Most of those who travel to the Antarctic would hope to spot penguins, and that certainly proved the case for our own travel adviser on the sixth day of their journey to the region. Read about their exploits before investigating our currently available range of Antarctic adventure cruises here at WILDFOOT.
Day 6
This morning was slightly more overcast than previous days, but certainly of no concern by Antarctic standards. After breakfast, we headed out for a zodiac cruise, where we managed to get our first glimpse of the true Antarctic penguin, the Adelie. Unlike many of the other penguins you can encounter in this region, the Adelie, is one of the few that is restricted to Antarctic coastal waters and won’t be found at high latitudes. We also managed to spot out first Weddell seal, hauled out on the ice next to a juvenile elephant seal, both relaxing as only a seal can. From here we crossed a shallow channel to make our way over to the Great Wall Station, where we had kindly been invited. The Great Wall Station was built in 1985 and is the biggest of four stations China is currently operating in Antarctica, it is operated by CHINARE, the Chinese Antarctic Program. Currently the base was running on skeleton staff as it was still considered to be their ‘winter season’ however we were assured that as of the 16th December the place would be a hive of activity as by then their ‘summer team’ of scientists would have arrived.
During lunch we sailed south to the aptly named ‘Penguin Island’ where the plan was to explore the rocky coastline and for those feeling energetic there was the chance to climb the Deacon Peak, which is considered a relatively fresh volcanic cone. For many, the landscape of this island came as a surprise, most people expect Antarctica to merely be ice and snow however here we were struggling to find signs of either. The island consisted of dark volcanic matter which was just starting to host its first lichens, so there was a green tinge to much of the lowlands. For those that made it to the top they were rewarded with a panoramic view which was certainly photo worthy. At the base of the volcano there were lots of whale bones to be seen, a very real reminder of the whaling that was so prevalent in this region in times gone by. Once again the wildlife was abundant with plenty of gentoo and chinstrap penguins waddling up and down the beach, posing for their adoring public and also a large haul out of elephant seals. For the birders amongst us, we were happy to spot plenty of skuas, Antarctic terns, fulmars, cape gulls, sheathbills, rock cormorants and some nesting southern giant petrels, to which we gave a very wide berth as they will desert their nests at the slightest provocation.
Although it is tempting to linger over dinner or head to the bar for a nightcap, if you want to make the most of your adventure, head out on deck at every opportunity. For most people, this is a ‘once in a lifetime’ trip and it goes by far too quickly so seize the moment. The daylight at this time of year is almost 24 hours so you will need to pace yourself, or within a few days exhaustion can set in, but being outside for as long as you comfortably can will pay dividends and it did for us tonight! This evening’s delight was in the form of some humpbacks bubble net feeding alongside our vessel, it is such a joy to watch these ocean giants working in unison at close proximity, a very humbling experience with which to end the day.
For avid travellers interested in Antarctic expedition vacations like those we can offer here at WILDFOOT, this latest story of a journey to this incredible part of the world by one of our travel advisers should make for fascinating reading. In this blog post, our intrepid staffer reflects on days four and five of their trip.
Day 4
I woke early and made my way out on to the front deck to grab some fresh air before breakfast and was pleasantly surprised to see blue skies and relatively calm seas, were we being treated to ‘Drake Lake’ as opposed to the much feared ‘Drake Quake’, and if so, how long would it last? It so happened it lasted much of the day, we couldn’t have asked for a better crossing. Consequently, most of us spent the day flitting between the various lectures that the expedition crew were doing and out on deck looking for cetaceans and birds. Drake’s Passage is a hot spot for tubenoses and we were not disappointed with good sightings of sooty shearwaters, Wilson’s storm petrels, black-browed albatross, southern giant petrels, slender-billed prions and white-chinned petrels and one of nature’s ultimate flyers, the wandering albatross. Unfortunately, the only hint of a cetacean was a distant blow, which no one felt confident enough to give a positive ID of, however little beats the feeling of not knowing what you will see next, anticipation was high!
