Embark on an unforgettable journey exploring the mesmerizing activities and attractions that things to do in Antarctica has to offer. Discover the top things to do in Antarctica and make your polar adventure a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Antarctica, the icy wonderland at the southernmost tip of the Earth, is not just a frozen wilderness but a treasure trove of unique experiences.
THINGS TO DO IN ANTARCTICA
In this guide, we'll delve into the myriad things to do in Antarctica, ensuring your expedition is filled with awe-inspiring moments and unforgettable memories. Embark on a thrilling wildlife safari amidst the stunning icy landscapes. Witness penguins waddling gracefully, seals basking in the sun, and majestic whales breaching the surface in a display of raw, untouched nature.
1. Get close to Antarctic animals
This is certainly one of the experiences that everyone aims to do when they get to set foot in Antarctica!
First and foremost, the penguins: there are 7 adorable penguin species that you can find in and around the continent, and I assure you, you will see them no matter the time or month that you come. Also, in order to not stress these incredible creatures, everyone is advised to keep a 5-meter distance but I guarantee you: given how curious the penguins are, there will be so many instances wherein they will voluntarily walk up to you!
During my adventure with Hurtigruten, I managed to see a big pod of finback whales aside from a couple of orcas and humpbacks. If you’re lucky, you can even witness more of them! Meanwhile, seals number a lot, especially in South Georgia and there are 5 types in total which you will likely find in an expedition: crabeater, fur, elephant, leopard, and weddell.
2. Witness almost a million penguins!
I suggest (or I insist) that you choose an Antarctic cruise that makes a stopover to the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia (e.g.: Hurtigruten’s 20-day expedition).
Why so…? Because if you land in South Georgia, you will have the best wildlife experience in your entire life — guaranteed!
Not to mention, the beauty of this island is truly unparalleled. Besides, when you land in St. Andrew’s Bay, you’ll be blown away by the huge colony of king penguins that number almost a million!
Personally, it was an extremely surreal moment when I finally saw tons of these penguins huddled together whilst their chirping circulated through the air like a loud orchestra. In short: I’m pretty sure that this sight will leave a mark on you; therefore I dearly recommend that you put this high on your list of things to do in Antarctica! (You can see more of my experience in my vlog series above this post).
3. Experience overnight camping
It’s not every day that you can have the chance to go camping in the most extreme and southern place in the world — so when the opportunity presents itself, I urge you to give this a try!
It won’t be the most comfortable camping escapade given the cold conditions and the strong winds on the continent, but it will surely make for a memorable exploit still. Rest assured, as long as you come with an IAATO tour provider, your safety will be guaranteed!
But if I say so myself, my camping experience in Antarctica was pleasant and warm, thanks to the high-quality assistance and equipment that was given to us by Hurtigruten.
4. Kayak in Antarctic waters
After you’ve explored the icy terrain and said hello to the penguins or seals as a part of your things to do in Antarctica, it’s time to explore the waters! Besides, kayaking is the best way to get super close to gigantic glaciers, icebergs, and whales.
Anyhow, no matter your skill level, it’s absolutely possible to go kayaking in Antarctica. However, it helps to remember to stay cautious — additionally, it helps that you’ve had prior experience of kayaking too since this activity will require a good sense of balance from you.
Either way, the waters will be calm and there will be professional guides who will be with you at all times. Besides, your safety will always be of utmost importance, so no sweat!
5. Go inside a volcano
The South Shetland Islands are a group of islands at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula (or the northernmost part of mainland Antarctica) and there you will find the unique Deception Island because it is the caldera (volcanic ‘crater’) of an active volcano.
Yep, you read that right — it’s the crater of an active volcano! How’s that for an amazing Antarctic adventure?
First things first, entering here will be quite exhilarating. To give you some background, a portion of the wall of the volcanic caldera in Deception Island had collapsed long ago which resulted in the flooding of its interior — therefore, access to this interior is only through a 200 metre-wide (660 feet) entrance known as Neptune’s Bellows.
There is even a rock in the middle just under the water; plus, the area to one side is also foul. So you can just imagine how our ship had only 100 meters (330 feet) with which to navigate! Rest assured, we got in safely (of course!)
