8 must-do adventures in Antarctica: set foot at the end of the world
- Cinless Tsang
- Aug 15, 2024
- 6 min read
Antarctica, this mysterious and remote white continent, is the last place on earth that has not been developed on a large scale. It is famous for its spectacular glaciers, pure natural scenery and unique wildlife. From the arduous trek of early explorers to the in-depth modern scientific research, Antarctica has witnessed mankind's desire for knowledge and the unknown. In this article, I will take you to explore 8 popular activities in Antarctic.
1. Antarctic glacier hike

Hiking on the Antarctic glacier is an adventure into the most primitive landforms on Earth. Here, you will experience the wonderful feeling of stepping on the ice layer that has existed for thousands of years under the guidance of a professional expedition team.
Every step you take is a step on the traces of time - get close to the original state of the glacier, feel the vitality of the gurgling water under the ice, and watch the artwork carved by the power of nature up close. The Antarctic glaciers present a jewel-like blue light under long-term compression, deep and pure.
Antarctic glacier hiking is not only an exploration of nature, but also a spiritual cleansing. In this polar tranquility, you will be far away from the hustle and bustle of daily life and enter a meditative state: listen to your own voice and feel the peace deep in your heart. This power will accompany you every step towards the future and inspire you to a new perspective on the world and life.
2. Antarctica from the air

Taking a helicopter or a small plane, you will have the opportunity to appreciate the magnificence and tranquility of Antarctica from a whole new perspective. As you fly high in the sky, glacial crevasses, winding fjords and the endless white horizon will all appear before your eyes.
From a bird's eye view, you can see more clearly those natural lines that are hidden from view - the deep blue of the glacier forms a strong contrast with the white ice field, showing a surreal beauty. I even witnessed the moment of the calving of the glacier: accompanied by a loud noise, the ice fell into the sea, stirring up huge splashes. In this minimalist world, every crack and every piece of floating ice records the history and changes of the earth.
3. Take a kayak to observe wildlife

In the Antarctic waters, riding a rubber boat is a unique way to get close to nature and observe wild animals up close. As you shuttle between ice blocks and waves, this pristine and unpolluted sea will show its most vivid side.
Leaving the cruise ship, the kayak allows you to flexibly approach the ice floes , where seals and penguins often rest. You will have the opportunity to see them in their natural state, or swimming gracefully in the water. These animals are highly alert to their surroundings, but observing them from a safe distance will not only avoid disturbing them, but also allow you to appreciate their most authentic living conditions.
In addition, seabirds are also frequent visitors on this trip. They fly down from the high cliffs or skim lightly on the water. Their free flight shows a kind of unrestrained beauty. On the rubber boat, you can listen to their calls and feel the vitality of this polar sea. The experience of riding a rubber boat is an opportunity to communicate with Antarctic wild animals without barriers, and it makes the boundary between humans and nature become blurred. We can deeply appreciate the diversity of this land and strengthen our determination to protect this ecological environment.
4. Kayaking/paddleboarding

If you're looking for a more water-based and adventurous experience in Antarctica, kayaking or paddleboarding are great options. Both offer a more tranquil and intimate experience than riding a kayak.
Kayaking is highly stable and easy to master, and beginners can also easily enjoy the fun of paddling on the sea. When you sit in a kayak and paddle on the water, you will feel the infinite tolerance of the Antarctic waters, admire the reflections of the surrounding glaciers and mountains; and even get close to whales and penguins swimming in the sea. Paddleboarding is equally interesting but more challenging. This water project requires you to stand on the board and use a long paddle to propel and control the direction. Whether you choose kayaking or paddleboarding, you will be infinitely close to the most authentic posture of Antarctic nature, which is the most popular of all paid projects.
5. Polar Plunge

What could be cooler than diving into the end of the world? Taking a step forward and jumping into the sea water of about zero degrees is a precious moment of zero-distance contact with the South Pole, and also a testimony of courage. At the moment underwater, I could only hear my infinitely amplified heartbeat and the faint sound of ice cubes rubbing against each other. This experience is difficult to express in words. I only remember that when I stuck my head out to breathe the fresh air, I felt a sense of rebirth and purification.
Moreover, the staff will put on a safety vest and tie a safety rope for each participant, and the other end of the rope is connected to the hull. The staff will always pay attention to the individual conditions of the participants to ensure that the participants can complete this challenge safely. Therefore, the activity is not limited by age and skill level. Even I, who can't swim, and my fellow boatmates - from 6-year-old children to 75-year-old grandmothers, all enjoy it.
6. Camping in Antarctica

Camping in Antarctica is an extraordinary experience that allows you to have the most direct and real dialogue with nature in this most extreme environment on earth, away from the noise and lights of the city.
When preparing to camp, you need to dig a pit on the glacier under professional guidance to protect yourself from the polar cold and strong winds. With the sky as a blanket and the ground as a mattress, plus a specially made sleeping bag, you will have a warm haven in this frozen world. Under the summer polar day phenomenon, even at night, the sky will show a hazy light. You can appreciate a unique natural beauty and feel the inversion of time and space.
7. Play on the slide in Antarctica

Sliding on the Antarctic glacier is a rare and exciting experience. On the Antarctic glacier, the staff carefully laid out a slide path for tourists to experience the fun of sliding on the Antarctic glacier.
They chose a suitable small iceberg, and then used tools to trim a slightly smooth ice path on the hillside. This ice path extended from the top of the mountain to the foot of the mountain, like a crystal clear ice belt. Since it was a spontaneous creation, we did not prepare any tools, but returned to a state of pure joy, sitting on the ice and sliding down. Some shipmates even slid down headfirst under the supervision of their families! I actually relived the joy of my childhood in Antarctica—that carefree and free feeling.
8. Antarctic expert lecture

Antarctic expert talks are an important part of any trip to this polar region, helping you to gain a deeper understanding of this land. In these talks, you will have the opportunity to hear from experts in different fields, including glaciologists, biologists, historians and explorers.
My favorite part is the part about going out for explanations . One time, an expert shared that there is a special kind of ice in Antarctica, called "blue ice". After listening to the explanation, I said I still didn't quite understand it. As a result, when we went out to sea, he took us to find it! As time goes by, the newly fallen snow gradually turns into ice, and after a long period of compression, the bubbles inside are squeezed out, and the ice becomes denser. At this time, the transparency of the ice will reach the highest. Light can penetrate this ice layer with almost no scattering, making the ice look very clear.
These talks are interesting and lively, and some even include actual demonstrations and interactive sessions, making it easy for you to understand knowledge that you don't often come across in your daily life.
Conclusion of the 8 must-do adventures in Antarctica
I hope that after reading this blog, you will have a deeper understanding of Antarctica, a niche tourist destination. Choosing to travel to Antarctica will give you a unique experience. Here, every step is a new exploration, and every day is full of unknown surprises.
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