Explore Antarctica
Antarctica, the vast and untouched “last continent,” is a captivating world of icy wilderness that offers a journey unlike any other. Here, the towering iceberg formations, sprawling glaciers, and rugged landscapes are home to unique wildlife, from Emperor penguins and seals to majestic whales gliding through icy waters. For those drawn to adventure, Antarctica delivers with thrilling activities such as glacier hikes, sea kayaking, and even ice camping under starlit skies. Zodiac cruises bring travellers closer to marine life, while guided hikes offer immersive exploration of glacial terrains. Onboard experts in glaciology, marine biology, and ecology enrich the experience, sharing insights into the continent's delicate ecosystems and extreme environment. A visit to Antarctica isn’t just travel; it's an exploration of the earth’s most pristine frontiers, leaving an indelible impact on all who venture there.
Handpicked places to visit by National Travel
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South Pole, Antartica
Standing at the southernmost point on Earth, the South Pole is a place of pure adventure and discovery. This isolated yet awe-inspiring location offers travellers the ultimate bucket-list experience. Reaching the South Pole is no easy feat, but the reward is unparalleled: a true sense of accomplishment and the rare chance to stand on one of the most remote places on the planet.
Highlights:
⭐ Visit the Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, the scientific heart of Antarctica.
⭐ Walk across the icy plateau with 360-degree views of a frozen desert.
⭐ Witness the midnight sun, which doesn’t set for months during summer.
⭐ Capture iconic photos at the ceremonial South Pole marker.
Best Time to Travel: November to January, when the summer sun shines 24 hours a day, allowing for safer travel conditions and better visibility.
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Lemaire Channel, Antartica
Known as “Kodak Gap” for its dramatic scenery, the Lemaire Channel is a photographer’s paradise. This narrow waterway, flanked by towering ice cliffs and glaciers, offers some of the most beautiful vistas in Antarctica. With its calm, reflective waters and abundance of wildlife, a journey through the Lemaire Channel feels surreal and otherworldly.
Highlights:
⭐ Sail through stunning landscapes framed by sheer ice walls and towering peaks.
⭐ Spot whales, penguins, and seals that often visit this tranquil passage.
⭐ Capture breathtaking reflections of the surrounding ice on calm days.
⭐ Experience the eerie silence that enhances the remote, untouched beauty of the region.
Best Time to Travel: December to February, when ice conditions are typically clear enough for vessels to pass through.
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Paradise Harbour, Amtartica
Paradise Harbour lives up to its name with sweeping views of mountains, glaciers, and icebergs that dot the crystal-clear waters. Surrounded by towering peaks and snow-covered cliffs, Paradise Harbour is one of the few places where visitors can actually set foot on the continent itself, making it an unforgettable experience for explorers.
Highlights:
⭐ Set foot on the Antarctic continent for a true polar experience.
⭐ Enjoy a Zodiac boat tour to get close-up views of icebergs and glaciers.
⭐ Visit research stations to learn about scientific projects on climate and wildlife.
⭐ Spot humpback whales, seals, and various penguin species in their natural habitat.
Best Time to Travel: December to March, when the weather is relatively mild, and wildlife sightings are abundant.
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Deception Island, Antartica
This unique volcanic island, located in the South Shetland Islands, offers an entirely different side of Antarctica. Known for its geothermal activity, the island’s hot sands provide a rare opportunity for visitors to dip into Antarctic waters.
Highlights:
⭐ Swim in geothermal waters heated by volcanic activity—a rare Antarctic experience!
⭐ Explore abandoned whaling station remnants and rusting boilers.
⭐ Hike up to viewpoints for panoramic views of the island’s unique volcanic landscape.
⭐ Observe chinstrap penguins, kelp gulls, and fur seals.
Best Time to Travel: November to March, when ice-free waters allow for easier access.
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Ross Ice Shelf, Antartica
Ross Ice Shelf is a jaw-dropping spectacle of ice and one of the largest bodies of floating ice in the world. This awe-inspiring natural wonder is visited by few, making it a dream destination for travellers seeking the ultimate Antarctic experience. Here, you can witness the grandeur of towering ice walls and experience the vast emptiness that defines this part of the world.
Highlights:
⭐ Marvel at towering ice cliffs that rise up to 50 metres above the water.
⭐ Witness the raw power and beauty of a constantly shifting landscape.
⭐ Spot emperor penguins and seals along the icy coast.
⭐ Experience the isolation and serenity of one of Earth’s last frontiers.
Best Time to Travel: December to February, when the summer season provides safer travel conditions and greater accessibility to this remote region.
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McMurdo Station, Antartica
McMurdo Station is the largest research station in Antarctica, where scientists from around the world come together to study the continent’s unique environment. Situated on the edge of the Ross Sea, McMurdo offers travellers a glimpse into life on the frozen continent and provides insights into the important research being conducted in this extreme environment.
Highlights:
⭐ Tour the station and learn about groundbreaking polar research.
⭐ Experience the community life of researchers in one of the most remote places on Earth.
⭐ Take a guided hike to Observation Hill for panoramic views of the station and surrounding glaciers.
⭐ Visit the New Zealand research station, Scott Base, nearby.
Best Time to Travel: December to February, the height of the summer season when temperatures are at their mildest and daylight is continuous.
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