From Penguins to Hot Springs: Exploring the Uncommon Side of Antarctica

Antarctica, the world's southernmost continent, is often referred to as the "last great wilderness" on earth. Its remote location and harsh weather conditions have kept it unexplored for centuries. However, in recent years, Antarctica has become a popular travel destination for adventure seekers and nature enthusiasts. If you make your hotel, flight and car rental reservations for your trips through Bitbook, you can benefit from an average of 10% cashback.

If you're considering a trip to Antarctica, there are a few things you need to know before embarking on your journey. In this travel guide, we'll cover everything from how to get there, what to see and do, and some of the lesser-known attractions that are worth visiting.

Getting to Antarctica

Getting to Antarctica is no easy feat. There are no commercial airports or roads that lead to the continent. The most common way to get to Antarctica is by ship. Many tour operators offer cruises that depart from the southern tip of South America and take around two days to reach the Antarctic Peninsula.

Another way to reach Antarctica is by plane. There are a few runways located on the continent, but they're mainly used for scientific research. Some tour operators offer flights from South America to Antarctica, but they're often expensive and can be canceled due to weather conditions.

What to see and do

Once you've arrived in Antarctica, there are plenty of things to see and do. Here are some of the must-see attractions:

Visit the South Pole: The South Pole is the southernmost point on earth and is a popular destination for tourists. There are no permanent settlements at the South Pole, but there is a research station that's worth visiting.

See the wildlife: Antarctica is home to a variety of unique wildlife, including penguins, seals, and whales. You can take a guided tour to see these animals up close and in their natural habitat.

Explore the ice: Antarctica is covered in ice and is home to some of the largest glaciers in the world. You can take a tour of the ice and see the different formations and colors of the ice.

Uncommon things to do

If you're looking for something unique and off the beaten path, here are a few things you might want to consider:

Camp on the ice: Many tour operators offer camping trips on the ice. You'll sleep in a tent and wake up to a beautiful view of the surrounding landscape.

Take a hot spring dip: Yes, you read that right. There are hot springs in Antarctica. They're located on Deception Island, which is an active volcano. You can take a dip in the hot springs and then jump into the ocean to cool off.

Dive into the deep: If you're a scuba diver, you might want to consider taking a dive in Antarctica. The water is incredibly clear, and there's a lot of marine life to see.

Final thoughts

Antarctica is a unique travel destination that's worth exploring. While it can be expensive and challenging to get there, the experience is truly unforgettable. Whether you're looking to see the wildlife, explore the ice, or do something more adventurous, Antarctica has something for everyone. Just be sure to dress warmly and pack plenty of layers!

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