Antarctica- Wild Frozen Beauty

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Antarctic Peninsula, Antarctica, Feb-Mar 2019

Back to civilisation after yet another astonishing time in the remote and breathtaking wilderness of Antarctica, where I have been guiding polar snorkeling for Waterproof Expeditions the past three weeks.

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This truly is a land of wonder, vastness and wild, frozen beauty. A place where words are hard to find to be able to describe the grand, pure and extremely scenic natural surroundings we daily get to experience.

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I feel very fortunate to share the many mind-blowing adventures  we get to live in this distant, harsh but stunning part of the world. What is possibly better than to share your passion with likeminded people?

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This blogpost contains a small selection of pictures from our recent stay in Antarctica, where the cozy ship  "Polar Pioneer" has been our mobile home and expedition base.

This almost 72 meter long ice-strengthened Russian vessel has been chartered by Aurora Expeditions for many years. But due to a new ship being built, 2019 is the last year for us onboard the "Polar Pioneer". 

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During our expedition "Polar Pioneer" is home for up to 54 guests, 8 expedition staff, hotel manager, chefs and 22 fabulous crew.

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My recent three weeks onboard consisted this time in two 11 days trips where the first group of guests boarded the ship in Ushuaia in Argentina, followed by Puerto Williams in Chile for the second group.

From South America, a couple of days of crossing the Drake await.

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The Drake Passage is a 800km wide passage between South America's Cape Horn and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, and is  the shortest crossing from Antarctica to any other landmass.

On the first crossing, the Drake shows us her great temper again...

The footage above is from the 20th of February, during our first trip.

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We also get to enjoy "The Drake Lake" which allow us a bonus visit at Cape Horn on our return on trip one.

On both trips, Antarctica welcomes us with a big shining smile, fair weather and calm conditions. Very appreciated by everyone onboard!

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Our southernmost aim is to reach the Antarctic circle at 66°33´ South. While the southbound voyage continues towards our goal, a great admiration spreads among us all for this frozen remoteness we are cruising and totally are surrounded by...

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Throughout the trips, we make several landings, zodiac cruises, kayak outings and of course snorkel- and dive excursions!

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It is not only the remarkable landscape and the world of frozen beauty that take our breath away, but also the extraordinary wildlife that often show off being as curious about us as we are about them...

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... from sleeping crabeater- and elephant seals, to intimate and investigating leopard seals...

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... interacting, resting and feeding humpback whales...

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... and of course the countless numbers of charming penguins! 😍

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Here in Antarctica we follow the IAATO rules, which includes keeping a minimum distance of 5 meters or more from wildlife.

IAATO stands for "International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators" and is an international organization, comprised of more than 100 respected companies and organizations.

More about IAATO at their web: www.iaato.org

The wildlife however doesn't seem to be aware of any guideline as they keep coming up close for curious inspections of both us and our gear...

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Who knew that Gentoo penguins have a huge interest in kayaking?!

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When reaching the Antarctic circle we do the famous "Polar Plunge"!

The -1°C freezing cold water is not only refreshing but biting! It is however a super fun activity I do not want to miss 🙃 💦  Thanks to Scott Portelli for capturing this literary breathtaking moment on video!

Surrounded by amazing nature and in company of wonderful people time always flies!! So it did this time as these three weeks onboard feel like a blink! Happy for another amazing time spent among new- and old friends, with many astonishing nature- and wildlife experiences shared, it is so time to continue life's venture on other latitudes...

A huge thank you to all "Polar Pioneer friends" for an amazing time together! Hoping to see you all again on another adventure somewhere on this beautiful and truly amazing planet we are fortunate to live on!

For more info about travelling with Waterproof Expeditions visit their web page: www.waterproof-expeditions.com