Once inside, you can even explore the protected black sand bay of Deception Island where you can witness some research stations as well as learn about its past whaling stations. But if I may say so, one of the best things you can do here is to…
6. Do a polar plunge!
I mean… I was already in Antarctica AND I was even inside a volcano, so why not do the first polar plunge of my life in the freezing waters of this unique location?! …
Some cruise companies let their guests do a polar plunge by jumping off a ledge on the ship, but on my trip with Hurtigruten, we were given the opportunity to do it from the Pendulum Cove beach on Deception Island. (So yes, I did a polar plunge “inside” an active volcano — and I even got a certificate for it! How’s that for being ‘extreme’? Haha.)
TRIVIA: There was a time when you can dig holes in the sand (since the sand IS warm in Deception Island) so you can enjoy a ‘hot spring’ by the bay; however, this is NO longer allowed under the Antarctic Treaty. Hence, people’s perception that there are hot springs in Deception Island is NOT true; and believe me, even if it was still allowed to do that, there is no way that your plunge won’t be cold.
You can also do a polar plunge in Whalers Bay of Deception Island, but the upside of doing it in Pendulum Cove is that once you get back on the beach after your swim, you’ll get to enjoy brief moments of warm sand on your feet.
Of course, I immediately dipped in the ship’s hot outdoor jacuzzi after my polar plunge — after all, I needed to remind my body how it felt to be warm again!
7. Try snowshoeing or hiking
You will definitely be given a lot of opportunities to go hiking or snowshoeing — not only in Antarctica but also in the sub-Antarctic islands that you will be stopping in (as dependent on your cruise expedition tour provider).
As someone who is into hiking, this was one of the things to do in Antarctica that I really enjoyed; after all, it gives you access to places and sights that other guests wouldn’t have the possibility of seeing if they didn’t opt for this extra activity. (Other than the fact that it makes for some good exercise.)
NOTE: It is VERY important to wear shades or sunglasses while in Antarctica because there is such a thing as ‘snow blindness’. Don’t forget to put sunscreen either because the UV rays here are harsher than normal given its southerly location.
8. Enjoy cruising around with zodiac boat tours
When you’re a part of an Antarctica cruise expedition, there will be a lot of chances for you to go on extra or optional excursions such as going on the zodiac or polarcirkel boat tours.
These small yet sturdy boats are basically used to ferry people either ashore or on other kinds of adventures in order to get as close as possible to the scenes and wildlife around you.
Simply put: this is one of the things to do in Antarctica that will bode well as an alternative for people who are not too confident with their kayaking skills. Don’t worry about the elements though because your cruise tour operator will make sure that you’re tucked in securely and that you’re wearing the right gear that will protect you from the harsh cold winds and water.
Hence, all that you need to do is to stay alert and keep a look out for any penguins jumping up and down in the water, seals gliding in the water, whales popping out from their swim, and more!
9. Send a postcard from the Penguin Post Office
The Penguin Post Office in Port Lockroy is the world’s most southerly post office and it is typically run by a staff of 4 — humans; unfortunately, NOT penguins… but the post office IS surrounded by about 3,000 gentoo penguins!
There might be some other stops during your cruise expedition where you’ll get to buy and send postcards, such as the Arctowski research station on King George Island; but I say, Port Lockroy is the post office in this world that you shouldn’t miss as part of your things to do in Antarctica. Ultimately though, your loved ones will simply get the surprise of their life when they receive your postcards all the way from Antarctica!
The stamps here cost only $1 each and you can buy your postcards there or on your cruise ship.
TRIVIA: During Operation Tabarin in 1944, the British set up two bases in the Antarctic Peninsula to establish a permanent presence in the Antarctic. They set up Base A at Port Lockroy and Base B at Whalers Bay, Deception Island. Since its restoration in 1996 by the Antarctic Heritage Trust (AHT), Base A on Goudier Island at Port Lockroy has become one of the most visited sites in Antarctica. It now operates as a museum, kept as it was in the 1950s, as well as a post office and souvenir shop with all proceeds going to the AHT, a non-profit organization dedicated to conserving this and other historical huts in Antarctica.
10. Cross the infamous Drake Passage
Another option for reaching Antarctica is by plane; but for sure, the most common way for visiting is by cruise ship.
Speaking of which, I would suggest doing the latter because apart from it being cheaper, it will also give you a shot at experiencing the infamous Drake Passage!
What’s up with this Drake Passage? Well, it is said to be the world’s roughest seas given that it is where the Atlantic, Pacific, and Southern seas converge. There aren’t any nearby landmass either so the currents here meet with NO resistance, resulting in it being the choppiest waters in the world.
