Embark on an unforgettable journey to Antarctica
Experience the unparalleled beauty and wonder of the “White Continent.” Read on to discover the unique characteristics of this icy landmass and learn about the competition among global explorers striving to be one of the first to reach the South Pole. Enhance your knowledge of the vibrant snow algae that thrive in Antarctica’s extreme conditions and get acquainted with the fascinating behaviors of the continent’s smallest and most common penguins—the Adélie.
Antarctica
The world's southernmost continent, Antarctica spans an impressive 5.5 million sq mi. (14.2 million sq km) and is covered by approximately 98% ice. This vast, icy landmass is home to the geographic South Pole, located about 300 mi. (480 km) south of the Ross Ice Shelf. The continent also boasts the world's largest ice sheet, the Antarctic Ice Sheet, which is nearly two miles thick and contains up to 80% of the earth's fresh water.
The spectacular colors of Antarctic ice
Observe the many colors of Antarctic snow algae (Chlamydomonas nivalis) and learn more about these incredible organisms on your cruise to the “White Continent.”
In the harsh, icy climate of Antarctica, only the hardiest plants can survive. Among them is the fascinating snow algae, a microscopic, single-celled organism that thrives in temperatures below 50°F (10°C). Found in both the Northern and Southern Hemispheres, snow algae play a crucial role in coastal ecosystems, providing essential food for aquatic life.
Snow algae are also known for their striking colors, including red, orange, green and gray, each hue indicating different chloroplast pigments. These pigments protect the algae from UV radiation and help them photosynthesize. During the summer, these algae grow rapidly, forming vibrant algal blooms across Antarctica and nearby islands. These blooms darken the snow, reducing the amount of light reflected by the snow and causing the area to warm more quickly. Remarkably, large clumps of snow algae can even be seen from space.
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Adélie penguins
Antarctica is known for its extreme conditions and dramatic landscapes, but it also boasts an incredible array of diverse fauna. You could experience the wonder of Adélie penguins (Pygoscelis adeliae) in their natural habitat and learn more about these incredible creatures on your Antarctic adventure.
Adélie penguins are the smallest and most common penguins in Antarctica. Standing at 28–29 in. (70–73 cm) tall and weighing 9–13 lbs. (4–6 kg), these charming birds are easily recognizable by their black head and back, white chest and distinctive white eye-ring. Named after Adèle-Dorothée, the wife of explorer Jules Dumont-d'Urville, Adélie penguins were first observed in Terre Adélie (Adélie Land) and now inhabit many Antarctic islands.
During the winter, Adélie penguins thrive on the northern pack ice, and in the warmer months, they join breeding colonies. Males build stony nests to attract females, and chicks leave the colony at 7–9 weeks old to learn how to swim and hunt. They return to breed at 3–5 years old. With few natural predators, Adélie penguins can live up to 20 years.
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Race to the South Pole
The “race to the South Pole” was a fierce competition among explorers from around the world seeking to be among the first to discover Antarctica, as well as the South Pole. Before the 19th century, little was known about Antarctica—referred to as Terra Australis Incognita, or “unknown southern land.” English captain James Cook came within eighty miles of its coast during his 1772–1775 voyage. In 1819, Russian explorer Fabian von Bellingshausen became the first to spot the continent, discovering two islands within the Antarctic Circle.
In 1821, American explorer John Davis made the first landfall on Antarctic soil. The race to the South Pole culminated in 1911 when Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen—leading his ship, the Fram—reached the pole on December 14. He set up base camp 60 miles closer to the pole than his rival, English explorer Robert Falcon Scott. Amundsen's successful expedition was documented in his 1912 book, The South Pole. He used funds from his Antarctic expedition to establish a successful shipping business and purchase a new ship, the Maud.
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Surf ‘n Turf in Ushuaia
Located at the southernmost tip of Argentina, Ushuaia is the gateway to the Antarctic Peninsula, as most ships to the “White Continent” depart from here. While in Ushuaia—known as the “End of the World”—you can sample a quality cut of world-famous Argentinian beef or traditional Patagonian lamb. As a major fishing port, Ushuaia also has access to exceptional seafood. A popular dish is southern king crab, also known as centolla, which is prized for its sweet, delicate flavor.
Antarctica Highlights
Antarctica is one of the most otherworldly destinations on Earth, featuring raw, sculpted landscapes in stunning shades of blue and white. This pristine continent offers an unforgettable experience that is sure to transform visitors. The best time to visit is during the austral summer, starting in November. During this period, the cold, windy weather turns to 24-hour sunlight, and temperatures rise to a comfortable 32°F (0°C). As the ice melts, frozen seaways unlock, providing new opportunities for exploration.
Our Antarctica cruises offer an array of activities to maximize your time on the “White Continent,” and virtually all are included. You can explore by Special Operations Boat, kayak, submarine, Zodiac and more. Here are some highlights you may experience during your journey:
- View towering glaciers and snow-covered landscapes
- Observe Gentoo penguins, Weddel seals and blue whales
- Capture breathtaking photos of landscapes & wildlife
- Explore the depths on a dive in a panoramic submarine
- Assist Viking Resident Scientists with research
- Cross the legendary Drake Passage
Destination Insight Videos
Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen discusses his trip to Antarctica (29:11)
Discover what a journey to Antarctica is really like during this exclusive conversation between Viking Chairman Torstein Hagen and award-winning British photographer Alastair Miller. Learn more about the magnificent landscapes and majestic wildlife Tor encountered during his own expedition to the “White Continent” on board the Viking Polaris. Follow along as our chairman shares the intriguing story of how his lifelong passion for travel and interest in far-flung destinations began during his childhood, when he sent a letter to Ushuaia from his home in Norway.
Tor’s Travels (29:08)
In this new video diary about his December 2022 voyage to Antarctica, Viking Chairman Tor Hagen invites viewers to join him on the trip of a lifetime. Filmed by his Oslo neighbor, Lene, the home videos showcase the incredible wildlife, scenery and scientific research that Tor and his fellow travelers experienced while exploring the “White Continent.”
Antarctica Travel FAQ
All-Inclusive Itineraries—Antarctica
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