Jennifer Boyd

My inaugural cruise to Antarctica was in 2004, and nothing could prepare me for the magic that it held. I was then lucky enough to return in both 2012 and 2019. Each time was uniquely different and the magnificent glaciers, beautiful icebergs, impressive mountains and wildlife encounters all contribute to the allure of the Antarctic continent. In my 2012 journey south I kayaked close to icebergs, camped on the ice and plucked up the courage to participate in the polar plunge.

Visiting the subantarctic islands added a new element to the enchantment of the deep south. South Georgia in particular is fascinating, not only for its incredible wildlife but also for its rich polar history, which adds a deeper sense of meaning to the experience. We witnessed approximately 100,000 breeding King Penguins, encountered around 300 humpback whales, and a pod of orcas inquisitively dove under our Zodiac.

Setting foot on the Antarctic Peninsula is a bucket list item for many, but no one can really prepare themselves for this incredible experience. Close encounters with curious penguins, playful seals and breaching whales creates a wildlife experience like no other. Antarctica and the surrounding islands are some of the last true wilderness we have remaining — a sacred place of peace, pristine purity, and preservation. Undoubtedly the holiday of a lifetime, all delivered on an ice platter!

Places Visited

Antarctica: Aitcho Island, South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula, Paradise Harbour, Deception lsland, Half Moon Island, Lemaire Channel, Bransfield Strait, Antarctic Sound, Brown Bluff, Weddell Sea, Elephant Island, Paulet Island, Yankee Harbour, Wilhelmina Bay, Cureville Bay, Neko Harbour, Fournier Bay. Stations Visited: Port Lockroy (UK), Vernadsky Station (UKR) Arctowski Station (PO)

South Georgia: Salisbury Plains, Gritviken, Shackleton walk – Fortuna Bay to Stromness

Falklands: Stanley, Gypsy Cove

Argentina: Buenos Aires, Mendoza, Iguazu, El Calafate, El Chalten, Perito Moreno Glacier, Ushuaia. Trekked: Mt Fitz Roy & Cerro Torre

Chile: Chilean Fjords, Cape Horn. Trekked: Torres Del Paine W Trek