![\"Pingouins](\"https:\/\/www.odyssea-voyage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/pingouins-antarctique.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n1<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0Animals Are the Star Attractions of Antarctic Expeditions<\/h3>\nAsk any of our expedition leaders what to do in Antarctica, and their first answer will likely involve an encounter with some of the most exotic animals on Earth. Without a doubt, the opportunity to observe the continent\u2019s spectacular wildlife in its natural habitat is the biggest reason why travelers make the journey to this distant land.<\/p>\n
For most, the seventh continent conjures images of penguins, adorned in fuzzy black-and-white plumage, waddling across the slippery ice. Antarctica\u2019s brush-tailed penguins can be quite comfortable in the presence of human visitors and often approach inquisitively. Whether diving off icebergs, swimming among kayaking adventurers or assembling nests of rocks for future chicks, penguins offer indelible memories for those fortunate enough to make their acquaintance.<\/p>\n
Less famous but equally interesting, seals are another star attraction on an Antarctic expedition. The wily leopard seal, the dog-like fur seal, the curious Weddell seal, and the crabeater \u2013 with their cheeky grin \u2013 will capture your imagination. Unafraid, they might play excitedly as they swim in close proximity to your Zodiac.<\/p>\n
One of the most rewarding experiences of traveling to Antarctica is whale watching on an epic scale. No less than eight species of whales can be observed on an Antarctic expedition, like the graceful minke whales, the gentle orcas, and those playful humpbacks who wave their flukes in breathtaking displays.<\/p>\n
Antarctica is also the ultimate birders\u2019 paradise: Snow Petrels, Southern Giant Petrels, and Skuas are bound to greet you as you cross the Drake Passage into the white wilderness. Many visitors even choose to bring special photography equipment in order to capture these special moments perfectly.<\/p>\n
Image Credit: Silversea Cruises<\/p>\n
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![\"Banquise](\"https:\/\/www.odyssea-voyage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/banquise-antarctique.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n2<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0The Human Footprint Is Barely Visible<\/h3>\nThere\u2019s a reason why ecotourism in Antarctica is so popular. Famously cloaked in a massive ice sheet that stretches across 98 percent of the continent, Antarctica appears practically untouched by humankind. That, in itself, is a rare occurrence these days.<\/p>\n
The remoteness of the vast continent overwhelms as you approach the Peninsula and realize you\u2019re more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the tip of Cape Horn in South America. Feelings of tranquility, awe and beauty then strike all at once.<\/p>\n
You might wonder how, during more than two centuries of exploration below the Antarctic Circle, the entire continent has remained largely unspoiled? Antarctica is under close protection and scrutiny from 53 nations around the world through the Antarctica Treaty System (ATS), which monitors commercial tourism, limits scientific research, and protects the region\u2019s fascinating flora and fauna. Most importantly, it guarantees that, for years to come, anyone visiting Antarctica will be able to enjoy the sight of both the wildlife and the dramatic icy landscapes.<\/p>\n
Image Credit: Silversea Cruises<\/p>\n
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![\"Icebergs](\"https:\/\/www.odyssea-voyage.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/icebergs-antarctique.jpg\")
<\/a><\/p>\n3<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0A Sculpture Garden of Ice and Stone<\/h3>\nAntarctica\u2019s icy veneer makes frozen water one of the main characteristics of this dramatic polar ecosystem. From the moment you clear the legendary Drake Passage, the ice begins to follow you and continues to do so throughout your voyage.<\/p>\n
Molded over centuries, sculptured ice formations of all shapes and sizes mesmerize with their sparkling blue and white hues. Just like snowflakes, no two icebergs are the same. Their provenance, deterioration, and stories of origin dictate their shapes\u2014 some are tabular and blocky, others look like domes, while others evoke the pyramids of Giza.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll find it impossible to ignore the unmistakable sound of calving icebergs and glaciers. The crackle starts slowly and quietly but culminates with an almighty crescendo.<\/p>\n
Antarctica is also home to several breathtaking snow-covered mountains and volcanoes. Mount Erebus on Ross Island is the southernmost active volcano in the world and, closer to the peninsula, Mount Vinson is the highest mountain on the continent reaching 16,050 feet (4,892 meters).<\/p>\n
What lies beneath that thick ice sheet retains a sense of mystery. With dozens of active research stations across the continent, Antarctica still manages to amaze even the most experienced of scientists who continually find new volcanoes and other discoveries both underneath the surface and undersea.<\/p>\n
Image Credit: Silversea Cruises<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n2<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0The Human Footprint Is Barely Visible<\/h3>\nThere\u2019s a reason why ecotourism in Antarctica is so popular. Famously cloaked in a massive ice sheet that stretches across 98 percent of the continent, Antarctica appears practically untouched by humankind. That, in itself, is a rare occurrence these days.<\/p>\n
The remoteness of the vast continent overwhelms as you approach the Peninsula and realize you\u2019re more than 620 miles (1,000 kilometers) from the tip of Cape Horn in South America. Feelings of tranquility, awe and beauty then strike all at once.<\/p>\n
You might wonder how, during more than two centuries of exploration below the Antarctic Circle, the entire continent has remained largely unspoiled? Antarctica is under close protection and scrutiny from 53 nations around the world through the Antarctica Treaty System (ATS), which monitors commercial tourism, limits scientific research, and protects the region\u2019s fascinating flora and fauna. Most importantly, it guarantees that, for years to come, anyone visiting Antarctica will be able to enjoy the sight of both the wildlife and the dramatic icy landscapes.<\/p>\n
Image Credit: Silversea Cruises<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
<\/a><\/p>\n3<\/span>\u00a0 | \u00a0A Sculpture Garden of Ice and Stone<\/h3>\nAntarctica\u2019s icy veneer makes frozen water one of the main characteristics of this dramatic polar ecosystem. From the moment you clear the legendary Drake Passage, the ice begins to follow you and continues to do so throughout your voyage.<\/p>\n
Molded over centuries, sculptured ice formations of all shapes and sizes mesmerize with their sparkling blue and white hues. Just like snowflakes, no two icebergs are the same. Their provenance, deterioration, and stories of origin dictate their shapes\u2014 some are tabular and blocky, others look like domes, while others evoke the pyramids of Giza.<\/p>\n
You\u2019ll find it impossible to ignore the unmistakable sound of calving icebergs and glaciers. The crackle starts slowly and quietly but culminates with an almighty crescendo.<\/p>\n
Antarctica is also home to several breathtaking snow-covered mountains and volcanoes. Mount Erebus on Ross Island is the southernmost active volcano in the world and, closer to the peninsula, Mount Vinson is the highest mountain on the continent reaching 16,050 feet (4,892 meters).<\/p>\n
What lies beneath that thick ice sheet retains a sense of mystery. With dozens of active research stations across the continent, Antarctica still manages to amaze even the most experienced of scientists who continually find new volcanoes and other discoveries both underneath the surface and undersea.<\/p>\n
Image Credit: Silversea Cruises<\/p>\n
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