Antarctica is Earth’s southernmost continent, centered on the South Pole and almost entirely covered by ice. It is the coldest, driest, and windiest continent, yet one of the most scientifically important. Despite its harshness, Antarctica plays a crucial role in regulating the planet’s climate and sea levels, as its ice sheet holds the majority of Earth’s freshwater reserves.
Unlike other continents, it has no permanent residents. Instead, international scientific research stations host rotating teams studying climate change, astronomy, glaciology, and wildlife. Its ecosystem, while fragile, includes penguins, seals, whales, and seabirds, making it a unique wilderness. Protected by the Antarctic Treaty System, the continent is reserved for peace, science, and conservation, with tourism carefully regulated.
Departure Port – Ushuaia, Argentina
Our Research Ship
Expeditions
Amazing Penguins
Camping on Antarctica
Polar Plunge!!
Leopard Seals & Sea Lions
Port Lockroy
Whales
Orcas
Facts & Details about Antarctica
- Size: ~14 million km² (5.4 million sq mi) → 5th largest continent
- Ice Coverage: ~98% covered by ice; stores ~70% of Earth’s freshwater
- Population: 1,000 (winter) to 5,000 (summer) scientists & staff — no permanent inhabitants
- Climate:
- Avg. winter temp: −60°C (−76°F)
- Coldest ever: −89.2°C (−128.6°F) at Vostok Station (1983)
- Geography: East Antarctica (higher, larger), West Antarctica (smaller, less stable ice sheet)
- Wildlife: Emperor & Adélie penguins, Weddell & leopard seals, orcas, humpback & blue whales, krill (keystone species)
- Governance: Antarctic Treaty (1959) — signed by 56 nations, prohibits military activity & resource exploitation
- Tourism: ~55,000 visitors per year (mostly via cruise ships, guided landings)
- Unique Fact: Antarctica is a polar desert—its interior receives less precipitation than the Sahara Desert.