Antarctic expedition

In February, I embarked on a journey to one of the most remote and awe-inspiring places on Earth: Antarctica. Known for its vast ice sheets and extreme conditions, this southernmost continent is the coldest, driest, and windiest place on the planet.

Why venture to such a desolate place? For me, the answer is easy. Less than 1% of the global population will ever set foot on this magnificent land in its current state. It was a chance to follow in the footsteps of explorers like Shackleton and Scott, to sail waters charted in the 1800s, and to experience an adventure in the truest sense—though on a much more comfortable, modern ship than the wooden vessels those pioneers endured.

Our journey began from Ushuaia, Argentina, the southernmost city in the world where we boarded the Ocean Endeavour for our 15-day expedition.

We set sail through the Beagle Channel, but as soon as we left, our planned itinerary became more of a suggestion. In Antarctica, the weather dictates everything, and our days were shaped by the elements. We were traveling late in the summer season, and at one point, we became the southernmost expedition ship in the world. That feeling of remoteness was incredible.

But before we could reach the Antarctic continent, we had to cross the Drake Passage, notorious for its unpredictable seas. We were lucky and encountered swells no larger than four meters, manageable for most of us. On the third morning, at 6:30 a.m., we awoke to the thrilling announcement: we had arrived in Antarctica. I rushed on deck to see towering icebergs and snow-covered mountains, realising we had made it to the seventh continent.

That morning, we experienced our first zodiac excursion. After layering up in expedition gear, we boarded the small inflatable boats. While this process felt clunky at first, by the end of the trip we were pros. Our first wildlife encounter came quickly—a sleek leopard seal that punctured five zodiacs before lunchtime. Fortunately, these boats are built to withstand such incidents with their multiple air chambers.

Each excursion offered a different glimpse of Antarctica’s wonders. Some days, we cruised through icy waters, navigating between brackish ice. Other days, we landed on remote islands and hiked through penguin colonies. Every location was named after explorers who first charted the area, such as Cuverville Island, Charcot Point and the stunning Lemaire Channel.

The wildlife was astonishing. We saw humpback and minke whales, playful orcas, and six species of seals. Our ship was frequently buzzed by albatrosses with massive wingspans, and we marvelled at the Arctic tern, which migrates from the North to the South Pole each year. But the real stars were the penguins—particularly the Chinstrap penguins, who nest high in the rocky cliffs. Watching them leap from the sea and waddle back to their nests was endlessly entertaining.

Penguins are particularly curious creatures. While we were required to keep a five-meter distance, they often ignored this rule, wandering right up to us. Many were in the midst of moulting, looking rather bedraggled as they waited for their feathers to regrow.

One of the most fascinating stops on our journey was Damoy Point, where we visited a British air facility that had been abandoned since 1993. The hut still contained shelves of rations, offering a glimpse into the past when scientists relied on these provisions in the harsh Antarctic summer.

Another unforgettable experience was the Polar Plunge in Wilhelmina Bay. Jumping into the frigid one-degree water is a rite of passage for Antarctic travellers, and my plunge lasted a full 28 seconds before the cold became unbearable. The oldest person to take the plunge on our trip was an impressive 84-year-old adventurer.

As our trip progressed, we saw more wildlife than I could have ever imagined, from whales breaching in the distance to seals lounging on ice floes. The most rewarding moments were often the simplest—standing in awe of the vast, untouched beauty of this pristine wilderness. Everywhere we went, the sheer isolation of the landscape emphasised the uniqueness of this experience.

Antarctica is a place like no other. It’s a journey to the end of the world, where raw nature takes centre stage. Remote and untamed, it offers an experience that leaves a lasting impression on anyone fortunate enough to visit. As I sailed away, I couldn’t help but feel that this was not the end of my Antarctic adventures. I am already dreaming of returning to this extraordinary place, ready for my next expedition.

Antarctica is a stunning, fragile place that needs protecting. Strict rules help keep it pristine, like limiting visitors and preventing contamination. Seeing penguins, whales, and untouched landscapes shows why conservation is so important. Read more in Antarctica and the impact of tourism.