Antarctica - Shore Landings and Zodiac Rides

Antarctica Shore Landings and Zodiac Rides Our adventures with Aurora Expeditions led us though the South Shetland Islands and to the Antarctica Peninsula (...yes, the mainland of Antarctica, how exciting). During our visit we experienced 14 hours of daylight and quite calm weather, so were extremely lucky to be able to land ashore lot and explore by zodiac. With Aurora Expeditions, a normal day in Antarctica would involve at least one landing ashore and one zodiac cruise. Hitting land in Antarctica is truly mind blowing, as you get to wander to places that very few humans get to, and you get up close to seals and penguins at the same time. We would walk on pebbly beaches, up snow-covered hills to get a great view or just sit on a rock at the waters edge to watch the wildlife play in the water. Some of the shore landings were at historic huts and research centres, such as the famous Port Lockroy, better known as the Penguin Post Office, run by the British for many years as the most isolated post office in the world. Unfortunately, it was closed during our visit, but we still were able to post our postcards in the “all weather post box”, on a side note the postcard ended up arriving at our home 2 months later, very cool. Port Lockroy is on Goudier Island and is sounded by dramatic scenery with high mountains and glaciers and is also home to a large penguin colony. It’s a truly remarkable place to visit. On another landing we visited Damoy Hut which stands in picturesque Dorian Bay on Wiencke Island, the hut was used by the British as a staging/transit station for people travelling to the larger scientific stations the British had in Antarctica. A visit to Damoy Hut is very fascinating as you get to see what it was like in its heyday, they have left the hut as was, so you can see old tins of food in the kitchen, the tight sleeping quarters and how life would have been like staying in this small hut. We also got to enjoy a hike on Wiencke Island, to see penguins and the glorious view of the bay and surrounding mountains. Zodiac excursions are more relaxing as you just rugged up and enjoy the ride. You see a great deal of wildlife up close, ice cliffs and lots and lots of icebergs of every size and colour imaginable. We got close to whales a few times and seals resting on icebergs. With a zodiac you can venture very close to the wildlife, so get some great photos opportunities. With Aurora Expeditions, you board the zodiac’s at sea level, so its extremely safe and easy, not many expedition ships have this and it makes a big difference. On one of our zodiac adventures we headed to see the Norwegian factory ship (whale oil), Guvernoren, which run a-ground in 1915 after a fire onboard. Located in Foyn Harbour on Enterprise Island, the wreck is half submerged, rusting away by the sea. It’s such an experience to be able to float around and over the wreck, the water was so clear you could see many metres below the surface. Another zodiac excursion led us though the iceberg graveyard, what I hear you ask, “iceberg graveyard” has Sacha gone crazy?!? After breaking off, icebergs get pushed by the sea currents into bays and harbours, some never leave, stuck for ever, hence they call it an iceberg graveyard. Zodiac-ing though the water between these icebergs is an experience not to be missed, the size, shapes and colours are so different, just magical. When you go to Antarctica you feel so special as not many people get this opportunity to visit such a remote, isolated, and wild part of the world. The scenery is unforgettable and at times you need to pinch yourself that you’re not dreaming, its that beautiful and pristine. #antarcticashorelandingsandzodiacrides #auroraexpeditions #antarcticaexplorations #antarctica