As a kid, did you ever dream of summer lasting all year long? If so, there is some good news: the Earth is spherical. Well, that’s obvious. What is not obvious, though, is the fact that there are two summers on the planet.
The picture shows that polar regions, due to the Earth’s axis, have only two seasons: summer and winter. Winter begins in October and ends in February at the North Pole. These exact months are summer at the South Pole. Hence, the months from March to September are summer in the North Pole and winter in the South.
Congratulations, if you already knew that. If not, also congratulations, because this knowledge provides you with a whole bunch of ideas for future vacations. The Expedition Cruises tour operator gives any willing traveler a rare opportunity to have two summers in one year and spend them in these remote regions. You can witness a polar day, meet the northern- or southernmost inhabitants and enjoy polar nature.
So, if you’ve already made up your mind that you want to cross the South Pole, you must know that this is not the only activity available onboard. There are at least five things you can entertain yourself with while on the cruise.
#1. Take the Southernmost Picture
Crossing the South Pole as a tourist is probably a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. The infamous rule ‘no photo, no proof’ still applies despite the remote location. It’s a good thing that a professional photographer is involved in the cruise.
Guests can always count on the photographers – they’ll willingly share their knowledge either during lectures or right on the spot. You can attend a photography class and get some basic information beforehand or cross that bridge when you come to it. The photographers will be on hand both in the classroom and while on land. They will be able to help you with the most pressing issues such as lightning, posing and the image background. As a result, you’ll have an impressive work of art in addition to proof that you crossed the Antarctic polar circle. Possibly even a new hobby as well.
If you are a photographer, though, this cruise is a great chance to improve your skills and diversify your portfolio. Imagine applying for a job with a portfolio that includes photos from the South Pole. What an advantage you’ll have over the other candidates!
#2. Spend the Night in the Permafrost
You can experience what the first Antarctic explorers did: a night (barely a night, though, due to the polar day) in the open on the southernmost continent. Of course, you won’t be forced to spend the night in the conditions of the 19th century. First of all, weather matters. Adverse weather conditions are not conducive to a safe and comfortable overnight stay. Secondly, the crew will provide you with modern equipment that’ll make your stay as comfortable as possible.
#3. Say ‘Hello’ to Whales
Unique species are found in the shore and coastal waters of Antarctica. Many flocks of whales arrive on the shores of Antarctica by December and stay till March. They hunt krill and enjoy the warmth after a long hungry winter. They float on the water’s surface and don’t fear people or ships. That’s the best time for kayaking and meeting these amazing creatures.
One thing is seeing them from the ship deck – you’ll have this opportunity during the whole cruise. But picture yourself in a kayak, floating directly above the herd of these enormous animals while being just a few hundred meters away from them. This adventure is beyond words. To participate in this activity, you need to have some experience in kayaking.
#4. Meet the Continent’s Royal Families
Penguins are rightfully considered a symbol of Antarctica. After all, this continent is their homeland. The biggest and best-known species – the emperor penguin – lives on ice floes around the Antarctic continent and migrates ashore for the period of nesting and feeding of chicks.
King penguins – another symbol of Antarctica – are smaller and brighter than emperor penguins. They inhabit South Georgia and the Falkland Islands. These destinations can also be visited on a cruise.
The Adélie penguin is another well-known species that inhabits the Antarctic coast. They make their nests of pebbles right on the rocky shore, where there is no ice.
If the weather is favorable for boating, the crew will take you to the land. You’ll be able to get a close-up view of them and perhaps go for a stroll alongside them.
#5. Unite History and Modernity
This unique place is full of contrasts. It combines the footsteps of the first pioneers with the world’s most advanced research centers. There are about 100 stations on the continent where scientists from all over the world are occupied with one of the most challenging jobs on Earth. Even though these stations are equipped with state-of-art technology, this job still requires enormous stamina and a ton of motivation.
Numerous stations have saunas and museums in their territories, and one, Port Lockroy, has the Southernmost post office in the world, which is a destination for most tourist groups.
Furthermore, the Falkland Islands are home to almost 3,000 people. You have the chance to observe how locals who were born and raised in this far-off land go about their daily lives. Inspect the quaint towns with their colorful houses and attractive churches.
There is little proof of human presence in Antarctica because the continent has a relatively short human history. There are some monuments and memorials spread throughout the continent and islands that make their contribution to the world’s history and cultural heritage.
But the most significant evidence of the continent’s history is its tremendous icebergs and glaciers. They make an unforgettable scene, a landscape built by nature and time. This is what Antarctica is famous for.
Conclusion
No words can describe what it’s like to be surrounded by endless permafrost, immense mountains, and icebergs, to be at arm’s length of wild nature.
You can become a part of this rare experience; become one of the few who have crossed the South Pole. Are you strong enough to challenge the coldest continent on Earth? There’s only one way to find out.
