In the most remote reaches of the world's oceans, those daring enough to embark on the Ortelius to the Ross Sea eagerly boarded zodiacs in the southernmost part of the Pacific Ocean.
Today’s destination? Franklin Island.
Franklin Island is more than just a heap of volcanic debris in the Ross Sea; it is actually the remnants of a shield volcano. It wasn't until 1841 that Sir James C. Ross discovered the island off the coast of Victoria Land during his quest to reach the south magnetic pole. Ross chose to name the island in honor of John Franklin, the Arctic explorer and governor of Van Diemen's Land (Tasmania).
Adélie penguins hopping from rock to rock, Weddell seals yawning, and perfectly iced volcanic rocks under an eerie Antarctic sky greeted us as we navigated between rocky outcroppings near the southern edges of Franklin Island. However, as we rounded a corner, we were hit by the overwhelming stench of guano. This pungent odor, a mix of all things putrid, can wake you up faster than ten shots of espresso. With watering eyes, we approached the large Adélie colony on the southern beach of Franklin Island.
As our nasal passages adjusted to the unpleasant smell, everyone was struck by the imposing sight of Bernacchi Head. Named after Louis Bernacchi, a physicist and astronomer renowned for his Antarctic explorations, Bernacchi Head left a lasting impression. One passenger even remarked that the sight of Bernacchi Head brought tears to her eyes—not from the guano, but from the indescribable stark beauty of this remote island.
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Penguins, Petrels, and Prions: Top Antarctica Bird Tour Spots
If anyone tells you Antarctica is for the birds, theyâre right.
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10 Popular Bird Watching Binoculars
Binoculars are a staple for outdoor enthusiasts, often packed with minimal thought alongside essentials like bug spray, sunblock, and waterproof matches. However, for certain groups, binoculars are indispensable, particularly for bird watchers. If you're part of this technical hobbyist community, here are 10 birding binoculars you should know about.
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Path of Polar Heroes: Hiking Shackleton’s Historic Route
âWe had seen God in his splendors, heard the text that Nature renders.â ~Ernest Shackleton
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All About Ice: Glaciers and Icebergs of the Arctic and Antarctica
âWe had seen God in his splendors, heard the text that Nature renders.â ~Ernest Shackleton
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Spitsbergen: Alkefjellet magic
If they knew their way home, why not follow them? Equipped with GPS and compass, we approached the cliffs by zodiac. First, we heard the noise from the colony â the distinct calls of guillemots, kittiwakes, and Glaucous gulls. Then the cliffs gradually emerged from the mist.
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Polar Cruises: The Ultimate Icebreaker
Travel is one of lifeâs great eye openers. It brings you into contact with new people and perspectives, challenges old assumptions you havenât held to the light in years, and invites you to make unexpected discoveries about the world around you â and most of all, yourself. Added to which, you get to visit places you never knew you loved until you saw them.
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You may know them as Eskimos, but the people of the Arctic are officially called the Inuit. Historically, they were hunters in the truest sense. For hundreds of years, they survived the worldâs harshest conditions, living off their prey of whales, seals, polar bears, musk oxen, birds, fish, and reindeer. This has always been their way of life.
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The Arctic Borderland of Kongsfjorden, Svalbard
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Greenland: Where the Kayak Was Invented
If you've ever enjoyed kayaking, you owe a debt of gratitude to the ancient Greenlandic Inuit who originally designed them for hunting. The thrilling adventures people now have navigating some of the world's most challenging rapids wouldn't be possible without the Inuit's need for a nimble form of water transportation. While travelers still use kayaks in this region, they are typically not fishing, whaling, or sealing. Consequently, recreational kayaks have been adapted to fit their new role.
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12 photo tips to make better pictures on your Antarctica cruise
During your trip in the Arctic or Antarctic cruise you and your camera equipment will be exposed to a variety of challenging conditions. Be careful with your equipment and protect it from the salty spray when in Zodiacs, on a beach, or on deck. Salt water and electronics is not a good mix!
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12 Tips to Help Keep Birds Safe During an Antarctic Cruise
One of the most incredible experiences on an Antarctic cruise is observing the numerous penguins in their natural environment. Naturally, passengers often worry about the potential of disturbing the penguins and other Antarctic birds, which could disrupt their breeding and nesting patterns.
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A Look Into the International Research Stations of Antarctica
In 1902, William S. Bruce, along with a team of naturalists, explorers, and sailors, embarked on the first Scottish expedition to Antarcticaâs South Pole aboard the Scotia. The Scottish National Antarctic Expedition (SNAE) aimed to establish the continent's first meteorological station and explore its largely undocumented biological, topographic, and meteorological features.
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Flowers in Antarctica
The polar regions are among the most inhospitable environments for plants and animals. Life here faces numerous challenges, including low temperatures, high winds, solar radiation, and cell freezing. The Antarctic continent experiences extreme conditions, with darkness during winter and continuous light during summer. Winter temperatures can drop to -60°C or lower.
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Seven Frightfully Fun Polar Ghost Stories
The polar regions are unparalleled when it comes to ghost stories.
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The Arctic Hare: Easter Bunny
Although the Arctic hareâs stern expression might make it seem like the least amused member of a serious tribunal, this polar animal is actually one of the most charming creatures on the planet â especially when Easter Sunday comes around.
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Polar Cuisine in Pictures
Embarking on a polar expedition cruise to some of the world's most remote and wild locations doesnât mean you have to compromise on fine dining.
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Life migrating through the Polar Front
Since James Cookâs second voyage to Antarctica from 1772-1775, which provided the first descriptions of Antarctic animals, scientists have progressively uncovered the biodiversity of the Antarctic and sub-Antarctic regions. Numerous expeditions and research projects have since been undertaken to understand the unique ecosystems of this continent.
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Why a Polar Diving Cruise Should be Your Next Great Decision
Not so very long ago, all you had to do to qualify as a thrill-seeker was hop a ship to the polar regions and make it back with all your fingers â or your life, if you werenât picky.
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Coming Back from the Brink: The Fur Seals of Antarctica
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Hot Ice: Breeding Practices of Five Polar Animals
Last Valentine's Day we gave you 14 wildlife pictures highlighting the ins, outs, ups, and downs of polar romance. This year we're moving on to something a little more advanced: the nitty-gritty details of polar wildlife breeding rituals.