Experiencing Antarctica: A Trip of a Lifetime

At Aurora Expeditions, we love hearing firsthand from travellers who have been inspired by their journeys to the world's most remote and extraordinary places. Jane Patrick, an Adventure Travel Specialist at North South Travel, recently joined our Across the Antarctic Circle voyage aboard the Greg Mortimer. In this special guest blog, she shares her unforgettable experience exploring Antarctica’s wild beauty and the life-changing moments she encountered along the way.

There’s a place on Earth so pristine, so untouched, it feels like a dream—a place where time slows down, the sky stretches forever, and the wildlife lives in harmony with the icy, vast landscape. That place is Antarctica. I have always wanted to travel to Antarctica and now I had the chance to travel there aboard Aurora Expeditions’ Greg Mortimer. It was a trip that would not only change the way I see the world but also touch my heart in a way I never expected. This is the story of my adventure in Antarctica.

The journey began at Ushuaia, Argentina—the southernmost city in the world. As we boarded the Greg Mortimer, I couldn’t help but marvel at the ship. Sleek, modern, and designed for exploration, it was the perfect vessel for our expedition to one of the most remote and beautiful places on the planet.

I had been anticipating this moment for months, and now that I was here, I was so excited. For me, travelling to Antarctica is not just a trip; it's a journey into the heart of the unknown, following in the footsteps of legendary explorers like Ernest Shackleton, Roald Amundsen, and Robert Falcon Scott. These pioneers braved unimaginable hardships to chart the frozen continent. There’s something deeply thrilling about connecting with that spirit of discovery and resilience, about standing in a place where history was made against all odds.

As the ship pulled away from the dock, we sailed through the Beagle Channel and took in the spectacular views of snow-capped mountains and glistening waters. The air was crisp, and the horizon stretched endlessly ahead. My dream of visiting Antarctica was finally happening.

The Greg Mortimer: Comfort Amidst the Wild

Life on the Greg Mortimer was more luxurious than I had imagined for an expedition ship. From our comfortable cabin with panoramic windows that offered jaw-dropping views to the gourmet meals served in the dining room, this was an expedition with a touch of class. It wasn’t long before we realized that this was not just a journey to a destination, but an experience to be savored in every moment.

The Expedition Team—naturalists, geologists, ornithologists, and marine biologists—became our guides and storytellers throughout the trip. They were a wealth of knowledge, sharing the fascinating history of Antarctica, its unique wildlife, and its delicate ecosystem. Every day, we gathered in the expedition lounge for briefings, learning about the places we would visit and the wildlife we might encounter. The excitement in the room was contagious, and each day felt like a new chapter in a story we couldn’t wait to unfold.

As we crossed the Drake Passage, the ship rocked with the rhythm of the sea. I had read about the notoriously unpredictable waters of the Drake Passage and wondered if we would experience the “Drake Shake” or the “Drake Lake”. For a small ship of 130 passengers, the Greg Mortimer was very stable thanks to its groundbreaking X-BOW® design—a game-changer in expedition cruising.

Unlike traditional ship bows that slam into waves, the X-BOW has a distinctive forward-sloping, wave-piercing shape that cuts through the water more smoothly. This reduces the vertical motion (pitching) and slamming that passengers usually feel in rough seas like those of the Drake. So instead of the ship crashing down on each wave, it glides through them, resulting in a much more stable and comfortable ride.

Soon enough, we arrived in Antarctica, and the real magic began.

First stop: Yalour islands. There, amid towering icebergs and glaciers, we disembarked on zodiacs and made our way to land, where we were greeted by thousands of penguins. Adele and Gentoo penguins waddled around, unbothered by our presence, offering us the chance to get up close to these adorable creatures. I’ve seen penguins on TV, but nothing prepared me for the joy of watching them slide on their bellies across the snow and dive gracefully into the icy waters.

