Although you might be thinking Antartica is all just icebergs and penguins, you’d be wrong. In fact, there are many unmissable things to do in Antartica that make it a unique and thrilling destination to adventure to.

After having the chance to spend nearly 15 days on a Chilean Naval Icebreaker with a National Geographic team, we learned there is much to discover and enjoy in the cold continent.

In this guide, we’ve shared some of the top attractions in Antartica and the highlights to experience.

15 Best Things To Do In Antarctica

1. Marvel at The Magnificent Landscape At Paradise Bay

The Antarctic summer starts in December and runs through till about March. The skies are usually bright and the temperature is no colder than a crisp, sunny winter’s day.

The summer is the best time to see Antarctica at its most beautiful, and arguably the best place to witness the beauty of Antartica’s landscapes is at the pristine Paradise Bay.

Paradise Bay is on the West side of Antarctica and the still waters and fascinating icebergs make it the epitome of Antarctica.

Visiting this harbor is simply put—magical.

On a typical summer day you would see exquisite ice sculptures standing tall and majestic, clear skies reflecting all the mightiness of the mountains into the clear bay.

Albatrosses spreading their 11ft wings and filling the skies as leopard seals bask in the sun on an ice float. Time stops still here.

The beauty is breath taking and is the go-to place if you want to experience the magical wonder that is Antarctica!

2. Run the Antarctic Half-Marathon or Marathon

On King George’s Island in nearly sub-zero conditions there are the Antarctic Half-Marathon and Marathon for those that are the most hardcore!

How great would finishing a race with a nice little medal be, to commemorate the trip to Antarctica?

3. Lick an Iceberg

The first things that I noticed when entering Antarctic territory were the beasts that were the icebergs.

They speckled the water and stood tall against the clear sky. It had always been on my bucket list to lick a real iceberg and where better to cross this off my list than in Antarctica!

Icebergs are never still and are constantly shifting positions due to the wind. For this reason a lot of bigger ships tend to steer clear of these ‘bergs. No one wants a repeat of the Titanic!

The chances come with smaller vessels, primarily Zodiacs. They are must smaller and can navigate around icebergs with ease.

We had the chance to pull up next to a rather small iceberg and see how far into the water it actually went. The old adage is true, what we saw really was “just the tip of the iceberg!”

Getting exciting at the possibility of being able to lick one of these great ice blocks we convinced our zodiac driver to pull in between two icebergs. Needless to say, this was a bad idea.

The imperceptible motions of the icebergs were lost on us and soon we found ourselves trapped between them.

Luckily, a flatboat from a base was returning to shore when they spotted us and were able to aid in our rescue!

4. Send A Postcard From Port Lockroy

If you stop by Port Lockroy make sure to send yourself a cool postcard stamped from Antarctica.

The Port Lockroy Museum used to be the British Base but is now a full time post office.

It is a cute little structure from which you can send yourself mail stamped with Antarctica’s stamp!

5. Take A Selfie With A Penguin (and enjoy the other wildlife)

The best place to enjoy the frolicking of penguins would be on Paradise Bay. The snow capped mountains in the background with the little creatures in tuxedos happily scampering about is quite a sight.

They love to slide around on their bellies and splash around in the water. Their squawking and cooing is a pleasurable cacophony. Here is the ideal place to watch them play and take photographs.

The penguins on Antarctica aren’t used to humans but they sure aren’t scared of us either. They happily run up to you and circle your feet.

There are several species of penguin in Antartica, such as King Penguins, Gentoo Penguins, and Emperor Penguins. The penguins at Paradise Bay are Gentoo Penguins.

In terms of wildlife there is more to see than just penguins. Sometimes Leopard Seals, Elephant Seals, Fur Seals and Weddell Seals beach themselves on shore to relax after a meal, or even to lie in wait for the oblivious penguins to walk within reach.

These creatures aren’t used to humans either but they are not as friendly as the penguins.

