Chimu Adventures consultant Karel Topic recently embarked on a spectacular journey to the Great White Continent. Below is a description of his amazing experiences:
“Working in the travel industry has its many benefits and I was lucky enough to have the opportunity to go somewhere that I never thought I would go to – Antarctica. I was signed for 11 days expedition cruise to Antarctica at the end of November 2009 which I was very excited and a little bit nervous about.
The Amazing sunset and icey Antarctic waters
The boat the Polar Pioneer departed from southernmost city in the world- Ushuaia. Once you get from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia the temperature drops quite a lot and you feel like you are in the heart of winter, even though it is technically summer. I didn’t know what to expect from this trip, but just the fact I am going to the most pristine continent with greatest wildlife in the world made me feel special.
To get to Antarctica (South Shetland Islands) took full 2 days travelling over rough Drake passage. Everyone was happy to see land again as it is not the easiest of trips. We had 5 days in Antarctica ahead and we couldn’t wait. Every day there was a morning and afternoon landing in a different location. The landings combined zodiac trips, excursions to a few polar bases, observing wildlife on the Antarctic continent and many other activities.
The main highlights of the Antarctica cruise was visiting penguin colonies, the beaches crowded with massive elephant seals, spotting whales (humpback, minkie, killer whale) and of course the bays full of beautiful icebergs! I will never forget the amazing scenery that we discovered along our journey. It was real Antarctic silence and the white beauty surrounding us. I can’t describe how you feel sitting in the zodiac riding between big ice bergs with 40 penguins jumping along the zodiac out of the water! Together with beautiful sunny weather it was really a
Jumping for joy in Antarctica
spectacular trip. The expedition staff together with boat crew took great care of us, meals were excellent and the boat facilities were pretty comfortable as well. One night I was brave enough to try camping in Antarctica and I also jumped into the super cold Antarctic waters together with other brave (or stupid) people, what an experience!
The whole trip was a lot better than I would have ever expected and I highly recommend anyone who has an interest in pristine wildlife or amazing scenery to book the trip to Antarctica as you will never forget it!”
Chimu Adventures offers many expedition cruises to Antarctica in cluding the polar pioneer. Visit the Antarctic cruise page to find out more.
