Books
There’s so much inspiring literature about Antarctica to choose from – in fact, we’ve listed 50 of the best books about the continent on our blog. If you don’t have time to read them all, here are five to start you off:
Alone in Antarctica by Felicity Aston – This real-life account of the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica is as incredible as it is inspiring.
Antarctica: A History in 100 Objects by Jean de Pomereu & Daniella McCahey – A fascinating overview of the continent through both renowned and less-expected objects, from a wedding dress to a decommissioned nuclear reactor.
The Worst Journey in the World by Apsley Cherry-Garrard – A vitally important book that depicts iconic explorer Robert Falcon Scott’s failed attempt to reach the South Pole.
Terra Incognita: Travels in Antarctica by Sara Wheeler – The author of this sharply observed travelogue captures her year on an American-run polar research station.
Madhouse at the End of the Earth: The Belgica’s Journey into the Dark Antarctic Night by Julian Sancton – It’s hard to believe this outrageous retelling of the first expedition to overwinter in Antarctica isn’t a fictional tale.
If you're heading to South Georgia as part of your expedition, we also recommend these books about this wildlife-rich island in the Southern Ocean.
Swoop says
If there was only room for one book in my survival kit, I’d reach for The Antarctic: An Anthology edited by Frances Spufford. It’s the perfect book for browsing – or to slip quietly into your luggage when you’re heading south on a polar cruise.
Paul Clammer Guidebook Editor
Wildlife Guides
Penguins at sunset on the Yalour Islands, Antarctica
Most onboard libraries stock wildlife guides, but you might also like to have your own on hand. Here are four recommendations from our Guidebook Editor, Paul, who tested each book on the ground in Antarctica:
Complete Guide to Antarctic Wildlife: The Birds and Marine Mammals of the Antarctic Continent and the Southern Ocean by Hadoram Shirihai – For the most comprehensive introduction to the animals you might encounter on your expedition, this is the guide for you.
Antarctica: A Guide to the Wildlife by Tony Soper – A slim book that covers the essentials but won’t add too much weight to your luggage.
Antarctic Wildlife: A Visitor’s Guide to the Wildlife of the Antarctic Peninsula, Drake Passage and Beagle Channel by James Lowen – This pleasingly chunky tome features individual entries with clear photography and notes on the behaviour of various species.
A Field Guide to the Wildlife of South Georgia by Robert Burton & John Croxall – If you’re visiting this astounding island as part of your Antarctic expedition, we highly recommend this detailed reference book.
For more detail on each of the above, read our blog post on the best wildlife guide for your Antarctica cruise.
Films, TV series & documentaries
Antarctica landscapes and ice
Films, TV series and documentaries about the White Continent are always visually astounding. The following should whet your appetite for the incredible scenery you’re about to witness first-hand:
Shackleton starring Kenneth Branagh – This highly rated TV series focuses on Sir Ernest Shackleton's perilous expedition to Antarctica in 1914 and his crew’s daring escape after their ship is crushed by the ice.
Endurance by National Geographic Documentary Films – Prefer non-fiction? Endurance tells the story of the 2022 search for Shackleton’s ship in the inhospitable Weddell Sea a century after it sunk. Read all about the making of the documentary in our interview with co-director Natalie Hewit.
Frozen Planet narrated by Sir David Attenborough – This award-winning BBC series brings Antarctica’s inhabitants, from emperor penguins to elephant seals, to life in glorious technicolour
Encounters at the End of the World directed by Werner Herzog – A whimsical documentary based on the filmmaker’s travels to McMurdo US base in Antarctica as he investigates its intriguing residents.
What our customers think of Antarctic literature, films and podcasts
Review:
Podcasts
Whether you're looking to listen before you travel or during your voyage, here are the top Antarctic podcasts we recommend:
A Voyage to Antarctica – Each episode features an in-depth and absorbing interview with a polar scientist, explorer, conservationist writer or artist.
Tim Harford’s Cautionary Tales: South Pole Race – Ideal for history buffs, this three-part podcast teases out why Norway succeeded where Britain failed in the mission to be the first to reach the South Pole.
This Is Our Time – This two-series podcast is a beautifully told true story about an all-woman scientific expedition to the remote Rothera research station in Antarctica.
The Whalenerd’s Podcasts – Learn about the cetaceans of the Southern Ocean in this chatty, wildlife-focused podcast.
Richard Parks: Antarctica – This fascinating podcast details an extreme athlete’s attempts to ski alone to the South Pole.
We recommend downloading your listening material before your journey as streaming isn’t always possible on polar vessels. Discover more podcasts about Antarctica in our blog post, where we list 19 of our favourites.
What's your favourite book, film or podcast about Antarctica?
If you read, listen or watch something from this guide, tell your Customer Experience Coordinator what you thought about it. We'd love to know your favourite – as well as if we’ve missed anything!