Introduction
At Wildfoot Travel we have been running unforgettable tours in Antarctica for over 30 years, helping hundreds of customers explore the World’s last great wilderness on the ultimate adventure-of-a-lifetime!
From the 21st Nov to the 4th Dec 2025, Senior Travel Designer & Product Executive, Mike Gardiner, visited this stunning region onboard onboard the Greg Mortimer.
Below is Mike’s first-hand account of his polar adventure:
What was your first impression of Antarctica?
My first experience of Antarctica was on the Antarctica Active voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer. The first impression was one of calm. There was a real sense of space and quiet, with wildlife immediately taking centre stage around us.
Penguins were moving through the water, seabirds were constantly overhead, and there was a feeling that you were stepping into an environment where nature was completely in control. At the same time, there was a strong sense of anticipation about what we would encounter over the coming days.
Experiences
Which activities were you most looking forward to and were there any you were unsure about beforehand?
Hiking and kayaking were the activities I was most looking forward to. Being out on the ice and moving through that landscape, with wildlife all around, was something I had really anticipated. Snorkelling on the other hand I was not especially expecting much from, mainly because of the cold.
In the end snorkelling turned out to be exceptional. Beneath the brash ice the light was completely different, almost filtered and muted. We saw krill in large numbers, which really puts into perspective how the entire food chain here starts with something so small. We also had penguins moving quickly beneath us, which made it feel like you were briefly entering their world rather than observing it from above. It was a completely different way of experiencing Antarctic wildlife.
That said, while both hiking and snorkelling were incredible in their own ways, it was the camping that ultimately stood out as the most memorable experience. Being out on the ice overnight, completely immersed in that environment, with the sounds of the natural world all around, gave a very different perspective to everything else we had experienced on the voyage.
Life on board
What was it like travelling on an expedition ship?
Life aboard the Greg Mortimer had a strong sense of community. The ship is relatively small in terms of passenger numbers, and the expedition team were very approachable and engaging, which set the tone for the whole voyage.
Everyone onboard was there for the same reason to experience Antarctica actively and to be as close as possible to its wildlife and landscapes. That created a constant exchange of stories each day. People would compare what they had seen, especially wildlife encounters such as penguins, whales or seals, and share tips for the next activity. It felt very social and collaborative, almost like a travelling expedition community rather than a cruise.
The food also exceeded all expectations. There was consistently excellent quality across all three meals of the day, with a surprising level of choice given the remote environment. Whether it was breakfast before a landing, a well earned lunch between activities, or dinner after a full day spent watching wildlife and exploring ashore, the standard remained high throughout. It added a real sense of comfort and balance to what was otherwise a very active and wildlife focused expedition experience.
How important was the expedition team to the overall experience?
The expedition team aboard the Greg Mortimer were a key part of the experience. Their knowledge and enthusiasm added a lot of depth to each day, whether that was through briefings, guiding landings or simply being available to answer questions.
What stood out was how approachable they were. There was always someone willing to explain what you were seeing, whether it was wildlife behaviour, ice conditions or the wider Antarctic environment. That constant interpretation of the wildlife in front of you added real meaning to every encounter.
They also played a big role in making the most of changing conditions. Plans would shift depending on weather and ice, and the team adapted quickly to ensure we were always in the best possible place for wildlife sightings and landings. That flexibility combined with their experience made a noticeable difference to what we were able to see and do.
One moment that really captured this was during a landing at Damoy Point, where the team opened up the old British transit hut once used by researchers flying into the peninsula onto the glacier runway before continuing on to their postings.
The hut now sits as a museum, and while it was fascinating to see how people had lived and worked there in such an isolated environment, what made it truly memorable was the human connection brought to it by the guide.
A softly spoken Scot called Mac began sharing his own experiences of flying into Damoy in the 1970s. Hearing first hand stories layered over the physical space itself brought everything to life in a completely unexpected way.
Wildlife
How would you describe the overall wildlife experience in Antarctica?
Wildlife is really what defines Antarctica. It is not something you go looking for in specific moments. It is constantly present. From the moment you step onto deck there are penguins in the water, seabirds overhead, and often seals hauled out on passing ice.
It creates a sense that you are always observing something active and natural rather than simply passing through a landscape. Even the ice itself feels alive because of the wildlife moving across it.
What were the penguin encounters like?
The penguins were a constant highlight. Seeing them on land is one thing, but watching them in the water or moving beneath the surface while snorkelling was something else entirely. They are incredibly fast and purposeful in the water and it really changes your perception of them compared to how they appear on land.
There is also something very engaging about how present they are throughout the voyage. They become part of the rhythm of each day and are never far from view.
Did you have any particularly memorable marine mammal encounters?
Yes and these were some of the most powerful moments of the trip. We saw humpback whales regularly, often very close to the ship. Hearing them exhale and watching them dive with their flukes raised is something that stays with you.
On one day we also encountered a large pod of orca after a change in route due to ice conditions. They travelled with the ship for around twenty minutes, moving in a coordinated group ahead of us. It was completely unplanned and that made it even more striking.
Was there a sense of unpredictability in the wildlife encounters?
Absolutely. That unpredictability is a huge part of what makes Antarctica so special. You might set out with a plan for landings or activities, but the wildlife encounters often end up being the defining moments of the day.
Whether it was whales appearing alongside the ship or penguins suddenly surfacing beneath the water, there was always a sense that something could happen at any moment.
On the ice
Was there a moment that captured the essence of Antarctica for you?
One of the standout experiences of the trip was camping on an island in Paradise Bay. We were surrounded by mountains and experienced sunset from the shore while listening to glaciers calving into the water.
At the same time humpback whales were moving through the bay very close to us. You could hear them exhale and see them lift their flukes as they dived. It was a simple but very powerful moment, completely immersed in Antarctic wildlife with no separation between you and the environment.
I was travelling with my wife Louisa and sharing that experience made it even more memorable.
Closing thoughts
How would you sum up Antarctica?
The overall impression that stayed with me was one of remote fragility. Antarctica feels both vast and delicate at the same time.
Icebergs, snow, whales and penguins set against constantly changing landscapes. It is also a reminder that true wilderness still exists and that places like this are defined first and foremost by their wildlife and the way it shapes everything you experience there.
How could I experience my own adventure in Antarctica?
To discuss your own polar adventure, learn more about Antarctica or get in touch with our expert team.
We’re here to guide you every step of the way, and our unsurpassed first-hand knowledge of all of our adventure and wildlife regions allows us to give the very best advice and guidance.
