Exploring Antarctica's Breathtaking Wildlife: A Voyage of a Lifetime

The voyage started – as most do – in Ushuaia. Affectionately coined the end of the world, this small city in the Tierra del Fuego province at the tippy-toe of Argentina is a sight to behold in and of itself. As my voyage was with Seaventure, a night in the luxurious Arakur Hotel was included. This contemporary hotel overlooks the entire city of Ushuaia and the Beagle Channel.

So, after a very relaxing stay in Ushuaia, I boarded the ship, donned my complimentary jacket and checked my boots for size. Camera and binoculars at the ready, the ship started its journey down the Beagle Channel and into the infamous Drake Passage. 

The journey across the passage proved extremely fruitful, with orca, humpback whales, dusky and hourglass dolphins in addition to multiple albatross and petrel species, including the bird with the largest wingspan of any bird, the magnificent wandering albatross. Here, we also enjoyed our first penguin sighting of chinstraps on the most spectacular tabular iceberg. This was definitely a sight that I'll never forget. 

Two days later, we were woken up by the sound of our expedition leader over the PA system stating we'd arrived in Antarctica overnight. Looking out of my cabin window, I was greeted by the most incredible snow-covered peaks, glaciers and icebergs. 

The next week consisted of morning and afternoon excursions (weather-depending), with landings and Zodiac cruises being the most common. There was also a kayaking programme on board, which many people participated in. This is a fantastic and unique way to explore this incredible landscape and one I recommend to anyone travelling to Antarctica. I decided to sign up for this activity, and the sound of the ice cracking, waves from rolling icebergs lapping against the shore, and the close encounters with wildlife from a kayak are things I think everyone who participated went away remembering.

With an expert team of geologists, naturalists, kayak guides, historians and biologists, the experience was improved ten-fold, and they ensured we got the most out of every location and the Drake Passage crossing. Some of the team have been travelling to Antarctica for over 20 years, which shows what an incredible place the seventh continent is. 

When I was asked what my highlight of this trip was, it was honestly one of the hardest questions I have been asked. There were so many elements that went into this trip that made it the awe-inspiring experience that it was, but if I had to pick one moment that blew me away whilst I was there, it would probably be the first penguin colony we landed on. It was on Cuverville Island, and the snow was just pristine. The sound, the sights and then the smell all blew me away. To have thousands of gentoo penguins surrounding you, calling, mating and waddling around you was about as immersive a wildlife experience as you can get. And having never seen a penguin before (bar the chinstraps we’d seen on the iceberg on the Drake crossing), I think it made it even more special. 

If you want to experience Antarctica like I did and come away with images and memories to treasure, then we have many voyages on board Seaventure and a host of other vessels too. It's an experience like no other, and I guarantee you will not regret it.

View all our wildlife cruises to Antarctica or to find out more, speak to our team today.