Antarctic Explorer: A Last-Minute Journey to the Seventh Continent

In December 2019, my husband and I stumbled into one of the grandest adventures of our lives: a last-minute Antarctic expedition. We happened to be in Ushuaia, the world’s southernmost city, just as an expedition ship was preparing to set sail. With excitement and just a hint of nervousness, we seized the opportunity, packed our bags, and set off for the very bottom of the globe.

Our chosen ship carried fewer than 200 passengers, which gave the whole journey a true expedition feel and meant we were able to step ashore on the breathtaking Antarctic Peninsula. The experience was far more intimate and flexible than I ever imagined, with a genuine sense of camaraderie on board and the freedom to respond to the weather, wildlife sightings and conditions each day.

For much of our time on the Peninsula, the weather was surprisingly mild. One day, I found myself walking on land in a t-shirt, soaking in the sunshine against a panorama of glittering icebergs. The air was crisp and pure, the light almost otherworldly, and the silence broken only by the crack of distant ice or the calls of penguins on the shore.

Every day was filled with awe. We spotted incredible wildlife right from the deck: playful dolphins bow-riding the ship, pods of whales in the distance, majestic albatrosses soaring overhead, and endless colonies of penguins and sleek seals lounging on ice floes. There was a constant sense that at any moment, something magical might appear beside the ship.

The variety of excursions was brilliant. We kayaked amongst sculpted icebergs, gliding through still, glassy water. We headed ashore for hikes and close-up wildlife watching, carefully following our guides’ instructions to minimise our impact. For the more adventurous, there were options to ski and even camp on the Antarctic snow, sleeping out in one of the most remote places on Earth.

One standout moment was visiting the famous “penguin post office” at Port Lockroy, a quirky and fascinating little outpost where you can send postcards from Antarctica itself. Another was catching sight of Cape Horn in Chile as we voyaged south, a legendary landmark for sailors and a poignant reminder of how far from home we had travelled.

Onboard life was a dream. The staff and expert guides were phenomenal, warm and endlessly knowledgeable. Our days were enriched by engaging talks from marine biologists, glaciologists and climate change specialists, all sharing insights into this remarkable, fragile ecosystem. It gave real depth to what we were seeing, helping us understand not just the beauty of Antarctica but its vulnerability too.

Safety and hygiene were taken incredibly seriously. Every time we went ashore, we followed strict procedures to help protect this pristine wilderness from outside contamination. It felt reassuring to know that our expedition was designed to be as responsible and respectful as possible.

And the food? Absolutely delicious. Every meal felt celebratory, with plenty of options for all tastes and a friendly, communal atmosphere throughout the ship. After days spent out in the elements, returning to a warm, welcoming ship, a hot drink and a beautifully prepared dinner felt wonderfully indulgent.

Our Antarctic journey was both surreal and life-affirming. It is a place that looks almost unreal, yet its impact stays with you long after you return home. If the seventh continent is on your bucket list, I would wholeheartedly encourage you to consider an expedition like this: intimate, responsible and full of opportunities to explore an untouched world in ways you will never forget.

If your instinct is to write Antarctica off simply because it is cold, I would gently urge you to think again. With the right ship and the right support, it can be one of the most extraordinary, enriching journeys you or your clients will ever take.