Top 10 Reasons to Visit Antarctica in 2024
When I told my friends and family that I’d be going to Antarctica they mostly thought I was crazy. They wanted to know why in the world I wanted to travel to the end of the world. Since my trip, I’ve assembled 10 reasons to visit Antarctica to help answer their questions.
Make sure to read my Antarctica trip review to get the full scoop on what my experience was like and to help you plan your own trip.
Top 10 Reasons to Visit Antarctica with Photos
There are so many reasons to visit Antarctica! However, I’ve narrowed it down to my top 10 reasons to visit the continent to give you the highlights.
1. You Want Some Adventure in Your Life
Have you ever dreamt about following in the footsteps of the early explorers such as Sir Francis Drake, Ferdinan Magellan, or Shackleton? If so, then Antarctica is the perfect destination for you!
Depending on the cruise you choose, you can sail through the Beagle Channel, the Strait of Magellan, and cross Drake’s Passage. Once in Antarctica, you can pass by Elephant Island where Shackleton’s crew were stranded after their ship sank.
You’ll also have plenty of adventures of your own as you keep an eye out for wildlife and experience the ever-changing weather around the continent.
Travel Tip: Make sure to do some reading about the early expeditions to Antarctica before your trip to get a better appreciation of the challenges explorers faced.
2. You Are a Lover of Wildlife
If seeing animals in their natural habitat gives you a thrill, then you will enjoy the many types of animals that are seen in Antarctica. Antarctica has four types of penguins, several species of birds, a variety of adorable seals, and multiple species of whales.
Penguins
The four penguins found in Antarctica are Chin Strap, Gentoo, Adele, and Emperor. Each species has specific markings to help you distinguish them. Additional types of penguins can be found in the Falkland Islands and in Southern South America.
When I was in Antarctica, I was lucky enough to see the Chin Straps on Deception Island and many Gentoos throughout the Antarctica Peninsula. Be sure to look for Penguins not only on land, but in the water as well!
Birds in Antarctica
While the birds in Antarctica often get less attention than the other animals, they can be just as fascinating to watch. Look for Albatross, Petrels, Shearwaters, Prions, and fulmars during your trip.
Seals
Watch for seals both in the water and on icebergs. You may be able to see Leopard Seals, Antarctic Fur Seals, Ross Seal, Crabeater Seal, Weddell Seal, and the Southern Elephant Seal.
Whales in Antarctic
Sperm, Minke, Sei, Humpbacks, Fin, Blue, Southern Right, and Orca are the types of whales you can have the opportunity to see in Antarctica. The most regularly sighted whales are the Humpback, Orca, and Minke.
I saw many Humpback Whales throughout the trip. One of the highlights, however, was seeing a small pod of Orcas for the first time in the wild. It was really amazing.
3. To Gain Environmental Awareness
Climate change is real and affecting our planet in different ways. To see firsthand its effect on Antarctica and the possible consequences it could have for the future was very enlightening.
Don’t get me wrong, there are plenty of icebergs to see, but as the glaciers retreat and melt (and seeing just how big they are), it really hit home about what could await in our future. When you visit places for yourself, it really brings more awareness about the situation and makes you more invested in the outcomes of this global problem.
The Emperor Penguin for example, has adapted to living on the continent. It rarely ventures to water unless it needs to feed. I can’t imagine a world without these adorable creatures. Not to mention the other wildlife that make Antarctica home.
4. To Learn More About Antarctica
I remember learning that Antarctica was a continent in school growing up, but that was the extent of my education on Antarctica. That is, until I visited there! The cruise I went on had two expert scientists (one of whom lived on the continent for a 2-year period) who gave excellent lectures about the history of Antarctica and what life is like there.
I learned about early explorations, the research going on today, and the importance of the continent to this planet. It was fascinating and truly added to the experience of traveling there.
5. Incredible Scenery
A visit to Antarctica will provide you with awe-inspiring scenery that compares to nothing else you’ve ever seen. Majestic mountains and giant icebergs are everywhere you look while you are enveloped in this peaceful quietness that is so great barely anyone dares to utter more than a whisper.
The scenery is only made better by the presence of wildlife. It will truly take your breath away as you try to absorb all that you see. Pictures cannot do Antarctica justice.
6. Your Bucket List Includes Visiting All 7 Continents
If you are a traveler who hopes to visit all 7 continents, then obviously Antarctica is a must visit destination. But traveling to this continent will be so more rewarding than just checking something off your bucket list.
Antarctica is a wild beauty that has yet to be tamed. It is a location that reminds you mother nature is still in charge. Antarctica is a destination that will leave you speechless as words alone cannot adequately describe your experience.
So, while visiting Antarctica may just be a trip to fulfill a larger goal, it will also be an incredibly rewarding and memorable experience.
