There are 6 species of seals (or pinnipeds!) in Antarctica and the Sub-Antarctic islands: they forage and breed in these areas where there is abundance of food! Terrestrial or Ice breeding species? The Antarctic Fur Seal and the Southern Elephant Seal breed on land while the Weddell Seal, the … [Read more...] about Antarctica Seals: species & adaptations to the cold!
Spitsbergen: The Wildlife Capital of The Arctic
Spitsbergen is the largest island in the Norwegian archipelago of Svalbard. This pristine island is known as the land of the midnight sun, the wildlife capital of the Arctic and the land of the polar bear! This is a popular destination for intrepid travelers in search of an adventure to witness … [Read more...] about Spitsbergen: The Wildlife Capital of The Arctic
Is South Georgia Worth the Visit?
This is a question we get from many travelers every season. Is it worth spending 18-20 days on an expedition ship, and spend the extra money to see this remote island? What is so great about it? In order to understand this question and make your own conclusion about South … [Read more...] about Is South Georgia Worth the Visit?
Emperor penguins on the White Continent
This elegant penguin species is the largest of them all, and it is sometimes confused with the King Penguin because of their similar appearance. Emperors are also the hardest penguin species to encounter, as they live inland from the coast in the mostly icy, inaccessible Weddell Sea region. Emperor … [Read more...] about Emperor penguins on the White Continent
Krill: the Building Blocks of Antarctica
The Southern Ocean is vitally important in the entire Antarctic food web, and at the base of this web are two tiny players: phytoplankton and the krill that eat it. Krill are 85 or so species of small shrimp-like crustaceans (order Eucarida), the most abundant being the Antarctic krill (Euphausia … [Read more...] about Krill: the Building Blocks of Antarctica
Early Summer on the Antarctic Peninsula: What to Expect
The first ships are already arriving here in Ushuaia and passengers from all over the world are setting sail for the White Continent. So the most common question I get from travelers this time of year: what´s the weather like down there? Weather in Antarctica is hard to predict, as it … [Read more...] about Early Summer on the Antarctic Peninsula: What to Expect
Mammals in Antarctica: Seals
“Do polar bears live in Antarctica?” No. This is one of the most common misconceptions about Antarctica, and a frequently asked question we get from passengers. While there are no large bears on the White Continent, there are a variety of whales and seals who call Antarctica home, at least for a … [Read more...] about Mammals in Antarctica: Seals
Wildlife in Antarctica, Part 1: Penguins
Antarctica is home to a specialized group of sea-dependent animals who are able to adapt to extreme dryness, low temperatures, and high exposure. Antarctica’s inhabitants are mostly seasonal dwellers, coming to Antarctica during the Austral Summer to feed and reproduce. Today we will look at one … [Read more...] about Wildlife in Antarctica, Part 1: Penguins