Day 5
We woke up to the good news that we were slightly ahead of schedule due to the favourable weather, so an afternoon landing looked likely. Therefore, after breakfast we all headed to the lounge for the mandatory IATTO and zodiac briefing in preparation for this afternoon’s activity, this involved us being taught the ‘do and don’ts of landing in Antarctic. Mid briefing, an announcement came over the tannoy letting us know that our first iceberg, and with this the solid land of the South Shetlands, was now in sight, which as you can imagine, caused a flurry of excitement as people dashed to get cameras and get out on deck.
After lunch it was time to don our waterproofs and muck boots and head to the back of the boat to board the zodiacs. Our chosen landing site was Barrientos, a part of the Aitcho islands, it is situated in the English Strait between Robert and Greenwich islands and offers some of the most dramatic scenery in the South Islands. It is home to both nesting gentoo and chinstrap penguins so was the perfect starting place.
In this latest journal post here at WILDFOOT, we are continuing to tell the story of one of our employees’ Antarctic adventure cruises, in which we are proud to specialise. The third day of the trip sees our intrepid traveller embark on the Sea Spirit and set sail down the Beagle Channel.
Day 3
As I pulled back the curtains from the hotel room window, I could see the Sea Spirit in the harbour, gleaming in the early morning light. I could not believe my luck, day two of bright blue cloudless skies, I can assure you is not typical of Ushuaia.
After the group briefing I took the free shuttle-bus into the town centre to explore a little bit more. Unlike the day before when there were three expedition ships in the harbour, Sea Spirit was taking pride of position, being the only such moored today. Over 30 ships now take visitors down to Antarctica, it is big business nowadays, but strictly self-regulated. At WILDFOOT we feel ship and itinerary choice are very important if clients’ expectations are going to be met. Most ships belong to IAATO (International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators) who have operational guidelines for its members, but the environment always comes first, WILDFOOT have been a member of IATTO for many years.
After a mooch around town I just had time for one last dip in the infinity pool at the hotel before our 3.30pm transfer down to the pier, ready for embarkation. The Sea Spirit could be described as a mid-sized vessel, with her ‘small ship’ feel and ‘large ship’ quietness and stability, making her a favourite with our clients for some years. Before I knew it, I was onboard and settling into my cabin, I had kindly been allocated a veranda suite which comprised two single beds, plenty of storage space, a sofa, small desk and chair, ensuite bathroom with a shower and a small balcony with two chairs on it. There were plenty of power points for charging batteries and running laptops which is always a relief on a trip like this. I unpacked quickly as I was eager to start exploring the ship, especially the outside decks to work out the best places from which to sea watch, depending on the conditions of course! Then it was time for the welcome briefing and with my fellow shipmates we assembled in the lounge to meet the expedition team.
Each ship has an expedition leader, who works hand in hand with the captain of the vessel and a team to look after the passengers on board the ship, our expedition leader was Michaela Mayer from Germany. She has been leading expeditions in the polar regions since 1994 and conducted her post graduate research in marine biology and oceanography in Greenland, Svalbard and Antarctica, so extremely experienced in this field of work. On this particular voyage she was leading a team of 12, who were from around the world with decades of experience between them so felt we were in very good hands, what’s more there seemed to be a great camaraderie between them so felt we were in for a fun trip.
We set sail at 18:00. As we headed down the Beagle Channel the mountains either side of us were illuminated by the beautiful evening light, my childhood dream of visiting Antarctica was fast becoming a reality. As I stood out on deck, furiously taking photos from either side of the boat, in an effort not to miss an inch of this incredible landscape I noted a few imperial shags and giant petrels following us. Before I knew it we were being called for dinner, as always with these types of voyages, it never ceases to amaze me the quality and freshness of the food considering the remoteness of the regions in which they take place. After dinner, I retired to the bar for a cheeky nightcap and savour the sounds of Jonny Benca, our on-board musician, the perfect way to end a day.
