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For a continent of snow and ice, you'd be surprised how many activities in Antarctica there are...

Expedition cruises to Antarctica are the major activity for most, it’s a different world down there and the experience itself is a hugely rewarding on so many levels. It may not sound like much fun from here, but the regular talks on board about the fascinating Antarctic Regions you pass through are often amusing, regularly inspiring and always illuminating.

Regular Zodiac trips take you out each day, so you may be experiencing huge icebergs, spotting penguins huddled on ice floes or setting foot on land. Visiting several Antarctic places of interest and attractions - such as bays rich in wildlife, old heritage sites or important research bases – there is often time for short activities, such as walking or swimming in Antarctica... or at least take a quick dip . Yes, seriously – lots of visitors put on their speedos and bikinis to take (a short) plunge at the hot springs at Deception Island!

Some of the ships travelling down to the region offer canoeing or camping in Antarctica, and some (extremely specialist) organisations actually go diving in the Antarctic. These trips are often specially arranged and hard to come by, so out of reach to most.

To venture deeper into the continent, there is the opportunity to fly into the Patriot Hills and spend several days hiking in Antarctica; others will take you to the South Pole. Such trips are pretty extreme adventures and should not be ventured into lightly. Due to the wild and varied climate in Antarctica you also need be pretty flexible (and if you work, have a very understanding boss) ... flights to deep Antarctica can be postponed for several weeks at a time!

One thing I can say is that very few people who visit Antarctica get bored, and all who go there leave this beautiful white continent with a deep longing to return. You can read more in our Antarctica Travel Guide, and if you are interested take a look at the great trips offered by two of our selected Travel Experts for Antarctica:

Polar Star Expeditions: Operate voyages to Antarctica on MV Polar Star to the Antarctic Peninsula, Weddell Sea, Falkland Islands and South Georgia from South America.

Heritage Expeditions: Cruises to Antarctica on the Spirit of Enderby to the South Pacific, Ross Sea and East Antarctica, on the other side of the continent, from New Zealand.

Both are great companies, with fantastic little expedition ships, who operate some of the best holidays to Antarctica.


Finally a quick note to say that if you do book a trip to Antarctica at any point in the future, do ensure they are members of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators (IAATO) who are a voluntary organisation whose members follow strict guidelines for responsible travel to Antarctica.