Skip to main content

The Natural Beauty of Life in Antarctica

The seventh continent isn’t just for scientists and researchers, it has become a go-to bucket-list destination for avid travelers who want to see a place that so few have seen. One of the great things about Antarctica is that while you are there, you are witnessing nature in its most raw and natural form, untouched by man. If you want to get an insider view of what you can expect to see on a journey to Antarctica, we’ve compiled a photo series to help inspire you to travel there.

Expedition Style

If you are hankering a true Antarctic experience, your best option is to book a sailing expedition. Expeditions don’t necessarily follow an exact itinerary as they adapt to their surroundings and often change course due to various factors like weather or ice sheets, which make them a bit more exciting than a standard cruise. National Geographic Expeditions offers four options from 14 to 35 days, all with a max group size of 148 passengers, which means, everyone will have multiple opportunities to step foot on the continent. In addition, sailing with National Geographic Expeditions means that you will have a team of biologists, geologists, and undersea specialists on board who will offer insights and engaging presentations throughout the trip. In addition, each expedition has an on-board photo instructor and National Geographic photographer.

Icebergs

One of the most beautiful sights to see is your first iceberg on the horizon. From a distance, some can already appear to be massive, and by the time you are up close and personal with one, you realize how truly massive they are. Icebergs are large chunks of ice that break off from glaciers and are made of frozen freshwater, not saltwater. Fun fact, 90% of an iceberg is found beneath the ocean’s surface, meaning they are even bigger than you can imagine.

Penguins are Literally Everywhere

There are 17 penguin species found around the globe, but the eight most recognizable reside only on the Antarctic continent, its nearby islands, and the sub-Antarctic archipelagos of South Georgia and the Falklands. Of all the penguins on the planet, emperor penguins are probably the most emblematic of the species. Emperor penguins (Antarctica only) are the largest and can grow up to 48 inches and weigh between 49-99 pounds. Adélie penguins (Antarctica only) are the most widely distributed penguin species with an estimated 2.5 million pairs in the region. Gentoo penguins (Antarctica and sub-Antarctic) are second only to the emperor penguin in terms of smallest penguin population, with an estimated 300,000 breeding pairs.

With roughly 7 million pairs of Chinstrap penguins (Antarctica and sub-Antarctic), it’s not surprising when one of these penguins is spotted from an expedition ship. Macaroni penguins (Antarctica and sub-Antarctic) have an estimated population of 12 million pairs. Rockhopper penguins (Antarctica and sub-Antarctic) come in three different types (northern, southern and eastern) divided by reproductive behavior and location of breeding. Magellanic penguins (Antarctica and sub-Antarctic) are named after the famous explorer Ferdinand Magellan and tend to be shy around humans, running for cover in their burrows if people are near. And lastly, the King penguin (sub-Antarctic only) is the second-largest penguin species. Once they reach full maturity, they weigh about 35 pounds and stand 37 inches tall. The estimated two million breeding pairs of penguins live along the coastline of the sub-Antarctic islands.

An Ornithologists Dream Come True

Whilst 35 species of bird can be found living south of the Antarctic Convergence, only 19 of these species breed in Antarctica. Most notable among these are the wandering albatross, cormorants, skuas, sheathbills, and petrels, all viewable on most Antarctica cruises/expeditions. Because of the relative lack of snow-free nesting grounds, most of the Antarctica seabirds breed in very large concentrations. Probably one of the most beautiful Antarctica seabirds to keep an eye out for is the snow petrel, which is pure white with black eyes, beak, and under-down. Make sure to bring your birding book to help spot the various seabirds you will encounter during your visit.

