Exploring amid the icebergs, glaciers and ice floes of the White Continent you find an abundance
of wildlife. And although it’s thought too cold for plant life to flourish, there are several species
of flora to see on an Antarctica expedition.
of wildlife. And although it’s thought too cold for plant life to flourish, there are several species
of flora to see on an Antarctica expedition.
Antarctica thrives with incredible wildlife
Below are the best times of the year to look for these awe-inspiring possible sights
Below are the best times of the year to look for these awe-inspiring possible sights
January
- Humpback whales feeding
- Penguin chicks in the Peninsula
- Weddell seals on ice floes
- Adélie and Gentoo – Chicks are starting to fledge, growing in their waterproof feathers that prepare them for swimming.
- Chinstrap Penguins – Parents are seen rearing their chicks, teaching them their ways.
- Weddell Seals – Parents may be spotted near the Peninsula on the hunt to provide food to their young ones.
- Leopard Seals – Between hunting around the Peninsula, they might bask in the sun on an ice floe.
- Antarctic Fur Seals – New arrivals to the Peninsula during this time, they become more commonly spotted.
- Humpback Whales – It’s peak whale watching season as these ocean giants breach the water’s surface.
- Minke Whales – You may come across these agile mammals as they feed on krill.
- Southern Right Whales – Less commonly seen than their counterparts, but their V-shaped blow and patches of rough skin make them easier to identify.
- Albatrosses – These awe-inspiring birds soar elegantly in jet streams over the Southern Ocean.
- Snow Petrels – Watch as they dip close to the ocean’s surface in search of food.
- Skuas – When they’re not guarding their own nests, they are scavenging others.
All the information on this page and the following pages is from Atlas Ocean Voyages