But it wasn’t just the penguins that stole the show. There were seals lounging on ice floes, and whales spouting in the distance, their massive bodies breaching the surface in a breathtaking display of nature’s power. Every day, we set out on a new adventure—whether it was hiking on a snowy hilltop, photographing icebergs in all their blue and white splendor, or simply sitting in awe onboard zodiac excursions, as we watched wildlife interact.

Each excursion felt like stepping into a world frozen in time, a place where nature is still the dominant force, untouched by humans.

Stepping onto the Antarctic Peninsula for the first time is like landing on another planet—one that’s blindingly white, breathtakingly vast, and completely untamed. 

As my boots crunched into the snow, there’s a deep silence. It's not just quiet—it's absolute. No roads, no cities, no background hum of human life. Just the sound of the wind, the distant crack of calving ice, and the chatter of curious penguins welcoming me like I’m a local. 

This is the real Antarctica—the stuff of Shackleton and Scott, and past great explorers of Antarctica. As I am standing where few have ever been, there’s a powerful emotional undercurrent. For me it’s the culmination of a lifelong dream, a place that seemed so unreachable and now I am here, at the edge of the world, eyes wide open, breathing in air so crisp it feels like the first real breath I have taken.

While the journey was undoubtedly extraordinary, there are a few things you might want to know before setting sail. Here are some tips to make your trip even more memorable:

1. Layer Up: Antarctica is cold, but with the right clothing, you'll be comfortable. Aurora Expeditions provides you with great gear, including waterproof boots, and a three-in-one warm, windproof, and rainproof jacket. I highly recommend bringing your own thermal layers, gloves, and hats. The key is dressing in layers so you can easily adjust to changing conditions.
2. Pack Light but Smart: Pack efficiently. Aside from the essential warm clothing, bring a good camera with a zoom lens to capture the incredible wildlife (you'll want to snap photos of penguins and whales!). And don’t forget a sturdy pair of binoculars—you’ll want them for spotting distant wildlife from the deck. Life onboard is casual – during the day athletic wear is suitable and at night, change into a comfortable pair of jeans or pants with a nice shirt or sweater.
3. Prepare for Motion: While the Greg Mortimer is a stable ship, the Drake Passage can get a bit rough. If you're prone to seasickness, it’s a good idea to bring along medication or natural remedies. It's worth being prepared.
4. Disconnect to Reconnect: One of the best parts of the journey is the opportunity to disconnect from the digital world. There’s limited internet access, so take this as a chance to truly immerse yourself in the present. The landscapes, wildlife, and experiences you’ll have are all that matter.
5. Stay Hydrated and Rested: It’s easy to get caught up in the excitement but remember to drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. There’s a lot to see and do, but it’s important to pace yourself so you can enjoy everything without feeling rushed or fatigued.
6. Respect the Environment: Antarctica is a fragile place, and every guest aboard the Greg Mortimer must follow strict guidelines to protect its environment. Be mindful of where you step, avoid disturbing the wildlife, and follow all instructions from the expedition team. It's essential that we all do our part to preserve this incredible place for future generations.

As we sailed back to Ushuaia, leaving Antarctica behind, I felt a mixture of awe, gratitude, and a bit of sadness. It was as if I had experienced something so profound that it would forever be etched in my heart. The memories of seeing the sun rise over a vast, icy expanse, hearing the calls of penguins echoing through the quiet, and watching whales breach the surface will stay with me forever.

Antarctica is a place like no other—untouched, wild, and humbling. If you ever have the opportunity to visit, I wholeheartedly recommend traveling with Aurora Expeditions aboard the Greg Mortimer. Their expertise, the quality of their ships, their attentive onboard staff, and commitment to sustainability make them the perfect choice for an adventure of a lifetime.

I’ll forever cherish the memories of my journey to Antarctica. 

Experience the wonder of Antarctica for yourself

To find out more about planning your own Antarctic adventure, please get in touch with our expert team or reach out to Jane Patrick at North South Travel. We’d love to help you start your journey to the White Continent.