Antarctica tours & travel

Antarctica has a strict summer window for visitors. In winter the ice pack extends out and darkness closes in almost 24 hours a day. With mid-year temperatures reaching down to -50 degrees Celsius, even the most outgoing adventurer would think twice. In summer, the sun is out most of the day and temperatures can reach a heady 2 degrees C. This is the ideal time to spot penguin chicks hatching, whales migrating and seals frolicking.

As the world’s highest, driest and coldest continent, it’s no surprise that Antarctica is the only one to have no permanent human population. This vast wilderness is covered with an ice sheet 4 km thick, broken only by mountain ranges and ice streams. Despite the huge amount of frozen water (90% of the world’s ice is here), Antarctica is a desert and conditions are harsh. Antarctica’s nearest neighbours are across the Southern Ocean, past icebergs and whales, in Argentina, Chile and New Zealand. It’s a long way to go for a cup of sugar.

1. Take a Walk

Words can’t describe the feeling of setting foot on the Antarctic Peninsula. Surrounded by ice and knowing that you’re walking where only a handful of people have ever gone before is simply incredible.

2. Whale of a Time

The Antarctic summer is peak whale watching time in the Southern Ocean. Eight species head to the krill-rich waters to feast. It’s not uncommon to see massive blue whales breeching, orcas hunting seals or pods of humpbacks playing. Take a cruise and be amazed!

3. Penguin Encounters

It’s thought that 20 million penguins live in the Antarctic region, and if you find yourself in the midst of a colony, you’ll feel like every single one of them is there with you.

4. Zodiac Cruising

An Antarctica cruise by Zodiac is by far the best way to get close to all Antarctica has to offer. Enjoy almost daily landings on beaches, zip around icebergs, get close to whales, or land near a colony of penguins.

5. Polar Plunge

Entertain the resident Gentoo penguins by stripping down to your swimwear and taking a dip in the bracing waters of Neko Harbour. It might be the shortest swim you ever take, but the bragging rights will last a lifetime.

Intrepid takes the health and safety of its travellers seriously, and takes every measure to ensure that trips are safe, fun and enjoyable for everyone. We recommend that all travellers check with their government or national travel advisory organisation for the latest information before departure:

From Australia?

Go to: http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/

From New Zealand?

Go to: http://www.safetravel.govt.nz/

From Canada?

Go to: https://travel.gc.ca/

From US?

Go to: http://travel.state.gov/

From UK?

Go to: http://www.fco.gov.uk/en/

The World Health Organisation

also provides useful health information: 
Go to: http://www.who.int/en/