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Antarctica

An icy fairy tale beyond space and time.

Selinda Private Nature Reserve
The Kalahari Desert
Okavango Delta
Cruise along the Zambezi
Retro steam locomotive
The Great Migration
Amboseli Park
Tsavo West National Park
Krýsuvík Geothermal Area
Reykjanes Peninsula
South Shetland Islands
King George Island flight
Punta Arenas
Solio Reserve
Maasai Mara Reserve
Starlit sleepover
Samburu safari
Children's safari
Sheldrick Trust
Breakfast with giraffes
The Drake Passage
Resort island
Eco-lodge in the jungle
Koh Ker and Beng Mealea
A gourmet dinner
The Temple of Ta Prohm
Angkor Wat
Reykjavik
Westfjords
Midnight sun
Solar Eclipse
Fjords of East Greenland
Fjords of Svalbard
Excursions on Zodiacs
Whales
Gerlache Strait
South Georgia
Falkland Islands
Antarctic Peninsula
Expedition
Walk around Ushuaia
Movie night
A luxury resort
Onboard the yacht
Diving
Island dinner
Onboard the yacht
Barbecue
SUP boarding
Jet Ski
Whale sharks
Manta rays
Snorkelling
Peking Duck
Glass Bridge
Baofeng Lake
Tianmen Mountain
Zhangjiajie National Park
Temple of Heaven
The Great Wall of China
Beijing
Freycinet NP and Wineglass Bay
Mount Field National Park
Moorilla Winery and MONA
Culinary cruise
Chocolate factory
Wine Tasting and Gastronomy
Climbing Mount Wellington
Tasmanian Devil
Picnic on the Beach
Cataract Gorge
Helicopter Flight
Cradle Mountain National Park
Melbourne City Tour
Helicopter Flight
Koala
The Great Ocean Road
Dandenong National Park
Hunter Valley wine tour
Blue Mountains
Sydney Harbour Cruise
Sydney City Tour
Sydney Opera
South Pole
Blue rivers
Rope Walk
Abseiling
Antarctic jeep adventure
Snowmobiling
Skiing
Ice climbing
Emperor Penguins
Fat bikes
Ice cave
Picnic with champagne
Climbing Nunatak
Snowy landscapes of Antarctica
Business class flight
Everest Flight
Kumari Goddess

Hotels collection

Our experts have handpicked the finest hotels for your unforgettable journeys.

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Horse Riding
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Hiking
Bicycle
Diving
Snorkeling
Tennis
Golf
Game drive
Private use
Digital detox
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Antarctica landscape

Antarctica is one of the most mysterious and captivating continents on Earth. A journey to this icy frontier is a unique opportunity to explore some of the planet's most inaccessible corners and challenge yourself in extreme conditions. The white desert, spanning over 14 million square kilometres, is the harshest region on Earth.

It has the lowest temperatures, the most powerful winds, and snowstorms. A tour to Antarctica is not for everyone; it requires careful preparation. Scenario Travel will help you explore the mysterious world of the seventh continent, allowing you to see its majestic icy deserts and endless snowy plains

History of Antarctica

Antarctica has always attracted researchers with its mysterious nature and secrets hidden within the thick glaciers. The story of the discovery and exploration of this continent is one of heroism, perseverance, and dedication by explorers from different countries.

The idea of the existence of a southern continent, Terra Australis, originated in ancient times and remained a hypothesis for a long time. 

In the 18th century, Captain James Cook made his second round-the-world expedition (1772-1775), during which he crossed the Antarctic Circle and confirmed the existence of southern ice fields, thus refuting the theory of inhabited southern lands. 

On January 16 (28), 1820, the Russian Antarctic expedition led by Fabian Gottlieb von Bellingshausen and Mikhail Lazarev on the ships Vostok and Mirny reached the shores of Antarctica for the first time, which is considered the official discovery of the continent. 

Other researchers' contributions, such as Ernest Shackleton, Roald Amundsen, Robert Scott, James Clark Ross, and Jean-Baptiste Charcot, are also significant.

The International Geophysical Year (IGY) was held from 1957 to 1958. Scientific stations were established in Antarctica during this time, marking the beginning of modern continent exploration. 

The mysteries and treasures of the White Kingdom united countries worldwide, leading to the signing of the Antarctic Treaty in 1959, which came into force in 1961. This treaty prohibits military activity on the continent and secures its use exclusively for peaceful and scientific purposes. Antarctica does not belong to any country, has no indigenous population, and the international community protects its resources.

Geography of Antarctica

Mountains in Antarctica covered in snow

Antarctica is the fifth largest continent by area, surrounded by the Southern Ocean. Ice fields occupy about 98% of the territory, with the remaining 2% of rocky formations. High mountains, sombre nunataks (mountain ridges), hills, ice peaks, and deep crevasses create incredibly picturesque, almost otherworldly landscapes.

Most of Antarctica is covered by an ice sheet that contains about 70% of the planet's fresh water. The average ice thickness is approximately 1.9 kilometres, with some areas reaching up to 4.8 kilometres. This ice sheet forms giant glaciers slowly flowing toward the ocean, eventually creating huge icebergs.

Treasures under the ice of Antarctica

The climate of Antarctica is extremely harsh. Winter lasts from March to October, and temperatures can drop below -60°C. In summer, from November to February, temperatures rise to around -20°C on the coast. Sunlight is completely absent in winter, and in summer, the sun does not set below the horizon.

The Antarctic Peninsula's weather is relatively milder than the rest of Antarctica. In summer, temperatures can range from -5°C to 5°C, and in winter, from -10°C to -30°C.

Numerous lakes and rivers are hidden under Antarctica's ice. Lake Vostok is the largest subglacial lake, remaining isolated from the surface for millions of years. These subglacial rivers and reservoirs are crucial for scientific research and the forecasting of global climate change.