Here at WILDFOOT, we are proud to be able to offer unforgettable, tailor-made and surprisingly affordable Antarctic expedition vacations. Here, we document the beginning of the latest journey to this jaw-dropping corner of the world by one of our own senior travel advisors.
Day 1
My British Airways flight arrived into Buenos Aires at 9am so I had plenty of time to traverse the city in order to catch my flight down to Ushuaia that was departing from the internal airport. As airport transfers are notoriously expensive in Argentina I decided to put the airport shuttle to the test and I must say it passed with glowing colours. I used the ‘Tienda Leon’ transfer company and was very impressed by their efficient and polite service and state of the art of buses (with Wi-Fi), especially as the 1hr 10 min journey cost me a mere 13USD, a definite top tip for future travellers!
With a few hours to kill at the airport before my 4hr flight south, it was nearly 8pm before I made it to the ‘End of the World’, aka Ushuaia. As I stepped out of the airport I savoured my first breaths of crisp, fresh Patagonian air, this is where the true adventure was going to start! I grabbed a taxi to take me to the Arakur Hotel and Spa, reportedly the best hotel in Ushuaia. It is located just outside the town, high up on the hill side, so enjoys magnificent views over the port and down the Beagle Channel. As to be expected with this calibre of hotel, the staff were all incredibly friendly and helpful in answering the many questions guests seem to have. The hotel is relatively new and is currently undergoing extensive development due to popular demand. Having done a full day of work on Friday before embarking on a succession of flights, my bed was a welcome sight tonight, to the point, I barely remember turning the light off.
Day 2
I was determined to make the most of the beautiful day that I was being blessed with so had an early breakfast and headed into town to find the tourist information office to seek guidance as to the best way to access Tierra del Fuego. Again, I can only commend the helpfulness of the staff, providing honest advice and a good handful of useful maps. On their guidance, I took the shuttle bus into the National Park (USD24 round trip plus USD13 for the entrance fee) which is about a 30min drive, depending on which drop off point you decide to opt. Honestly, I could not have asked for better where the sun was high in the sky and no hint of the ferocious wind that this region is notorious for. Map in hand, I spent the day hiking many of the trails, savouring the incredible vistas from the various look out points. The park is a birder’s paradise, amongst the species I managed to identify were kelp geese, crested and steamer ducks, rufous-chested dotterel, kelp gulls, Magellanic and blackish oystercatchers, South American terns, various caracas, dark-bellied cinclodes, Austral parakeet and rufous-backed negrito, southern giant petrel, Chilean skuas, Chilean hawk and the much sought after Magellanic woodpeckers.
After a long day on my feet I decided to take the advice of a colleague of mine and went to L’Estancia for dinner, a typical Argentine meat restaurant. I had possibly the sweetest, ‘melt in your mouth’ steak I have ever had the pleasure of tasting, a ‘must do’ pit stop for any meat lover!
Here at WILDFOOT we are beyond delighted to announce that The Urban Birder, David Lindo, will be joining us on our epic Antarctica – Off The Beaten Track expedition in November 2016, on board MV Akademic Ioffe operated by our close partners One Ocean Expeditions.
Our in-house wildlife experts have been huge fans of David’s for many years since he first came to our attention after enjoying his Rutland Bird Fair lectures, not to mention his appearance on BBC’s much-acclaimed Spring Watch. We have closely followed his adventures ever since. So you can imagine the excitement in our office when we found out that he was a planning a birding expedition to Antarctica!
David Lindo or as most of his fans know him, “The Urban Birder”, rose to prominence due to his attention-grabbing appearances on programmes such as BBC’s Spring Watch & The One Show, and his regular editorial contributions to the RSPB Nature’s Home magazine where he has shared his passion for birding and helped shape a new breed of birdwatching enthusiasts.
