The latest edition of our popular polar travel series takes us to awe-inspiring Antarctica, where our elite polar specialist, Charlie Mason, completed his full continental set on a sun-drenched voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula. Charlie was treated to a record-quick Drake Passage crossing and some super landing sites for wildlife spotting!
Charlie lapping up the sun over the harbour
WHAT DESTINATIONS DID YOU VISIT?
The main focus of this trip was to visit the 7th continent, Antarctica (with a good amount of time in Buenos Aires and Ushuaia before and after).
That 7th continent feeling!
HOW DID YOU GET THERE?
We flew directly from London with British airways to Buenos Aires. We then spent some time there before flying on down to the end of the world, Ushuaia, where we embarked onto our expedition cruise.
Penguin life on the peninsula
FAVOURITE LOCATION?
The whole continent! Honestly, it’s too hard to choose a specific landing site, as they all vary so much, from an abundance of penguins to dramatic landscapes, huge icebergs, and amazing whale encounters.
Charlie’s view of intricately carved icebergs
MOST MEMORABLE MOMENT?
Probably the second day, we crossed the Drake Passage a whole day early, which really gave us a lot of excitement, and whilst we were in a lecture hearing about our first landing site, we started to get our first glimpses of icebergs and a humpback whale even interrupted the speech. The whole ship was so excited, and the feeling on board was truly magical as the realisation of just where we were arriving began to set in.
An iceberg floats on the low sun horizon
BEST HOLIDAY EXCURSION/EXPERIENCE?
I loved the photography zodiacs which were offered. We were able to get different perspectives of the land and icebergs, and it felt really special having penguins porpoising all around our zodiac.
Zodiac cruising through icebergs
WHAT DO YOU MOST RECOMMEND PACKING OR PREPPING FOR?
Layers! The crew kept mentioning that we should dress like onions (stolen from Shrek, I believe!), but layers really are key. It helps keep packing light and efficient. The weather can change dramatically within hours, so it’s easy to get too hot/cold if you only have a few heavy clothes, whereas if you are prepared and can adapt quickly, it will make sure you are comfortable. A simple tip which I was really grateful for was to take hand warmers; they kept my hands nice and warm when I took my gloves off (which ends up being most of the time when travelling with a camera). One area I was unprepared for was my camera. I regret not taking a larger lens for animal close-ups, and I didn’t have any way of keeping my lens dry, as I had a few moments when it ended up having water drops on (from snow).
Adelie penguins: well equipped for changeable conditions
FAVOURITE FOOD AND DRINK ON TRIP?
The boat had amazing food, but my favourite meal, not just in Argentina but Latin America, would be an Argentinian Asado, which we had multiple times while on shore. We also had an amazing BBQ on deck, and you could never beat the views.
Deck views of the BBQ platters
FAVOURITE PHOTO OR VIDEO YOU TOOK?
Too many to chose from! I was lucky enough to take my dad so from a sentimental point, all the pictures we took together remind me of the amazing time we had, but I have printed a photo book which has almost 100 pictures which I couldn’t pick from.
Charlie and dad enjoying another glorious day on the ice
SUM UP YOUR TRIP IN FOUR WORDS
Can I go back?
A seal enjoys the sun’s warmth during a snooze
Ready to start planning your incredible Antarctica?Simply complete our enquiry form to get in touch, or call our Polar Specialists on 020 3666 1033.
Leave a Reply