These books about Antarctica will give you fun facts, beautiful photos, insights on identifying wildlife, fascinating first-hand accounts and detailed information on how to get the most our of your trip.

1. TRAVEL GUIDES

2. ANTARCTIC WILDLIFE

3. HISTORY OF EXPLORATION

4. MEMOIRS

Disclosure: The Adventure Junkies is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, we will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost for you. We also use other affiliate programs like REI, LeisurePro, Diviac and Liveaboard.com.

The post 15 Of The Best Antarctica Books Of All Time appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

In this article, we’ll walk you through everything you need to consider when choosing your cruise to the bottom of the earth.

5 THINGS TO CONSIDER TO FIND YOUR ANTARCTICA CRUISE

1. TYPE OF CRUISE

There are two main types of cruises to choose from, luxury and expedition voyages. The main differences between these two ship styles are the activities and services offered.

Expedition cruises offer as much time as possible off the ship, exploring the waters by zodiac and the land by hiking. Many expedition cruise operators offer activities like camping, kayaking, snowshoeing and scuba diving. These ships tend to be refurbished Russian polar research vessels and are a bit rough around the edges. Some people love this about the ships and think it adds to the polar explorer experience. Other people would prefer fine carpets and elegant interior decoration. 

Luxury cruises provide higher end room options and 5 star on-board service. The cabins are typically much larger and often times offer private balconies. Expect fine dining on board a luxury ship. Often times a selection of wine, beer and spirits will be included in the price of the trip.

If you want some creature comforts as well as an adventurous trip, look at going on an expedition cruise and opt for the upgraded room options. 

2. SHIP SIZE

SMALL SHIP (LESS THAN 150 PASSENGERS)

Small-ships offer some big advantages. The experience is more intimate and you will get to know your fellow cruisers better than if you would be on a large ship. Being less people also means you will have more time on shore. Small boats are better suited for people who want to spend as much time as possible with Antarctica’s incredible wildlife. 

LARGE SHIP (200 PASSENGERS +)

One advantage to cruising on a large ship is the are more stable in the rough, rolling seas. Also, bigger ships tend to have a more luxurious feel. The big downside is that because of its size, it’s often restricted from getting to a few landing sites. Also, these ships have less excursions that small ships because of logistics of getting so many people on and off the ship. 

3. REGION

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA

The most popular and affordable option to cruise Antarctica is to go to the Antarctic Peninsula. These trips begin and end in either Ushuaia, Argentina or Punta Arenas, Chile. Most operators cruise a similar route – cross the Drake Passage, cruise several days (4-5) along the western shore of the Antarctic Peninsula, then return back through the Drake Passage. This option typically takes between 10 to 13 days in total.

ANTARCTIC PENINSULA, SOUTH GEORGIA & FALKLAND ISLANDS

If you have a bit more time and want to explore more of the polar region, look at itineraries that go to South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. These trips average 20 days. The main reason people choose this option is that there is a chance of seeing King penguins. You can’t see these guys on the Peninsula cruise option.

This route takes you through the Southern Ocean to the Falkland Islands. From there you head to South Georgia, where you can visit the grave of the famous polar explorer, Ernest Shakleton. You then sail on to the Antarctic Peninsula, and then through the South Shetland Islands back to Ushuaia or Punta Arenas.

WEDDEL SEA

An expedition to the Weddel Sea will take you on a trip to see Emperor penguin rookeries. These trips are perfect for cruisers who have already been to the Antarctic Peninsula and are looking to have an encounter with the biggest of all the 15 species of penguin.

ROSS SEA

The Ross Sea is one of the least explored Antarctic Regions, with only a few hundred people able to visit each year. During the brief summer months, the wildlife is abundant. This itinerary will take you further south into the continent than any other route.

4. TIME OF THE YEAR

Cruises to Antarctica go from early November to late March. Each part of this short summer season differs in conditions and what you can see so it’s an important factor when choosing which trip you should take. Keep in mind that this is just a rough guide and every season is different. 

NOVEMBER

In November there is still lots of sea ice, especially on the east side of the Peninsula. The downside to this is that some landing sites will be inaccessible. Many penguins are beginning to come ashore to start mating and nest building. These flightless birds lay there eggs during this month. If you visit the Weddell Sea you can see Emperor penguins. Elephant seals are mating and King penguins lay their eggs on South Georgia Island. 

DECEMBER – JANUARY 

December and January fall in the peak season in Antarctica, which means expect higher prices. It’s also when you have the best chance to have a calm Drake Passage crossing. This is the peak season in Antarctica with the best chance for calmer water while crossing the Drake Passage. The sea ice has receded some which means that you will be able to travel farther south. During this time penguin chicks are hatching. You will see the adult penguins returning to see to feed the chicks. This is also a great time to spot whales and seal pups. 

