An 11-day adventure tour in Antarctic offers ‘ice addicts’ the perfect ice-capade
Back in 1993 my husband went to Antarctica for a five-month work tour. After that first tour he was hooked—like an “ice addict” but his addiction was not to drugs but to this desolate and harsh environment, which back then had limited communication to the outside world. He, being a helicopter pilot, was involved in logistical movement of supplies and transporting geologists to outposts.
Whilst there is no native population on Antarctica, there are 40 permanent research stations, with an average of 1,000 people living there year-round (around 25 people per station), braving harsh winds and an inhuman cold that once, in July 1983, dipped below—89.2 degrees Celsius.
This time of year—winter—there is sunlight for only three hours a day, and it’s like being on the moon, and just as isolated.
Summer is a period where the sun doesn’t really go to sleep—and the weather whilst still harsh, gives the opportunity for the less robust of us to experience this wild and untamed place.
So why do people want to go there? It is pure, yet forbidding and for a long time this place has captured the imagination of many. From its first explorers to today’s modern travellers Antarctica is a place on many people’s bucket list.
Just recently I came across a tour with Peregrine Adventures—an 11-day voyage including visits to the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands. On sale until 30 September, Peregrine polar journeys are priced from $9,300*.
A new 18-day journey to the Falklands and South Georgia is priced from $16,640, offering savings of up to $8,275* during the early bird sale.
The epic expedition offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the ‘Galapagos of the Poles’ with South Georgia’s abundant wildlife including king and macaroni penguins and petrels, albatross and burrowing seabirds. There will be more chances to spot wildlife in the Falklands archipelago with the two main islands—East Falkland and West Falkland—both home to thriving magellanic, gentoo and rockhopper penguin colonies.
In total, the new 2018-19 Antarctic program offers 10 different itineraries including the first photographic-themed voyages to the South Shetland Islands and Antarctic Peninsula and a deep exploration across the Antarctic Circle.
Priced from $9,600* for the 11-day voyage to the Antarctic Peninsula, the special voyages will offer the chance for photographers of all skills to hone their craft against the world’s most extraordinary backdrop with the help of photography experts, workshops and lectures.
All Peregrine Antarctica voyages take place on specially-equipped small expedition vessels offering guests unparalleled access to one of the most remote places on earth.
Led by passionate and seasoned expedition teams, including scientists, naturalists and researchers, the onboard program focuses on guest interaction and education while the crew ensures everything is taken care of so travellers can sit back and enjoy the adventure of a lifetime.
Peregrine Adventures is a global leader in sustainable travel and carbon offsets every trip for its customers. In an added bonus, when you spend $1,000* or more on an eligible Peregrine Adventures trip, you’ll earn 3,500 Qantas Points.
For more information, call 1300 854 445 or visit www.peregrineadventures.com/antarctica-earlybird *fares subject to availability, conditions apply
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