We were advised by the people from the base and the National Geographic Team to leave the seals (and any other creature that wasn’t a penguin) alone, for our own safety.

In fact, it’s not a good idea to pick up or touch the penguins either. Many people do, but it’s not ethical practice and may frighten the penguin so we don’t advocate for this.

6. Take A Helicopter Ride for an Aerial view of Antarctica

It is breathtaking to get an aerial view of Antarctica and its magnificent landscape.

Using a helicopter is probably the best way to travel around the continent and witness the Emperor penguin colonies, or even fly amongst albatross.

A popular spot to fly over is the Weddell Sea region, which is known for its wildlife.

You may also be in with a chance of seeing humpback whales, orcas, right whales swimming in the ocean, or see seals basking on ice floes.

7. Take a Shot with Someone at A Research Base

It’s an odd thing when you ask someone where home is and their answer is Antarctica.

This is quite the case for the roughly 4,000 people that call Antarctica home during the summer months and the 1,000 that stay there during the winter as well!

Having a look into a base you wouldn’t even realize that you were on Antarctica. In fact, there are 70 permanent bases on the continent, each belonging to a different country – though not all of them are open to the public.

There’s a rather up-to-date facility at Base O’Higgins, a base belonging to Chile. They are staffed with all the amenities one could hope for including a basketball court!

Some other research stations you can visit as a tourist are Vernadsky Station, which is owned by Ukraine, Brown Station, Carlini Base, and Cámara Station which belong to Argentina.

So go ahead, be bold, as to take a shot (whether a drink or with a camera) with a person from within one of these awesome bases.

8. Check Out Observation Hill for a Stunning View

If you’re looking for an incredible view of the snowy peaks and icebergs, then head to the McMurdo Station and trek up Observation Hill.

It is not that much of a trek from the station (roughly 30-40 minutes) with an elevation of 754-foot (230 meter), but the view from the top is stunning. Though be warned, it’s a steep trek!

There is a beautiful view of the Ross Ice Shelf and views of Mt. Erebus; the perfect spot for quiet reflection.

9. Visit the South Pole

The South Pole lies at 90°S and 0°W. The best way to access this point is via helicopter, because it’s quicker and safer.

However, you can also reach the South Pole by trekking. The trek is not for the faint hearted though – you need to be equipped with specialized polar gear, designed to withstand the harsh conditions of the icy continent.

You can also reach the South Pole by vehicle.

Standing at the South Pole is how one can claim that they have indeed reached all the way to the bottom of the Earth. You can also visit the US Scientific research base known as the Amundsen – Scott South Pole Station.

10. Take a Dip in Deception Island’s Hot Spring

Another bucket list thing to do in Antartica is experience the joy of bathing in a hot spring in Antarctica. Yes, you heard me! Strip down and swim around in warm Antarctic waters!

On Deception Island, at the South Shetlands in Antarctica, there is warm volcanic soil and even warmer water underground. This is because the island sits in a caldera above an active volcano.

If you’re feeling particularly brave you can wade into the warm shore water or else just dig up some of the volcanic soil and climb into a steaming hot pool of water right on Antarctica’s mainland!

11. Go Kayaking Around Antartica Peninsula

One of the best ways to see Antartica is to get out on the water. Grab your paddles and life vest, and kayak around the icebergs and sheets of glacial ice.

While most cruise expeditions will have smaller zodiac cruises that take you to land, a kayak tour is a great way to get up close and personal with the landscape and wildlife.

While you might be anxious about the water conditions, the water around the Antarctic Peninsula is usually very still and calm, since it’s protected by the glaciers.

Sometimes it’s even possible to be greeted by curious whales in the waters.

Check out kayak tours in Antarctica here!

12. Go on A Whale Watching Excursion

Not trip to Antarctica would be complete without taking a whale-watching adventure to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Antarctica boasts an abundance of whale species, including humpback, orca, minke, and blue whales. The sheer size and grace of these magnificent animals as they breach, tail-slap, and swim alongside your zodiac vessel is a sight to behold.

