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One of the planet’s last true wilderness environments, Antarctica is a land of extremes. It is the coldest and driest continent on Earth and has the highest average elevation. Did we mention windy as well. The famous Katabatic wind speeds in winter can blow above 320kmh (200 mph). However at Epic, it’s one of our most highly prized destinations, because it’s unlike any place on earth.
As the fifth largest continent in the world, it is also the most Southern, overlying the South Pole and is scarcely touched by humans. The frozen land boasts breathtaking scenery, broken by only a handful of scientific bases and a permanent population of scientists numbering only a few thousand.
Antarctica is the only continent with no significant land plant life and no native land mammals, reptiles, or amphibians. (btw polar bears only inhabit the North Pole). That said, marine life abounds and its shoreline serves as nesting ground for many species of migratory seabirds, penguins and seals. The Southern Ocean, in its stunning ice scape setting, is home to many fish and marine mammals, including several species of whales.
Travellers to Antarctica often brave rough sea crossings aboard ice-strengthened vessels. But those who do are rewarded with amazing scenery and tremendous wildlife. We highly recommend a great alternative to crossing the Drake passage by ship.
An Epic expedition to Antarctica departs from Punta Arenas in Chile, South America and flies over the Drake Passage. This avoids what can be a long and challenging ocean crossing in both directions. It also saves time. This departure point also provides an ideal pre or post expedition opportunity to explore Patagonia and other Epic destinations in South America.
We typically use three small and boutique vessels, with a capacity of around 70 passengers. The newest is the MV Magellan Explorer “vehicle”. The ultimate custom-built Antarctica exploration.
It is strong and agile, with 10 fully equipped zodiacs, elegant cabins with private bathrooms and balconies and a capacity of only 73 passengers. The Epic Antarctica difference. The ships we use have the highest ratio of guides to guests, who are experts in their field. This ensures an unparalleled interpretive Antarctica experience. We believe our guests gain so much more from the experience
This is a journey into the wilds of the white continent. A true and magnificent, once in a lifetime experience.
Photos: Brad Horn and Sam Wallace
Sam and Lee’s big adventure story features below and is on Our Journal page. Their thrilling interaction with a leopard seal from their zodiac here.
Explore our sample excursions and reach out to initiate the planning of your unique adventure.
7 Nights Antarctica MV Magellan Explorer
This fly-in/fly-out adventure is the ultimate way to experience Antarctica and avoids 4 nights ordinarily taken up crossing the Drake Passage. You embark by aircraft from Punta Arenas in southern Chile (the gateway to Patagonia) with a 2 hour flight over the Drake Passage to the South Shetland Islands. You then board the small expeditionary ship the Magellan Explorer and embark on an incredible 6 night cruise to the Antarctic peninsula. With a ceiling of just 73 passengers this ship delivers Antarctica in the best possible way, comfort and amazing adventure with two activities per day. Kayaking activities are available and limited to 10 people in total. The 10 spots must be booked in advance (at additional cost) and are not interchangeable with other cruise participants. The logistics of this programme make for an easy extension into Chilean Patagonia either pre or post cruise. This is a fantastic once in a lifetime experience that many of our clients have taken up.
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