlier in the season is the time to visit if you want the best chance to see Antarctica ‘fully clothed’ with snow. It’s also the best time for wildlife, which makes it a bit of a no-brainer.
Pick a trip that maximises your time spent on land
Most people go to Antarctica to see wildlife and get among icebergs and incredible alpine scenery. That means getting off the boat and doing shore excursions. Ideally you choose a vessel with no more than about 100 guests. Only 100 people at a time are allowed to land at most sites. Most luxury vessels are still 100-200 passengers (plus guides), which means time-sharing, irrespective of numbers of single travellers. If you want a visit to the Antarctic to be about being on land and seeing nature, smaller vessels are by far your best option.
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