Here is the true story of how my Antarctica Adventure unfolded. From initially being advised that we had the incorrect itinerary, so we were given another. To then being updated that the course was required to be altered to avoid a storm system, only for it to change again day by day in order to avoid that varying storm system.
An interesting fact, once winds reach beyond a certain level of knots, the ship is unable to dock at certain ports. Some days it was a matter of sailing around until we could dock. To be able to get into the spots that we did was a miracle! We covered so much ground on this trip and I feel very fortunate to have met the crew and passengers, being onboard was quite the adventure to say the least.
Every day was different with the opportunity to learn something new about the ocean, the environment and the animal life. Whether it be on board the ship, kayaking or through the photography or science groups available, there is a chance to view Antarctica from many angles.
This is where I value, and where I hope you will too, the benefits of having experienced suppliers such as, Lindblad National Geographic, Silversea and Quark, Intrepid and Aurora Expeditions to lead the way on what is nothing less than an epic adventure that has you realigning your reality as you are faced with the most rarest experience showcasing the rawest parts that this world has to offer - no holds barred!
As a travel agent, as much as I do pride myself on being able to be well prepared for all journeys, and the ability to navigate almost all situations… nothing could prepare me for the mind expansion that was about to happen.
Just when I thought my horizons couldn’t be broadened any more on what this world had to offer us, this landscape, the animals coupled with the overt physiology that was playing out right in front of us without any fences or protective barriers, or signage, just specific instructions on how to stay safe and respect the wildlife it’s their home.. and with walking poles marking out a path for us to safely navigate around these animals and the odd “bergie” bit (nickname for parts of ice bergs you may see floating around or on land), is probably the closest you could be, let alone be connected to the most unique front row ticket you could ever get to see the personality and character flow out of all of these magnificent animals and the various environments.
Mind you they had little to no respect for the marked out path for us to safely navigate them as the young seals and penguins would often wander in and out of our pathways as we were forced to stop, standstill or safely remove ourselves quietly and ever so carefully to give them their right of way!
To say it was such an honour and a privilege to be able to share space with these animals is such an understatement! As well as learning about them on various seminars onboard, understanding their curiosity firsthand was something else, as the baby seals would make a beeline for our ankles!
We’d have to stand up tall with our walking stick out in front of us, which believe it or not makes us look taller to them than what we really are, and they redirect themselves accordingly.
Now this may sound somewhat confronting however a seal bite can be quite treacherous and only a specific medication and treatment plan can mend it. So once again follow the advice of expert guides as laid previously in this article. keeping in mind you are travelling in a remote location and not everywhere has a pharmacy or convenience store if you get my drift!
My advice here is come prepared! There are packing guides for a reason and I'm here to guide you too on this adventure which you too can experience firsthand!
So, showing you here and now the itinerary that we did actually take, will clearly showcase how I ended up touching on the 7th continent twice in the same trip!
Day 1 & 2: Ushuaia
Day 3 & 4: Drake Passage
Day 5: South Shetland Islands
Day 6: Cape Kinnes on Joinville Island in the morning followed by Corry Island in the afternoon.
Day 7: Cockburn Island in the morning and Snow Hill Island in the afternoon.
Day 9: Paulet Island followed by Brown Bluff
Day 10: Elephant Island
Day 11 & 12: Scotia Sea
Day 13: Hercules Bay followed by Grytviken
Day 14: Godthul & Ocean Harbour
Day 15 & 16: Drake Passage
Day 17: Scotia Sea
Day 18: Sunshine Glacier & Signey Island made the trip back down the Drake so worth it! Mother Nature just turned it up and on here!
Day 19 & 20: Drake Passage
Day 21: Arrived back into Ushuaia
As you can clearly see, yes, we did go up and down the Drake there and back!! The impact this had on my body mind and soul and spirit was quite intense as this area is quite unpredictable and my body was bracing itself and feeling it before we were even there! One of the down sides to being quite sensitive, intuitive and having had honed my instincts hard over time with all these solo vacations was what I learned from this experience. The anticipation was real!
Looking back this was such an extraordinary and unique opportunity that you would not otherwise experience. It was only due to the weather systems that going back down to the Antarctic Peninsula was an option as it was going to protect us from the storm. Then once it blew over allowing us for safe passage back up into Ushuaia this occurred right after South Georgia, meaning we had to sadly miss the Falkland Islands!
This was all most profound for me as my body and mind was relieved to be on our way home to then have my instincts go into overdrive with seasick tablets l working overtime as well to keep me grounded. This was a three-week expedition all up and cannot speak highly enough of what I experienced and the crew and the passengers I got to experience this with. Yes it's true despite pushing my mind and body to the brink I would do it again!
Perhaps though I would try the fly in and fly out of Antarctica option that provides another unique way of experiencing this incredible terrain via air!
As this was my first expedition and time on a ship of its calibre, I was curious to learn about our expedition leaders first time out on a ship.
I was so grateful for this as made me feel less alone in my experience as everyone else seem to be adapting quite well. However, through conversation I learnt they did to have their challenges as we're pushing through the remoteness of it all at the same time, they were also embracing it.
The emotions, the mentality and the physical nature and the spiritual as well that come into play as you're taking time out to be in this vast ocean of unpredictability Is an adventure that you will never ever forget and will have you wanting to explore the Arctic too before you know it! Because it too is a world like no other!
I believe these places exist to give us a pass where it may showcase the worlds true beauty in it most rare and raw form which we cannot see each and every day as we are so far removed from it as we build our lives here as we know them.
There is nothing wrong with that of course as we cannot be everywhere all at once yet it's the curiosity which entices us to see how the other half live so to speak and how their lives are altered from time experienced either through the explorers who were stranded on this continent or people today who are out on research trips, or for those who have signed up to work in these incredible locations where weather systems are studied along with animal behaviour, and how people respond and can learn to protect these animals in the environments that house them.
After coming back, it slowly and surely sinks in what was seen and experienced.. to be able to write this now despite experiencing it in January 2023, is the time it's clearly taken to be able to explain the trip that was and to realise of course how profound it all was equal to the most unique and extraordinary experience and Adventure to date.
I remember that soon after, one of our expedition leaders who had been following along on social media stated that she hoped people realise how very rare it is to see this specific animal in an environment where it is not usually spotted. I said to her please do not worry when you are there. It's all you can do to take it all in and commit it all to memory. The mind takes its own photographs, and when you return, the inner monologue begins, allowing you to relive the extraordinary moments. That is when it truly sinks in, and the appreciation and gratitude for the experience emerge.
Let JLW Travel Curate Your Polar Journey
Antarctica has a way of shifting your perspective, of reminding you how vast, raw and miraculous our world truly is. Whether you're navigating the unpredictable Drake, watching wildlife rewrite the rules of personal space or standing on shores few humans ever witness, these moments stay with you long after you return home.
With our trusted expedition partners and firsthand experience guiding every recommendation, JLW Travel can craft an Antarctic or Arctic journey that is safe, enriching and deeply moving.
Wherever your sense of wonder leads, let us help you get there.