ADVENTURE TRAVEL: The Antarctica - A Plenitude of Wonders in the Last Corner of The World

ADVENTURE TRAVEL: The Antarctica - A Plenitude of Wonders in the Last Corner of The World
By Jorge Jefferds February 26, 2016

Antarctica, the southernmost continent and site of the South Pole, is a virtually uninhabited, ice-covered landmass. Most cruises to the continent visit the Antarctic Peninsula, which stretches toward South America. It’s famous for the Lemaire Channel and Paradise Harbor, striking, iceberg-flanked passageways, and Port Lockroy, a former British research station which turned museum. The peninsula’s isolated terrain also shelters rich wildlife, including many penguins.
It is the fifth largest continent in area after Asia, Africa, North America, and South America. For comparison, Antarctica is nearly twice the size of Australia. About 98% of Antarctica is covered by ice that averages 1.9 kilometers (1.2 mi) in thickness, which extends to all but the northernmost reaches of the Antarctic Peninsula.

Antarctica, on average, is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, and has the highest average elevation of all the continents. Antarctica is considered a desert, with annual precipitation of only 200 mm (8 in) along the coast and far less inland. The temperature in Antarctica has reached −89.2 °C (−128.6 °F), though the average for the third quarter (the coldest part of the year) is −63 °C (−81 °F). There are no permanent human residents, but anywhere from 1,000 to 5,000 people reside throughout the year at the research stations scattered across the continent. 
The Lemaire Channel is a steep-sided corridor (just 1600m or 5250ft wide) that runs for 11km (7mi) between the mountains of Booth Island and the Peninsula. So photogenic that it's been dubbed 'Kodak Gap'; in fact, the passageway is only visible once you're nearly inside it. When conditions are perfect, the scene is spectacular. Even when it is not, it is still breathtaking.

The mirror-like quality of the waters reflects the nearby cliffs and snow. Not only is it photogenic, but the protected waters are usually as calm as a quiet lake, which is a rare occurrence in these storm-battered waters. Like the Drake Passage (between South America and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica), it provides safe passage along an exposed section of the Antarctic Peninsula Coast, while the amazing panorama is just the icing on the cake. Ice floes, while icebergs sometimes might block the way, so ships have to sail around Booth Island.At the northern end of the Lemaire are two tall, rounded and often snowcapped peaks at Cape Renard.A side trip to nearby Petermann Island affords you a view of Gentoo and Adelie penguins. Photographs don't do it justice. You've got to see it to believe it.

Paradise Harbor, also known as Paradise Bay, is a wide bay formation behind Lemaire and Bryde Islands in Antarctica, indenting the west coast of Graham Land between Duthiers and Leniz Points.It is one of only two harbors used for cruise ships to stop on the continent; the other is Neko Harbour.Glaciated mountains and ice cliffs surround and protect the harbour, and together with the icebergs, they help to make for a breathtaking panorama.
Port Lockroy is situated on the north-western shore of Wiencke Island in Palmer Archipelago of the British Antarctic Territory. Renovated in 1996, the station is now a museum and post office operated by the United Kingdom Antarctic Heritage Trust. It is one of the most popular tourist destinations for cruise-ship passengers in Antarctica. Proceeds from the small souvenir shop fund the upkeep of the site and other historic sites and monuments in Antarctica. The Trust collects data for the British Antarctic Survey to observe the effect of tourism on penguins. Half the island is open to tourists, while the other half is reserved for penguins. A staff of four typically process 70,000 pieces of mail sent by 18,000 visitors that arrive during the five month Antarctic cruise season.

Between $5,000 and $16,000 dollars are the tickets to the Antarctica offered by Antarctic Connection on average, because it depends on the several available programs, the ship, the days, among other factors.
For instance, the program called "Discovering the 7th Continent is a cruise that offers you the ideal introduction to Antarctica visiting prime sites along the Antarctic Peninsula and the neighboring South Shetland Islands. 
Take Zodiac excursions from the ship to explore bays, channels and landing sites each day. With wildlife viewing always a priority, you will visit penguin rookeries, scout for humpback and Minke whales and search for a number of the southern seal species, including the cunning leopard seal. Landing on the continent itself is a memorable highlight, where you’ll explore the iconic sights that make this one of the world’s most pristine, exotic and unforgettable natural environments. 

Passengers electing to participate can take part in yoga and stretching classes, enjoy healthy meals, a fresh juice bar, indulge in a massage therapy session or take advantage of the sauna or gym in addition to experiencing great daily expedition activities. The next departure will take place on November 6, 2016 by the Ocean Endeavor. Click here for more details.
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