Antarctica might not seem like the ideal location for a family holiday, but it’s a fantastic destination for a once in a lifetime, unforgettable family adventure. Imagine crossing the Antarctic Circle and experiencing 24 hours of daylight! The scenery and wildlife are a photographers dream and history buffs will love following in the footsteps of Captain James Cook who incredibly reached the Antarctic Circle in 1773.
You might be surprised by the variety of activities and experience Antarctica offers. Did you know you can camp in the snow, kayak and maybe if you’re feeling brave try a polar plunge.
Photo by Torsten Dederichs on Unsplash
Why should you choose Antarctica over a more traditional beach holiday?
Spectacular scenery
Antarctica is home to towering icebergs, snow covered mountains and immense, pristine glaciers. Visitors can cruise through ice filled, crystal clear waters and kayak through the calm waters along the Antarctic Peninsula.
An Antarctic Circle Cruise is a brilliant option if you want to venture even further into the wilderness and opportunity to explore more extensively. Explorers travelling as far as the Ross Sea will get to see the imposing Erebus, the southernmost volcano of the world.
Incredible wildlife
Despite the freezing temperatures Antarctica is bursting with extraordinary wildlife. Visitors can watch penguins waddle and slide in their natural environment, a world away from seeing them in a zoo. See seals resting on ice, whales in the water and many different species of birds in the air. Antarctica’s wildlife is like no where else on Earth. Visitors can also take a Polar Safari where there’s the chance to see elephant seals, humpback whales, orcas and so many more animals. Antarctica is a fantastic location for wildlife fans.
Join a research project
Antarctica is home to many research stations and historical sites. It’s remoteness and wildlife make it a great location for researching climate change and various aspects of marine biology. Tourists can visit research stations where intrepid scientists work and watch science in action. A truly once in a lifetime opportunity. Many cruises also offer citizen science opportunities where tourists can add their own observations to real scientific projects!
Follow in the footsteps of great explorers
History enthusiasts will love learning about early explorers and navigators and their astonishing achievements. Tourists can even fly over the South Pole a place very few humans have seen.
Photo by henrique setim on Unsplash
Try some water sports
It might sound unbelievable, but visitors to Antarctica can kayak, stand up paddle board and scuba dive and snorkel. If waterspouts aren’t your thing, trekking expeditions are also offered by some some Antarctic Cruise operators.
Finally, a bonus number 6, is stargazing! The high altitude, long polar nights ( in winter ) and lack of light pollution makes Antarctica a perfect location for budding and seasoned astronomers.
Whether you’re happy observing from a boat, or out there trying everything Antarctica has to offer it’s a location that is sure to provide an unforgettable family holiday, full of once in lifetime experiences and memories that will last forever.
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