Top 10 extreme adventures in Antarctica

It seems to have happened quickly but Antarctica is becoming the perfect travel destination for real adventure travelers. It’s the sort of destination that takes trips up a notch from the usual tourist to the greatest adventurer.

So, for those of you that want to do some serious exploring and adventure travel you should put this continent at the top of your travel list.

There are plenty of things to do that you’ll want to take advantage of in Antarctica. It’s filled with great outdoor spaces, amazing wildlife, and lots of opportunity for adventure and fun.

There are plenty of ways to visit Antarctica these days, from luxury vessels to icebreakers and expedition ships. Expeditions in Antarctica have a ton of ways to explore the continent and its amazing wildlife and scenery.

Being the least visited continent in the world, Antarctica is a mysterious, unknown place to most people. Although there are many scientific centers on the continent, you don’t have to be a scientist to visit this remote land. There are tens of thousand of tourists traveling to Antarctica to see its amazing wildlife and landscapes. So why shouldn’t you be one of them?

Deciding to go to Antarctica could be one of the best travel decisions you’ve ever made. Here is a list of few adventures we don’t want you to miss out there.

1. Snorkel

The water in Antarctica is cold, but the pay-off of snorkeling in the Southern Ocean is incredible. You have the chance to see penguins, icebergs, shipwrecks, and various underwater wildlife.

But, make sure you have got all the right gear before you go snorkeling or diving. You must receive a cold-water certification and have an insulated mask and suit.

2. Antarctic Ice Marathon

Each year, in November, runners from around the world gather at Unio Glacier for the Antarctic Ice Marathon. The southernmost marathon on Earth.

The athletes endure cold temperatures and strong winds to compete in the race. But, preparing for the extreme conditions is not easy at all. Some runners exercise on treadmills in walk-in freezers or run on sand. If you want something even more extreme, the Antarctic 100k (around 62 miles) also takes place each January.

3. Kayaking

While it’s amazing to see the wonders of Antarctica from a ship, it’s even more wonderful to be in the middle of the action. So, kayaking among penguins and icebergs will give you the most awesome experience.

You will have the chance to see leopard seals, whales and penguins personal and up close. Make sure you wait for a calm day to break out the kayak since the water can be rough and choppy.

Also, make sure that you take a tough camera to capture some breathtaking photos.

4. Camping

There are a unique sets of challenges and dangers to people who want to camp under stars in Antarctica. Even though you must sleep in sub-zero temperatures on the snow, it doesn’t have to mean that you’ll be shivering all night. Campers there wear layers of thick and warm clothes and often sleep in sleeping bags on top of a foam mattress.

You can also sleep in a bivy sack to protect yourself from the cold and wind. Also, due to the rules, you’re not allowed to drink anything but water, and you can’t eat or go to the bathroom on the land. So, make sure you eat plenty beforehand and pack receptacles for your waste.

5. Deception Island

If you want to take a thermal bath in a natural hot spring, make sure you visit Deception Island. As you enjoy the warm waters, you might spot a few chinstrap penguins. The island has an active volcano, so you have to be aware of the volcanic alert scheme. It ranges from green (unlikely eruption) to red (a major eruption is expected within 24 hours).

On this island, you can also see a former whaling station, with abandoned boilers, whale bones, and rusted boats.

6. South Pole ice tunnels

Since 1956, many scientists have worked at the Amundsen–Scott South Pole Station. The station has a network of underground ice tunnels, containing the utility lines. Despite the negative 60 degree temperatures, some researchers went in the tunnels to carve shrines in the ice. While walking in the tunnels, you will probably spot a sled, pigs head, or a dead fish. Although you can visit the station, you might not get the access to the tunnels.

7. Polar plunge

Why not make a bold (although, also probably a bit mad) statement by taking a polar plunge into the icy cold water? Although there will probably be a plunge pool on your ship with icy cold water next to a hot tub, doing the real deal is the more exciting and extreme choice.

People who have experienced the polar plunge describe the moment their bodies hit the cold water as a rousing rush of adrenaline. But, make sure you’re secured to a boat and gradually warm your body after the plunge with blankets and warm liquids.

8. Travel in a sailboat

For a more extreme mode of transportation, consider replacing the luxury cruise ships with a sailboat. Because of the smaller size, and the fewer number of passengers the sailboat will allow you to encounter nature up close and experience the incredible stillness and silence of Antarctica. You will feel more like a part of the scenery rather than an intruder.

9. Go sledding and hiking

The magnificent mountains of Antarctica provide some of the most majestic landscapes on earth. So, hiking them and taking some mid-point breaks will give you the chance to enjoy those breathtaking views. But, make sure you prepare for those hikes because you will battle fierce winds and harsh terrain. After reaching the top, you can hike back or sled down the slopes.

10. Sail the Drake Passage

The Drake Passage is the body of water between Antarctica and the southernmost part of South America, and it’s the shortest route by ship to and from Antarctica. It can be very turbulent and unpredictable, due to its bottleneck position between the Atlantic, Southern, and Pacific Ocean. At some point, you have to face the Drake Passage unless you fly to and from Antarctica. If you do cross it, you will probably deal with big waves, changing currents, and high winds. If your body is sensitive to seasickness, make sure that you take motion sickness medicine or plenty of bags!

If you ever decide to go to Antarctica, make sure you take advantage of all the things above. Going there is a great adventure itself, but doing something extreme and exciting will make your trip way better.

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