FEBRUARY – MARCH

These late season months are the peak season for whales in the Antarctic Peninsula. The sea ice has dramatically receded which mean that ships can explore more than in early season months. This is also one of the best times to see fur seals in the Antarctic Peninsula and South Georgia. Penguin chicks begin to molt, losing their fuzzy plumage and growing their adult feathers. 

5. BUDGET

As you can imagine, Antarctic cruises are not cheap – ranging from $6000 – $25,000, it’s a trip that many save for years to go on. There are three main determining factors when it comes to prices – itinerary, cabin type and extra activities.

ITINERARY

The least expensive cruise options are the Antarctic Peninsula routes. Increasing the days of your trip will also increase the overall price.

CABIN TYPE

Many ships offer a wide range of cabin types – from triple share bunk rooms, with a shared bathroom and tiny porthole windows to luxurious suites with private bathrooms and large windows or balconies.

EXTRA ACTIVITIES

There is a lot of things to see and do in Antarctica. Some operators offer special programs such as expedition photography and sea kayaking. These add-on activities can significantly increase the price of your trip but might be worthwhile if they suit your interests.

The post How To Choose The Best Antarctica Cruise appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Paddling between icebergs and watching a humpback whale do acrobatics are just some of the experiences you can have in Antarctica. Have I caught your attention?

Here at The Adventure Junkies, our motto is – dream it. learn it. live it. In this article, we’ll show you all the fun and exciting experiences you can have if you make a journey to the end of the world. 

If you plan to visit Antarctica with a cruise ship, you will most likely spend the majority of the time in the Antarctic Peninsula. For this reason, we’ve only included experiences in this are of the continent. 

1. PADDLE AMONGST ICEBERGS

Sea kayaking is one of the coolest things you can do in Antarctica. Propelling yourself through the icy waters is a thrill. Being on the water gives you a unique perspective of the stunning landscape. You’re free from the noise of a zodiac engine – it’s just you, your boat and pure Antarctic wilderness. 

2. WILDLIFE WATCHING

 Antarctica is one of the toughest places to survive on earth – it’s cold, dry and windy. The animals that live here are extremophiles who have the unique ability to adapt to these tough conditions. Out of all the reasons people journey to Antarctica, wildlife watching is high on the list.

Penguins waddle through the snow. Humpback whales do acrobatic breaches. Seals bark and play on the shore. Sea birds squawk and soar overhead. As you can imagine, the animals that call Antarctica home are the stars of the place and are what make a trip here truly spectacular. Make sure to add a camera and binoculars to your packing list.

3. CAMP OUT 

Want to spend a night gazing at a star-filled sky? Many cruise operators offer camping as a part of their itineraries. They load you up with a bivy sac, sleeping bag and sleeping pad then drop you off on shore. You then dig yourself a shallow grave to have shelter from the wind, crawl into your bivy and call it a night.

If the sky is clear, you’ll wake to see the sun has painted the sky with orange, pink and red hues. It might be difficult to convince yourself to spend a night away from your cozy cabin bed, but this is an experience not to be missed.

4. VISIT POLAR STATIONS

The Antarctic Peninsula is dotted with scientific research stations. Here scientists and support staff spend months here performing experiments and collecting samples. Being so isolated, researchers are always happy to see new faces.

Several stations even give tours. It’s fascinating to hear the stories of who have spent a winter in Antarctica.

5. SNOWSHOEING & HIKING

Antarctica is a mountainous place with lots of great opportunities for hiking and/ or snowshoeing. Not only do you get to stretch your legs, there are some beautiful lookouts to trek up to. If you’d like to snowshoe, plan your trip for early to mid season (November – January) when there is the most snow on the Peninsula. New to snowshoeing? Check out our article about snowshoeing tips for beginners. 

6. EXPEDITION PHOTOGRAPHY

Dramatic landscapes, unique ice formations and the abundance of wildlife make Antarctica a dream come true for photographers. If you’d like to improve your skills, have a look for a cruise that has an expedition photography program. These programs are lead by professional wildlife photographers who have spent countless seasons in the polar regions of the world.

7. ICE DIVING 

Have you ever dreamed of diving under the ice of Antarctica? Seeing leopard seals and penguins in their element is a real experience. Some cruise operators have a special scuba diving program that you can join. You have to bring your own drysuit and cold water regulators. You also need to be dry suit certified and have experience diving in cold conditions. 

8. POLAR PLUNGE

On the shores of Deception Island, strip down and run into the freezing cold water. It doesn’t sound like much fun, but it’s a real thrill.

The shores of the island are thermal and in some places it’s very hot – so your first steps will feel like bath water. A few more steps and the chilly water hits your calves. It’s too late to turn around, keep running until it’s deep enough to jump in. Most people only last a few seconds before they dart back to the steaming thermal water shoreline.

The post 8 Experiences to Add To Your Antarctica Dream List appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Antarctica is one of the toughest places on earth – It’s cold, windy and dry. Despite these rough conditions, several species have found a way to adapt to the environment and thrive here.

