Antarctica

When Lonely Planet contributor Edwina Hart boarded a ship in Chile’s southernmost city, Punta Arenas, she knew she was in for an adventure – a voyage to Antarctica. But that was before borders in South America began to close due to the COVID-19 global pandemic. Currently anchored off the Falkland Islands and awaiting repatriation, here she shares her experience of life on board.

The far south of the world may have escaped the pandemic that’s locked down life elsewhere, but that doesn’t mean this summer season is smooth sailing. Antarctica has no cases of COVID-19 – partly due to efforts to keep it that way, and partly reflecting the restrictions placed on other countries. This impacts scientists who make up the temporary residents of the continent and also threatens the Antarctic tourist season, which generally runs from November to March or April.

Editor-at-large Sebastian Modak returned from Antarctica as a changed person – and it turns out science can explain why.

The Antarctic is one of the last undisturbed places on the planet. Human beings have only been traversing this isolated landscape for a mere 200 years since it was discovered in 1820. Unlike many other locations where our presence has had a negative impact, Antarctica still remains virtually unspoiled.

Glistening, groaning icebergs. Playful Adélie, gentoo and emperor penguins. Sunbathing Weddell seals and spouting sperm whales. Antarctica is the coldest, windiest, driest continent on earth, and for many travelers, the final frontier.

Antarctic travel has epitomised adventure for more than a century. Now between 50,000 and 75,000 lucky tourists visit Antarctica each year and while most are there for sightseeing and wildlife watching, some operators offer additional opportunities for one-in-a-lifetime adventures in this incredible wilderness.