{"id":75108,"date":"2024-09-17T19:32:45","date_gmt":"2024-09-17T09:32:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/?p=75108"},"modified":"2025-10-08T09:39:10","modified_gmt":"2025-10-07T22:39:10","slug":"the-8-antarctica-questions-you-want-answered","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.intrepidtravel.com\/adventures\/the-8-antarctica-questions-you-want-answered\/","title":{"rendered":"The truth about Antarctica \u2013 7 burning myths about the coldest place on Earth"},"content":{"rendered":"\n

Shrouded in ice, snow and an element of mystery, Antarctica is as unknown as they get<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n

When travellers describe far-off places, they\u2019re probably thinking of places like Antarctica<\/a>. A destination requiring an epic journey, specialised equipment and trained professionals. Where the landscape feels almost as otherworldly as the surface of the moon and whose uniquely adapted wildlife greatly outnumbers any human inhabitants.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Setting our sights due south, let\u2019s uncover the greatest myths about our icy southern continent. <\/p>\n\n\n

Antarctic Peninsula: An Explorer's Expedition (Ocean Victory) <\/a><\/div>
11 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Ultimate Explorer: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle (Ocean Nova)<\/a><\/div>
24 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Christmas Season in Antarctica (Ocean Victory) <\/a><\/div>
11 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Myth 1: The Drake Passage is really scary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Known as one of the roughest seas in the world, it\u2019s no wonder the Drake Passage has churned up a bit of hype. Those who have faced off against this meeting place of ocean and wind have earned themselves a pat on the back. That is if <\/em>you were met with the Drake Shake and not the Drake Lake \u2013 more on that later.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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What\u2019s so scary about the Drake Passage?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The Drake Passage is a stretch of water between South America and Antarctica, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

One notable characteristic of the Drake Passage is that it\u2019s very unpredictable. You may get smooth lake-like conditions known as the \u2018Drake Lake\u2019 or the rough alternative: the \u2018Drake Shake.\u2019 <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If you do get the Drake Shake, know that while you\u2019re earning your Passage stripes, you\u2019ll be well-protected and well-taken care of. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ships that charter this passage, including Intrepid\u2019s ships, are typically ice-strengthened and purpose-built for the conditions. Similarly, your crew will be a hardy, well-trained bunch who navigate these waters in all conditions multiple times a year. There will also be an onboard doctor who is experienced in treating seasickness. Have a chat with them before the passage if you’re feeling a little worried.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

And during the crossing days, there\u2019s plenty to keep you distracted. Why not learn about your arrival destination with onboard Antarctica experts, or even get your heart rate going \u2013 or slowing \u2013 in the gym, spa or sauna?  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

How to hack the Drake Passage, read your guide to tackling the Drake Passage<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Myth 2: I’ll be too seasick on the ship to enjoy a trip to Antarctica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Aside from the passage, the waters immediately surrounding Antarctica are incredibly smooth, so it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll have any problems when you get there.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Whether you\u2019re someone who knows they get seasick or if you have never experienced rough waters, it\u2019s recommended that everyone comes prepared to avoid white-knuckling the railing. Consult your doctor about possible medication and take cautionary measures like avoiding greasy food and alcohol. And as always, keep an eye on the horizon and try to get some fresh air. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Insider tip: although they can\u2019t be guaranteed, try to request a central, middle cabin that may be less affected by the conditions.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

But whether you choose to ride out the journey in your cabin or up with others in the lounge \u2013 know that it\u2019s just a part of travelling to Antarctica \u2013 no pain, no gain, after all.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Myth 3: A trip to Antarctica will cost me my life\u2019s savings.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

I\u2019ll keep it real: Antarctica is one of the most remote places in the world; it\u2019s not going to be a quick or cheap journey. But honestly, you probably wouldn\u2019t want this to be a \u2018cheap\u2019 trip as Antarctica is a complicated place; you want to know you\u2019re in safe hands. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Ships are purpose-built, crews are highly trained and companies are well-equipped to support the journey. So, it will be more than your average holiday spend, but this is Antarctica \u2013 kind of goes with the territory.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Myth 4: I\u2019ll get really bored on the travel days<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Unlike ye olden days when boats took long, tedious journeys, today\u2019s expedition cruises have seen 21st-century upgrades.\u00a0Some ships have onboard gyms, spas, libraries, bars and even yoga classes, along with daily expert-led information sessions. And hey, if you\u2019re lucky, you may even get some free entertainment playing hide and seek with passing whales.\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Myth 5: It\u2019s really dangerous to visit Antarctica<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Just like in any other cold climate, there can be moments of high winds and increased snowfall. Rest assured, your crew will always be monitoring the weather and are quick to make itinerary changes to lessen the effects of adverse weather. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

However, importantly, you\u2019ll need to come prepared with specialty gear \u2013 as this isn\u2019t your average outdoor expedition. Intrepid ships will provide you with a waterproof jacket and rubber boots, but you will need to make sure you\u2019re stocked up on the right clothing for any and all weather conditions \u2013 for your own safety, you may not be let off the ship if you\u2019re not wearing the right garments.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

You\u2019ll need waterproof pants, quality beanies, gloves, base layers and mid-layers to wear under the jacket and pants. Ensure you\u2019ve read the provided packing lists carefully. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Read Intrepid\u2019s guide on what to pack for Antarctica<\/a> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Is Antarctica\u2019s wildlife dangerous?<\/strong> <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There’s not much to worry about regarding dangerous wildlife encounters in Antarctica. Intrepid, alongside other operators, must abide by strict Antarctica codes about maintaining distance from wildlife; as long as you are too, you should be safe around any animals.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In summary, don\u2019t pet the penguins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Extended Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Nova)<\/a><\/div>
14 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Antarctic Peninsula: An Immersive Odyssey (Ocean Nova)<\/a><\/div>
13 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>
Ultimate Antarctic Circle Crossing (Ocean Albatros)<\/a><\/div>
15 days<\/span><\/div>
View trip<\/a><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n
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Myth 6: It\u2019s just another cruise<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Want to know the difference between a regular cruise and an Antarctica expedition cruise? For starters, instead of thousands of passengers, Intrepid ships carry less than 200 people.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Second, instead of bingo, casinos and other classic cruise fare, your days will be spent zipping around on Zodiacs, walking on land to get up close to the wildlife, learning how to become an Antarctica wildlife photographer, joining citizen science programs<\/a> or listening to the expedition experts during the onboard lecture programs. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

And if you want more excitement, Intrepid\u2019s polar cruises also offer a ton of activities to get you even closer to the Antarctic action. Join in on optional paid activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, overnight ice camping and more. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

So, less like your typical cruise and more like a summer camp in the coolest place on Earth. Cool, right? <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Traveller stories: My trip to Antarctica was like a grown-up summer camp at sea<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Myth 7: There’s not much to see, it’s just ice and water<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

So, this may not be a real myth, but in case you were wondering, \u2018What\u2019s the appeal?\u2019 \u2013 here\u2019s why people spend their hard-earned cash and tackle the Drake Passage to visit Antarctica.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Along with the landscape of jutting snow-topped mountains and near luminescent icebergs, Antarctica\u2019s land, water and skies are home to 235 uniquely adapted species<\/a>. Some of their most intriguing are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n