When you think about a getaway cruise, a trip to Antarctica probably wouldn’t make the list. Here are a few reasons why it should.
The Starting Point
While there are several places you can start a trip to Antarctica, including New Zealand, South America, and Australia, your best bet is catch a flight to Buenos Aires, Argentina, to board your Antarctic cruise ship in Ushuaia, Argentina. Nicknamed the city at the end of the world, Ushuaia is the southernmost city in Argentina and claims to be the southernmost city in the world. Aside from being the port of choice for most of the Antarctic cruise ships, the area is a tourist destination all on its own. With amazing wildlife, clear-water lakes, lush forest, tours by train, all terrain vehicles, and horseback, you’ll want to make time for Ushuaia on your Antarctic excursion.
The Journey
The majority of cruises to Antarctica begin with a trip through the famous Drake Passage, the waterway separating the Atlantic and Pacific between the southernmost tip of South America and the South Shetland Islands, about 100 miles north of the Antarctic Peninsula. While traveling this 600-mile deep waterway you’ll experience a slow but noticeable climate transition from a cool, humid climate of Argentina to the frigid polar climate of the antarctic. Aside from breathtaking views, you’ll be treated to an unexpected abundance of wildlife. Birds, sea leopards, pigeon colonies, and the largest animal to ever exist, the blue whale, are just some of the sights you’ll have a chance to see on this one-of-a-kind journey to the bottom of the world.
The Conclusion
From this point on an Antarctic cruise, the options vary depending on what cruise package you choose. You can get off the ship and walk around various Antarctic isles, experiencing the majestic views and unmatched wildlife up close. You can even kayak – that’s right, you can even kayak – the glacial waters of Antartica. Lastly, on Dec. 4, 2021, a once-in-a-lifetime solar eclipse will occur, and the best vantage point will be the southernmost regions of the world. Check out the Adventure Life website to check out the various Antarctic Cruise packages, including a special cruise package for the solar eclipse.
For more info about new places to go and how to get there, be sure to check out the Olympus Encantada blog.