Going to Antarctica has always been on my travel list. But, I never thought I would have the opportunity to travel there. Who gets to go to Antarctica? I am going to tell you not only how you can go, but all the reasons it needs to be on the top of your list NOW! This is one of my favorite trips. It felt like we were traveling and exploring another magical planet.
How to get there: An Expedition Ship
We sailed with Swan Hellenic and our Ship’s name was Vega. Swan Hellenic is a company whose motto is: "See what others don't" because that is their goal. To take you to areas of the world that are truly off-the-beaten path destinations and cultures. All with the mission to discover our spectacular planet. They lead with education through expeditions. With small expedition style ships built to be able to handle the most extreme routes. Our ship Vega is only 1.5 years old and is an ice class-5 ship. Meaning it is only one class below an ice breaker. This gives her the opportunity to dive deep into Antarctica. You want to go with a smaller ship. No ship with over 500 guests can debark in Antarctica. You have to be on a small expedition ship to be able to access the peninsula. We only had 90 people onboard, which gave it a very intimate feel. Our ship felt like a 5 star boutique hotel on water - fireplace in every room, balconies, hot tubs, saunas and Michelin quality food. Even though you might be a world away and in freezing temps, Vega and the team do an amazing job by making you feel like you are in a home away from home. And their crew in every department go over and beyond to make your experience one that you will never forget.
Onboard Vega we had a full expedition team. Each of which were experts in their own field. We had scientists, master explorers, and expert kayakers. We had daily lectures and discussions about the animals we will encounter, how to keep Antarctica protected, climate change, wildlife photography, etc. I learned so much about whales, seals, penguins, all birds, and the impact Antarctica has on the world. This was far from a cruise. Don't even say that word! This was a journey, an expedition like no other. Their goal is for you to leave the journey being an Antarctic Ambassador.
-Kayaking was on the top of my list to do while in Antarctica. If you really want to get a feel for a place, then get out on the water. No matter where you are in the world, immersing yourself on the water gives you a new perspective and outlook. We got to kayak through icebergs, get close to wildlife, and really feel Antarctica’s beauty and magic. Dympna and James our kayak experts, took great care of us and they also have kayaking trips through Georgian Bay in Canada that is next on my list.
- A huge reason I wanted to feature Swan Hellenic is they focus on everyone being a Citizen Scientist. It gets the guests onboard involved in scientific studies. Happy Wale- Started in 2015. It was all about identifying humpback whales. Now it also features a wide range of marine mammals. How does it work? If you have a photo of an animal you can upload it to their site. You just need the photo to include unique markings. For example the underside of a humpback whale's tail is like its own fingerprint. Meaning no two are alike and this is how they can identify each one. Through uploading your image you can see past sightings, they will alert you in future ones. This gives scientists the ability to track their populations, migrations, and even rate their survival rate. Through Happy Whale we can all be citizen scientists.
Every trip changes me in some way. I try to learn and grow each time. But Antarctica was over and beyond all my expectations. It was truly a life changing adventure that I want you all to experience. It was worth the long travel days and every single dime. Antarctica blew me away, but so did Swan Hellenic. The ship was first class pulling out all the stops. The crew and expedition team started out as strangers but we all left as close friends.
Trust me you will not regret it. Go get lost in Antarctica and tell me all about it. Or maybe I just might join you..again! Chin Chin!
#antarctica #penguin #kayaking
Негізгі бет Once in a Lifetime Trip to Antarctica with Swan Hellenic.
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