5 Best Tourist Attractions In Antarctica

Image by melissa2760 from Pixabay

For those looking for true adventure with incredible landscapes, Antarctica, the southernmost continent in the world offers these and so much more. Meanwhile, the mostly uninhabited and ice-covered landmass is renowned for a number of attractions, including whale watching, sea kayaking, snoeshowing and a British research station turned museum. Along the way, visitors can also view more rich wildlife including penguins. Take a look at some of the best things to do in Antarctica for your next exciting cruise.

1. Sea kayaking in Antarctica

Image by Siggy Nowak from Pixabay

Hopping into a kayak can, at first, feel a little daunting as you paddle through shards of ice. However, once you start paddling, the looming turquoise bergs catch your eye, while orcas and minke whales can be seen beneath the water. Meanwhile, you will spot cute penguins, as well as seals, resting on the ice floes. Head to the shoreline and climb out of your kayak to take a stroll on an Antarctic beach, where you will be surrounded by squawking Emperor penguins.

2. Snowshoeing exploration

Image by Gianni Crestani from Pixabay

At certain times of year, the only way to explore the frozen Antarctic landscapes is by snowshoeing. An expedition leader will take you in a small group to explore the hills and shoreline, ranging from two-hour strolls for first timers to full-day treks.

While snowshoeing is relatively easy, it can be physically tiring. For this reason your tour leader will figure out the most suitable routes for your level of experience and fitness. Meanwhile, they will also provide you with lightweight snowshoes to clip onto your boots.

3. Whale watching in Antarctica

Image by Eduardo Ruiz from Pixabay

The waters of Antarctica are rich in crustaceans, krill and squid, which makes it the perfect place for whales. Amazingly, despite the fact that tens of thousands of the magnificent creatures were slaughtered in the 20th century, this is still one of the best places in the world to spot elusive blue whales.

Meanwhile, there are also six other whale species here, including sperm whales, killer whales (orcas), humpback whales, southern right whales and sei whales. With so many of these wonderful creatures, a trip to Antarctica is worthwhile for this alone.

4. Port Lockroy Museum & Post Office, Goudier Island

Port Lockroy Museum & Post Office Image Wikimedia Commons

Learn more about Antarctica and its first explorers at Port Lockroy Museum & Post Office. This former British research base is located on the remote Goudier Island on the Antarctica Peninsula. The days, the base operates as a modest museum, post office and gift shop.

Researchers worked from the base until 1962, after which it was abandoned until restorations took place in 1996 under terms of the Antarctica Treaty. The treaty declared the buildings Historic Monuments, which required the renovations, which were carried out by the British Antarctic Survey.

5. Learn more about Antarctica

Image by David Mark from Pixabay

While exploring the wild landscapes of Antarctica, you will find you have many questions about the wildlife, marine life and history of the icy continent. For this reason, on-board lectures are available, where you can hear the fascinating insights of biologists, historians, photographers, geographers and geologists.

During the lectures, you will learn to identify the species of the region’s hardy wildlife, as well as iceberg formations and the early voyages that took place here while mapping the continent. Meanwhile experienced photographers will tell you how to capture your surrounding landscapes perfectly.

Experience Antarctica with these remarkable attractions and so much more.