Journey to the Edge of The World
Unforgettable journey to Antarctica! Explore stunning landscapes, unique wildlife, and the thrill of the frozen wilderness. Adventure awaits...
Why don’t penguins like parties?
They find it hard to break the ice!
Stuart In Antarctica
Antarctica is the worlds fifth largest continent. However it’s climate is so harsh that is has only approximately 150 permanent residents. The population can be as high as 5,000 when scientific and mining operations are taken into account. Not only is it the worlds coldest location (lowest recorded temperatures of −89.2 °C or −128.6 °F) it is also technically a desert as average rainfall is only 200mm. The continent is governed and protected by an international Antarctic Treaty system which limits the exploitation of the area and preserves its wildlife.
Highest Point: Mount Vinson (4,892 metres or 16,050 feet)
Lowest Point: Bentley Subglacial Trench, which reaches 2,555 metres below sea level which is the worlds lowest point not covered by water.
Area: 14,000,000 km2 (5,400,000 sq mi)
Coastline: 17,968 km (11,165 miles)
Residents 150
The adventure began in Punta Arenas, the gateway to Antarctica.
The group flew from Punta Arenas to King George Island to reach Frei Station, where their adventure truly began.
Went ashore at Portal Point, stepping onto land on the 7th continent for the first time. Later, the group cruised through Wilhelmina Bay.
After Wilhelmina Bay, the group took a Zodiac cruise at Foyn Harbour and Enterprise Island, home to the wreck of the whaling ship Governoren which sank there in 1915. Later, there was a cruise through Gerlache Strait.
The group transited through Lemaire Channel, a narrow channel that had not been accessible at any point prior during the summer. This was the first time the ship had been able to pass through.
Landed at Petermann Island to experience the first up close interactions with penguins.
The group took a Zodiac cruise at Port Charcot, did a polar plunge, enjoyed an Antarctic BBQ and had a Bar Talk on "Smith Island" with Pablo.
Landed at Neko Harbour for amazing views from the top of the mountain and saw an avalanche.
Landed at Danco Island for a demanding snow hike to the top of the mountain.
Cruised to Deception Island which is a former volcano whose caldera has partially collapsed, providing a safe haven harbour.
At Deception Island, the group went ashore at Telefon Bay with it's volcanic landscape.
The afternoon was a landing at Half Moon Island to see and experience the wildlife. In the evening, there was the Captain’s Farewell and what should have been the Final Briefing and Farewell Dinner. There was also a slideshow and a talk on "Penguins: The Feathered Fish" with Nigel.
The trip was meant to end on January 23. As the weather changed and visibility was limited, the plane back to Punta Arenas could not land at Frei Station, so the trip was extended.
As flying was not possible on the 23rd, a series of onboard talks were organised:
- "Bird Island" with Paul,
- "Glacier Guiding" with Kuba,
- "Southern Ocean Cetaceans" with Wendy,
- "Living and Working in Antarctica" with Nigel,
- "Discovering the Unknown" with Nigel and
- "Deep in Antarctica" with Sergei.
On the 24th there was a final, extra landing at Penguin Island; a location where different types of seals and penguins all hung out together.
The group flew back to Punta Arenas in the early hours of 25 January.
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Thrilling days in Antarctica brought unforgettable wildlife encounters, daring cruising through towering icebergs, exhilarating flights over frozen landscapes, amazing weather and immersive on-board experiences that defined the spirit of the journey.