One of our big goals here at The Adventure Junkies is to show you the beauty of our planet. In this article, we’ll show you some of the animals you may encounter if you dare to take a journey to the white continent.

WHAT ANIMALS CAN YOU SEE IN ANTARCTICA?

PENGUINS

These furry guys are cute and fun to watch as they waddle around in the snow. The Southern Hemisphere is home to all penguins. Out of the 17 species of penguins in the world only 4 of these live and nest on the Antarctic Continent. These true Antarctica species are the Adélie, Chinstrap, Gentoo, Emperor Penguin.

If you visit the Antarctic Peninsula you are likely to see all of these penguins except for the Emperor. Emperors live further south than where your cruise ship will visit, where there is more sea-ice.

WHALES

You can see Right, Blue, Sei, Humpback, Minke, Fin, Sperm and Orcas in Antarctica. There are a few other species of whales as well, but they are very rare so you are unlikely to encounter them.

Seeing whales in Antarctica is a real treat. If arriving by ship, keep your eyes peeled while you’re cruising to see if you can spot some. The best time of the year to see whales in Antarctica is late summer (February & March). There’s less sea ice during those months which means it’s easier to see whales surfacing.

SEALS

Next to penguins, seals are one of the most common wildlife you’ll encounter if you visit the Antarctic Peninsula. There are six different species of seals that live in Antarctica – Weddell, Ross, Leopard, Southern Elephant, Fur and Crabeater Seals. The Elephant Seal is the largest and can weigh up to 8,818 lb (4,000 kg)! They are a lot of fun to watch as they laze around on floating sea ice and play with one another.

OTHER BIRDS

Over 100 million birds come to the rocky Antarctic coastline and offshore islands each spring to breed. Some of the most common species are the Arctic Tern, Giant petrel, Blue Eyed Shag, Antarctic Skua, Snow Petrel and Wandering Albatross.

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME OF THE YEAR TO SEE WILDLIFE IN ANTARCTICA?

Tourists are able to visit Antarctica from November to the end of March. If you love wildlife, you should plan your trip according to what you’d like to see.

NOVEMBER: The best month to watch penguins mating. If you come at the end of the month, you’ll see nests full of eggs. Typically, there are not as many whales during this time compared to later in the season. 

DECEMBER – EARLY FEBRUARY: This is the best month to see penguins hatching.

MID FEBRUARY – MARCH: The best time to spot whales. Penguin chicks are quite large. Adult penguins tend to malt (grow new feathers) during this time. Because of this, they tend to be less active because they are conserving energy and warmth.

The post What Animals Can You See In Antarctica? appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

However, if you’re able to save for a journey to the end of the world you will be one of the few people who are able to experience the beauty of this pristine polar region.

There is no simple answer to this question. The good news is that you have a lot of options when it comes to choosing how you will make your dream trip to Antarctica come to life. This article will walk you through the most common ways to visit Antarctica as a tourist and tell you a price range for each possible way. If you are serious about making this trip a reality, use this information as a starting point to get an idea of how much it costs to get there.

How you plan to travel to the White Continent is one of the major determining factors of the price of your trip. There are two ways to reach Antarctica – by ship and by airplane.

1. ANTARCTICA CRUISES

The most popular way to visit Antarctica as a tourist is on a cruise ship. You can travel on a luxury ship, an expedition ship or even a sailboat. Luxury cruises cater to people who want to see Antarctica in style, expedition cruises are for the adventurous spirit and sailboat cruises are for people who want an intimate experience that only a small group tour can provide.

To determine how much you can expect to spend on a cruise, there are some questions you will need to ask yourself first. So let’s get started.

WHERE DO YOU WANT TO LEAVE FROM?

Cruise ships leave from either Argentina, Chile, Australia or New Zealand. Sailboat operators may depart from different ports but those are the exceptions. The least expensive option is to leave from South America because it takes only 2 days to reach the Antarctic Peninsula while it takes at least 6 days to arrive to East Antarctica from New Zealand or Australia.

HOW MANY DAYS DO YOU WANT TO GO FOR?

Cruise operators offer several different routes throughout the season, each with it’s own price tag. The least expensive route if you plan to leave from South America is a trip to the Antarctic Peninsula. If you want to explore more, you can look at trips that combine the Falkland Islands, South Georgia and the Peninsula.

Trips from New Zealand & Australia visit the Ross Sea and the remote East Antarctica and last between 26 – 30 days.

WHAT ACTIVITIES DO YOU WANT TO DO?

Most cruises include daily land excursions but some operators offer additional activities such as sea kayaking, scuba diving and wildlife photography at at an additional price. Check out the company’s website to see there are any extra excursions you’d like to do so you can calculate them into your budget.

DO YOU WANT TO FLY & CRUISE?