Despite David’s love of and dedication to promoting birding in large cities where one may not have usually expected to find such a wonderful array of birdlife in their natural surroundings until now, David is also open to scouring the lesser-explored areas of the world where birding opportunities take on a different shape altogether. That’s why he has chosen to explore Antarctica with us, a region renowned for breathtaking wildlife experiences that are, quite simply, out of this world.
From swooping albatrosses and giant southern petrels to 17 different species of penguin living in colonies with populations larger than some cities, Antarctica is home to some of the most majestic and remarkable birds in the world. The Urban Birder will be looking forward to spotting some of the 46 different species of birds found in this wonderfully remote region and sharing his unsurpassable knowledge with his fellow travellers.
We are extremely privileged that David has agreed to be a guest speaker on this expedition, giving fellow bird enthusiasts the opportunity to soak up some of his wisdom and share stories and tips as they enjoy their once in a lifetime trip.
If you want to be one of the lucky few who get to share this adventure with The Urban Birder then why not take a look through the itinerary for this exciting trip or contact one of our friendly wildlife experts who will be delighted to help you with any queries you may have. You really won’t want to miss this one!
The Urban Birder is venturing to a land which, simply put, couldn’t be less “urban”…and we are thrilled to be joining him!
Small Group Departure to Antarctica November/December 2017.
David will be returning to Antarctica next year and will be leading a small group. WILDFOOT Travel are delighted to be arranging from start to finish and not only inviting Urban Birder followers but also making this exciting expedition available to our WILDFOOT customers on a first come basis. This is going to be a small intimate group so spaces are extremely limited. You can also experience urban birding with David in Buenos Aries and Ushuaia before you embark the voyage to Antarctica. For further information and registration please email [email protected]
You can learn more about David Lindo by visiting his website theurbanbirder.com.
With the increasing accessibility of the Antarctic region to ‘ordinary’ travellers is coming an attendant rise in the number of companies offering holidays to this previously largely unchartered corner of the world. With many of these businesses claiming to offer it all in an Antarctic break, why should you specifically target the services and packages of specialists in polar travel like WILDFOOT?
Some of the reasons to do so are less obvious than others. Perhaps the most obvious is our in-depth knowledge and first-hand experience of this most specialised of regions. Quite simply, we feel that a remarkable continent demands remarkable treatment, which is precisely what we have sought to provide here at WILDFOOT – with spectacular results in the form of our consistently glowing customer feedback.
Such customers realise that choosing a great Antarctic holiday provider is about more than opting for the lowest price, or even the company that can boast the broadest range of expedition packages. What is arguably most important of all, is choosing a provider that truly understands Antarctica and has tailored its offerings to suit – the kind of company that allows you to experience almost everything that one of the planet’s remotest regions could conceivably serve up.
Where other providers may focus on slashing the price to the lowest level possible, we channel our energies into giving our customers a genuinely ground-up Antarctic holiday experience. People booking with us can climb aboard the best well-equipped expedition ships and learn about every detail of this most special of regions, via lectures given by seasoned experts in geology, oceanography, glaciology and history, all upon a stunning polar backdrop.
Alternatively, those embarking on such an incredible journey with us may throw themselves into such enthralling optional activities as kayaking, scuba diving, snorkelling, hiking, skiing or snowshoeing – or they may prefer the slightly sedater activity of wildlife spotting, discovering many more new and wonderful species in a few hours than they would encounter in many years at home.
Some travellers on board our cruises are even lucky enough to be able to board a helicopter for ice landings inside the continent – the perfect opportunity to keep their eyes peeled for the elusive Emperor Penguin. Add to all of these experiences the option of an especially luxurious Antarctic cruise encompassing 5* service and on-board cuisine, as well as our memberships of such organisations as ABTA, ATOL, IAATO and ATTA, and in WILDFOOT, you really do have the complete reputable polar travel provider.
