A guide to Antarctic travel
Extending almost 14 million km², the Antarctic ice sheet is the world's largest single mass of ice and is twice as big as Australia, with ice up to 2.5 miles thick in places. The…
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As well as being the coldest, driest, and windiest continent in the world, Antarctica also has the highest average elevation. Covering some 14,000,000 km, Antarctica boasts vast and awe-inspiring landscape. For most of us, it is incomprehensibly big, with miles and miles of ice as far as the eye can see.
Most Antarctic cruises pride themselves on their flexibility when it comes to the cruise itinerary. Even though each day's itinerary is planned in advance, if there's a particular Antarctic island where it's best to see the sunset, or there's a pod of humpback whales close by, the Expedition team can change plans to make sure you see it.
Given that most Antarctic cruises visit the Antarctic Peninsula rather than the whole continent (although some do venture south of the Antarctic Circle and even as far as the Ross Ice Shelf), we recommend that you take a scaled map with you whilst on board, rather than one of the whole continent.
Without a doubt, our preferred map of Antarctica, as well as the Falklands and South Georgia is this Antarctic Explorer map, which is essentially a visitor's map of the Antarctic Peninsula Region and a Map of the Antarctic Continent. This folded may show the continent at a scale of 1:12,250,000 with an enlargement of Ross Island and McMurdo Sound at 1:1,750,000, and with enlargements on the reverse of Graham Land at 1:900,000, South Georgia at 1:800,000, and the South Shetlands and Tierra del Fuego at 1:2,750,000.
We like it because not only does it give you a feel for the size of the place, there's also a lot of history including five historic exploration routes and illustrated biographies of 30 of the most important characters in early Antarctic exploration from Shackleton and Cook to Scott Weddell and Ross. You can also learn more about the territorial claims to Antarctica, the location of research bases and importantly, the location of the landmarks that you'll be visiting on your Antarctic cruise.
We're pleased to say that Stanford's currently has Antarctica maps in stock so you can get your hands on one either online or possibly in store in either London or Bristol.
Choosing to visit Antarctica is a very exciting decision but can also be quite a daunting prospect with so much choice out there. We want to help you plan your trip and find the right cruise for you. Here's a selection of pages to get you started.
Swoop has catered for travellers of every group size. Whether you’re adventuring solo or bringing a group of over 100. We can help.
Extending almost 14 million km², the Antarctic ice sheet is the world's largest single mass of ice and is twice as big as Australia, with ice up to 2.5 miles thick in places. The…
Discover MoreChoosing the best time to visit Antarctica is an essential part of the planning process. Each month's distinctive weather and wildlife offer a different side of the region.
Discover MoreAntarctica abounds in penguins, seals and whales, making it one of the most rewarding wildlife watching places on earth.
Discover MoreTo reach Antarctica for your end of the world adventure voyage, you will pass through Patagonia. Argentina and Chile showcase the bounty of nature - glaciers, rainforests, …
Discover More10/10 It was the perfect mix of adventure, unique experience and educational / fulfilling vacation as I could have imagined. Read the full review
Travelled: January 2023
Gene Piper - USA
Perhaps Zodiac cruising amongst glaciers and huge icebergs in the Cierva Cove was the highlight, with the ice popping and cracking and singing all around us. Read the full review
Travelled: November 2022
Helena Polackova - UK
Review:
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