Antarctica: A Cold, Exotic GetawayBy Kevin Fleming [Travel]
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 The tour companies usually cater to destinations on the coast of Antarctica, which in itself is breathtaking. If you want to make it to the South Pole, you’ll have to make other arrangements. One popular destination near the Antarctic coast is Ross Island, where you can see the southern most active volcano in the world, Mount Erebus. While there you will also see a lot of ice (including the Ross Ice Shelf), seals and penguins. Next is probably the most visited part of the continent, Anver Island. Besides research stations, there is a museum that is located at Port Lockroy and you may have a chance to stretch your legs on the continent at Paradise Bay and Neko Harbor. Cruise lines also travel to the South Shetland Islands (more penguins and hot springs) and McMurdo Sound (US and NZ research stations can be seen here. One of the biggest attractions that Antarctica offers is its wildlife. Penguins are easily the most recognizable animals on the continent. Chances are you will see at least one of the 17 species of penguins that call Antarctica their home. If you like other types of birds, you may see a species or two of the eight birds (other than the flightless penguins) that inhabit the continent, including albatross, gulls and terns. Seals are also abundant near or on the ice continent, as six species, including the fur seal and leopard seal, call the island home. Where The Whales Are Finally, if you have never seen a whale up close, you may have a very good shot at doing so while visiting the continent. The most frequently spotted whale-like creature is the orca or killer whale. The orca isn’t actually a whale, but rather it is a very large member of the dolphin family. These super predators can be found hunting for seals, penguins and, of course, whales near the coastline of the continent or its islands. In regard to actual whales, seven species can be found near the continent depending on the time of year, as they travel a lot. The jewel of many photographers and nature lovers is the blue whale, which is the largest creature to have ever lived on the planet. Other species of whales include fins, humpbacks, minks, seis, southern rights and sperm whales, which are known to travel to the continent to hunt giant squid. Sources: Coolantarctica.com Nationalgeographic.com Antarcticconnection.com |
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