Some tour companies have itineraries where you can combine a flight with a cruise. This allows you save a few days of travel time and avoid a few rough days at sea. These flights leave from Punta Arenas, Chile to one of the South Shetland Islands (near the Antarctic Peninsula).

WHAT ARE YOUR CABIN PREFERENCES?

Depending on the ship, you will have a variety of cabin options. Picking the right cabin for you all comes down to your personal preferences and comfort level. You’ll need to consider – Do you mind sharing a room with a stranger? Do you mind sharing a bathroom? Is having a large window important to you or will a porthole do?

HOW MUCH DOES A CRUISE TO ANTARCTICA COST?

Expedition Cruises: $4,500 – $16,000

Luxury Cruises: $14,000 – $26,000

Sailing Cruises: $12,500 – $21,000

Fly-Cruise Options: $4,500 – $25,000

Cruise from New Zealand: $14,500 – $22,300

LAST MINUTE DEALS

One of the most popular options for budget travelers is to wait for last minute deals. These can sometimes cost as little as $4,000 if leaving from Ushuaia. However, considering how much a last minute flight to Argentina can cost, it might not be your cheapest option.

OTHER COSTS

When budgeting for your trip to Antarctica you’ll need to consider the additional costs of your trips such as flights to and from the port of departure plus meals and accommodation before and after the trip. During the trip you might have some additional costs such as tips, spa services, souvenirs and drinks at the ship’s bar. You will also need to show proof of travel and medical insurance.

2. FLYING TO ANTARCTICA

If you want to climb Vinson Massif  (the highest peak in Antarctica), ski to the South Pole or run a 100k marathon in the snow, you’ll need to fly. Since there are no commercial flights to Antarctica, you’ll have to go through a private logistic operator.

If a cookie cutter trip isn’t your style flying in and taking on an extraordinary adventure is clearly your best option, but it comes at a price. Since there are no commercial flights to Antarctica, you’ll need to go with a private logistics operator.

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO FLY TO ANTARCTICA?

Trips organized by a logistics company run from $24,000 – $71,000 USD (depending on the activities you want to do).

CAN’T VS HOW

Money is a big challenge for many people when it comes to planning a big adventure trip like this one. If that’s your case I’d like to ask you a question, how can you afford to make this polar dream of yours a reality?

When you tell yourself, “I can’t afford a trip like this, I’ll never go to Antarctica.” your brain shuts down. When you ask yourself, “How can I afford this trip?” your brain goes to work. You will come up with creative solutions to save money and make this trip a priority. If you want something bad enough get creative and make it happen.

The post How Much Does It Cost To Go To Antarctica? appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

Since I can remember Antarctica has been on my mind. It’s a dream I always saw as too far and too difficult to achieve that I even considered it almost impossible. But life has many surprises waiting for those who are ready to fight for it. And here we were, my wife Amanda and I on the White Continent.

In the last week we’ve been exploring different areas of the Antarctic Peninsula by kayak. After 6 consecutive days of paddling, Antarctica still amazes me every morning I wake up and look through the window of my cabin.

It’s a truly unique place like no other on Earth. Depending on the day it can bring you choppy water, strong winds or big waves, but what it never fails to provide is an incredible beautiful place full of wildlife, ice formations and peace.

KAYAKING IN ANTARCTICA: ONE DAY AT A TIME

Due to the extreme conditions of Antarctica you need a good support team to fully enjoy kayaking in these waters. Rather than long hours, we opted for two 1-3 hours blocks of paddling that were combined with hiking or other activities every day. This way you can go back to the boat when you start getting too cold, eat and rest for a while, and get ready for another excursion in the afternoon.

You don’t normally start kayaking from the boat either. Instead, you jump into the zodiacs and travel to the best kayaking spots. This way you maximize your paddling time enjoying the best parts of the Penninsula.

A WORLD OF TEMPTING ICEBERGS

A soon as I sat into my kayak, all the icebergs around me got bigger instantly. It’s amazing how small you can feel while paddling in Antarctica. Apart from the high mountains on land, the coast is full of ice formations of every shape and size.

It’s a true kayakers paradise. The islands formed by the ice hide many surprises that can only be discovered with a kayak. Arches, caves, passages… gorgeous formations that are very temping for paddlers as well as very unstable.

PENGUINS EVERYWHERE!

But what makes the Antarctic Peninsula different from the Arctic, are the huge penguin colonies that live down here. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins can be found in the thousands, and many of those colonies are not used to seeing humans.

Reaching those colonies with a kayak is an unforgettable experience. Since you are in the water, you can get really close to them without disturbing their space. They feel safe. They look at you and you look at them. Each party spends the time analyzing the other and contemplating how different the origins of each other are.

THE GIANTS OF THE SEA

When paddling in Antarctica you are always in “search mode”. These waters are full of surprises and some of them come in a big size. Up to 8 types of whales can be found in this polar region, being the most popular ones the humpbacks, minke and fin whales.