Not only do you get to witness their behavior, but you can learn about their conservation needs through expert guides and educational lectures onboard your expedition vessil.

13. Do a Polar Plunge

Does the idea of taking a dive in cold water scare you? That’s exactly why you should do it!

The most thrilling thing to do in Antarctica is to take a cold plunge. This is when you strip down to your swimsuit, attach a safety rope around your waist, and dive in.

Sometimes shots are supplied so you can warm your insides up before and after. After all, you may need to be a little tipsy to take this challenge on!

14. Go Snowshoeing

Another great way to see the landscape of Antartica is to for a hike in snowshoes.

Imagine strapping on snowshoes and traversing through vast expanses of untouched snow, surrounded by towering glaciers, majestic mountains, and an endless white horizon.

It’s a chance to immerse yourself in the serene beauty of Antarctica, exploring areas inaccessible by other means.

Best Time To Visit Antartica

The best time to visit Antarctica is during the summer, which runs from November to March.

During this time, the temperatures are relatively mild, ranging from -2°C to 8°C (28°F to 46°F).

The days are longer, with up to 20 hours of daylight, allowing for more time to explore and admire the stunning landscapes.

Wildlife is also abundant during this period, with penguins, seals, and whales being easily spotted.

The best time to see nesting penguins and baby penguins hatching is from November and early December, while late February and March are the best months to do whale watching as they migrate through the Drake Passage.

How to Get to Antartica

Antartica isn’t a destination where you can simply book a flight and go. There’s only one way to visit the continent as a tourist, and that’s on an Antarctic Cruise or by joining as a volunteer/research on an Antarctic Expedition.

Before booking a cruise expedition, be sure to research reputable tour operators.

Most travelers reach this icy paradise by boarding a cruise ship from Ushuaia, Argentina, which serves as the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula and the Falkland Islands.

Alternatively, some opt for fly-cruise options, where they first take a flight to Punta Arenas, Chile, before boarding a ship.

It’s important to choose a voyage that suits your preferences and budget, though the cheapest cruise that we’ve come across is still around $4000 USD per person for ten days.

Note that the only way to reach Antarctica is to sail through Drake Passage, a notoriously rough section of ocean where waves can reach 12 meters (40 feet). Be sure to pack plenty of motion sickness tablets.

Final Thoughts

So there you have it, those are the best things to do in Antartica, and as you can see, there’s a lot of cool things to see and do.

Since most people visit Antartica as part of a cruise, be sure to check out what excursions and activities they have planned to help you decide on what to do.

Some cruises have workshops and educational talks, as well as additional excursions you can take.

The beauty of visiting Antartica is that much of the planning is done for you when you purchase an expedition package, but we hope this guide gave you some inspiration for what activities to look for when booking an expedition.

Those images are what the brave explorers of the Ross Sea Antarctic Expedition experienced during the height of the heroic Antarctic era of 1895-1917, however today Antarctica expeditions are far more luxurious.

Don’t get me wrong, it’s still an adventure to be had. It’s a chance to explore a place where not many humans have been to, or will ever go, and see the raw, unspoiled beauty of the White Continent.

However, there are many companies that offer Ross Sea Antarctica Expeditions, and each one offers a different level of luxury, service, and itinerary, so it can be hard knowing what to expect.

If you’re considering the Ross Sea Antarctic Expedition, then this guide is for you. We interviewed our friend, Lee Abbamonte, who we met on a trip to Snowmass in Colorado and was fascinated by the life he’s lived and his experience on a Ross Sea Expedition.

Here’s what he had to say about it…

What Is The Ross Sea?

But before we get into the insight from Lee, let’s quickly cover what is the Ross Sea Expedition.