7. It’s a Great Destination for Solo Travelers
There were many solo travelers on the cruise. They had a very easy time meeting new people because everyone was excited to talk about how amazing this trip was. At dinner, they could be seated with others, and many joined tours to explore the South American ports. Exciting experiences have a way of bringing people together… even if they are strangers.
8. To Connect with Nature
Sometimes you just want to get away from it all. You want to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of life, the technology, and well everything. Antarctica is the perfect place to reconnect with nature and leave behind the other things in life.
Wi-Fi is very limited or nonexistent, so you won’t have the distractions of your phone and emails. This allows you to focus on being in the moment and enjoying everything around you.
9. You Want to Hone Your Photography Skills
Antarctica is a photographer’s dream. From epic landscapes to playful wildlife, there’s a little of everything to capture on film.
There are also challenges to getting the perfect shot. Weather, lighting, and movement will all be factors you will need to consider when taking your picture. You will also need just a touch of luck to be in the right place at the right time.
Overcoming these small obstacles will help you practice your skills and come home with some amazing photos.
10. To Check Off Two Continents in One Trip
A trip to Antarctica can be easily combined with a visit to South America. The Patagonia region in Chile and Argentina is another beautiful destination filled with mountains and wildlife. Additionally, you could also make a stop at Iguazu Falls on the border of Argentina and Brazil for another bucket list worthy experience.
On the cruise I chose, the ship stopped in Chile, Uruguay, the Falkland Islands, and Argentina. This gave me the opportunity to see additional penguin species, birds, seals, and sea lions. I also got to cruise around the Cape of Good Hope to see the lighthouse.
There are so many possibilities when adding South America to your Antarctica trip that wherever you choose, it will be the cherry on top of an epic trip.
Other Reasons to Visit Antarctica
If my top 10 reasons to visit Antarctica aren’t enough to convince you to go to Antarctica, consider these additional reasons.
* Science and Geology Excite You
Did you know that Antarctica has volcanoes!? It has been one of the recent discoveries. Seeing the different types of rocks, plants (yes Antarctica has plants like algae), and the glaciers at work carving out pathways was really exciting for the scientists onboard the cruise. So, whether you love biology or earth science, Antarctica is a fascinating place to see mother nature at work.
* You Want to Feel Tiny
There is something about being in the presence of gigantic mountains, massive icebergs, and huge glaciers that really puts things into perspective. You quickly realize just how small you are in relation to everything on this planet. It is truly an incredibly humbling experience.
If you want to feel this for yourself, then Antarctica is the perfect place to visit. You will truly get a sense of just how large our planet is and just how much beauty it has to offer.
* Mountains Are Your Happy Place
The mountains in Antarctica average a height of 10,000 feet. It was very cloudy and overcast during my visit, so I didn’t get the full view as the summits were all in the clouds. However, it was easy to imagine just how tall they must’ve been. Even with the weather, they were still grand and mighty.
Are There Any Reasons Not to Visit Antarctica?
If you asked my family, they would list a number of reasons why they don’t want to go to Antarctica (they are definitely missing out!). In this section, I’ll address some of the most common reasons why people do not want to visit Antarctica as well as what my experience was.
* It’s Cold in Antarctica
The biggest concern I hear is the weather in Antarctica. Keep in mind that ships only sail to the continent during their summer. While it can still be cold (it was lower 30’s when I was there), it was actually warmer than upstate New York.
Dressing properly is key to having an enjoyable experience. Also, there are sheltered and indoor areas on the ship where you can still enjoy the scenery without braving the cold. I have to say, it really didn’t feel that bad (but I’m from upstate New York).
* Concerns About Getting Seasick
Crossing Drake’s Passage can be one of the most challenging aspects of the trip. You could experience the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake” and there is no way of knowing in advance what you will get. Waves can reach up to 40 feet high on a rough day. My suggestion is to come prepared with multiple seasickness remedies just in case.
Also, remember that the passage will only take one day (but you will need to cross Drake’s Passage twice). Whether the experience is worth it for you is a personal decision, however, the beauty of Antarctica is amazing, and I was glad I did it.
* Environmental Impacts
Many people worry that over tourism will negatively impact Antarctica. As a result, they decide to never make the trip themselves. If this is your reason for not visiting the 7th continent, I respect your views.
For those who are on the fence about traveling to Antarctica for this reason, I want to say that there are very tight restrictions for any company that ventures into the Southern Ocean. Environmental laws, wildlife protection laws, and more are in place to help protect Antarctica from negative effects. You can read more about the protections in place by visiting the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators website.
I also believe that to truly have people invested in protecting something, they have to have a chance to experience it (so they can make memories and have a vested interest in caring for it). Obviously, there needs to be a balance in allowing people to see firsthand what needs to be protected and actually having measures in place to prevent damage and destruction to a beloved area. That is why protections are in place.
Final Thoughts on the 10 Reasons to Visit Antarctica
I truly hope that these 10 reasons to visit Antarctica have inspired you to start planning a trip to this incredible continent. It is truly amazing and will surely be a trip you will never forget.
