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Sponsored by Aurora Expeditions
While ‘visiting Antarctica’ may be high on many travel wish lists, not everyone is aware of how many incredible experiences Antarctica has to offer. Beyond seeing majestic icebergs and waddling penguins, of course. There’s so much more to the White Continent, including a raft of thrilling activities that makes the experience so special. To help raise awareness (and excitement), we’ve compiled a complete list of what to do in Antarctica.
Keen to feel like an intrepid explorer? Then you’ll love the invitation to join an alpine trekking and climbing excursion. Thanks to over a decade climbing the world’s most remote peaks, Aurora Expeditions’ expert guides know the best routes to showcase what makes Antarctica alpine trekking so spectacular.
With countless snowclad peaks rising high across the skyline, there are ample routes to ascend. Some may only have ever experienced the footprints of Aurora Expeditions’ expeditioners and Expedition Team. As you marvel atop an alpine pass, experience life in its most raw form. It’s just you, your new trekking mates and the expanse of one of the most pristine landscapes in the world.
You probably need no introduction to the range of Antarctica wildlife you can encounter on an expedition; it’s one of the major drawcards to visit the region, after all. With a fleet of Zodiac boats, you’ll be all set to get as close as possible to the wildlife residents, while being safe and following IAATO guidelines.
Watching a penguin waddle right past you – be it a colossal Emperor, a Gentoo or a rock-stealing Adélie – makes your heart expand with joy. Spying whales in Antarctica is also high on traveller wish lists. Orcas and minke whales thrill every time they are spotted on board. The elusive blue whale, while gigantic, is harder to spot, with the occasional privileged few bestowed the honour. Seals are one of the few mammals adapted to life in these chilly, chilly climes. Look for elephant seals in their dense colonies (you will probably hear them first), Weddell seals or maybe you’ll be lucky enough to catch a predatory leopard seal in action. Remember to look up, too. The majestic wingspan of an albatross impresses, as does the friendly Antarctic petrel who often fly in synchronicity with the ships.
While fluffy pillows, thick duvets and the cosy warmth of your Aurora Expedition stateroom is the number one place to retreat after a full day experiencing the wilds of Antarctica, there is one activity that is absolutely worth the sacrifice of those creature comforts: camping in Antarctica! Yes, really.
There is nothing in the world quite like sleeping out in nature at the end of the world. No tents, no heaters, just you, a camping mat, a top-notch thermal sleeping bag (you’re welcome) and the tranquillity that time spent out in raw nature affords. Forget the white noise machine you might have tried to block out urban din back home; or the Spotify playlist of waves crashing on a beach to help you fall asleep; here the crackling ice, bustling penguin colonies and the distant fall of calving ice is the only soundtrack you need.
Are you bold enough to take the Polar Plunge? Forget the ice bath trend, this is the ultimate ice bath and a rite of passage during Aurora Expeditions polar expeditions. It’s number one on their top 10 Antarctic bucket list experiences!
As the name suggests, the Polar Plunge is a take-your-breath-away dip into Antarctica’s frigid waters. While it’s not for everyone, it is a challenge that fills expeditioners with pride and a sense of achievement. The Polar Plunge happens with the support of the encouraging Expedition Team and ship medic. And more importantly, the onboard Photography Guide will be on hand to take photos for proof and posterity.
Post-plunge, enjoy the Jacuzzi and sauna to warm back up, though the warmth of knowing what you’re capable of will last far longer than the time you spend soaking and steaming.
Kayaking anywhere is a fun pastime, however, when you’re in Antarctica, sea kayaking represents one of the best ways to be up close and personal to the wonders of this enchanting environment. No noise to disturb the peace except the gentle plop of your oar hitting the water and the creak of a turning glacier nearby. No need to get wet, nor experience required.
Aurora Expeditions’ scuba diving guides are experienced at judging the ice conditions and weather, while identifying wildlife-spotting opportunities to enhance your dive experience. When you’re deep underwater, you can truly grasp how colossal icebergs truly are – especially with the visibility of these crystal-clear waters. Dotted amid Antarctica’s unique marine ecosystem, there are also long-abandoned shipwrecks from failed South Pole missions. No two dives are the same, with ample opportunities to scuba available on good-weather sailings.
For ski and snowboard enthusiasts, hitting Antarctica’s slopes is a bucket list item. Who doesn’t want to be one of the few in the world that gets to tick that seventh continent off? Skiing and snowboarding in Antarctica is a far cry from the packed resorts, long ski lift lines, and crowded après ski bars you’ve been to previously. This is a back-country adventure with you and up to nine other people, and a passionate, experienced slope-loving guide.
While many have snorkelled off a tropical beach, few have donned fins and snorkel to explore the icy Antarctic waters. Aurora Expeditions have been leading Antarctica snorkelling trips for 10 years now. Under the guidance of their safety-focused snorkelling guides, you’ll witness wildlife and scenery unlike any you’ve seen underwater before. If you’re lucky, you might witness the enchanting mobility and speed of a penguin plunging headfirst or get up close to the local marine life.
If you’ve ever tried walking up layers of freshly laid snow, you’ve probably spent more time laughing as you fall sideways than actually getting anywhere fast. This would be true if you were to tackle Antarctica’s snowy peaks, too. Unless you go snowshoeing!
For over 6,000 years, snowshoeing has been keeping humans out of deep and burdensome snow, including polar explorers. Channel Shackleton or Amundsen energy when you embark on a snowshoeing adventure with Aurora Expeditions, with no experience necessary, nor any special gear. The only thing you need is reasonable balance, average fitness and a willingness to give it a go. Snowshoeing is a low-impact activity ideal for accessing some of Antarctica’s best vantage points. For the little effort exerted on this mildly aerobic activity, the rewards are plentiful.
Whether it’s a snowshoe escapade or alpine trek or an underwater peek at life beneath the waves, there are ample Antarctica activities to connect you to this incredible destination. Get in touch with your personal travel manager and they’ll help you book a truly memorable trip to Antarctica
TravelManagers respects and honours the Traditional Custodians of the land and pay our respects to their Elders past, present and future. We acknowledge the stories, traditions and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples on the lands where we work and gather, and those we visit.