The Ross Sea is a deep bay of the Southern Ocean, known to be a region of exploration and scientific research. It’s considered one of the last intact marine ecosystems on the planet, hosting a diverse range of species, including crabeater seals and marine mammals.

This infamous land is more famous for being the spot where Robert Falcon Scot began his pioneering expedition to the South Pole in 1902, but was unsuccessful.

He was followed by the equally unsuccessful Ernest Shackleton, who also braved this perilous land in 1908.

The man who did make the journey was Roald Amundsen in December 1911, followed by Robert Scott in January 1912.

Who is Lee Abbamonte?

Lee is the youngest American to visit every country in the world, plus the South and North Pole. He’s also attempting to visit all 324 countries and unique destinations in the world per the Travelers Century Club list.

Lee understands that venturing on quests and expeditions involves failure, which is part of what makes them so memorable and valuable. The challenges and the failures teach us more about our own courage, power, and strength than the final outcome ever will.

We can have lots of reasons as to why we can’t do something, but I resonate strongly with Lee when he says.

“In my life, if I’ve ever wanted something, I have gone out and taken it or worked really hard to achieve it, whatever I decide I want, I make it happen one way or another.”

Lee Abbamonte

I’d say that the majority of the time, no matter your limitations, knowing you have this power and acting on it will make your dreams happen.

If you’ve ever dreamed of travel to Antarctica, now may be the time to make it happen.

Now, Lee shares with us a little about his expedition to the South Pole as well as an amazing Antarctica expedition deal he has for you down below!

What made you decide to go to the South Pole?

After visiting every country, visiting the South Pole seemed like the next logical step for me.

So few people have been there and I was excited by the challenge especially after failing to make it my first time trying!

And, of course, once I visited the South Pole I had to visit the North Pole as well, and I did earlier this year!

How do you even make a trip to the South Pole possible?

There’s really only one way to do it. You pay the astronomical cost to get there. The current going rate starts at around $4,000 USD per person (but they are incredibly basic) and go up from there. You can be looking to spend around $7,000 for a mid-range expedition!

The only other way I know of is if you can somehow get stationed at Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station by the United States, but I have no idea how a non-scientist could pull that off.

Can you describe the experience?

It’s worth noting again that I tried to reach the South Pole once in 2013 and failed. I had a little interference from Prince Harry of England that cost my team the opportunity! That said, when I went back in 2014, it was a real rush and a great moment.

It’s hard to describe but the weather was such that there was a day or two I didn’t think we’d make it again.

That was really disheartening. But, in the end, we made it to the South Pole by the skin of our teeth at the last possible chance.

If not, I don’t think I would’ve gone back for a third try. It’s just too costly and too time-consuming.

Standing at the bottom of the world, where so few have been before me, was perhaps the ultimate thrill of my life.

What were some of the challenges and why were they worth overcoming?

The challenge once you’re in Antarctica is the weather and the elements. Shockingly it’s really cold down there and significantly colder at the pole itself.

With the wind, it was around -60 degrees!

The weather is so important with clouds and visibility as well because the planes landing on the ice do so by eye, not instruments.

So there needs to be a contrast or it’s unsafe to land and they won’t fly.

What makes travel to Antarctica a worthy and memorable experience?

Antarctica is the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen – true story. It stays with you long after you leave and you long to return. Here are some of the top highlights of Antarctica.

What were your highlights of your Antarctica trip?

Reaching the South Pole of course. Also, ice caving was amazing, mountain climbing, visiting several bases and talking to the scientists and just hiking around taking photos.

Oh yes…and the emperor penguins! They’re my favorite!

What did your expedition to the South Pole and Antarctica teach you about yourself?

It taught me that sometimes failure is the biggest motivator, to never give up and that I could achieve anything including going to the ends of the Earth.

Not to mention that Antarctica truly is the most beautiful place on Earth!

“The further I go, the closer to me I get.”

Travel writer, Andrew McCarthy

How can someone prepare for an Antarctica trip?

