Antarctica’s icy landscapes are dotted with islands, glaciers and vast ice sheets that are home to pristine wilderness and an array of lesser-spotted wildlife.
Known as the northernmost part of Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula boasts of a wide range of polar wildlife. From iceberg-clad waterways and passages to frequent polar expedition cruises, natural harbours and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is a wonder in itself. You can also soak in stunning views of towering glaciers, penguin colonies and various types of whales here, including the minke whale, humpback whale, killer whales and more.
The South Shetland Islands are amongst the top attractions and places to visit in Antarctica. Located on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, these groups of islands are also home to the unique Deception Island and an active volcano. The islands offer breath-taking views of ice sheets, icebergs and glaciers, and it is here where you can find thousands of penguins flocking around. The interior black sand beaches on the South Shetland Islands are also sites of several research stations and ancient whaling stations that you can pay a visit to.
One of the best places in Antarctica, the Drake Passage is home to the roughest seas in the world. It is here in Drake Passage where the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean converge with the Southern seas. This wide stretch of water between Antarctica and South America is full of adventure, adrenaline and dread. You are sure to experience the fear in your stomach from excitement, in addition to the choppy waves, huge gales of water and more. The Drake Passage is also a great place for albatross sightings in Antarctica.
Amongst the top tourist places in Antarctica, South Georgia is a narrow but long island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by rising mountains, South Georgia is known for its verdant grasslands, meadows, stunning glaciers and majestic fjords. This place also boasts of an abundance of wildlife species, from different types of penguins and seas to whales and more. You can also explore the remnants of the whaling stations of the past here.
The Falkland Islands in Antarctica is known all over the world for its vibrant biodiversity, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the continent. Exuding a British vibe and ambience, the islands take inspiration from the British architecture and design, which is very clearly present here. The island also serves as a home and nesting area to many different species of birds and marine animals, such as albatross, penguins, etc. You can also visit several museums and historical monuments here.
The Lemaire Channel is a natural strait that stretches across 11 kilometres and is often known as the Kodak Gap in Antarctica. Located on the Antarctic Peninsula, this narrow passage is amongst the best places in Antarctica, and is surrounded by tumbling glaciers, pristine icebergs and towering mountains. For lovers of marine life, the Lemaire Channel is a great place to be for spotting all kinds of seals and different whale species, including orcas and humpbacks. It is also a haven for photographers, with mesmerising sceneries and landscapes.
When looking for places to visit in Antarctica, do not forget the natural harbour of Port Lockroy. Located on the north western shore of the Wiencke Island, Port Lockroy is a major tourist attraction, especially for those entering Antarctica in cruise ships. This natural harbour has been in use since the second World War, and has served as home for whaling stations as well as military bases. As of now, Port Lockroy is being used as a research station. You can visit the post office and museum here to learn about the port’s history.
This is a deep bay located in the Southern Ocean in Antarctica, and is known for being the largest ice shelf of the continent. Being several hundred metres thick, the Ross Sea is also considered to be amongst the most beautiful natural attractions on the planet. The sea is also home to the Ross Island, which is the abode of Mt Erebus, an active volcano. From large colonies of penguins and majestic glaciers, to historical sites, icebergs and immense natural beauty, Ross Sea has it all.
King George Island is also one of the top tourist places in Antarctica. The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island is usually the first stop in an Antarctic expedition, and is home to many scientific research stations. Named after the British king George III, the island has presence of many different countries, including Argentina, Russia, South Korea, Chile, Germany and more. As of today, the island serves as an aerodrome for flights to Antarctica. You can also spot numerous different wildlife species and marine animals like seals, penguins and more here.
Confused about some of the most stunning places to visit in Antarctica? The answer is Mt Erebus, which is the southernmost volcano on earth. The volcano is still very much active, and people often regard Mt Erebus as the place where fire meets ice. This is due to the contradicting temperatures in and around the volcano. Whilst the inside of Mt Erebus has swirling pools of molten magma that are miles deep, the outside of the volcano has freezing temperatures with ice caves.