Pictures can never truly capture the essence of an experience, and this is especially true for the breathtaking adventures in Antarctica.
As we approach the end of another year, we invite you to join us in celebrating the stunning beauty of Antarctica through this curated collection of photographs from our 2018 expeditions.
We hope these images inspire you until the day you can experience one of these trips yourself.
1. The seabirds of the Drake Passage
2. Wilhelmina Bay whale spouts
3. Antarctic kayaking at Waterboat Point
4. A posing chinstrap penguin at Whalers Bay
5. Taking a scenic stop at Skontorp Cove
6. Jougla Point glacier-side hikes
7. A humpback whale at Orne Harbor
8. Cruising the Antarctic ice pack of Crystal Sound
9. The life of a lounging leopard seal
10. Curious gentoo penguins at Cuverville Island
11. Leaping Lemaire Channel crabeater seals
12. A cackling crabeater seal
13. Snowshoeing at Antarctica's Brown Station
14. An argument between elephant seals
15. Overworked gentoo chicks
16. Spelling out Antarctica - any way possible
17. Ortelius in the fog of Maxwell Bay
18. Marveling at a minke whale
19. A gliding black-browed albatross
20. Special vows in a special place
21. Camping under the skies of Antarctica
22. A wandering albatross over Antarctic waves
23. Antarctica-style shoreline strolls
24. Deception Island deep dive
25. The emperor penguins of Snow Hill Island
Blog
Blog
Adélie Penguins: the Little People of the Antarctic
Described as âan object of endless pleasure and amusementâ by Apsley Cherry-Garrard, survivor of Robert Falcon Scottâs ill-fated Terra Nova expedition to the South Pole, the Adélie penguin stands with the regal and iconic emperor penguin as one of only two penguin species found on mainland Antarctica.
Blog
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.
Blog
Get to Know Your Ice
Ice plays a crucial role in everything from cooling your drink to regulating the planet's temperature. Let's explore the various forms of ice you might encounter during an Arctic or Antarctic adventure.
Blog
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!
Blog
The Eight Great Penguin Species of Antarctica
There are 17 species of penguin on the planet, but the eight youâll most likely recognize live in Antarctica, its nearby islands, and the sub-Antarctic archipelagos of South Georgia and the Falklands. These are the core species we tend to see on our expedition cruises.
Blog
The Classic Polar Cruise: Antarctic Peninsula Facts, Pics, and More
When it comes to experiencing the vast wonders of Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula stands out as an unparalleled destination.
Blog
Fierce and Feathered: the Skuas of Antarctica
At first glance, the skuas you encounter in Antarctica may appear to be merely darker-feathered seagulls. But looks can be deceiving.
Blog
Guidelines for visitors to Antarctica
Activities in the Antarctic are governed by the Antarctic Treaty of 1959 and associated agreements, collectively known as the Antarctic Treaty System. The Treaty established Antarctica as a zone dedicated to peace and science. In 1991, the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Parties adopted the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, designating the Antarctic as a natural reserve.
Blog
The Secret Life of Glaciers: How They Form, Move, and Melt
One of the most awe-inspiring natural wonders you can witness on an Arctic or Antarctic expedition is glaciers. These immense ice formations have been gradually moving from the mountains to the oceans for countless years, acting as both time capsules and indicators of our rapidly changing environment.
Blog
Keep It Green: Our Commitment to Sustainable Polar Travel
It doesnât make much sense for expedition travel if every time we visit the polar regions we leave them worse than we found them. And thatâs just considering things from a purely human perspective, which we donât.
Blog
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.
Blog
Everything you need to know about Antarctic icebergs
The ice in Antarctica might seem static, but it is constantly moving. Pieces of ice are continuously breaking off from ice shelves, glaciers, or other icebergs. They float freely along with the Antarctic currents, with about 90 percent of their mass below the surface of the water. This fact is actually what gave rise to the nowadays popular phrase âthe tip of the icebergâ. Regardless, the sighting of the first iceberg is always a moment to celebrate in any and all Antarctic expeditions. So that you may appropriately ready yourself for that joyous moment, in this article you will find everything you need to know about Antarctic icebergs.
Blog
The Small but Social Commerson’s Dolphin
Despite being one of the lesser-known Antarctic cetaceans, Commerson's dolphins are quite social and have been given various names over the years, including Piebald dolphins, skunk dolphins, and panda dolphins. These names have been in use since their discovery in 1767 by French naturalist Philibert Commerson.
Blog
Port Pastimes: 7 Fun Things to Do in Longyearbyen
Waiting in port for an Arctic expedition cruise to begin might seem a little like waiting for water to boil or coffee to brew or a Seinfeld reunion to materialize: Time seems to defy its own laws, life slows to a crawl, and you begin to wonder if itâs really going to be worth it.
Blog
Bouvet Island: The Most Remote Island in the World
On January 1, 1739, French Commander Jean-Baptiste Charles Bouvet de Lozier made an extraordinary discovery: a volcanic island so remote that it lies 2,600 km (1,600 miles) from the nearest inhabited land.
Blog
A Day of Basecamp in Antarctica – Paradise Harbour
After an early morning gathering of our camping group, we reached the entrance to Lemaire Channel. The snow and mist around the mountain peaks created a captivating atmosphere as we began our journey to Paradise Bay. The channel was dotted with impressive icebergs, and we even spotted a few sleeping humpback whales, providing ample photo opportunities.
Blog
Greenland's History: When Vikings Ruled the Ice Age
A Greenland cruise offers a journey into a rich history filled with intriguing details that captivate polar expedition enthusiasts. Among the most fascinating historical aspects is the fact that Vikings once ruled this land. Anthropologists and climate scientists have long studied Greenland to pinpoint when and why the Vikings left. Recent findings have shed new light on this historical culture.
Blog
A Bug’s Life in Svalbard
When you think about Svalbard wildlife, you might imagine reindeer, Arctic foxes, polar bears â the primary animal attractions that draw passengers to an Arctic cruise. But in fact, the Svalbard archipelago is a thriving location for over 1,000 species of terrestrial and freshwater invertebrates: animals that lack backbones. Despite this richness of life, however, these invertebrates are only found in the Isfjord and Kongsfjord areas of these wonderfully diverse islands.
Blog
Danger Beneath the Water: 10 Facts About Leopard Seals
If your thirst for adventure leads you to Antarctica, you may be lucky enough to cross paths with a leopard seal while youâre there. These amazing animals are wonderful to observe both in and out of the water, and they are a coveted part of the polar wildlife experience.
Blog
The Pack Ice and Polar Bears of North Spitsbergen
The Arctic archipelago of Svalbard is renowned for being one of the prime locations to observe polar bears. The largest island in this region, Spitsbergen, not only offers sightings of these majestic Arctic creatures but also provides a unique opportunity to experience the phenomenon of pack ice.