Could now be the time for you to embark on the Antarctic journey of a lifetime? If the answer to that question is “yes”, make sure that it really is memorable for all of the right reasons by keeping our leading specialists in polar travel firmly by your side.
If you are considering exploring some of the Earth’s most beautiful, yet remote places, it is important to understand just what is in store for you once you get there. One of the most vital elements to consider is the climate and for those wanting to explore the stunning continent of Antarctica, the weather really does play an important part.
Antarctic holidays are becoming increasingly popular with those looking to try something different on their next break. As the coldest of the Earth’s continents, the area has witnessed the lowest natural temperature ever recorded, -89.2°C. If you are currently planning a trip to Antarctica, here are the key points that you need to know about the often extreme climate.
The continent itself is basically a frozen desert, offering very little precipitation, with less than 10cm of rain recorded at the South Pole per year. Once you reach Antarctica, the atmosphere can be a little daunting to first time visitors, with prolonged periods of constant darkness contrasted with similar length periods of constant sunshine. It is no surprise that visitors to the area claim that they are often confused as to what time it actually is!
One important thing to consider for your trip is the risk of sunburn. This may seem unlikely in Antarctica of all places, but the snow surface is prone to reflecting all of the ultraviolet light that falls upon it, something that you should bear in mind when packing your essentials. Temperatures in Antarctica tend to reach a minimum of −80 °C during the winter and a maximum of 15 °C in the coastal areas during the summer months.
The exact time of year when you are on the continent will dictate the conditions that you experience, the eastern side of Antarctica typically being colder than the west due to the higher elevations. The centre of the continent is cold and dry, due to the main extreme weather fronts not spreading into this area. By contrast, the outer edges of Antarctica are prone to strong winds that often blow at storm force.
If you are planning a trip to Antarctica, we highly recommend that you choose an experienced tour company to help guide you around these often unpredictable landscapes. Here at WILDFOOT, we work with the leading operators to create for you the true holiday of a lifetime in this most extreme and remote corner of the globe.
Antarctica is the world’s least explored frontier and is an ideal destination for anyone wishing to take a break in an unspoiled region that offers breathtaking scenery and fascinating wildlife. The White Continent is synonymous with icebergs, whales, penguins and rare birds, meaning that photo opportunities are almost limitless. Better yet, the sunsets are among the most stunning on the planet.
You will struggle to find a better setting for an adventure than Antarctica. The continent is totally unlike any other and gives you the chance to walk in the footsteps of some of the most iconic explorers in history. Life in this frozen landscape is completely different from what you may have come to expect from your day-to-day life, which means you really will be able to take a break from the norm when you spend time in this most exceptional and isolated part of the world.
Here at WILDFOOT, we offer cruises to a number of fascinating destinations, including the Falklands, the Antarctic Peninsula, Ross Sea and the South-Atlantic islands. We can bring youthe Antarctica trip that you’ve always wanted, offering guides that know the region inside out, whilst keeping you completely safe and introducing you to some of the most interesting species in the world. These include the Rockhopper, Adelie and maybe even Emperor penguins.
Reason 1: Penguins, Penguins & More Penguins
It’s a sighting that’s at the top of the list of almost everyone’s wish list and no Antarctica trip is really complete without them: penguins! They’re one of the main attractions of this far-away place, and with seventeen different species calling it home, you won’t be disappointed.
During your expedition, you’re most likely to come across the Adelie, Macaroni, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins, and all have their own unique appearance and personalities. If you want some certainty of spotting these amusing birds, the best time to visit will be the warmer months between spring and autumn. During this time you’re guaranteed to spot the Adelies, who prefer to swim out to sea in winter. However, if your heart is set on a renowned Emperor Penguin sighting, you’ll have to book a special expedition during October and November, as these are the best months for observing the chicks.
Reason 2: Other Magnificent Birds
As well as penguins, you will also get the chance to see myriad shearwaters, skuas, petrels and many other seabirds. South Georgia offers the biggest concentration of birdlife in the world, including albatross and King Penguins, as well as the South Georgia Pipit. Whether you’re a self-confessed twitcher or simply enjoy watching the birdbath in the garden, your holiday won’t be complete without some bird watching.