While paddling in Wilhelmina Bay, the snow was falling and the infinite sucession of small icebergs created a beautiful landscape. We were navigating among the ice when someone shouted “Minke Whale!” Right in front of us, at about 15 meters away, this huge grey fin came out the water.

Moments like this one are the ones that make this experience unforgettable. Kayaking in Antarctica exceeded my very best expectations and it’s a trip I will carry on my mind for years to come.

WHAT TO TAKE WITH YOU

You will need to bring some specific gear to an Antarctica trip. The list will depend on what the company you go with will provide. Click on the button below to see our complete packing list of the gear we recommend you to bring.

FINAL THOUGHTS

If you’re looking at doing something truly unique, different and life-changing, a trip to Antarctica might be what you’re looking for. It’s an experience you can’t imagine until you live it in first person.

Many people say Antarctica is “too expensive”. When something is expensive is because the cost is much higher than what you receive in return. Kayaking in Antarctica is a costly adventure, but I don’t think it’s an expensive one. I can’t think of many other adventures where you get more than what you pay for.

The post Paddling the Last Frontier: Kayaking in Antarctica appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

We all know it’s a long journey and it’s not cheap. It took a lot of time and effort to save up for this special trip and you want to make sure you get it right. If you’ve come across a company called One Ocean Expeditions and would like an insider’s look at what a trip with this company is like before you fork over your hard earned cash, keep reading. 

In March 2016, my husband and I went on a One Ocean Expeditions cruise and I will tell you my experience. Please keep in mind that this article is just my observations and how I interpreted my experience. I hope you find this information useful when it comes time to book your trip. 

TRIP FACTS

COMPANY: One Ocean Expeditions
SHIP: Akademik Ioffe
DATE: February – March 2016
ITINERARY: 11 Day Antarctic Peninsula Adventure
CABIN: Twin Private

THE SHIP

One Ocean Expeditions operates two ships, the Akademic Ioffe and Vavilov. They are sister ships, which means they are nearly identical. I was aboard the Ioffe. It’s a refurbished Russian polar reseach vessel, as you can imagine it’s not your typical cruise ship. 

The design of the interior of the ship is practical yet comfortable. While some luxury seeking cruisers might be put off, there is a big advantage to this style of ship.

It’s made for polar trips, it’s strong and stable. It can maneuver through the ice much better than a mega ship which means you get to go to places that others can’t reach. And, because it is very stable, the open ocean crossings are more pleasant than on an ordinary cruise ship.

NUMBER OF PASSENGERS

One reason we chose to go with One Ocean Expeditions was because the maximum allowed passengers on each trip is only 96. We didn’t want to be in a huge crowd and feel like just another number. After a few days on the ship, I got to know lots of other passengers and the crew members. I really enjoyed this time and it made the excursions a lot of fun as well because we were experiencing them with our new friends. 

Another advantage to having 96 other passengers (or less) is that only 100 people are allowed to be on an excursion at a time. Because we had under 100, we were able to get off the ship and explore the White Continent twice a day. 

THE STAFF

Both the Ioffe and Vavilov are manned by a Russian crew (the captain, sailors, cooks, engineers, housekeeping, etc…). The trip is run by The One Ocean Staff which is made up of adventure guides, expedition leader, biologists, a doctor, chef, photographer and hospitality workers.

What stood out to me the most about the OOE staff was their ability to make you feel safe and their consciousness for the environment without losing their sense of fun and adventure. You could tell by the looks on their faces that they truly loved what they do and wanted to share this special place with the guests.

FOOD & DRINK

You won’t realize the importance of good food until you’ve been all morning exploring and come back to the ship cold and with an empty stomach. What surprised me the most was the variety of meals keeping in mind we were 11 days away from any port.

Breakfast was always served buffet style with granola, fruits, pancakes, bacon, french toast, eggs, juices, pastries, tea and coffee. Lunch and dinner are always a four course meal with soup, salad, main dish (your choice of a meat, fish or vegetarian) and dessert.

After the first meal of a hearty soup, a loaded salad, thai fish curry and white chocolate moose, we knew we weren’t going to go hungry on this boat. 

EDUCATION

When we read that it takes 3 days of cruising to reach Antarctica, we imagined we’d have a lot of down time, we were wrong. Each day at sea there was two morning presentations given by a specialist in that particular field (such as geology, marine biology, or polar exploration). It was interesting learning about penguins, whale tagging and ice formations.

The onboard scientists and educators are always around during expeditions so it’s great to have someone who can answer all the questions about what you are seeing. They really love their field of study and don’t mind if you talk their ear off about penguins, ice, whales or the polar expeditions. 

ACTIVITIES

The best part about our trip was all the excursions we got up to. Each morning and afternoon we would go out on a zodiac cruise searching for whales, get up close to penguins, or paddle among icebergs. There was also a night of camping. One Ocean offers different activities depending on which cruise option you pick and the time of the year. 

