antarctica

antarctica

No, not a country but around 26,000 tourists now visit the continent during each austral summer, enjoying its almost 24-7 sunlight. Given the logistics required to get here, the only way to go is on a group tour, usually via boat. This place is for nature lovers and those with a scientific bent keen on seeing the planet's extremes.

Despite the cold and barren nature of Antarctica, wildlife is a drawcard - penguins, albatross, whales including Humpbacks and the Crabeater, Elephant, and Leopard Seals are all found here. Cruising the Ross Sea provides ample photo opportunities with its flowing ice, the largest ice shelf in the world, 4,000km of icy coastline and several active volcanoes.

Another highlight is the history of exploration in Antarctica and its research stations including today’s constantly rotating shifts of scientists studying as far south as you can go.