Travel to Antarctica; For Exploring Adventurous Places
Antarctica, the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole. It is one of the world’s most massive and mysterious, ice-covered land mass. No place on Earth has this vast white wilderness of elements forces: ice, snow, water, rock. This icy expanse covers more than 14 million square kilometers. This makes it the fifth largest continent in the world and one of the top destinations for your travel bucket list. It is situated almost entirely within the Antarctic Circle. The temperatures are consistently below zero throughout most of the year. So travel to Antarctica will be worthy.
Such conditions make life relatively sparse compared to other regions in the world, but Antarctica’s animals that do occupy this frosty landscape are well adapted to handle the incredibly harsh conditions and it has been observed by the explorers and scientists stationed there. While the landscape may seem somewhat barren to the untrained observer, it is actually one of the most interesting places on earth.
Antarctica’s Nature:
Antarctica is brutally bone-chillingly cold location on the Earth. Enormously thick, the ice sheet that covers about 98% of the continent. But that’s not the only reason: Antarctica also has stronger winds than the Arctic (or any other location on the planet), is surrounded by water. It holds its temperature longer than land and has the highest average elevation of any continent (4,892 meters, or 8,200 feet). All of these factors combine to keep Antarctica’s average coastal weather around -10°C (14°F). It is inland around -55°C (-67°F). Naturally, the coldest weather recorded on Earth occurred in Antarctica: -89.2°C (-128.6°F) on July 21st, 1983.
So when you get a chance to travel to Antarctica, the first thing you need to do is to gear up with warm clothes.
Fueled Facts:
- In January of 1979, Emile Marco Palma became the first human ever to be born on Antarctica. Since his historic passage through the birth canal. Only 10 other people have been born on the continent. The population in Antarctica is 1,106 excluding the people from the research field.
- In Antarctica, there are 30 different countries that operate 80 research stations around the continent. The human inhabitants who occupy these facilities number around 4,000 during the summer months. Only 1,000 during the long, harsh winters.
- The sun does not rise in Antarctica from the vernal equinox to the autumnal equinox because of the Earth’s tilt. It means the continent remains dark throughout the entire winter season. Conversely, during the summer months, the sun does not set in Antarctica, which means it actually receives more sunlight than the equator.
- The Dry Valleys in Antarctica are the driest places on earth. It has low humidity and moisture on this portion of the continent. Accumulation of snow and ice is not even possible which leaves the valleys as just a dusty expanse of dirt. On average, Antarctica is the windiest place on earth. Scientists exploration have reported wind speeds that have reached up to 200 miles per hour at this Southerly landmass.
Things To Do when you Travel to Antarctica:
Antarctica can be like an ultimate bucket list for anyone who is fond of traveling. From camping watching the stars glowing above to Kayaking with humpback whales, watching an incredible sunset with lenticular clouds. Swimming between the huge icebergs and also in the caldera of an active volcano. The most of all hanging out with penguins. Visiting Antarctica can be a dream true, no shortage of amazing spectacles to see.
Port Lockery:
The national park, Port Lockroy is home to a museum and science base. It is only the post office where you can send a postcard to your friends and family abroad. Out on Wienke Island in the harbor of Port Lockroy, it is one of Antarctica’s most curious attractions, the Penguin Post Office. The place must see when you travel to Antarctica.
Swimming at Deception Bay:
It is also one of the most unique attractions of the Antarctic islands. It is the only place on Earth where ships can directly sail into the center of an active restless volcano in the South Shetland Islands. Its landscape comprises of ash-layered glaciers, steaming beaches, and barren volcanic slopes. It offers one of the greatest opportunity to learn about geothermal activities.
You can also strip down into the world’s coldest water known as the famous Polar Plunge. Talking about wildlife life, Deception Island has also about nine species of birds. It is estimated that on Bailey Head,100,000 mating pairs nest too. Travel to Antarctica will be the most exploring tour.
Zodiac Cruise:
Zodiac is a small boat where 8-12 people are able to be taken inside some of the smaller passageways in Antarctica. Icebergs can be seen closely too and if you are lucky. Many different types of seals including leopard seals. Spending time with biologists and researchers you can also learn all about the history on One Ocean Expeditions journey. Travel to Antarctica will provide you a chance to see things that you never have seen before in your life.
Drake Passage:
Also connecting Antarctica to the rest of the world. This gargantuan passage has been traversed by many of the world’s most famous explorers. It is also one of the world’s most dangerous seas known for huge oceanic current flow and is definitely worth it. This passage is the only entrance to travel to Antarctica.
Mingling with Penguins:
There are 6 types of penguins in Antarctica (Emperor, Adelie, Gentoo, Rockhopper, Chinstrap, and Macaroni). Millions of these cute creatures wandering around the continent. According to environmental responsibility, one has to stay more than 2 meters away from all wildlife. But with the penguins down in Antarctica seem unfamiliar and unfazed with humans.
Admiring Whales:
One of the most incredible experiences in Antarctica with the backdrop of snowy peaks and icebergs. Travel to Antarctica for being able to see huge pods of whales closeup at any time of the day. Moreover, with One Ocean Expeditions, you can spot minke whales, orcas and humpbacks surrounding around ships. The kayakers can encounter. A dozen humpback whales into the Gerlache Strait, swimming and breaching right next to them. The most common species of whales in Antarctica are humpbacks, orcas, minkes, blue, sei, sperm, fin, and right whales.
Research Station:
One of the most famous and popular places in Antarctica is the Vernadsky Research Station. This Ukrainian base has a long and colorful history dating back to 1947. It was first established as a British station. If you join an Antarctic Peninsula expedition, active stations can be visited. As well as the scientist is happy to give tours when you travel to Antarctica for a better understanding of how research is conducted and life in Antarctica.
Alcohol on the Coldest place on Earth:
What can be more good than having vodka shots on the world’s coldest waters? Ukrainians at Vernadsky Research Base have a trend to make distilled Vodka. You can grab homemade booze for just 3$ (USD) and keep yourself warm.