The 5 highlights of a cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula
Approaching the deep South and the Antarctic Circle, sailing on the Southern Ocean to discover an iconic array of wildlife and enormous icebergs... Going on a cruise in Antarctica means embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. An adventure full of magical moments. Here are five highlights that add to the charm of a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula.
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The 5 highlights of a cruise to the Antarctic Peninsula
Approaching the deep South and the Antarctic Circle, sailing on the Southern Ocean to discover an iconic array of wildlife and enormous icebergs... Going on a cruise in Antarctica means embarking on the adventure of a lifetime. An adventure full of magical moments. Here are five highlights that add to the charm of a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula.
Sail through legendary waters
Located in the Furious Fifties, under the 50th parallel south, Drake Passage is one of the most turbulent navigation areas on the planet, as the maritime saying confirms: "Below 40 degrees south there is no law; below 50 degrees south there is no God". Travelling through it in sometimes critical conditions, early 20th century explorers such as Sir Ernest Shackleton wrote the most incredible pages in Antarctic history. Upon reaching the end of the crossing, the White Continent is without doubt the most beautiful reward.
See diverse wildlife
An Antarctic cruise is full of by other-worldy moments. Spying a humpback or killer whale is the pinnacle of a journey through the waters of the ends of the Earth. When the Cape petrels and cormorants come from above to join their aquatic ballet, it's a true spectacle. Fur seals, leopard seals, Weddell seals, and elephant seals add an extra touch of magic to the scene. And it's far from over... the huge colonies of chinstrap penguins that nest on some islands are waiting to be discovered..
Admire the majestic icebergs
Encountering the impressive icebergs of the Southern Ocean is among the memorable moments of an Antarctic cruise. In the Weddell Sea, tabular icebergs, which are perfectly square or rectangular in shape, can be a shock to the system. Like mirages, they drift in total silence, rousing a surrealist atmosphere. They may sometimes have jagged shapes, and may be tinted with exceptional shades of blue and green. Pushed by the currents, these giants of the seas seem to float there, tirelessly. Some twist, form powerful arches or peaks, and rise to dizzying heights. All emerge from the turquoise waters, are reflected on the calm sea, glisten in the sun, and offer a most poetic panorama.
Arrive at the most unusual place on the peninsula..
On the tiny Goudier Island, Port Lockroy is the most curious place on the Antarctic Peninsula. A former British base built during the Second World War, it has since become a museum and... the southernmost post office on the planet, surrounded by penguins. Four adventurers manage the post sent by visitors during their visits to the island.
A passion for Antarctic history
On some islands, the volcanic beaches of black sand are dotted with old and run down huts. They once welcomed men lured by the fruits of the whaling industry. In South Georgia, the remains of whaling stations serve as a reminder of a past in which hunting decimated populations of large cetaceans, leading to their near extinction. They cry out to us to ensure their preservation even today.
