antarctica - This was truly a bucket list adventure
We traveled to Santiago to board the Sapphire Princess ship bound for Buenos Aires, Argentina, with a stop along the way.... Antarctica! Our first couple of days in Santiago, we spent exploring the culture of the local markets and enjoying the warm sun while sitting at a cute outdoor cafe for lunch. Boarding our ship was a bit of a challenge as large winds and waves created some logistical challenges for the crew to get passengers off from the previous cruise, and then board new passengers, all within three hours.
We visited many ports along the way, before heading off from Cape Horn to Antarctica. This was truly an adventure as the weather and winds dictate where the captain will take the ship safely. We altered course several times and were treated to many wonderful views along the way as we followed the expedition of Shackleton and his crew a century before.
We enjoyed the ship immensely and learned a lot from the historians, anthropologists, and photographers on board. All giving us great historical perspectives, and advice on how to capture the best shots, and what to look for as we navigated the frozen waters.
Heading to the Falkland Islands was a treat as we actually were able to walk amongst the penguin colonies and see the babies waiting for their parents to return from the sea with food.
We absolutely loved Buenos Aires! This is such a great town to walk and see the sites, or catch the local hop on - hop off bus. Yes, we even visited the grave of Evita! The hotel we stayed in had a view from the roof top bar that was amazing. We would love to come back to explore more someday.
Animal Life
As we cruised through the icy waters of Antarctica, we had the opportunity to witness a diverse array of wildlife that calls this frozen continent home. One of the most iconic animals you may see while on your journey is the majestic whale. From humpback and minke whales to orcas and blue whales, the waters of Antarctica are teeming with these magnificent creatures, making for a truly unforgettable experience as you watch them breach and play in the frigid waters.
In addition to whales, we encountered countless penguins waddling along the shoreline or diving into the chilly waters in search of food. With several species of penguins to be found in Antarctica, including Adélie, chinstrap, and emperor penguins, you will have the chance to witness these comical and endearing birds in their natural habitat. We even saw penguins on an iceberg with a makeshift slide, and they were enjoying climbing up to the top and sliding into a big pool of water in the center of the iceberg!
As we navigated through the icy waters, we kept an eye out for seals basking on the floating icebergs or swimming gracefully through the waters. With several species of seals, such as Weddell, leopard, and elephant seals, you will have the chance to observe these remarkable creatures as they go about their daily routines in this harsh yet beautiful environment.
And let's not forget about the abundance of flying birds that call Antarctica home. From graceful albatrosses and petrels to the adorable little blue and Antarctic terns, the skies are alive with a variety of seabirds that add to the stunning natural beauty of this icy landscape. It seems as soon as we let South America, we always had large albatrosses flying behind our ship.
So, as you embark on your Antarctic cruise, be sure to have your camera ready as you never know what incredible wildlife encounters await you on this once-in-a-lifetime adventure. You will need a good camera with a long telephoto lens to capture the best shots!
Amazing Scenery
Antarctica is an otherworldly landscape, characterized by towering icebergs, rugged mountains and vast expanses of icy, crystalline water. The sharp, jagged edges of the icebergs create a stark contrast against the smooth, undisturbed surface of the water. The icebergs themselves come in a variety of shapes and sizes, some appearing like frozen sculptures jutting out from the water, while others loom ominously on the horizon.
In the background, the mountains rise up from the icy landscape, their snow-covered peaks glistening in the sunlight. The entire scene is bathed in a surreal, almost ethereal blue light, giving the entire landscape an otherworldly feel. The colors of the ice, water, and sky all blend together, creating a mesmerizing display that is both beautiful and haunting. The sheer, untouched beauty of Antarctica's frozen landscape is a sight to behold, a testament to the raw power and majesty of nature.
We couldn't wait to see what would be around the next bend in the water!
