Antarctica

About Antarctica

The planet’s southernmost and least-populated continent – Antarctica, is a cold, remote part of the world that has no permanent human habitation. The continent is known for its ice-covered landscape, its vast marine life, and the iconic symbol of the Antarctic – the penguin. Antarctica is the coldest continent on Earth, with a cold, dry, windy climate where temperatures can drop to as low as -90c. The dry climate technically makes Antarctica a desert in terms of the amount of rainfall. The cold temperatures mean that the air cannot hold water and therefore produces little to no rain. There is no native human population here. Instead, teams of scientists who come from all over the world, live on the continent in various research stations. The teams rotate throughout the year with as many as 5,000 living there during the summer months of October-April and then falling to as little as 1,000 during the harsher winter months.

Famed for Wildlife

Due to the landscape, there is little vegetation. However, the ice and snow-covered continent has two active volcanoes, one of which is a popular tourist destination. Travellers can bathe in the heated waters around the volcano in an abandoned whaling station whilst surrounded by the incredible landscape. The wildlife that is seen in Antarctica is found mostly in the water. The oceans are teeming with nature, from Blue Whales, Leopard Seals, Orcas, and Albatross, to over 200 different species of fish. The most well-known animal in Antarctica is the penguin. Seven different types of penguins live here, but the most recognised type is the Emperor Penguin. They are the biggest type of penguin, and they live in huge communities huddling together to keep warm.

Once-in-a-Lifetime

Although there are no permanent human habitations in Antarctica, the continent still attracts almost 180,000 tourists a year. Most of these tourists visit on one of the many cruise ship tours available. Visiting Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, getting up close and personal with some of the most majestic and beautiful animals on the planet and seeing some breathtaking views. Although expensive for some, cruising through the glaciers and ice caps of Antarctica is a dream come true and completely worth the cost.