Antarctic Adventure Awaits

First Impressions and the Drake Passage

Words can't truly capture the magic of Antarctica. It's the purity of the air, the fascinating polar light, and the breathtaking spectacle of its wildlife – a mixed tapestry of penguins, whales, seals, and albatrosses. Each Zodiac journey is a voyage through a gallery of icebergs, an experience that remained with us long after we've left.

But before reaching Antarctica, we had to endure the two-day crossing of the dreaded Drake Passage, in itself a rite of passage for many travellers. The Drake Passage is known for its dramatic mood swings, transforming from the turbulent 'Drake Shake' to the serene 'Drake Lake' in a way that cannot be predicted. The ship's doctor distributed seasickness pills, before the crossing, but we, foolishly, underestimated the challenge. As the night fell, we learnt about the power of the Drake Passage, especially when one wave slapped the side of the ship, throwing seated people to the ground. After the scare, the sea got quiet again: we were beyond the Drake Shake.

Learning moments and legendary explorers

An Antarctic cruise is also an immersive learning experience. The two-day crossing to Antarctica also offers a unique opportunity to learn about this continent. Many cruise companies support expert researchers by offering them a ride to Antarctica. In exchange, these scientists give lectures on various topics, including history, biology and climate change. Bear in mind that these people are passionate about what they do, their lectures are among the best we have ever experienced!

One of the highlights, was a lecture on the heroic age of exploration. A retired historian in her seventies, told us the tales of legendary explorers such as Shackleton, Amundsen, and Scott, who dared to conquer the icy continent. The race to the South Pole, in 1911, between the Norwegian, Roald Amundsen, and the British, Robert Falcon Scott, remains a fascinating chapter in history, and it sent shivers down our spines. While Amundsen's well-planned dog-sled expedition secured victory, Scott's ill-fated journey and tragic end highlight the extreme challenges and risks associated with Antarctic exploration.

Penguin encounters and extreme survival

Another highlight was to learn with a biologist about the life and habits of the cheeky penguins. One particularly fascinating behaviour is the Adelie penguin's habit of stealing stones from its neighbours to build its nest, leading to comical squabbles amongst them. In the next couple of days, we saw all these behaviours with our own eyes! The large number of penguins and their resilience in such extreme conditions surprised us even more. Did you know that some penguin species, such as the Emperor Penguin, can withstand temperatures as low as -60°C? It really was a privilege to witness their survival strategies, so perfectly adapted to the harsh environment where they live.

Our ten-day Antarctic voyage balanced adventure and comfort beautifully. What a joy to spend the days exploring Antarctica, just to return to the ship's luxurious amenities, where every detail was carefully considered to ensure lasting memories.

Zodiac excursions and natural wonders

Each day offered immersive exploration of Antarctica via Zodiac (inflatable dinghies) excursions. Typically, we enjoyed two outings, with the schedule carefully planned to minimize ‘crowding’. Half the passengers would embark on land expeditions, observing penguin colonies and hiking the terrain; while the other half explored the surrounding waters, encountering icebergs and potentially spotting the marine wildlife. The cruise anchored in a new location each night, which allowed us to experience the diverse landscapes of the Antarctic Peninsula.

We can’t deny that one of our favourite activities while on land, was simply finding a rock, sitting down and watching the penguins go about their day. It was so funny to watch their waddling gait that we almost forgot about the chill Antarctic air. They always seemed to be in a rush, as if late for an important appointment. We observed that they don’t walk randomly. Like us, penguins prefer to follow well-worn trails in the snow, created by the constant passage of their flippers.

The zodiac excursions however were equally thrilling, like going on an icy treasure hunt on the water. We never knew what awaited us: an iceberg flipping? An ice arch inviting us to pass beneath? A leopard seal enjoying its meal on an ice floe? The drama of penguins fleeing orcas? Or would our guide locate a whale, granting us the privilege of observing the gentle, elegant movements of Humpbacks? We had a bit of all, what a thrill!

Farewell moments and a call for preservation

As we slowly and sadly cruised back out of the Antarctic Peninsula, we didn’t really look forward to the Drake Passage again. But, this time we were luckier and met Drake Lake. There, we were also treated to a spectacular show from a Humpback whale family. The captain of the boat was so impressed that he cut the engines and announced over the loudspeakers for the entire crew to come on deck. For an hour, five whales put on an unbelievable display for all of us.

We remember often our trip to Antarctica, which is one of the top experiences we’ve had so far. Antarctica is probably one of the last places on this earth that has been left for the wildlife to live in their natural habitat. Still, it’s a fragile ecosystem that needs our protection. As we explore and appreciate its beauty, let's commit to preserving it for future generations, by minimizing our impact and supporting sustainable practices.