If ever given the chance to visit the seventh and arguably the most enchanting continent of Antarctica, take it! I can assure you there is nowhere on the planet quite like it.
Although you might be thinking Antarctica is all just icebergs and penguins, you’d be wrong. In fact, there are many unmissable things to do in Antarctica that make it a unique and thrilling destination to adventure to.
In this guide, we’ve shared some of the top attractions in Antarctica and the highlights to experience.
1-Run the Antarctic Half-Marathon or Marathon
On King George’s Island in nearly sub-zero conditions there are the Antarctic Half-Marathon and Marathon for those that are the most hardcore!
How great would finishing a race with a nice little medal be, to commemorate the trip to Antarctica?
2-Lick an Iceberg
The first thing we saw when we set foot in Antarctica was the giant icebergs.
They speckled the water and rose high into the clear sky. Licking a real iceberg has always been on my bucket list, and there’s no better place to tick it off than Antarctica.
Icebergs never stand still, they are constantly shifting position with the wind. For this reason, many large ships avoid these “icebergs”. No one wants a repeat of the Titanic!
The chances come with smaller vessels, primarily Zodiacs. They are must smaller and can navigate around icebergs with ease.
We had the chance to pull up next to a rather small iceberg and see how far into the water it actually went. The old adage is true, what we saw really was “just the tip of the iceberg!”
We were so excited by the idea of being able to lick this big chunk of ice that we convinced the dinghy driver to take us between two icebergs. Of course, that was not a good idea. The iceberg’s slightest movement was imperceptible to us, and soon we were trapped between the icebergs. Luckily, a flatboat was on its way back to land from the base, and was able to spot us and help rescue us.
3-Send A Postcard From Port Lockroy
If you stop by Port Lockroy make sure to send yourself a cool postcard stamped from Antarctica.
The Port Lockroy Museum used to be the British Base but is now a full time post office.
It is a cute little structure from which you can send yourself mail stamped with Antarctica’s stamp!
4-Take A Helicopter Ride for an Aerial view of Antarctica
It is breathtaking to get an aerial view of Antarctica and its magnificent landscape.
5- Check Out Observation Hill for a Stunning View
If you’re looking for an incredible view of the snowy peaks and icebergs, then head to the McMurdo Station and trek up Observation Hill.
It is not that much of a trek from the station (roughly 30-40 minutes) with an elevation of 754 feet (230 meter), but the view from the top is stunning. Though be warned, it’s a steep trek!
There is a beautiful view of the Ross Ice Shelf and views of Mt. Erebus; the perfect spot for quiet reflection.
6-Visit the South Pole
The South Pole lies at 90°S and 0°W. The best way to access this point is via helicopter, because it’s quicker and safer.
However, you can also reach the South Pole by trekking. The trek is not for the faint-hearted though – you need to be equipped with specialized polar gear, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the icy continent.
You can also reach the South Pole by vehicle.
Standing at the South Pole is how one can claim that they have indeed reached all the way to the bottom of the Earth. You can also visit the US Scientific research base known as the Amundsen – Scott South Pole Station.
7-Take a Dip in Deception Island’s Hot Spring
Another bucket list thing to do in Antarctica is experience the joy of bathing in a hot spring in Antarctica. Yes, you heard me! Strip down and swim around in warm Antarctic waters!
On Deception Island, at the South Shetlands in Antarctica, there is warm volcanic soil and even warmer water underground. This is because the island sits in a caldera above an active volcano.
8-Take A Selfie With A Penguin (and enjoy the other wildlife)
The best place to enjoy penguin frolic is Paradise Bay. With the snow-capped mountains as a backdrop, it’s wonderful to watch the little tuxedoed creatures frolic with gusto.
They love to slide on their bellies and splash around in the water, and their cries and coos are a delightful cacophony. This is the ideal spot to watch them play and take photos. Although penguins in Antarctica are not used to people, they are not scared of us either. They will happily run towards you and circle around your feet.
There are several species of penguins in Antarctica, including king penguins, gentoo penguins and emperor penguins. The penguins at Paradise Bay are gentoo penguins.
When it comes to wildlife, there is a lot more to see than just penguins. Leopard, elephant, fur and Weddell seals may stray onto land to rest after feeding, or lie in wait for unsuspecting penguins to approach.
9- Do a Polar Plunge
Does the idea of taking a dive in cold water scare you? That’s exactly why you should do it!
The most thrilling thing to do in Antarctica is to take a cold plunge. This is when you strip down to your swimsuit, attach a safety rope around your waist, and dive in.
Sometimes shots are supplied so you can warm your insides up before and after. After all, you may need to be a little tipsy to take this challenge on!
10- Go Snowshoeing
Another great way to see the landscape of Antarctica is to for a hike in snowshoes.
Imagine strapping on snowshoes and traversing through vast expanses of untouched snow, surrounded by towering glaciers, majestic mountains, and an endless white horizon.
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