The mixed feelings of anticipation and anxiety stirred by an Antarctic expedition are fascinating—perhaps it’s this emotional rollercoaster that makes the eventual euphoria all the more powerful as the journey unfolds.
Of course, the Drake Passage must first be “conquered”—no small feat. But in my opinion, it was simply exhilarating. It certainly helps that the crew is highly experienced, with countless crossings under their belts.
It was amazing to witness the variety of seabirds trailing our wake, especially with no land in sight for miles and miles. The buzz on board during our first iceberg sighting was contagious—I’m sure every single person was on deck! It was just a small hint of the wonders to come.
The first few days at sea were spent getting to know the incredibly experienced expedition team through lectures and interactive presentations—as well as connecting with our fellow travellers.
We were introduced to several citizen science projects on board, where volunteers and scientists work together to answer real-world questions and gather valuable data. These included seabird counts, cloud identification, and whale observations.
Photo by Derek Oyen on Unsplash
Part of the charm of expedition travel is the need to stay open-minded and flexible with the “itinerary,” as Mother Nature often delivers a new weather scenario each day. Fortunately, with a highly trained expedition team on board, there’s always a Plan B—and even a Plan C—ready when change is required.
Each evening before supper, the crew and passengers gather in the main common room for cocktails and a recap of the day’s adventures. This is followed by an outline of the most likely plans for the next day—along with any alternate options in case the weather turns.
No sooner had we arrived in Antarctic waters than we found ourselves gearing up for our first landing!
Landing in Antarctica is governed by strict regulations designed to protect the fragile environment and ensure visitor safety. These rules are set by the Antarctic Treaty System and the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators (IAATO). Our expedition leader thoroughly reviewed them with us, and everyone was eager to do their part. We were reminded to check our pockets for tissues or wrappers before boarding the zodiacs, and not to kneel in the snow to avoid spreading contaminants from one site to another.
Once properly briefed, our first landing took us to Port Lockroy—a UK heritage site that is still staffed seasonally. The original building, Bransfield House, now serves as a museum and gift shop. I even mailed a postcard from there—such a unique experience! Nearby, a colony of Gentoo penguins waited patiently for the snow to melt so they could begin nest-building on the exposed rock, typically laying two eggs per season. The snow was lingering longer than usual, which could impact the success of their breeding efforts. We carefully stepped aside for penguins navigating the “penguin highways” that crossed our path, always mindful to observe without disturbing.
After soaking in the history and wildlife at Port Lockroy, we set out to explore another remarkable spot nearby.
That afternoon, we made a second landing at Damoy Point, established in 1975 as a transfer point for scientists arriving by ship before flying onward to their research stations. Perched above Dorian Bay, the site offered stunning views of the bay and our anchored ship—and another charming colony of Gentoo penguins greeted us on the hillside.
Over the subsequent days, we visited other incredible sites such as Neko Island, known for its dramatic landscapes and wildlife viewing, and Cuverville Island, where we had the unforgettable experience of kayaking. Paddling through the sheltered bays of Cuverville, surrounded by towering ice and curious penguins, with glaciers occasionally calving in the distance, brought Antarctica’s serene beauty to life in a way that words can scarcely capture.
No trip to Antarctica would be complete without spending the night actually ON the continent. I have stories to tell…but only with my Antarctica clients. I wouldn’t want others getting too envious without plans to experience it themselves! ;-)
Words cannot fully convey the magical sounds of Antarctica as you slip into a sheltered bay, surrounded only by the calls of penguins and the distant rumble of glaciers calving.
...the perfect antedote to a sleepless night of camping, just jump into the frigid waters of Antarctica.
Antarctica is truly a place like no other—raw, pristine, and humbling. Every moment, from the thrill of the Drake Passage to the quiet beauty of a kayak gliding through icy waters, leaves a lasting impression. This expedition isn’t just a trip; it’s a journey that challenges you, inspires you, and connects you deeply with nature’s most extraordinary landscapes and creatures.
If you’ve ever dreamed of adventure beyond the ordinary, Antarctica is calling.
Trust me—it’s an experience you’ll carry with you forever.