Mandi, 47
Mandi’s home state of Texas couldn’t be more different to the icy waters and sparkling glaciers of Antarctica. Before undertaking a voyage to the highest, driest and most remote continent on earth, Mandi had never even been on a ship. She didn’t know if she would feel seasick, or how she’d cope with the cold. But with every zodiac excursion or whale-sighting, Mandi felt less concerned. Her friends back home thought that travelling to Antarctica alone was weird, but Mandi quickly found that by putting herself out there, she didn’t feel like she was by herself at all.
Why Mandi travels with Intrepid

Expert leaders
Our experienced leaders have made hundreds of polar voyages. Learn about the history, geography and wildlife of the Antarctic from experts in the field, including naturalists and ornithologists who are always at the ready to answer questions.

Twice daily excursions
We run frequent excursions to get up-close to wildlife, allowing you to experience what it’s like exploring onshore. Each day includes two excursions with our leaders exploring the sea ice, ready to encounter any wildlife that may be waiting. You’ll be given life vests and waterproof boots for each excursion.

Sustainable travel
We strive to use travel as a force for good. That’s why we choose to give back to the communities we visit, carbon offset all our trips and take our social and environmental responsibilities seriously. We’ve been officially certified as the world’s largest travel B Corp, which means when you choose Intrepid Travel, you can rest assured you’re helping to improve the planet.
Explore Antarctica with Intrepid Travel
11 Days
From
13970
Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...
11 Days
From
14130
This is one Christmas you’ll never forget – journey to Antarctica on board the Ocean...
11 Days
From
11670
Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...
Tailor-Made trips
Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary
21 Days
From
25000
Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...
Mandi's top three Antarctica experiences

1. Meet the locals
Step into your very own nature documentary and get up close with Antarctica’s permanent residents, like seals and Adelie penguins.

2. Kayak on Antarctic waters
Mandi never imagined she’d visit Antarctica, let alone explore it from the water in her own kayak.

3. Solo, but not alone
Moments are made even more memorable when there’s someone to share them with. Even though she travelled solo, Mandi never felt like she was alone.
Taking the leap: One Texan's voyage to the deepest south
“The idea of going to Antarctica was just outrageous,” Mandi says. “I’ve never been on a ship. I’ve never even been out to sea. I started panicking a bit, you know. What if I’m afraid on the boat? What if I get seasick? I had no idea what to expect.”
#BeIntrepid
Take a look at the latest adventures on The Journal.
Jul 27, 2022
How can a responsible tour operator...
It’s the world’s last great wilderness – so why are we still taking...
Oct 29, 2022
Beyond sightseeing: All the things...
If you're after a way to break up all that sightseeing, there are a number of ways...
Apr 19, 2023
In sickness and in health: How I...
Intrepid travellers Sara and Nick have said ‘I do’ all over the world, after a...
Aug 14, 2022
Travel to Antarctica alongside whale...
Ever wondered what it would be like to explore Antarctica with a team of whale...
Aug 25, 2022
I travelled solo to Antarctica just...
Rachelle Berke had travelled to more than 60 countries before deciding to visit...
Oct 25, 2022
Meet Eva, the polar scientist heading...
Eva Prendergast is a polar scientist, photographer, naturalist and marine mammal...
Jan 01, 2023
7 unforgettable wildlife experiences...
If you dream of spotting sloths and sea turtles in Costa Rica or channelling your...
Mar 02, 2023
Meet Martin Cohen, Intrepid’s...
Listen to Intrepid ambassador Sarah Davidson’s podcast, Seize the Yay, to hear all...
Jun 23, 2022
Your guide to tackling the Drake...
This is the Drake Passage: the only unhindered flow of ocean on earth. Prepare...
There's more than one way to Be Intrepid.