September 12, 2013 Read time - 2 minutes Antarctica is so much more than the sum of its parts. It took a second visit to really appreciate this. As with all travel experiences, memories are dictated by the pictures taken, the diaries kept and the anecdotes relayed upon return. As months turn to years, what is left are fragments of the experience: isolated incidents and frozen images of time spent away. This is unavoidable and as reflective of life itself as it is of travel. Returning to Antarctica, or more specifically, waking that first morning to clear blue skies and an icescape of such captivating beauty it took my breath away, brought this home as all the emotions and feelings of two years ago surged back to the surface. Antarctica Cruise Standing on deck hearing the distant groan of the glaciers reminded me why being here is such a big deal. Antarctica time is precious time and you need Mother Nature's blessing to maximise it. The weather can change in the blink of an eye and wildlife operates to its own schedule. Fortunately, in seven days the opportunities to enjoy the peninsula from every angle were plentiful. Mountaineers were rewarded for their toil with views unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Whales in Antarctica Kayakers got on “excuse me” terms with boisterous leopard seals. Some modern-day Jacques Cousteaux dived beneath the ice amongst the seals and penguins. Each day gave the chance to witness a different side to the continent and no two moments were the same. Critically, with plenty of daylight, there is always plenty of time for reflection, hard currency in a land so far away. Antarctic Explorer Words, photographs and even footage narrated by Attenborough, as mesmerising as they can be, don’t even come close to scratching the surface of how it feels to be there. Standing alone on an Antarctic peak, surveying the icebergs and calving glaciers below – knowing you’re as far south as you can be – cannot be articulated in any meaningful way. Sunset in Antarctica Nor can the moment of a pair of humpback whales slaloming between zodiacs, diving underneath and resurfacing close enough to make eye contact. This was also for their amusement, not just ours. By November the days begin to get longer, the sea ice retreats and the window of opportunity for exploration opens up for the brief Antarctic summer. It’s there to be explored, it’s there to be experienced, and it's there to be remembered. - By Carl, Exodus Polar Expert If you've ever dreamed of exploring the Antarctic, browse our tours below and plan your trip.
Epic Antarctica: Falklands, South Georgia & Antarctic Circle Crossing All the highlights of the Falklands, South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula as well as crossing the Antarctic Circle Polar Expeditions Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Leisurely 23 Days from £15,800 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Antarctic Circle Quest 14 reviews Always one of the most popular departures, this expedition gives more time where it matters, below the Antarctic Circle. Polar Expeditions Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Leisurely 14 Days from £7,100 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Antarctica, Falklands & South Georgia 17 reviews The fascinating history and overwhelming wildlife populations of the Sub-Antarctic combined with the awesome beauty of Antarctica itself Polar Expeditions Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Leisurely 20 Days from £12,600 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Antarctic Express: Crossing the Circle Visit the Antarctic Peninsula, going south of the Antarctic Circle, but skip the Drake Passage by flying instead Polar Expeditions Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Leisurely 11 Days from £10,900 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Antarctic Explorer 20 reviews Towering blue icebergs, vast penguin colonies, whales, seals and glaciers right in the heart of the peninsula Polar Expeditions Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Leisurely 11 Days from £6,500 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Antarctic Express: Fly the Drake The perfect short, introductory expedition to the Antarctic Peninsula, the most pristine wilderness on earth Polar Expeditions Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Leisurely 8 Days from £9,000 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
South Georgia and Antarctic Peninsula: Penguin Safari Enjoy all of the highlights of South Georgia and the Antarctic peninsula Polar Expeditions Suitable for: Age 18+ Activity level: Leisurely 16 Days from £9,000 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details