“There are frosts of -90 ° C”, “Antarctica is an icy desert”, “Only scientists go there” – do you also think that about Antarctica? But in vain. How is it really? Read the article and see the photo. That rare case when reality is more colorful than myth. And you can check in our New Year’s trip.

Myth #1: Antarctica is an icy desert

No. There really is a lot of ice there, but its formations are so different and colorful that it doesn’t look like a desert at all.

There is an iceberg. The icebergs of Antarctica are the largest and most beautiful on the planet, you will not see them in the Arctic.

Many compare icebergs to ice sculptures – their shapes can be the most bizarre.

And there are whole “buildings” made of icebergs – with “windows”, “arches”, “columns” and caves. The color of ice “sculptures” and “architecture” – all shades of blue, from blue to turquoise and even lilac. Even in cloudy weather, you can see the flickering of an iceberg coming from somewhere inside. And in the sun, the blue of the ice shines so that you can’t look without sunglasses.

Ice-glacier is not inferior to icebergs in saturation of colors. It can also be very loud and spectacular. If you hear a crack, look around: you were lucky enough to witness the collapse of a glacier. A weak crack turns into a roar, and a huge block of ice breaks off the glacier – this is how icebergs are born.

There is sea ice. Seals and sea leopards love to rest on these flat ice floes. They float on an ice floe and bask in the sun. You can come close to their ice floe on an expedition boat – they will not budge.

Myth #2: It’s very cold there.

Not everywhere. The low temperature record is indeed recorded on the continent of Antarctica (about -90°C), but deep inside the eastern part of the continent. If you decide to discover Antarctica, then you will most likely do it in the western part of the continent, on the Antarctic Peninsula. And here a surprise awaits you – a real Antarctic summer, with a noisy variety of life and + 15 ° C in the sun. The peak of the “heat” falls on the end of December – the beginning of January. Don’t forget to bring your sunglasses and SPF!

Myth #3: Polar bears and penguins coexist

We believe you know why polar bears don’t eat penguins. But we know that there are those who do not know. For them – a hint in the form of the logo of the association of polar explorers.

Bears in the Arctic, penguins in the Antarctic.

Adult penguins have no natural enemies on land. Therefore, penguins treat humans without fear, but with great curiosity. If you sit on a rock next to a colony of penguins and freeze, you can be sure that they will come to you in a few minutes. Close. Perhaps even examine your boot or bag. In fact, according to the rules, any representative of the animal world in Antarctica cannot be approached closer than 5 meters. But you can honestly tell the guide later – “It’s not my fault, he came himself!”.

Myth #4: Only scientists go there

So it was before. Now Antarctica is open for you. The easiest way to get there is by sea. Cruises are operated during the Antarctic summer – from November to March. Expedition ships leave the port of Argentina (Ushuaia), cross the Drake Passage and deliver passengers to the beautiful coasts of Antarctica. Scientists also go there, you can talk to them during your visit to the polar stations.

Myth #5: There are no living conditions there.

This is not a myth, but the truth. But with a caveat. The expanses of Antarctica are pristine and untouched by man. There is no infrastructure there, except for polar stations. The permanent population is penguins, seals, whales and Antarctic birds. But do not think that you need to stock up on breadcrumbs and tents to travel there. You will live in the comfort of your expedition ship- in Antarctica, it performs the function of a “floating hotel”. And not just the hotel. Various experts on Antarctica participate in the cruise. On board, they give presentations on wildlife, history, and glaciology. And outside the ship you explore all this in all available ways: there will be landings on the continent, trekking, visits to polar stations, trips on Zodiac expedition boats, kayaking and camping, and yes, yes! – polar swimming. You are waiting for daily landings on wild shores – there are 2-3 landings per day, each lasting 2-3 hours.

In addition to landings, you will get close to icebergs and glaciers aboard expedition boats.

Often during such boat trips, you can meet whales that come up to the boats and splash you with the spray of their fountains.

If that’s not enough for you, book the kayaking option – kayaking among icebergs, whales and diving penguins.

Or spend the night in a sleeping bag right on the coast of the continent of Antarctica – this is offered by the camping option.

And after all these adventures, return to the warmth and comfort of your ship – here you will find a comfortable cabin, a jacuzzi with heated sea water, delicious food. Relax – tomorrow there will be new adventures;)