Adventure World

Antarctica

Antarctica, an immense wilderness, is a virtually pristine paradise abundant with wildlife and incomparable scenery of mountains, snow and ice. It is a privilege to visit this awe-inspiring continent and to experience the special magic that has lured explorers, adventurers and scientists for more than two centuries and - most recently - world travellers.

The vistas are magnificent, with towering glaciers and dramatic cliffs that drop almost vertically into the sea. Everything in Antarctica appears to be built on a scale that is larger than life.

Top Highlights

For the most part, Antarctic tourists come to walk around, look at the scientific bases, take photographs and journey out on zodiacs to the region's spectacular sights and to view the abundant wildlife.

About the Continent: It's the Coldest: Mean temperatures in the interior during the coldest month (August) range from -40° to -70°C and in the warmest month (February) range from -15° to -45°C. At sea level, Antarctic temperatures are some 10°-17°C colder than the Arctic. Nevertheless, there are considerable variations. At the sub-Antarctic islands, for example, temperatures may range from about -40°C in midwinter (August) to +14°C in January or February.

It's the Windiest: Apart from global wind currents, Antarctica actually creates its own wind systems.

It's the Driest: By definition, most of the continent is a desert. There is very little precipitation each year in the interior, and the vast amount of ice and snow which make up the polar ice cap has accumulated over many millions of years.

Crossings of the Southern Ocean can be quite easy (except the Drake Passage which is notoriously rough) and severe storms are infrequent in the southern summer months. The narrow waterways of the Antarctic Peninsula are quite protected. Likewise, sunny days are rather common in Greater Antarctica and the sun even shines among the sub Antarctic islands and Antarctic Peninsula. Although visitors should be prepared for cold weather at any time, it is surprising how often it can seem almost too warm to wear a parka. The average summer temperature is near freezing.

Wildlife: Antarctic Birds: The most obvious and commonly seen animals of Antarctica are the birds. Only 43 species of birds occur south of the Antarctic Convergence, nearly all of them seabirds. Many ornithologists believe that Wilson's Storm-petrel, which breeds by the millions in Antarctica, may be the most numerous bird in the world.

Penguins: These birds epitomize the Antarctic. Although the 17 species of penguins are all found in the southern hemisphere, most of them live north of the Antarctic Convergence. Of all the penguins, only the Emperor and Adélie are restricted to Antarctic habitats.

Virtually all penguins are social and nest in colonies. In Antarctica, most species use open nests lined mainly with pebbles. Both sexes share in incubating the eggs and feeding the young. The two largest species, the emperor and king penguins, make no nest at all, and since they require more time to raise their young, they lay their eggs in winter so that chicks can be fledged by the end of summer.

Emperor Penguin colonies are on the sea ice, unlike those of other penguins, which nest on land. The male Emperor incubates a single egg by balancing it on top of his feet and covering it with a special brood pouch (the same method is used by the king penguin). He must stand upright and shuffle around with the egg for about two months, while his mate is out at sea feeding. If the egg hatches before the female returns to relieve him, the male can feed the new-born chick with small quantities of crop secretions containing fat and protein.

In some penguin species the young form groups, or crèches, which can then be guarded by just a few adults; this allows most of the adult penguins to spend longer at sea feeding.

There is always a lot of activity at penguin colonies, and the sights, sounds, and smells are unforgettable. Incubation usually lasts 5 to 6 weeks. The fledging period varies quite widely, with Adélies and Chinstraps leaving the colony at about seven weeks, while for gentoos the time is 14 weeks.

Antarctic Seals: Truly fascinating marine animals and a signature species of the Southern Ocean. They can be found throughout the Antarctic region, with some species living farther south than any other mammal. Of the six types of seals which are found south of the Antarctic Convergence, four of them are considered true Antarctic species: the Weddell, the Ross, the Crabeater and the Leopard. Both the Southern Elephant Seal and the Fur Seal do occasionally venture onto the continent, but prefer the more northerly islands of the warmer subantarctic seas.

Antarctic Whales: Considered by many to be the most magnificent and intelligent of the Antarctic marine mammals. The Killer (Orca) whale and the Sperm whale are the only toothed whales found in the Antarctic region. Baleen whales have comblike structures instead of teeth that are used to filter krill and fish from the water. They are larger than toothed whales and have two blowholes. The Blue, Fin, Humpback, Minke, Sei, and Southern Right Whales are the baleen whales found in the Antarctic.

In the early and mid-1900's, several species of whales in the Southern Ocean were hunted to the edge of extinction, but they are now gradually recovering thanks to international regulation. Today the entire area around the continent of Antarctica has been declared an international whale sanctuary with whaling activities closely monitored by the International Whaling Commission (IWC).

Fact Sheet

• Combating Sea Sickness: Anticipate some rough water on the voyage. Should you be prone to motion or sea sickness, please consult with your physician on which medication is most appropriate and its side effects. You would be wise to try out the dosage first on dry land.
• To avert motion sickness, avoid alcohol, tobacco, excess liquids, and confined spaces. Most people feel better sitting on deck looking at the horizon or prone with eyes shut. Oddly, you will feel better with some food, such as crackers or dry toast in your stomach. Many people eat to avoid feeling sick. Remember, once you start to experience motion sickness, medications are of little help.
• Time: During the tourist season, there are about 20 hours of daylight, making wearing a watch almost unnecessary. When visiting most bases, clocks are set in accordance with their home countries.
• Electricity: Each ship and each base has its own independent electricity supply, but many of the ships are Russian with a 220V/50 Hz output into a standard European two-pin socket.
• Clothing: Active travellers typically own most of the clothing items necessary for a polar voyage. Below is a list of the essential items expedition members will need. Comfortable, casual clothing is the best choice. Travellers should dress in layers, to ensure warmth and comfort.
• Boots and a Parka are provided on a complimentary basis for the duration of your expedition by the majority of our Antarctic operators, please check with us when making your enquiry if they are included.
• List of essential gear for Antarctic expeditions:
  • Gloves
  • Hat and scarf
  • Waterproof pants or trousers
  • Quick-dry socks, plus, warm, long wool or cotton socks to wear over a thin pair of silk or polypropylene socks
  • Waterproof, light backpack or a dry bag to line a backpack
  • Hiking boots
  • Sunglasses with UV protection
  • Additional detailed suggestions are provided in the pre-departure kit
• Medical Facilities: The vessels have a well equipped medical clinic with an adequate supply of western medicines and equipment. There will be a Western physician on board. Of course they cannot guarantee to have every drug or piece of equipment for every medical problem. If passengers are under regular treatment for any ailment, they must bring a more than adequate supply of medicines for the duration of their voyage.