[Antarctica Wiki] Travel region: The Antarctic Peninsula

Welcome, polar pioneers,

Today and in the next four episodes, we will be looking at the regions of Antarctica. We can only give you a rough overview here. The regions of Antarctica are so numerous and diverse that a more detailed examination would go beyond the scope of this program.

Some expeditions cover most of the routes. This makes your decision easier.

We begin with the Antarctic Peninsula.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the most popular travel destination in Antarctica. It is approximately 1,200 kilometers long and is lined with numerous fjords and islands. It plays a role in all trips to Antarctica.

It is the only region of Antarctica that extends beyond the Antarctic Circle and stretches towards South America – which makes it so easy for usto travel to. It is practically the corridor through which you glide into Antarctica. The Antarctic Peninsula can be reached from Ushuaia within two days at sea.

Their topology makes them so varied: the snow-capped mountains rise up to 2,800 meters. They are said to be an extension of the Andes. Abandoned whaling stations tell of the great era of whale and seal hunters. Volcanic islands with gigantic craters, rugged rocky islands, and gigantic icebergs make landing with the Zodiacs (rigid-hulled inflatable boats) a special experience: it is a great feeling when you set foot on the Antarctic continent for the first time.

When visiting the many international research stations, you can look over the researchers' shoulders and ask questions about their work. Goudier Island is home to the former British research station Port Lockroy with a souvenir shop and the southernmost post office in the world. Right next door, numerous gentoo penguins breed.

Fur seals, Weddell seals, elephant seals, leopard seals, chinstrap, Adélie, and gentoo penguin pairs, king cormorants, Dominican gulls, Antarctic terns and giant petrels, skuas, and many more species make up the Antarctic Peninsula.

Due to its geographical location, the Antarctic Peninsula is visited by almost all Antarctic expeditions.

This is a sample route for the Antarctic Peninsula:

Sample itinerary for the Antarctic Peninsula | © Poseidon Expeditions

Sample trip: Sporty base camps

Basecamp trips to Antarctica areexpeditions involving sporting activities in fascinating natural surroundings.

Your expedition ship will serve as your base camp.

Activities include:

• Camping under the polar sky
• Kayaking on the Southern Ocean
• Snowshoeing in the Antarctic wilderness
• mountaineering
• Photo workshops with professional photographers

Sample trip: Fly & Cruise

Your journey begins in Punta Arenas (southern Chile) with a flight that takes you comfortably across the wild Drake Passage in four hours. You land on King George Island, one of the sub-Antarctic South Shetland Islands, and begin your expedition here. The route takes you between the South Shetland Islands and the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. Ice-filled fjords and icebergs line your path. Every day, Zodiac trips with landings are on the agenda to explore the landscapes and observe the species-rich wildlife. The return flight takes you from King George Island back to Punta Arenas.

Tours along the Antarctic Peninsula are ideal for your first trip to the seventh continent.

Request a callback now and talk to us about your Antarctic trip with no obligation:

>> You can reach us here. Request a callback.

With polar regards,

Yours, Stephanie Gräf