Be Fearless. Be Intrepid. | Intrepid Travel NZ

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

Best of Antarctica: Wildlife Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

11 Days From 13970

Experience the magic of the Antarctic Peninsula and its islands aboard the Ocean...

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Best of Antarctica: A White Christmas (Ocean Endeavour)

11 Days From 14130

This is one Christmas you’ll never forget – journey to Antarctica on board the Ocean...

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Best of Antarctica: Whale Journey (Ocean Endeavour)

11 Days From 11670

Follow the whales of Antarctica as they migrate south on this 11-day expedition cruise,...

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Tailor-Made trips

Take four or more on an exclusive trip and tailor your itinerary

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Shackleton's Antarctica, South Georgia & Falklands Explorer (Ocean Endeavour)

21 Days From 25000

Embark on a 21-day Intrepid expedition including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Georgia...

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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.”