6 epic experiences you never knew you could have in Antarctica

Think travelling to Antarctica only involves passing through by ship? Think again. These immersive experiences let you explore the southern polar region like nothing else can.

With towering peaks, stunning landscapes and rare wildlife as far as the eye can see, Antarctica truly is one of the most awe-inspiring places on Earth. It’s a place well worth visiting if you want your jaw to drop, your mind to be blown and your thermal socks to be completely knocked off.

To experience this special spot in all its frozen glory, most travellers opt for expedition voyages. These take place on purpose-built ships that are considered the safest, simplest and most comfortable way to explore the Antarctic peninsula and its surrounds.

While the ship operates as a floating base camp, the real magic happens when you step off. That’s where operators like Quark Expeditions come in. The company hosts immersive experiences that get you off the ship as much as possible, truly engulfing you in this remarkable landscape.

From kayaking to camping, here are six Antarctic experiences that might surprise you.

1. Helicopter rides

Soar overhead in a helicopter. (Image: Michelle Sole)

Antarctica by air delivers an entirely different experience – one that reaches remote spots and viewpoints rarely seen by boat.

As part of its Antarctic voyages, Quark Expeditions offers heli-flightseeing tours that deliver some of the most stunning vistas of the region. You’ll soar between snow-capped ice ridges and glittering glaciers, hover above vast expanses of ice and enjoy a sweeping albatross-eye view of the Antarctic ocean.

A heli-landing takes you even further beyond the beaten path and drops you in the mountains for a walk through pristine snowscapes. These locations are rarely accessed by travellers, providing a rare and up-close perspective of the region.

2. Kayaking

Spot wildlife on kayak adventures. (Image: Michelle Sole)

Kayaking is an intimate way to experience this part of the world, giving you a front-row seat to everything the polar wilderness has to offer. Quark Expeditions makes that vision a reality, with kayak tours that transport you through some of the most majestic landscapes in Antarctica.

Expect dramatic views and the chance to encounter whales and walruses. From this water-level vantage point, you’ll be properly enveloped in the silence and stillness so inherent to this part of the world.

Kayak tours run daily when conditions allow. While this is open to all, some sea kayaking experience is recommended.

3. Stand-up paddleboarding

Stand up paddleboard among icebergs. (Image: Michelle Sole)

Forget stand-up paddleboarding along the coast; Antarctica takes everyone’s favourite beachside pastime to a whole other level. In fact, Quark Expeditions is the first company to bring stand-up paddleboarding to Antarctica.

Similar to kayaking, a stand-up paddleboarding excursion offers an equally immersive and multisensory experience. You’ll feel the piercing chill of the air, smell the marine mist, see towering glaciers, icebergs and sea ice, and catch glimpses of whales or walruses bobbing in their natural habitat.

Keen for a more relaxed approach? Soak up your surroundings in utter serenity by kneeling, sitting or even lying on your board and letting the gentle currents lap you along.

4. Camping

Sleep beneath the stars. (Image: Michelle Sole)

Thanks to its exceptionally clear skies, lack of light pollution and long, dark nights, Antarctica is one of the best spots for stargazing. The experience feels otherworldly, as Antarctica’s night sky is a bona fide carpet of millions upon millions of bright stars.

There’s no better way to see this sky than by sleeping under it – and camping allows you to do just that. Quark Expeditions hosts overnight camping trips for willing guests, where you’re dropped ashore after dinner for a night under the Antarctic stars.

Before you baulk at the thought of slumbering in the snow, remember that the Quark Expeditions crew are pros. You’ll be provided with a ready-to-roll bivouac (bivy) sack – a lightweight, breathable and waterproof shell that protects your sleeping bag – and all the gear necessary to keep snug. Tents can also be set up on request.

5. Hiking

Step into Antarctica’s wild. (Image: Michelle Sole)

Walking is one of the best ways to engage with a new location, and an on-foot excursion through Antarctica is no exception.

But rather than a quick stroll ashore before hopping back onto your cruise, consider a guided hike. You’ll traverse pristine snowscapes over ice, rock and snow, and be able to breathe in the famously crisp, clean and invigorating air.

Quark Expeditions offers organised hikes that cater to different interests and abilities, and range from shorter walks to longer treks over several kilometres. Some are fast, with the goal of summiting a peak and spotting local wildlife, while others go at a more leisurely pace. Slower routes are ideal for photography enthusiasts, as you’ll have ample time to stop and snap your surroundings. Experienced guides are also on hand to deliver insights into the area.

6. Zodiac cruises

Depart the main ship for Zodiac adventures. (Image: Michelle Sole)

While a polar expedition is still an excellent way to experience Antarctica, a jaunt on a Zodiac takes you places that no large ship can go, as these compact inflatable boats can zip in and out of tight channels and remote sites.

A Zodiac cruise with Quark Expeditions gets you up close to icebergs, ice floes (floating ice sheets), glaciers and local beaches. It brings the opportunity to see the dozens of breeds of sea birds that call the region home, and possibly even whales.

Whatever activity piques your interest, you can be assured of an epic and engaging experience.

Learn more and start planning your Antarctic adventure with Quark Expeditions.