For years, I dreamt of visiting Antarctica, and after a year’s delay due to the pandemic, I finally made it in 2021. The journey was organized by our company, lasting 10 days, and it turned out to be everything I imagined and more.
Antarctica is breathtaking. The landscapes, wildlife, and even its political significance make it unlike any other place in the world. We made several landings, took zodiac cruises, and did short hikes, seeing icebergs and glaciers that left me in awe. Penguins, whales, seals, and birds were everywhere, and we even visited the remains of an old whaling station and saw geothermal activity. The trip was unforgettable.
The MV Ushuaia, a small, older ship, was our base. It’s less expensive than other options, which was important for me, but the staff were great, and the food was surprisingly good. We had some rough seas crossing the Drake Passage—3-5-meter waves—but it wasn’t as bad as I had feared. The ship rolled a lot, which wasn’t fun, and I did get seasick on the way there, but the ship’s doctor helped, and I felt better after resting.
On the continent itself, the weather was much kinder. Temperatures ranged from -5°C to -20°C with windchill, but with the right gear, I was comfortable. We had mostly good conditions for our landings, and each stop offered something new. Every iceberg and glacier seemed different, and I could have easily spent an extra week or two exploring. While some expeditions include South Georgia and the Falklands, they’re much more expensive. I was more than satisfied with Antarctica alone.
I was initially dreading the Drake Passage, but it turned out to be just part of the adventure. I used passageweather.com to track the forecast, which helped mentally prepare. While larger ships fare better during crossings, the smaller vessel allowed us to make more frequent landings, a tradeoff I’d gladly take again. The maximum number of people allowed to land at once is 100, and having fewer passengers meant we could all experience every landing, making the trip more intimate.
Gear was essential. My best investment was a 70-300mm lens for my camera—it captured the wildlife and ice formations beautifully. Layering thermal clothes, fleece, and waterproof gear made it easy to stay warm, and sunscreen was an absolute must—even under cloudy skies, the sun was intense. I also made sure to have seasickness pills, and I was so grateful for my Kindle during the long days at sea.
Ushuaia, the starting point, is lovely, and I highly recommend building in extra time there. Be flexible with flights—delays and cancellations can happen, so give yourself wiggle room. Argentina itself is worth exploring, and you’ll want a day or two to unwind after such an extraordinary adventure.
The Antarctic experience itself exceeded every expectation. The wildlife, the vast icy landscapes, and the sense of being in a place so remote and untouched—it’s something I’ll never forget. If you’re considering it, go for it. You’ll be embarking on a truly life-changing adventure.