A Sea of Seals

Six different species of seal live in Antarctic waters: Ross, Weddell, crabeater, leopard, fur, and elephant seals. Fur seals are the smallest, with adult females weighing only 330 pounds, while male elephant seals can weigh 8,800 pounds. Four of these species are ice-habitat specialists, breeding on the sea ice in spring. Leopard and Ross seals tend to be solitary, whereas Weddell and crabeater seals form breeding groups or colonies. The other two species — Antarctic and sub-Antarctic fur seals, and southern elephant seals — are both found north of the pack-ice zone and breed in dense colonies on beaches. Here, dominant males (bulls) maintain harems of females (cows). During the breeding period, competition for the harems is intense, so the bulls will not leave their territory to find food. Instead, they rely on blubber reserves.

Whale Tales

Ever been whale watching and spotted whales in the distance? In Antarctica, you will be up close and personal with many species of whales who often cruise next to the ship and are at times spotted even closer to you while out kayaking or on a skiff (if you’re lucky). Expect to see Humpback Whales, Orcas, and Minke Whales often (although nothing is ever guaranteed). If you are truly fortunate on your expedition, you might even come across a Blue Whale, the largest whales on earth. Although they are enormous in size, they are surprisingly elusive, which makes a sighting all the more special.

Editors' Recommendations

David Duran
David Duran is an award-winning travel writer who has visited all seven continents and more than 70 countries. His writing…
Colorado Beyond the Snow: 10 Things to Do Once Ski Season Is Over
via ferrata

As snow begins to blanket the Rockies, most of us are already wiping the dust off of our skis or boards, perusing the web for that new jacket, and likely already looking forward to those après drinks after a stellar day on the slopes. For the next few months, shredding the pow, carving some turns, and riding the lifts will occupy our minds. 

Colorado may be known as the quintessential destination for skiing and snowboarding in North America. Sure, there are other locations that have monumental terrain but none have as much within one state’s borders. 

Read more
How to Spend 36 Hours in Santiago, Chile
santiago chile

Whether you are traveling to South America and have a layover that can be extended in Santiago or you are just visiting the capital of Chile, there are a few things you just can't miss in this lovely city. From specific neighborhoods to restaurant options to must-see tourist attractions, our guide is meant to provide you with some solid options as well as inspire you to spend some time in Santiago.

Saturated with colonial architecture blended with steel skyscrapers —  like the Gran Torre Santiago, Latin America’s tallest building — Santiago sits in a valley of the Andes Mountains surrounded by snow-capped peaks. Home to approximately 5.6 million, a third of the entire country’s population, Santiago’s diversity is clearly distinguished with the different barrios (neighborhoods) located within the capital city.

Read more
A Peek Inside the History of Jamaica Inn, a Family-Owned Hotel in the Caribbean
Jamaica Inn

When you first set foot at Jamaica Inn in Ocho Rios, Jamaica, you can see what separates the property from other resorts and hotels.

The property is open, with gorgeous views of the beach and ocean, but there are an old-world feel and a home-y feeling thanks in part to its owners. That warm family feeling resonates mainly because the property is run by a family and has been there for nearly 70 years. That old-world feel is evident on the doors -- which still have original room numbers from Marilyn Monroe’s honeymoon stay -- and Winston Churchill’s room still has many of the original accents (with a private pool to boot).
The Manual interviewed owner Eric Morrow to discuss what separates Jamaica Inn from other properties, their role in the evolution of Ocho Rios, and their passionate responsibility to save coral, turtles, and the environment.
The Manual: What makes Jamaica Inn different from other destinations in Jamaica?
Eric Morrow: Having been family owned since 1950, guests of the Jamaica Inn have long enjoyed the ultimate amenity: The personalized service of the dedicated staff who call Jamaica Inn home. To know them is to be reassured that good manners are not a lost art and that no request is too small, no smile too large.
TM: How has family played a role in the evolution of Jamaica Inn?
EM: Family is the basis of the Inn. It was the foundation of why the hotel was opened and is a fundamental part of the staff culture. We have a large cohort of staff members who have been here for 30 years or more. They have intentionally spent their careers here because they feel that this is genuinely their home and they enjoy being a part of a company that offers guests an alternative to the busyness of life. Extended guests have become a part of our family and they bring their families to experience all the Inn has to offer.

Read more