But of course, one’s exploit here can either be called ‘Drake Lake’ or ‘Drake Shake’ as dependent on weather conditions. In my case, it was somewhere in the middle: it was swaying more than usual, but it was manageable — nevertheless, it’s quite cool to have the bragging rights of crossing and ‘surviving’ this famous body of water.
11. Learn more about Antarctica through scientists
This is yet again another one of those things to do in Antarctica that I definitely enjoyed and was thankful for!
You see, all IAATO operators are encouraged to provide ways of enriching and educating guests about the environment of Antarctica and its protection — so with ships like Hurtigruten, there were FREE educational programs or lectures available every day wherein everyone was free to participate or not. They let us learn more about the wildlife and the places we were visiting, and they were even delivered by the expedition team that was made up of expert geologists, marine biologists, historians, and ornithologists among many others!
If I happen to have any specific requests, I was also always free to approach any of the staff scientists on board or on shore. With that in mind, doesn’t it just make a trip to Antarctica enriching?
NOTE: Alternatively, you can go a step further and work in Antarctica as a scientist or support staff! A quick search online will take you to some job listings for this. Anyhow, it helps to note that there are more people interested in working in Antarctica than there are actual job openings available.
12. Try scuba diving
Diving under Antarctic waters will be like no other dive out there, so if you’re a seasoned driver, this is an activity that you CANNOT afford to miss when in the ‘White Continent’. After all, it is said that with the combination of the sunlight and the ice formations, the water wonderland that you’ll see will have a constant shifting of spectacular colors!
Regrettably… this isn’t something anyone can do because inexperienced divers will only be a danger to themselves and to others too. Even if the dive isn’t so technical, due to the unpredictable conditions, this is only limited to experienced or advanced divers.
NOTE: To be a part of this diving expedition, you must be a trained and certified scuba diver with an internationally-recognized certificate, have prior adventures in cold water dives and dry-suit diving, have at least 20 dives, and a completed diver’s logbook.
13. Climb the tallest mountain in Antarctica
If you have the goal of climbing the world’s 7 summits, Antarctica’s Vinson Massif is a peak that you’ll have to concur.
Technically speaking, it’s not so difficult to go up this 4,897-meter mountain but given the extreme Antarctic environment, you would need to have reasonable experience and training beforehand.
Called the “top of the bottom of the world“, there are several tour groups offering the service of taking you on this expedition which takes at least 14 days. Needless to say… this is an adventure I’m unqualified for — but, I still wish that someday I will be able to do it because I’m sure it will be such an amazing endeavor!
14. Go trekking to the South Pole
If time is not an issue and you’ve got grand polar ambitions of going to both ends of the Earth, there are companies out there that do treks to the South Pole.
But a word of caution: if you think that scuba diving and climbing Vinson Massif as things to do in Antarctica are already extreme, then trekking to the South Pole will be far crazier.
Besides, this expedition will require a humongous amount of commitment — emotionally, financially, and physically (and there’s even a chance you might not reach it). Yet of course, if you’re up for the challenge, this will be a journey that will be a memorable achievement!
15. Run a marathon
If you’re a marathon runner or ultra-athlete who’s looking for the next big challenge or activity to tick off on your list, then the famous Antarctic Ice Marathon should be put under your radar!
It will be a formidable race on the continent with an average windchill temperature of -20C and an altitude of 700 meters but you bet that it will be a unique and fulfilling feat.
NOTE: Registration fee is about $18,000+ inclusive of roundtrip flights to the Antarctic interior, accommodation, food, running paraphernalia and photos. It’s also possible to do a half marathon during this event.
16. Hit the slopes!
If what you want is the ultimate snow-sports expedition, nothing beats exploring Antarctica by skiing or snowboarding on its grand slopes!
Nowadays, there are several Antarctic tour operators that give skiing enthusiasts the chance to do a bucket list activity in this remote location.
Now, of course, to be a part of an adventure like this, you don’t really need to be a pro athlete — but you will need to at least have a reasonable level of fitness, some prior training, and capability in ski touring. Similarly, snowboarding is something that you can do too while you’re exploring the wild corners of Antarctica!
17. Visit a research station
There are NO permanent residents in Antarctica and there are only two transient groups that go there: either tourists or researchers. Speaking of which, as a tourist to the ‘White Continent’ you can get to have the exclusive chance of visiting some of the active research stations on the continent!
