All-Time Favourite Destinations in Antarctica

The majesty of the landscape of Antarctica is unrivaled in any other destination. Gargantuan icebergs, towering mountains, glaciers, geothermal beaches, and the Midnight Sun adorn the rugged landscape. In addition to the dramatic scenery, the region is also home to a plethora of birdlife and rare marine life. There are some incredible ways to enjoy your Antarctica vacation and make the most of it.

Paradise Bay

If you have a passion for wildlife, then you can’t go wrong with a trip to Paradise Bay. Located on the west coast of Graham Land, this location is home to international research stations and abundant wildlife. You can also see giant whales spouting milky water. Once you’re in Paradise Bay, you’ll want to come back again!

If you’re on a cruise, be sure to take a zodiac tour of this area. This unique way to see Paradise Bay’s icebergs and seals is one of my top Antarctica destinations. Smaller ships tend to slow down and allow passengers to take photos and listen to whale calls. Deception Island is a still-active volcano that provided shelter for whaling ships in the early 20th century.

In the early 1920s, whalers called this area Paradise Harbor. Although commercial whaling is banned in the region, some countries continue to engage in the practice. Regardless of the ban, the place is still incredibly beautiful and one of my all-time favorite destinations in Antarctica. It’s an absolute must-see destination for any intrepid traveler!

Port Lockroy

Located 700 miles south of Argentina and Chile, Port Lockroy is a British post office in the middle of nowhere. The town’s relics of human exploration are fascinating, and visitors can mail postcards to friends back home. You can also get a stamp in your passport at the post office, which is operated by volunteers. In addition to the post office, the town is home to a colony of 3,000 gentoo penguins.

Until the mid-1960s, the town was home to a British military research station. The research station was abandoned in 1962 and slowly fell into disrepair. Britain eventually decided to move the research to Goudier Island, but not before refurbished the Port Lockroy base. The museum was reopened in 1996. The museum is located in the old base building, known as Bransfield House. It features exhibits from the 1950s.

Errera Channel

One of the best ways to see the beauty of Antarctica is on an excursion to the Errera Channel. This natural harbor is surrounded by frosty peaks and icy blue water, a powerful silence punctuated by bird calls, and a rocky landscape that will take your breath away. If you have never been here, now is the time to plan your visit!

The area around Errera Channel is prime Gentoo penguin habitat, and several colonies can be found here. The largest colony is on Cuverville Island, located at the northern entrance to the channel. The second largest colony is on Danco Island, and there are several smaller colonies on Ronge Island. A rare species of penguin also calls the Errera home: Chinstrap penguins make their colonies on Ronge Island and Danco Island.

The iceberg-strewn waters of Errera Channel are home to countless penguin colonies. Thousands of Adelie penguins can be found here. There are also some active Gentoo penguin colonies on Cuverville Island. During my last expedition, I was lucky enough to encounter humpback whales. This was the highlight of my trip to Antarctica, but it wasn’t a cheap expedition.

South Shetland Islands

If you are looking for a unique and unmissable destination in Antarctica, then the South Shetland Islands are the place to go. Often the first and last landfall of an Antarctic cruise, these islands are a must-see destination. Known for their gentoo penguins and an incredible variety of wildlife, the South Shetland Islands are the perfect introduction to the continent and its animals.

The South Shetland Islands are a series of islands off the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. These islands are home to small communities of researchers and are a thriving breeding ground for penguins, seals and whales. Many tourists visit the islands every year, and there are plenty of activities to enjoy while there. The islands also hold a historic significance for the history of Antarctica.