Mountains and ridges. Beneath the Antarctic ice sheet lie vast mountain systems. For example, the Gamburtsev Mountains, hidden under a layer of ice, rise to 3,400 meters high. It is believed that these mountains, comparable in area to the Alps, were the starting point for the icing of the continent.

Volcanic activity. Antarctica has several active volcanoes, the southernmost and most fierce of which is Erebus on Ross Island. Surprisingly, in addition to powerful emissions of deep gases, dust, and particles of molten rock, the volcano erupts microscopic crystals of gold, scattering them over vast distances.

Mount Erebus, Antarctica

Minerals. Antarctica is rich in mineral resources such as coal, iron ore, copper, and gold. Oil deposits have also been speculated. However, according to the Protocol on Environmental Protection to the Antarctic Treaty, mining is prohibited to preserve the ecosystem and ensure the peaceful use of the continent.

Frozen Microorganisms. Scientists have discovered ancient microorganisms frozen for thousands of years in the ice depths. These organisms provide important evidence about life on Earth in the past, and help scientists understand the possibility of life surviving in extreme environments on other planets.

The Antarctic Treaty System, specifically the Protocol on Environmental Protection, bans all activities related to mineral resources except for scientific research. This distinction is important for accuracy.

Visiting Antarctica

Big cruise ship in Antarctic waters, Antarctica

The optimal time to explore Antarctica is during the summer months, from November to early March. During this period, the temperatures are more comfortable, and the daylight hours are at their longest, allowing you to fully appreciate the continent's stunning beauty. Visiting Antarctica is regulated by international agreements, so travellers must book through a travel company with the necessary permits and a commitment to environmental regulations.

Most people visit Antarctica on cruise ships, which provide comfortable cabins, meals, and excursions around the White Continent.

Air expeditions offer another way to reach Antarctica. Private or passenger planes transport travellers to airfields, where land, water, and air exploration of the continent begins.

Some travellers prefer private yachts for expeditions to Antarctica. This option provides greater flexibility in itinerary and length of stay. The duration of such trips depends on the route and weather conditions, typically lasting 2-3 weeks.

There are three main locations through which visitors reach Antarctica. They either take cruises from Ushuaia, Argentina, or Punta Arenas, Chile, or fly in from Punta Arenas, Chile, or Cape Town, South Africa. There are also rare cruise routes from Australia and New Zealand, as well as sightseeing flights without landing from Australia.

Modern explorers can now experience the pioneering spirit in the dazzlingly clear expanses of the White Continent while enjoying the comfort and premium service of luxurious, futuristic campsites or advanced tent camps. For those who prefer sea adventures, expedition ships offer cosy cabins equipped with all amenities and provide magnificent views of the endless icy landscapes. At Scenario Travel, we specialise in organising these unique trips for you. We partner with the best expedition companies to offer exclusive accommodation options and the most exciting and safe itineraries. 

Excursions and Activities

Hiking, Antarctica

Antarctica offers many outdoor activities such as glacier hiking, ice climbing, kayaking among icebergs, and wildlife watching. Expert guides will lead you through endless snowy plains to surreal blue rivers and ice tunnels. You can conquer one of the nunataks and enjoy the most unusual picnic with champagne overlooking the rocks.

You can cross the snowy plains on cross-country skis or ride through the icy expanses on fat bikes. Antarctica even has a bar that looks like an extravagant Eskimo yurt, painstakingly created by hand.

Flora and Fauna of Antarctica

Life in Antarctica has adapted to extreme conditions. Here, you can find a variety of seals, including the leopard and elephant seals, as well as numerous whale species and various bird species, such as the majestic emperor penguin. The plant world is limited to hardy mosses, lichens, and algae that can survive in the harsh climate.

In November and December, travellers can witness a touching sight on the snow-white sea ice - the birth and first steps of emperor penguin chicks. 

Visiting Antarctica is more than just a journey. It is an opportunity to witness untouched nature, feel the grandeur of the icy continent, and join a global community dedicated to preserving this unique corner of our planet. Join us and discover Antarctica!

In winter, you can observe a rare and fascinating natural phenomenon in Antarctica: mother-of-pearl clouds. These clouds, also known as nacreous clouds, form at an altitude of 15-25 kilometres at extremely low temperatures. They are distinguished by their iridescent colors, which result from the process of iridescence, where light refracts on ice crystals.

Antarctica is a place where the concept of time loses its usual meaning. There are no official time zones, as all lines of longitude converge on this continent, and the sun can shine around the clock in summer and not at all in winter. Instead, each science station uses its home country's time or Coordinated Universal Time (UTC), creating a unique temporal landscape.

Antarctica is home to about 80 scientific research stations operated by various countries. These stations are distributed across the continent and serve as bases for scientific research in climate, geology, biology, and other disciplines. Each station provides accommodation, laboratories, and support for scientific expeditions working in this extreme environment.

Antarctica is one of the driest places on Earth and is classified as the highest and coldest desert on the planet. It receives very little precipitation, primarily from snow, which accumulates to form ice layers. Despite the extensive ice coverage, Antarctica is a desert in the geographical sense due to its low precipitation levels.

Emperor penguins are exceptional underwater hunters. They can dive to depths of up to 500 meters in search of fish and squid. These remarkable birds are among the best divers in the avian world, able to hold their breath for more than 20 minutes.

Feel the power of nature on the White Continent!

Antarctica is a kingdom of ice and snow, where nature unveils its pristine beauty. A visit here promises encounters with unique natural phenomena and incredible wildlife thriving in their natural habitat.

Embark on a journey to the seventh continent - a gateway to discovering one of the most mysterious and breathtaking regions on our planet!

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