Many travelers want to visit Antarctica, but it’s a dream for most. While photography can never truly capture the true experience of visiting somewhere – it can inspire us! Visiting Antarctica with Hurtigruten was an incredible experience that I recommend for travelers of all ages and styles. Since covid has impacted our travel plans for a while – it’s time to prioritize that bucket list. I took well over 5,000 photos while on a 14-day cruise past the Antarctic Circle. Below you’ll find my favorite photos to inspire you to visit Antarctica (as usual – no photo editing – what you see is what you get!)
Be sure to check out my simple wildlife photography tips to capture the perfect photo!
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Penguins
Who doesn’t love penguins? You’ll see plenty of them around Antarctica – from Adelie to Gentoo. You’ll only spot Emperor penguins if you go south enough. There are 17 different species of penguins around the world – 8 of which call Antarctica home. Many of the penguins we saw were moulting – meaning growing into their adult feathers.
Penguin family cuddling
Moulting feathers on a penguin enjoying the ice
A young penguin asking for food
Penguins also enjoy long walks on the beach
A penguin colony. The pink stuff? Penguin poop!
A penguin poses at Port Lockroy, Antarctica
A Gentoo Penguin calling out
Experiences
There aren’t hotels in Antarctica, but there are plenty of things to do! From camping to kayaking – mother nature doesn’t disappoint.
A view of my tent while camping
Me and Dad braving the cold water for our first polar plunge!
We took zodiacs to get on land from the ship. We also took them on non-landing days to get up close to wildlife – such as these seals
Kayaking through icebergs is a dream come true.
Me in my dry suit after kayaking. Standing REALLLLLLLYYYY far South in the world.
Penguins are great at photobombers!
Whales
Humpback whales feeding in Antarctica
A pod of orcas surprised us!
An orca hunting a penguin. (The penguin ended up getting away!)
A humpback whale in Wilhelmina Bay
Two humpback whales near an iceberg with the moon.
Landscapes
A small lake surrounded by mountains.
A dormant volcano
The landscape in Antarctica is otherworldly. Everything looks closer than it is.
Brown Bluff, Antarctica
Whale bones with the remnants of whaling at Deception Island.
The remnants of a boat at Deception Island
Mountains
The mountains of Antarctica are unlike anywhere else on earth. These photos will inspire you to visit Antarctica to see how massive these mountains really are!
The size of the mountains in Antarctica is impressive.
Not a cloud in sight!
The ship looks like a toy next to the mountain range.
Sunset around 10:30pm
Sea ice at sunset
Seals
Two fur seals at Deception Island
A leopard seal sunbathing
A fur seal
Crabeater seal sunbathing
History and Outposts
There are some research posts that are currently being used by scientists. Many of them are researching their own impact on the area but also climate change as a whole. Some of the outposts are like stepping back in time – they were abandoned in the ’50s! You can see clothing, food, and tools.
Port Lockroy scientists are not allowed to clean off animal droppings since it is part of nature.
Penguins at Port Lockroy
Wood to protect the windows from storms and high winds.
Whaling ruins at Deception Island
An abandoned kitchen. Walking through history.
A document from the whaling days left in port.
Final Thoughts & Inspiration
Antarctica is an incredible place to visit and one I hope to visit again in the future. My goal was to visit all 7 continents by the time I was 30 (I work better with deadlines). If Antarctica is on your list, then I highly suggest Hurtigruten cruises – the staff was great, the ship was wonderful, and we had such an amazing time!
Read More about Antarctica
- How to Plan a Trip to Antarctica
- 30+ Fun Facts About Antarctica
- 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Go to Antarctica
- Taking a Polar Plunge in Antarctica
- Camping on the Ice in Antarctica
- Traveling to Antarctica with Hurtigruten
- Ethical Animal Tourism Posts on Antarctica
Antarctica looks incredible! It is definitely on my bucket list within the next few years.
Antarctica really is something else! I spent four months in McMurdo on the other side of the continent, but it’s so cool to see the ice from a different perspective! Thanks for sharing these amazing pictures (especially the penguins!).
Absolutely loving all of the wildlife photos! I love that you’ve posted them unedited as well. Great post to read!
This is absolutely gorgeous! A bucket list trip for sure.
Amazing! I would love to visit Antarctica one day! Lovely pictures. thank you for sharing.
I don’t think I’ve ever personally come across someone who had visited Antarctica – you are officially the coolest person I “know!” Pun very much intended! Absolutely gorgeous photos and a great article, pinned for later!
Well I am honored 🙂 Thank you so much!
These are all awesome images!! Thanks for sharing! We are definitely inspired! : )
Incredible photos of Antartica. You have given full virtual tour by sitting at home.
Those seal faces are so cute! And i’m surprised by the variety in the landscape to be honest. Very cool! On my list for sure!
I just booked my trip to Antarctica (next year!!!) so these pictures just make me even MORE excited!!! Speaking of – GORGEOUS photos! I’m going to have to take some photography classes before my trip!
That is so exciting! I would practice a bit, and make sure you’re comfortable with your camera. Have at least a 300mm lens if not bigger that you’re comfortable switching out when needed. I have an upcoming post on wildlife photography tips as well.