GEAR

One Ocean provides you with some gear so be sure to read this section before you make your Antarctica packing list. 

You will get a wet weather set of a coat and pants and rubber boots. The coats and pants are good quality and have lots of pockets for storing gear. They are big enough to allow several layers of clothing underneath. The boots have a thick sole which helps keep your feet warm while walking on the snow. There’s also trekking poles and shoe shoes are available. 

For the kayaking program, OOE supplies all the gear you need: kayaks, paddles, dry bag and a drysuit.

If you choose to go on the camping excursion, you’ll get a bivy bag, camping mattress, sleeping bag and sleeping bag liner to borrow for the night. 

CABINS

We stayed in a twin private cabin. It was clean, well maintained and comfortable. There was a desk, two beds, clock/radio/mp3 player speaker and coffee and tea station. Housekeeping kept our room stocked with hot chocolates which were a great treat after a day out in the cold.

The beds were comfortable and had memory foam mattresses and quality sheets. There was plenty of storage racks and drawers for clothes and gear. 

The Russian housekeeping staff made sure our room was always clean. Each morning while we were at breakfast they would make the bed and then at night they would turn down the room. It fascinated everyone that the sink was never dirty and the trash never full, yet you hardly ever see the cleaning staff.

WHAT WE LIKED THE MOST ABOUT OOE

+ Kayaking Program & Guides
+ Respect For Wildlife & Environment
+ Personal Service of the Staff
+ Casual Atmosphere
+ Focus on Adventure

WHAT WE DIDN’T LIKE

– The presentation room was down on deck 1, it gets warm down there and the lulling of the boat rocked us to sleep.

The post What It’s Like To Go To Antarctica With One Ocean Expeditions appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

According to Socrates, “Wisdom begins in wonder.”

I couldn’t agree more and that’s what The Adventure Junkies is all about: dream it, learn it, live it.

One place I had always dreamed of going to was Antarctica. The more I learned about this frozen continent the more I couldn’t get it out of my mind. Here’s some of the most interesting facts about Antarctica that are sure to spark your interest in this place.  

1. ANTARCTICA IS THE COLDEST PLACE ON EARTH

The annual average temperature is -58° F. And the lowest temperature ever recorded there was -128.5° F, in 1983.

2. ANTARCTICA WAS FIRST SIGHTED IN 1820

Although myths and speculation about a Terra Australis (“Southern Land”) date back to antiquity, Antarctica was only first sighted in 1820, by a Russian expedition.

3. ANTARCTICA IS THE ONLY CONTINENT WITHOUT REPTILES

Modern non-bird reptiles inhabit every continent with the exception of the White Continent. 

4. THERE IS A WATERFALL IN ANTARCTICA THAT RUNS BLOOD RED

This five-story, blood-red waterfall pours very slowly out of the Taylor Glacier in Antarctica’s McMurdo Dry Valleys. The crimson color comes from iron. 

5. ANTARCTICA ONLY HAS 2 ATMS

The only place you can with drawl cash in Antarctica is at the McMurdo Station, the largest science hub on the continent. 

6. THERE ARE NO POLAR BEARS IN ANTARCTICA

Polar bears only live in the Arctic. 

7. CHILE HAS A CIVILIAN TOWN IN ANTARCTICA

Villa Las Estrellas is complete with a school, hospital, post office, internet, hostel, TV and mobile phone coverage. The people of the town live in a community that has fourteen 90 m² (970 sq. ft.) homes.

8. THERE ARE FISH THAT LIVE UNDER ANTARCTICA

Beneath 740 meters of ice in a 10-meter-deep section of water lives translucent fish. Scientists are still unsure on how they manage to sustain themselves.

9. ICE MELTING HAS CAUSED A SHIFT IN GRAVITY IN THE REGION

Around 2009, multiple glaciers along a vast coastal expanse, measuring some 750km in length, suddenly started to shed ice into the ocean at a nearly constant rate of 60 cubic km, or about 55 trillion litres of water, each year. The ice loss in the region is so large that it causes small changes in the gravity field of the Earth, which can be detected by another satellite mission, the Gravity Recovery and Climate Experiment (GRACE).

10. THERE ARE MORE THAN 300 LAKES BENEATH THE ANTARCTIC ICE SHEET

These subglacial lakes are kept from freezing by the warmth of the Earth’s core.

11. MOUNT EREBUS, THE SOUTHERNMOST ACTIVE VOLCANO ON EARTH IS IN ANTARCTICA

Mount Erebus is currently the most active volcano in Antarctica. The summit contains a persistent convecting lava lake, one of five long-lasting lava lakes on Earth.

12. IN 1977, ARGENTINA SENT A PREGNANT MOTHER TO ANTARCTICA IN AN EFFORT TO CLAIM A PORTION OF THE CONTINENT

Emilio Marcos Palma (born 7 January 1978) is an is the first person known to be born on the continent of Antarctica. The photo above is other Esperanza base, where he was born. While ten people have been born in Antarctica since, Palma’s birthplace remains the most southerly.