Henryk Arctowski Polish Antarctic Station: one of the most visited scientific stations, mostly because it is readily accessible and the Polish staff is friendly. Established in 1977, the station is managed by the Polish Academy of Sciences and its main research areas include marine biology, oceanography, geology, geomorphology, glaciology, meteorology, climatology, seismology, magnetism, and ecology. Visitors are free to come in and talk to the scientists; plus, the station’s official stamp is available for use by anyone on their passport or on postcards.
Vernadsky Research Base: Found in Marina Point on the Argentine Islands, this Ukrainian Antarctic Station has several buildings, but the most famous part of them all would be their lounge which is considered to be the southernmost public bar in the world! People used to have the chance to purchase a $3 shot of horilka or a Ukrainian alcoholic beverage here, but it ended in 2016. Anyhow, you can still mingle with the amazing Ukrainian scientists on site and have a tour of the whole base.
18. Cruise through the scenic Lemaire Channel
Lemaire Channel is an 11-kilometer strait (or a naturally-formed navigable waterway) in Antarctica that is often called the “Kodak Gap“. As you might already know, “Kodak” is one of those famous film brands and the reason why Lemaire Channel was nicknamed as such is because this place is just so ridiculously photogenic.
I swear, when we passed by this strait’s calm waters, we could NOT stop taking pictures of the snow-capped mountains, steep cliffs, and icebergs that surrounded us!
As one of Antarctica’s top tourist destinations, going through this channel is a standard part of a cruise itinerary, but the only hindrance to possibly seeing it are the icebergs in the water — if they’re too many, you might not be able to pass! However, if you get to do so, it will absolutely be a sight that you will forever remember.
This was actually the last landscape that we saw in Antarctica and it was surely a great way to end our journey!
19. Practice your photography skills (or hone them!)
It’s absolutely difficult to take a bad photo in Antarctica — it’s just so photogenic, no matter the weather or the time!
So go and snap away crazy; but indeed, if you want to improve your skills, this will be the best place to start.
After all, most cruise tour operators (such as Hurtigruten) provide photography classes that are handled by their onboard professional photographer. As such, this will give you the perfect opportunity to hone your skills! Don’t worry though because anyone is certainly free to approach the said photographer to ask for tips on capturing the best shots possible.
20. Visit nearby islands
If you ask me, it will be a shame to visit Antarctica without stopping by some of its Antarctic and sub-Antarctic islands. Therefore, if you get the chance to go to this far-off destination, you must surely take the opportunity to stop by some of the places like the Falkland Islands, South Georgia, South Orkney, and more!
For instance, you can enjoy the gorgeous landscapes in the Falkland Islands that are filled with penguins of different species as well as other wild birds.
But I guess the island that I love the most would be South Georgia because of its rugged yet stunning vistas! Not to mention, it holds several colonies of fur seals, elephant seals, and king penguins. (As I’ve already mentioned previously, it was here that I got to see a colony of king penguins that numbered almost a million and it was truly a spectacle!).
Things to Do in Antarctica: FAQs
Q: What is the best time to visit Antarctica for these activities?
A: The best time for most activities is during the austral summer, from November to March, when temperatures are milder, and wildlife is more active.
Q: Are these activities suitable for all age groups?
A: While some activities may have age restrictions, there are options suitable for various age groups. Always check with tour operators for specific requirements.
Q: Is it safe to camp in Antarctica?
A: Camping is safe when done with experienced guides and proper equipment. It provides a unique opportunity to connect with the Antarctic environment.
Q: How can I contribute to scientific research during my visit?
A: Join organized research tours or citizen science programs offered by Antarctic expeditions to actively contribute to ongoing scientific endeavors.
Q: What clothing and gear are essential for a trip to Antarctica?
A: Essential gear includes insulated clothing, waterproof boots, gloves, and hats. It's crucial to be well-prepared for the extreme Antarctic conditions.
Q: Can I see the Northern Lights in Antarctica?
A: No, Antarctica is in the Southern Hemisphere. However, you can witness the Southern Lights, also known as the Aurora Australis, a spectacular natural light display.
Conclusion:
Embarking on a journey to Antarctica is an unparalleled adventure, offering a plethora of unique and awe-inspiring activities. From wildlife safaris to scientific explorations, each experience contributes to the rich tapestry of this frozen continent. As you plan your Antarctic expedition, remember to embrace the pristine beauty, contribute to scientific endeavors, and create memories that will last a lifetime.
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