Follow along this Explorer’s Journal with Destination Expert, Jackie, on a virtual adventure to Antarctica. Discover frozen waters, witness the unique wildlife, and adventure through this incredible destination.

Hello from Antarctica! I’m Destination Expert, Jackie, and I’m excited to take you along on my journey to the 7th Continent. Over the next few days, I’ll answer some of the most common questions I get about traveling to Antarctica and share all the stunning experiences I had in this extraordinary place!

The Journey Begins: Ushuaia and the Drake Passage

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Exploring Ushuaia, Argentina before my Antarctica cruise! (Photo: Jackie Becker)

The first question I got as I prepared for my Antarctica adventure was: “How do you get to Antarctica?” Well, most travelers to Antarctica arrive via cruise from South America. These cruises begin in Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world, famously known as “The End of the World.” I started my journey there too, where I boarded the beautiful World Explorer, my home for the next 10 days.

To reach Antarctica, we first spent two days crossing the Drake Passage, a notorious stretch of water separating South America from the icy shores of Antarctica. These 400+ nautical miles can either be calm and smooth, known as “Drake Lake,” or the seas can get wild, creating the “Drake Shake.” As you never know if this stretch of water will be rough, we took precautions to ensure everyone’s safety and comfort. (NOTE: Want to visit Antarctica, but prefer to avoid the Drake Passage? Ask us about our Antarctica Fly + Cruise option!)

Once I settled into my cozy cabin, I waved goodbye to land and got ready for the adventure ahead.

Drake Passage: A Wild Crossing to Antarctica

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The crew preparing us for the adventures ahead. (Photo: Jackie Becker)

The two-day journey across the Drake Passage is an adventure in itself. The high winds in the passage can create dramatic waves, with conditions ranging from smooth and serene to rough and wild. On my voyage, the waves reached up to 16 feet high! Though the passage can be unpredictable, the ship took extra precautions to keep us all safe.

During this time, the crew also hosted fascinating presentations about Antarctica to prepare us for the wonders ahead. If you’re like me and feeling a little seasick, don’t worry—the World Explorer broadcasts all presentations to your cabin! It was a lifesaver, as I could rest and still learn all about the wonders of Antarctica.

As the second day drew to a close, the sea calmed, and the sunset rolled out a shimmering icy carpet, signaling that we were on the doorstep of Antarctica.

Exploring the 7th Continent: What to Do in Antarctica

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Antarctica hiking excursion! (Photo: Jackie Becker)

Now that we’ve arrived in Antarctica, let’s dive into the second question I often get: “What do people do in Antarctica?”

Most Antarctica cruises offer two excursions a day—one in the morning and one in the afternoon. That said, flexibility is key – the weather here can change quickly, so excursions might be adjusted or even canceled for safety.

Each excursion is done either by zodiac (small, sturdy boats that hold about 8-10 passengers) or on land. Zodiac excursions get you up close to some of the most stunning icebergs, which come in awe inspiring shapes and sizes. And land excursions? They allow you to step foot on the 7th Continent and experience the beauty firsthand. One of my most memorable moments was landing at Brown Research Station, the Argentinian hub of Antarctic science. I also had the chance to see adorable penguins up close, and I even got to hear their unique calls!

The Ice of Antarctica: Discovering Frozen Wonders

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Antarctica‘s beautiful scenery. (Photo: Jackie Becker)

One of my absolute favorite parts of Antarctica was the ice. Everywhere we went, the sounds of ice were constant. The cracking, splashing, and shifting of the ice was almost magical.

I learned so much about the different shapes of icebergs too. For example, I learned that different types of icebergs have different names! Pinnacle Icebergs are named for their tall, pyramid-like shape, while the Tabular or Blocky Icebergs are flat and table-like. I also learned why glaciers and icebergs often appear blue – because they are so dense, they absorb the red part of light and scatter only the blue. The sometimes subtle to other times electric blues all around me were stunning.

Antarctica’s Wildlife: Penguins and More

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Everyone‘s favorite Antarctica resident: Penguins! (Photo: Jackie Becker)

Then of course, I loved one of the most famous aspects of Antarctica – it's incredible wildlife!

Let’s start with the stars of the continent – the penguins. November is an active month for penguins as they prepare for the busy breeding season, so I got to watch these feathered friends swim, waddle, and slide all about. Penguins group together in massive colonies, sometimes numbering up to one million! What’s even more interesting is that penguins spend 90% of their lives in the water, only coming ashore to breed. When they swim, their movement is called “porpoising,” and it’s amazing to watch them leap and dive gracefully through the water.

But penguins weren’t the only wildlife I encountered. I also spotted Antarctic Fur Seals, which are the only seals in the region with visible ears. And the Weddell seals were a delight to watch scooting across the snow. Fun fact: Weddell seals can dive more than 1,000 feet deep and hold their breath for up to 80 minutes!

While I had plenty of opportunities to see penguins and seals, I also spotted other fascinating creatures. Albatrosses, Antarctic terns, shags, and skuas were all on my radar, though I was a little too slow with my camera to capture them all. These birds are just a few examples of the amazing wildlife that thrives in Antarctica. And for those interested in whale watching, keep in mind that whale season begins later than when I visited, but it's definitely a possibility depending on what month you visit!

If you have a particular wildlife sighting in mind for your trip, make sure to let your Destination Expert know. We’ll be happy to guide you on the best times to visit so you can experience everything Antarctica has to offer!

Adventure Options on Antarctica Cruises

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The World Explorer. (Photo: Jackie Becker)

I loved my scenic journey of Antarctica, from cruising in the zodiacs to enjoying the views from my balcony. But some of the guests on my ship wanted to add a little more adventure to the mix!

One of the coolest experiences I witnessed was when the World Explorer offered guests the chance to camp overnight in Antarctica. No tents – just sleeping bags under the stars! Some cruisers also took advantage of the option to kayak between icebergs. While I didn’t kayak myself, those that did told me that paddling through the icy waters and getting a close-up view of Antarctica's stunning frozen scenery was simply amazing. And for the truly brave, over 100 guests on my cruise participated in the "Polar Plunge," where guests jump from the warm ship in the freezing 29°F waters!

Some other cruises may offer activities like stand-up paddle boarding, helicopter rides, snowshoeing, and more. If you’re an adventurous traveler and there’s something you’re eager to do in Antarctica, let your Destination Expert know! Just keep in mind that many of these experiences book up well in advance, so be sure to plan early to secure your spot.

Saying Goodbye to Antarctica: Heading Back Home

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More amazing adventures in the 7th Continent! (Photo: Jackie Becker)

All good things must come to an end, and after four unforgettable days of exploring Antarctica, it was time to head back through the Drake Passage to South America.

The Drake days were filled with more insightful presentations, some fun moments like a slideshow from the professional photographer onboard, and a chance to relive our journey. As we made our way back to Ushuaia, the captain of the World Explorer bid us farewell, and we began our journey home.

Goodbye, Ushuaia. Goodbye, beautiful Antarctica. Thank you for following along on this unforgettable journey. If you're ready to experience Antarctica for yourself, we’d love to help make that dream a reality – just reach out to us anytime!

About the Author: Growing up in Texas, Jackie’s heart longed to venture beyond borders. After doing volunteer work in Peru and Brazil, she took her explorations further around South America, Asia, and more. Armed with extensive travel knowledge, she now works as an SA Destination Expert, enabling others to embark on their own dream trips.