The Antarctic Peninsula is the northern arm of the continent of Antarctica, reaching toward South America, and it is the part of the frozen south that most visitors can reach. Most trips arrive by ship, sailing through icebergs and along narrow, dramatic channels between high cliffs and glaciers.
What a visit is like
Much of the experience happens on the water and along the shore. Expedition ships carry small boats, known as Zodiacs, that take passengers close to the ice and to the wildlife on the coast. Some trips also offer kayaking among the glaciers, which gives a quieter view of the landscape than a larger vessel can. Where conditions allow, travellers step ashore onto untouched ice and snow, a rare chance to stand on the continent itself.
Wildlife
- Penguins, which are a familiar sight on the coast and rocky points
- Seals resting on ice floes and beaches
- Whales moving through the cold channels
Planning your trip
Expeditions to the peninsula run in the austral summer, when the weather is milder and the sea and shore are more open. Because the region is remote and conditions change quickly, the route and daily activities depend on the ice and the weather, so the plan on any given day may differ from the one announced beforehand. Travellers who want to see this wilderness should expect a polar voyage rather than a fixed sightseeing schedule, and should be prepared for the cold, the wind and the open sea.