Shrouded in ice, snow and a component of thriller, Antarctica is as unknown as they get
When travellers describe far-off locations, they’re most likely pondering of locations like Antarctica. A vacation spot requiring an epic journey, specialised gear and skilled professionals. The place the panorama feels virtually as otherworldly because the floor of the moon and whose uniquely tailored wildlife tremendously outnumbers any human inhabitants.
Setting our sights due south, let’s uncover the best myths about our icy southern continent.
Fable 1: The Drake Passage is absolutely scary
Often known as one of many roughest seas on the planet, it’s no marvel the Drake Passage has churned up a little bit of hype. Those that have confronted off in opposition to this assembly place of ocean and wind have earned themselves a pat on the again. That’s if you have been met with the Drake Shake and never the Drake Lake – extra on that later.
What’s so scary concerning the Drake Passage?
The Drake Passage is a stretch of water between South America and Antarctica, the place the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.
One notable attribute of the Drake Passage is that it’s very unpredictable. It’s possible you’ll get clean lake-like circumstances referred to as the ‘Drake Lake’ or the tough different: the ‘Drake Shake.’
In case you do get the Drake Shake, know that when you’re incomes your Passage stripes, you’ll be well-protected and well-taken care of.
Ships that constitution this passage, together with Intrepid’s ships, are sometimes ice-strengthened and purpose-built for the circumstances. Equally, your crew shall be a hardy, well-trained bunch who navigate these waters in all circumstances a number of occasions a yr. There may also be an onboard physician who’s skilled in treating seasickness. Have a chat with them earlier than the passage should you’re feeling somewhat apprehensive.
And throughout the crossing days, there’s loads to maintain you distracted. Why not find out about your arrival vacation spot with onboard Antarctica consultants, and even get your coronary heart charge going – or slowing – within the health club, spa or sauna?
The right way to hack the Drake Passage, learn your information to tackling the Drake Passage
Fable 2: I’ll be too seasick on the ship to take pleasure in a visit to Antarctica
Apart from the passage, the waters instantly surrounding Antarctica are extremely clean, so it’s unlikely you’ll have any issues once you get there.
Whether or not you’re somebody who is aware of they get seasick or you probably have by no means skilled tough waters, it’s beneficial that everybody comes ready to keep away from white-knuckling the railing. Seek the advice of your physician about potential treatment and take cautionary measures like avoiding greasy meals and alcohol. And as all the time, keep watch over the horizon and attempt to get some contemporary air.
Insider tip: though they’ll’t be assured, attempt to request a central, center cabin which may be much less affected by the circumstances.
However whether or not you select to experience out the journey in your cabin or up with others within the lounge – know that it’s simply part of travelling to Antarctica – no ache, no achieve, in any case.
Fable 3: A visit to Antarctica will value me my life’s financial savings.
I’ll preserve it actual: Antarctica is without doubt one of the most distant locations on the planet; it’s not going to be a fast or low cost journey. However actually, you most likely wouldn’t need this to be a ‘low cost’ journey as Antarctica is an advanced place; you need to know you’re in protected arms.
Ships are purpose-built, crews are extremely skilled and firms are well-equipped to help the journey. So, it is going to be greater than your common vacation spend, however that is Antarctica – type of goes with the territory.
Fable 4: I’ll get actually bored on the journey days
In contrast to ye olden days when boats took lengthy, tedious journeys, at present’s expedition cruises have seen Twenty first-century upgrades.
Take Intrepid’s Ocean Endeavour. This ship has an onboard health club, spa, library, bar, boutique, pool, yoga lessons and every day expert-led info classes, to not point out the wi-fi and TVs in each cabin.
And hey, should you’re fortunate, you might even get some free leisure enjoying disguise and search with passing whales.
Fable 5: It’s actually harmful to go to Antarctica
Similar to in some other chilly local weather, there might be moments of excessive winds and elevated snowfall. Relaxation assured, your crew will all the time be monitoring the climate and are fast to make itinerary adjustments to minimize the results of hostile climate.
Nonetheless, importantly, you’ll want to come back ready with specialty gear – as this isn’t your common out of doors expedition. Intrepid ships will offer you a water-resistant jacket and rubber boots, however you’ll need to be sure to’re stocked up on the proper clothes for any and all climate circumstances – to your personal security, you might not be let off the ship should you’re not sporting the proper clothes.
You’ll want waterproof pants, high quality beanies, gloves, base layers and mid-layers to put on below the jacket and pants. Make sure you’ve learn the supplied packing lists fastidiously.
Learn Intrepid’s information on what to pack for Antarctica
Is Antarctica’s wildlife harmful?
There’s not a lot to fret about concerning harmful wildlife encounters in Antarctica. Intrepid, alongside different operators, should abide by strict Antarctica codes about sustaining distance from wildlife; so long as you’re too, you need to be protected round any animals.
In abstract, don’t pet the penguins.
Fable 6: A visit to Antarctica is not good for the setting
At its core, visiting Antarctica is about educating and sharing the wonders of wildlife and the significance of preserving the environment. Intrepid works to be a accountable tour operator in just a few methods.
The primary: Intrepid is a member of the Worldwide Affiliation of Antarctic Tour Operators (IATTO). Being an IATTO member means working throughout the parameters of the Antarctica Treaty to practise protected and environmentally accountable journey to the continent.
The second is partaking in accountable journey practices. These embrace:
- Responsibly sourcing onboard supplies, from sustainable seafood to cleansing merchandise,
- Carrying all waste out of Antarctica and avoiding, the place potential, single-use plastic, together with plastic straws,
- Guaranteeing all objects, each worn and carried, are freed from international matter earlier than going ashore,
- Carbon off-setting emissions.
Fable 7: It’s simply one other cruise
Wish to know the distinction between a daily cruise and an Antarctica expedition cruise? For starters, as an alternative of hundreds of passengers, Intrepid ships carry lower than 200 individuals.
Second, as an alternative of bingo, casinos and different basic cruise fare, your days shall be spent zipping round on Zodiacs, strolling on land to rise up near the wildlife, studying the right way to grow to be an Antarctica wildlife photographer, becoming a member of citizen science packages or listening to the expedition consultants throughout the onboard lecture packages.
And if you would like extra pleasure, Intrepid’s polar cruises additionally provide a ton of actions to get you even nearer to the Antarctic motion. Take part on optionally available paid actions like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, in a single day ice tenting and extra.
So, much less like your typical cruise and extra like a summer time camp within the coolest place on Earth. Cool, proper?
Traveller tales: My journey to Antarctica was like a grown-up summer time camp at sea
Fable 8: There’s not a lot to see, it’s simply ice and water
So, this might not be an actual fable, however in case you have been questioning, ‘What’s the attraction?’ – right here’s why individuals spend their hard-earned money and deal with the Drake Passage to go to Antarctica.
Together with the panorama of jutting snow-topped mountains and close to luminescent icebergs, Antarctica’s land, water and skies are residence to 235 uniquely tailored species. A few of their most intriguing are:
- Lovable waddlers just like the chinstrap, emperor and king penguins,
- Cute Antarctic fur seals, bizarre-looking Southern elephant seals and carnivorous leopard seals,
- Mammoth ocean dwellers akin to blue, humpback and fin whales in addition to the formidable Antarctic orcas.
Phrases might by no means be capable of convey what it’s to be on this elusive seventh continent, however there’s this: Antarctica is a spot that genuinely strikes individuals to tears.
Now you’ve uncovered the myths, will you be setting sail for The Ice?
Take a look at Intrepid’s Antarctica journeys.