We have a number of itineraries to choose from, but whichever route you’re taking, winged wildlife will be a highlight. As well as the others already mentioned, there are a total of 46 different bird species, including (but in no way limited to) albatrosses, herons, ducks, swans and many more.
Reason 3: Spectacular Marine Wildlife
No matter what you have planned on your Antarctica trip, there’s no doubt that the wildlife will blow you away. As well as the vast masses of ice that characterise the scenery, you’ll soon understand just how dominating the ocean can be. But this also means you’re in for a treat when it comes to marine wildlife.
Of course, you’ll have the chance to see dolphins and porpoises, but the headliners of this remote location are the whales. Magnificent and enigmatic, they capture the imagination (and viewfinder) of most of us. The best time for spotting these incredible creatures is during February and March when they tend to travel in large pods in preparation for their big migration to the North. While the mighty Blue Whale is rare to see, you should spot a few Orcas and Humpbacks on your Antarctica trip. If whale watching is a must-do on your adventure list, then check that your itinerary includes a visit to Wilhemina Bay, a place renowned for the number of whales it attracts.
Reason 4: Ice Camping Beneath the Stars
There’s nothing like camping under the stars to experience that feeling of adventure in the great outdoors. But camping on the snow, surrounded by great walls of white, is a once in a lifetime experience that you’ll never forget. It’s not for everyone, of course, and the environment is definitely more extreme than your standard campsite; but it’s the challenge and the majesty of the place that will make this an experience to remember.
Unique experiences you can expect from camping in this white wilderness include some of the best stargazing you can imagine – there’s no light pollution in this part of the world! You’ll also be able to get close and personal with the local bird life, and even have the chance to listen to nearby polar bears. But perhaps the best part of your camping experience might be the deepest sleep of your life surrounded by the snowy silence.
Reason 5: Adrenaline Boosting Activities
Our expeditions to the White Continent are synonymous with adventure. While exploring the place is a thrill in itself, there are plenty of activities for any adrenaline junkies to try out. One of the most popular excursions iskayaking. If you want to immerse yourself in the landscape, there’s no better way than kayaking.
You’ll be exploring the coastline, gliding past icebergs and even getting within spray distance of whales; it’s truly exhilarating. For those that want to dive deeper into the frozen habitat, scuba diving is also on offer. Experience the eerie sounds and sights of the underwater world as our experienced Master Divers guide you through corals and marine life.
If you prefer to stay on land, there are a number of thrilling activities to participate in. From snowshoeing to extreme skiing, mountaineering to camping – whatever gets your heart racing!
Reason 6: Historical Routes
Antarctica has been host to a fair few historical dramas. Battlefield enthusiasts should not miss the opportunity to visit some of the key sites and monuments of the Falklands War – some of our cruises offer guided tours of these.
Follow in the footsteps of the explorer hero Ernest Shackleton whose epic journey in 1916 carved the path for many future expeditions to this breathtaking continent. You can pay homage to the great man with a visit to his grave in the abandoned South Georgia whale station of Grytvitken.
Reason 7: Breathtaking Landscapes
This part of the world is one of the last pristine places left to visit, and it’s a must-see for intrepid travellers. As well as wildlife and sea life, your Antarctica trip will give you the chance to witness natural landscapes that don’t exist anywhere else. Just imagine a vast ice-covered landscape with huge glaciers and the immense Transantarctic mountain range…
While the general surroundings are breathtaking, there are a few natural phenomena that are not to be missed on your expedition. These include the Amery Ice Shelf, which is a huge mass of floating ice, and the notorious Blood Falls, a five-storey high blood-red waterfall pouring out of the Taylor Glacier. The list of breathtaking landscapes goes on but you can be sure that it’s a photographer’s dream.
