Micro guide to Antarctica
“Antarctica is probably the only place on Earth where you can find absolute peace, unfiltered light, and pure, deafening silence.”
— Bill Bryson, British journalist and author
Adventure south to the continent at the end of the Earth and visit Antarctica, exploring the great unknown land of snow and ice, bearing witness to some of the most impressive and resilient creatures on our planet.
Antarctica in a nutshell
The land where heroes dare to tread, Antarctica stands at the edge of the Earth.
Glaciers calve into the ocean with a deafening crash. Mountain peaks pierce through the ice and snow, towering above all those who visit Antarctica. An expedition to the shores of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands will pull you out from the modern world and awaken your senses. This is an elemental, powerful place.
No human beings live here permanently, but plenty of animals do, including great colonies of penguins and seals, and off the coast, a rejuvenated population of whales and orcas. The wildlife that weathers Antarctica’s storms must be strong and hardy – seeing them in their natural environment will leave you inspired.
Your visit to Antarctica
How to Get to Antarctica
How to Get to Antarctica
Ushuaia to Antarctica | How to Get There and Travel Tips
Ushuaia to Antarctica | How to Get There and Travel Tips
Antarctica Travel Guide
Antarctica Travel Guide
Best Time to Visit Antarctica
King George Island | Experience the Untouched
What Is McMurdo Station and Can You Travel There?
Danco Island in Antarctica
Ushuaia to Antarctica | How to Get There and Travel Tips
Deception Island | Where Is It and Can You Travel There?
Paradise Bay in Antarctica | Why Travel to the Antarctic Wilderness?
Mount Erebus | Exploring Antarctica’s Most Active Volcano
Elephant Island | What to Expect When Visiting This Antarctic Island
Paulet Island | A Volcanic Haven for Antarctic Wildlife
Culture and history micro guides
Antarctica may have no permanent human population, but this is a land written into myth, legend, and the annals of history.
Antarctica historical timeline
James Cook crosses the Antarctic Circle
British explorer Captain James Cook becomes the first person to cross the Antarctic Circle, proving that a vast landmass must exist but failing to sight the continent itself.
First confirmed sightings of Antarctica
Three explorers – Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen (Russia), Edward Bransfield (Britain), and Nathaniel Palmer (U.S.) – independently sight the Antarctic coastline, confirming its existence.
Adrien de Gerlache’s Belgica expedition: First Antarctic overwintering
The Belgian expedition, led by Adrien de Gerlache, becomes the first to overwinter in Antarctica when their ship Belgica becomes trapped in ice, surviving in extreme conditions.
Roald Amundsen becomes first to reach the South Pole
On December 14, 1911, Norwegian explorer Roald Amundsen and his team reach the South Pole, using dog sleds and expert planning, beating Scott’s team by over a month.
Roald Amundsen: Conquering the North and South Poles - Explore His Legacy in Ny-Alesund
Ernest Shackleton’s Endurance expedition
Shackleton’s attempt to cross Antarctica ends in disaster when his ship Endurance is crushed by ice. His legendary leadership ensures all 28 men survive after an 800-mile open boat journey to South Georgia.
Ingrid Christensen and Mathilde Wegger: the first women to set foot on Antarctica
From exclusion to leadership—discover the inspiring journey of women in Antarctic exploration and science, and how they are shaping the future of the frozen continent.
Women in Antarctica: Breaking Barriers and Shaping Antarctic Research
Caroline Mikkelsen: First woman to set foot on Antarctica
Caroline Mikkelsen, a Norwegian explorer’s wife, becomes the first woman to set foot on Antarctica, though no major expeditions for women follow for decades.
Antarctic Treaty comes into force
The Antarctic Treaty is signed by 12 nations, ensuring Antarctica is dedicated to peaceful scientific research and prohibiting military activity and territorial claims.
Wildlife and nature micro guides
Animals in Antarctica | What Animals Call the Antarctic Home?
Animals in Antarctica | What Animals Call the Antarctic Home?
50 Interesting Antarctica Facts
50 Interesting Antarctica Facts
Flowers in Antarctica | How Climate Change Is Changing Antarctica’s Ecosystem
Flowers in Antarctica | How Climate Change Is Changing Antarctica’s Ecosystem
Antarctica Wildlife Calendar | When to See Penguins, Whales, and Seals
Antarctica Wildlife Calendar | When to See Penguins, Whales, and Seals
We use cookies to provide a better online experience. Please let us know if you agree to them. You can read our Privacy Policy for more information.
Join the Secret Atlas newsletter
We will be exclusively sharing with you our best-kept secrets. You'll receive first-hand expert advice and inspiring stories from our team of explorers, plus our latest news and offers.
We'll send no more than two emails per week. By signing up, you agree to our privacy policy.
Download your brochure
Just enter a few details to receive your brochure.