A traveler’s photo gallery of Antarctica’s otherworldly landscapes and diverse wildlife
By Dan Steen, first-time traveler, Wynantskill, New York
October 14, 2011
My decision to travel on OAT’s Antarctica’s White Wilderness Small Ship Adventure—which I took in February 2011—came about in an unusual way. While I have always been interested in the history of polar exploration, the possibility of actually visiting this part of the world never really occurred to me.
My wife and I were having dinner with three other couples who have been our friends for many years. The conversation got around to recent travels, and where we planned on going next. One of my buddies, who has traveled with OAT several times, piped in that he wanted to go to Antarctica, but his wife did not feel up to the trip. My wife—without hesitation—volunteered me as his travel partner! And I’m glad she did. Not long after that, the reservations were made for my first OAT experience.
While Antarctica was certainly the centerpiece of this trip, our Patagonia Wilds & Wildlife pre-trip extension gave us a wonderful taste of Argentina’s landscapes and welcoming people.
Even months after this voyage, I find it hard to articulate the overwhelming beauty that we were privileged to experience. I hope these few pictures—out of the many hundreds I took—can offer but a taste of what this part of the world has to offer …
Sea birds in flight near a southern sea lion colony on Argentina's Peninsula Valdes, seen during an optional boat tour during our pre-trip extension.
A southern sea lion poses as our boat nears shore during our optional tour of Peninsula Valdes, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during our pre-trip extension.
At Punta Tombo, you can walk among hundreds of thousands of Magellanic Penguins that make up the largest penguin colony in Patagonia.
One of the many breathtaking views we had the opportunity to enjoy while touring Tierra del Fuego National Park during our main trip.
A view of Ushuaia—billed as “the city at the end of the world”—with its snow-covered mountains as a backdrop.
Our first view of Antarctica. This is the Argentinean base Almirante Brown, where we received an introduction to the Zodiacs as we toured Paradise Bay.
Our small ship—Clelia II—waits for her travelers to return from landing on the Antarctic continent at Neko Harbour in Andvord Bay … a truly spectacular moment enjoyed in an incredible place.
One evening as we sailed, this beautiful 100 year-old bark Europa arrived to delight us as the light began to fade.
Bundled in their OAT parkas, a group of fellow travelers returns from their Zodiac tour of Paradise Bay. Piloting the craft is Expedition Staff member Bernice Charpin. This is what we came to see!
Would you like to share a story or photos of your own? Email me at harriet@oattravel.com.
Experience the beauty of Antarctica for yourself on our Antarctica’s White Wilderness Small Ship Adventure.