Reason 8: Sensational Photo Opportunities
Speaking of photography, if you’re a pro or even just want to practice your skills, there’s no other place like this. Nature is one of the greatest subjects of all time, and with its alien backdrop and unique wildlife, an Antarctica trip is a photographer’s dream. The opportunities for sensational images are endless; you have glaciers, extreme coastlines, volcanoes, imposing mountains and, of course, pristine white snow.
Before setting off, it’s worth getting a little familiar with your destination; let’s face it, for many, this will be a once-in-a-lifetime trip. You’re most likely to be travelling during the summer, which means endless sunlight and many opportunities to get the right shot. However, conditions aren’t easy and everything will be different to your usual surroundings. So when you arrive, play around with your kit a bit to find out what works best for you.
Reason 9: Luxury Expedition Vessels
This experience is all about adventuring into an extreme world, which means the transport will have to be up to the challenge. All of our expeditions take place on purpose-built vessels that are made to withstand all that the weather has to throw at it. But that doesn’t mean comfort is compromised. Passenger accommodation offers suites furnished with all the necessary comforts and amenities.
The Silver Explorer is one of these magnificent vessels that you might be travelling on. It’s been refurbished to convert it into a luxury ship, with comfort and service prioritised, as well as having an ice-strengthened hull. If you’re travelling with a scientific team, you might find yourself on the MV Ortelius, which is a scientific survey ship designed for polar sailing. As well as the usual comforts, it has a lecture room, observation lounge and even a helicopter pad for special excursions.
Reason 10: Opportunities for Amazing Side Trips
Depending on which itinerary you choose, you’ll have the opportunity for some incredible add-on trips to nearby destinations, such as South Georgia, Patagonia, Argentina and the Falkland Islands. Each has something unique to offer, and including an extra little trip is a great way to explore as much as possible while you’re in this part of the world.
From vibrant Buenos Aires you can include a flight to Ushuaia in Tierra del Fuego. As well as incredible views, you’ll earn boasting rights of having travelled to the southernmost tip of South America. If you want to pack more wildlife spotting into your expedition, you must include a visit to the Falkland Islands, which is a birder’s paradise.
A Life-Changing Experience
For many people, an Antarctica trip means fulfilling the dream of a lifetime. These expeditions can be the answer if you’re interested in taking a holiday with a difference that you will never forget. The temperature may be testing, but it’s well worth braving the elements, given the truly magical experience that only a journey to this part of the world can provide.
Get in Touch with Our Team
Get in touch with us today if you’re interested in seeing some of the world’s most talked-about wildlife and engaging in activities such as cross-country skiing, snorkelling, snowshoeing and ice-climbing, all against the most remarkable backdrop. We have the knowledge and experience needed to help you plan the perfect itinerary for your Antarctica trip.
Suggested Itineraries
All of our holidays include highlights such as wildlife sightings, options for extra excursions, and of course, incredible scenery. But we understand how important it is to ensure that this unique holiday is right for you, so we’ve created a variety of adventures for you to choose from.
Crossing the Circle
This once-of-a-kind expedition includes the thrill of crossing the Polar Circle (subject to conditions). You’ll travel through the heart of the peninsula’s pristine landscape of floating icebergs and encounter curious animal life. Spend time observing from the deck or enjoy a fun Zodiac ride to historic sites.
Also known as the ice factory, the Weddell Sea boasts a stunning west coast and there’s no better vessel to travel on than the famous Greg Mortimer, which has been ice-strengthened to ensure your journey is smooth. Witness huge ice shelves and explore the Peninsula on foot for an enthralling adventure.
Of all our Antarctica trips, this one is a true adventure. You’ll explore the rarely visited Bellingshausen Sea, Marguerite Bay and Alexander Head. Most of the excursion is spent beyond the Polar Circle, where you’ll find breathtaking wilderness and scenery.