13. ANTARCTICA DOES NOT HAVE A TIME ZONE

Antarctica sits on every line of longitude, due to the South Pole being situated near the middle of the continent. Theoretically Antarctica would be located in all time zones; however, areas south of the Antarctic Circle experience extreme day-night cycles near the times of the June and December solstices. This makes it difficult to determine which time zone would be appropriate.The scientists who live there go by either the time of their home land or the supply line that brings them food and equipment.

14. THERE ARE NO COUNTRIES IN ANTARCTICA

The continent is governed Antarctic Treaty was signed on Dec. 1, 1959, after more than a year of secret negotiations by 12 countries. It dedicates the continent to peaceful research activities. Forty-eight nations have now signed the treaty. 

15. 90% OF ALL THE METEORITES ARE FOUND IN ANTARCTICA

Meteorites that crash there are easily seen against the ice. They are also better preserved, as they quickly get covered by ice, protecting them from corrosion. Since 1970, there have been more than 10,000 meteorites discovered in Antarctica, a few up to 700,000 years old.

MORE ARTICLES ABOUT ANTARCTICA

Antarctica: A Journey to the End of the World

What to Wear in Antarctica: The Ultimate Packing List

12 Photos that Will Take You on a Voyage to Antarctica

The post 12 Interesting Facts About Antarctica You Probably Didn’t Know appeared first on The Adventure Junkies.

So, are you ready to come on a virtual voyage to the end of the world? Scroll down to set sail with these 12 amazing pictures of Antarctica!

A WORLD OF ICE

After 2 days of sailing from Ushuaia, Argentina, we catch our first sight of “The White Continent.” Snow covered peaks line the horizon and the occasional gigantic iceberg floats by the ship. There’s nothing like coming to the upper deck, breathing in the crisp air and getting a 360 degree view of this pristine world of ice. 

ZODIAC CRUISIN’

This isn’t your average cruise, this is an expedition cruise which means don’t just view Antarctica from your room, you get out and explore as much as possible. These inflatable boats known as a Zodiacs get you up close to the wildlife and landscapes that make the Antarctic Peninsula so special. Dana, the boat driver spots a seal in the distance and slowly maneuvers through the ice to let everyone get a good look. 

SNOOZING SEALS

Chunks on ice float around the sea making for the perfect place for seals to take a nap after a long day of hunting for food. Here we cruised by this group of sleepy Crabeater seals. Only one could be bothered to notice us, the rest just kept on snoozing. 

SNOW TRAILS 

It’s time to stretch our legs after the long days aboard the ship. Hiking up the hills near the shore, we get a new perspective on the polar landscape. For the bucket listers in the group, stepping foot on land means they can cross off visiting their 7th Continent while we are here as well. 

THE CLIFF CLIMBING CHINSTRAP 

Chinstrap Penguins are easy to spot with the thin black “strap” under their chins. They are excellent climbers, as you can see, this little guy has made it to the top of the rocky cliff of Orne Harbor.

GOOD MORNING ANTARCTICA

Would you ever spend the night in Antarctica? Sure the night is chilly but the reward is waking up to a vast sky painted by the sun. It’s about 5:30 AM and all the campers are busy breaking camp and heading back to the ship after spending a night under the stars. 

A PADDLER’S PLAYGROUND

It’s easy to see why Antarctica is a kayaker’s dream destination. Of course there is plenty of wildlife but what makes this place really special is the dramatic landscapes. Here in a quiet bay, icebergs tower above us in all directions. The feeling of gliding through this world of blue and white under your own power is incredible.

PENGUINS IN PARADISE

From the seat of a kayak, we stop off to watch a group of Gentoo penguins as they jump over rocks, squawk and dive into the water. Surrounded by the sea and ice it looks like they are in a penguin paradise. 

PEAKS AND PADDLERS

When you’re out paddling in Antarctica, there’s no sound of an engine behind you. It’s just you, your boat and the world. Snow covered peaks tower in the distance as we make our way through a channel. On a rock straight ahead, a black fur seal pup is nearly camouflaged against the dark rock. 

LUNCH TIME

It’s March in Antarctica, which means the penguin chicks that hatched a few months ago have grown into fluffy and rambunctious “toddlers.” This little guy is running through the colony squawking as loud as he can. You don’t need to be a penguin expert to know that this means, “Moooom, I’m huungry!” The chicks don’t have their waterproof feathers yet so the adult penguins go to sea to search for food and bring back their catch to the chicks.

POLAR LIVING

Could you imagine living in Antarctica? While no one permanently lives in this cold and remote corner of the Earth, the continent is dotted with scientific research stations like this one. Here we are paddling into the Brown Station which is operated by Argentinian scientists. Hikers are on their way up to the top of the hill to get a 360 view of the bay below. 