The most important thing is to wear the proper gear because it’s really cold and the gear can be the difference between misery and enjoyment. You’re spending money to go, spend a little more for good gear.

How would you define an expedition?

I would define it as a trip that works and builds toward a goal such as getting to the South Pole, taking a boat to Antarctica would certainly count as well. Climbing a mountain to the summit, that type of thing.

An expedition is a trip that can fail.

What type of travellers are expeditions suited for?

Those who are patient, goal oriented and willing to put in some time, effort and money. Basically a little skin in the game.

“Need to put footstep of courage into stirrup of patience.” ― Ernest Shackleton

Best kind of expeditions or locations?

In my experience, it’s the polar regions whether Antarctic or Arctic. Also, long boat trips to remote islands or climbing tall mountains. The location is up to you based on what you want to do or achieve.

Any tips for taking an expedition?

Go with a reliable company that has great and remote destinations and a track record of success with good equipment and people, meaning ships, staff and guides etc.

One of the polar companies I work with is Oceanwide Expeditions; one of the leading Antarctic expedition companies of the world.

Ross Sea Antarctica Expeditions

The Ross Sea has been nicknamed “The Last Ocean.” It’s because researchers, in their investigations to map out human impacts on the oceans globally, found this to be the most pristine piece of ocean left on Earth.

It makes you feel kinda sad but also inspired to visit the Ross Sea Antarctica.

Because it’s the closest open waterway to the South Pole, the Ross Sea has become the launching spot of many exploration expeditions that ventured inland.

The Ross Sea Antarctic Expedition goes to and from Ushuaia in Argentina and Bluff in New Zealand.

Check out this video of the Spectacular Ross Sea from Oceanwide Expeditions.

Highlights of the Ross Sea Expedition to Antarctica

Campbell Island

Campbell Island is a sub-Antarctic New Zealand Reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has a large and easily accessible colony of Albatrosses along with penguins and seals.

McMurdo Station, Scott Base and the Dry Valleys

Scott Base is New Zealand’s only Antarctic research station and McMurdo Station is the US equivalent. There is the option to use the helicopters to offer landings in one or more places if ice conditions don’t allow water landings.

A 10km hike to Castle Rock with views across the Ross Ice Shelf toward the South Pole may also be done from McMurdo Station.

Oceanwide Expeditions will also helicopter into Taylor Valley, one of the Dry Valleys with conditions said to be the closest you get to the conditions on Mars anywhere on Earth.

Ross Ice Shelf

Sailing along the Ross Ice Shelf is a floating mass of land-ice. At roughly the size of Spain, it is the largest such shelf on Earth and soars anywhere between 15 and 60 metres high.

In the Bay of Whales, at the eastern side of the shelf close to Roosevelt Island, Roald Amundsen gained access to the Shelf and ventured to the South Pole, where he finally arrived on 14 December 1911.

Peter I Island

Peter I Island is an uninhabited volcanic island in the Bellingshausen Sea. It is claimed by Norway and considered a territory on its own.

It is rarely visited by passenger vessels and is considered one of the toughest places to visit in the world.

If the weather conditions allow, Oceanwide Expeditions will attempt a helicopter landing on the glaciated northern part of the island.

Amazing Antarctica Wildlife

Wildlife flourishes despite the harsh cold of the waters. Some of the fish found in the Ross Sea have antifreeze in their veins to keep them from freezing solid.

On the different excursions onto the Antarctic continent as well as around the Ross Sea, you’re likely to see penguins, seals, whales and a wide variety of bird life.

Final Thoughts

I can see why Lee says Antarctica is the most beautiful place he’s ever seen.

Combine that with the adventure of the journey and you have one memorable trip of a lifetime!

With helicopter and zodiac rides, stunning scenery and incredible wildlife it’s definitely something I’m more interested in experiencing in my quest to discover more of myself and what I’m capable of.

And you?

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