For animal lovers, there’s no place like South Georgia. You can expect gobsmacking landscapes and incredible opportunities for animal sightings. Creatures you can expect to see include the magnificent wandering albatross, King penguins and the entertaining elephant seals.
Born in a humble Yorkshire village called Marton in 1728, James Cook rose to become one of the most famous and influential explorers in world history. It shouldn’t overly surprise, then, that he is a key figure in the history of human contact with what we now call Antarctica. Here is a little bit of history for you to enjoy reading before booking one of WILDFOOT’s appealing Antarctic cruises.
The mystery of the supposed Terra Australis
Since Antiquity, mankind had regularly put forward the likelihood of a large continent in the planet’s south to balance those continents that were then known to exist further north. However, no surveying had taken place to conclusively prove the existence of Terra Australis, the name given to this supposed continent – and so, in the late eighteenth century, the task fell to James Cook to seek out the continent for the British government.
In 1770, Cook sailed around most of New Zealand, thus proving that those islands were not part of Terra Australis. During his famed second voyage, which took place from 1772 to 1775, he circumnavigated the planet at a high southern latitude, in the process unknowingly circumnavigating Antarctica. He nearly came across Antarctica’s mainland, only to head to Tahiti for more supplies for his ship. He then made a second, but unsuccessful, re-attempt to discover Terra Australis.
So, Terra Australis didn’t exist. Except that it did…
Back in Britain, Cook’s reports of his travels widely convinced the British that the existence of Terra Australis had been a myth. In his book ‘A Voyage to Terra Australis’, published in 1814, decades after Cook’s death, Matthew Flinders argued that the long-believed Terra Australis was not a reality and so the name should instead be given to the closest that mankind had so far discovered to such a continent: what we now know as Australia.
Of course, Antarctica was later discovered, but only later in the nineteenth century. By then, Australia had been firmly established as the name for the above mentioned island, of which Cook is often considered the “father”. However, Cook gained crucial knowledge about the Antarctic that other explorers later built upon – something worth thinking about before you decide which of our Antarctic cruises you should turn to for a southern adventure of your own.
Antarctica is a truly astonishing region – the southernmost, coldest, driest and windiest continent on Earth, a polar desert that has claimed the lives of many of those to have underestimated it. But this part of the world isn’t merely about the most intensely adverse elements – it is also about remarkable wildlife, stunning scenery and one of the most memorable travel experiences of your life.
It is a region that teaches you much about yourself, as you learn a lot in turn about it – and there can be no better way of doing so than with one of our educational cruise expeditions.
Book an amazing group experience with us
Contact WILDFOOT today about group holidays on which your friends or fellow members of a club, society or other interest group can learn more about what Antarctica is really about. Not only can brilliantly competitive rates be negotiated for such holidays, but we might even be able to offer a free place to your group leader, or the value of a free place shared out among all of you.
If your group is a larger one, we are also delighted to provide an escort, who can cater for all of your transfers and other arrangements.
Perfectly tailored group expeditions
Whatever the nature of your group – a club or society with a more formal interest in a subject or field of study related to Antarctica, perhaps, or simply friends or sporting teammates who would all like to experience this incredible region ‘in the flesh’ – we are confident of providing the perfectly-tailored holiday.
As you might expect, we can certainly put together the complete educational cruise expeditions for schools, colleges, universities and alumni, encompassing zodiac (RIB or Rigid Inflatable Boat) excursions, bird and whale watching and informative lectures.
However, we are just as happy to build the ideal holiday expedition package for ornithologists and birdwatchers, photographers, wildlife enthusiasts, historians, skiers, kayakers and scuba divers. These breaks allow you to follow in the footsteps of the celebrated figures to have embarked on history’s greatest Antarctic expeditions – Scott, Mawson, Shackleton – in a way that suits everyone in your group.
Talk to WILDFOOT today about the most inspiring educational cruise expeditions that help to bring this mysterious, legendary and ever-fascinating corner of the globe to life.