SEAL, SEAL, PENGUIN

You’ve probably realized by now that the Antarctic Peninsula is packed with wildlife. Here in Yankee Harbor you can see a perfect example. Penguins march between the lazy fur seals. The squawks, squeals and grunts make up the music of Antarctica. 

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Don’t panic. It’s actually not that extreme. Think about it as if you would be going on a ski trip. Yes, it will be cold but you just need to pack smart and bring the right gear with you.

One of our missions here at The Adventure Junkies is to make your life easier when it comes to choosing outdoor gear. We want to give you the info you need so you can spend less time shopping around and reading techie articles, and more time exploring the outdoors.

For this particular case we’ve put together this Antarctica packing list. And to make it easy for you, we simplified it to 3 sections: outside clothing, on-board clothing and camera equipment.

1. OUTSIDE CLOTHING

The climate in Antarctica is cold but if you are going on a cruise, you’ll go in the summertime. The temperature changes a lot and often times suddenly during the day so you might find yourself peeling off and putting on layers often.

To adapt to the constant changes in weather, layering your clothes is essential. If you are totally new to this concept, don’t forget to check out the article how to layer clothes for the outdoors.

Basically, you will need 3 layers: base layers, mid layers and outer layers.

BASE LAYERS

MID LAYERS

You will also need a thicker mid-layer for those times where you’ll be on the zodiac watching whales, leopard seals and penguins.

You might also want to consider to bring a pair of fleece pants with you. We didn’t but since we did more kayaking than zodiac cruising, this was ok. But if you plan to be in the zodiac a lot (and I am sure you will!) these pants can make a real difference. 

OUTER LAYERS

Before you go out to buy any outer layers, check out if the cruise company provides any of these. Most of the Antarctic cruises do. In our case, One Ocean Expeditions provided both a waterproof jacket and waterproof over pants. 

A pair of high quality waterproof pants are essential as you will be getting in and out of the zodiac and walking in the snow a lot.

FOOT WEAR

You won’t need to bring any heavy winter boots as most of the cruise operators provide lined rubber boots to use when on land.

When you are on-board, you will need just normal clothes toed shoes. We brought our hiking shoes because they have a good grippy sole. The outer deck is slippery after snow falls, something that will probably happen a few times during your trip to Antarctica.

SOCKS

This is one you want to pay special attention to. Your feet will get very cold, especially if you plan to kayak, so it’s recommended to bring plenty of socks of different thicknesses. The following are what we recommend:

• 2 Pairs of Liner Socks
• 2-3 Pairs of Thick Wool Socks (to wear over your liner socks)
• 2 Pairs of wool socks to wear with your hiking shoes while on board

ACCESSORIES

2. ON BOARD CLOTHING 

Most Antarctica cruises are relaxed so casual clothes are a good choice. Just pack clothes that are comfortable and warm are you’ll be fine. 

Some cruises have formal dinners, so be sure to check so you can pack accordingly.

In our case, this is what we think is reasonable:

• 2 pants
• 3 t-shirts
• 1-2 mens collared shirts – ladies blouse (optional)
• 2 sweaters
• 1 swim suit (for the polar plunge!)

3. CAMERA EQUIPMENT & ELECTRONICS 

CAMERAS

First thing you need to do is decide if you want to bring a DSLR, mirrorless or point and shoot camera. DSLRs have been the pro photographers camera of choice for years because they deliver excellent image quality. But, that is slowly changing with the improved technology of mirrorless and compact cameras.

We use a Sony Nex-6 (the a6300 is the latest version). It is small but still takes high quality pictures for a fraction of the price of a DSLR.  

Something to keep in mind is the weather can get pretty nasty in Antarctica so changing lenses while out on land or in the zodiac is not a good idea. If water gets on the sensor while you’re changing you can ruin your camera. The solution for many photographers is they bring two camera bodies, that way they are prepared for all situations. 

There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing a camera for Antarctica. Before you go out and buy a new camera, remember using your creativity and knowing basic photography principles can do much more for your pictures than the latest camera ever will.

LENSES

When it comes to packing your camera bag for Antarctica, you’ll need to think about what kinds of shots you want to bring back home. To keep things simple, I’d recommend two lenses. One is a telephoto for capturing whales breaching in the distance. The second is a wide angle zoom lens, it’s versatile which makes it great for shooting from the zodiacs. 

BATTERIES

Make sure you pack enough batteries with you. We would recommend to bring at least 3 per camera. The low temperatures and intense shooting will make you through them much faster than normal.

Also, check the charger is working properly before you go. If your camera uses a rare charger, it’s a good idea to bring a spare one. There was one person on our trip whose charger failed and nobody a camera with the same charging system, so he couldn’t charge his camera for the whole trip. 

SD CARDS

CAMARA RAINCOVER

TRIPOD

BINOCULARS

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