Antarctica Wildlife Cruise

Despite Antarctica's seemingly harsh conditions there is an abundance of creatures and animals. The natural beauty of the surroundings combined with the diverse and stunning wildlife makes Antarctica a trip not be forgotten.

Below is a brief overview of some of the glorious wildlife you could encounter on your trip to Antarctica.

Antarctica's wildlife includes:

Penguins

Sometimes comically described as "little old men wearing dinner jackets", penguins can be seen both in and out of the water all year round. The Emperor is the tallest and heaviest of all the penguins, choosing to breed during the harsh Antarctic winter.

Although the Emperor is generally regarded as the most impressive of all penguins, the Adelie, Rockhopper, King, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguin varieties are all still a sight to behold.

The swift and precise movement of the Penguins in the water never fails to amaze visitors, while their clumsiness and general behaviour on land can provide some comical camera moments.

Seals

Since the over hunting of the Antarctic Fur seals in the 18th and 19th centuries, the Weddell seal, named after the British sealing expedition's commander Sir James Weddell, has become the most common in the Antarctica region.

Mainly feeding on squid, Nototheniidae and Antarctic Toothfish, the Weddell seal maintains a varied diet. The smaller Weddell seals often fall victim to the attacks of leopard seals, as well as Orcas and Great White Sharks.

While these attacks are rarely witnessed by visitors to Antarctica, they are certainly spectacular and emotional. The feeling of privilege usually overtakes that of sympathy for the victim.

Whales

Antarctica can only be described as the whale watcher's heaven, with the world's largest concentration of whales. Eight different species of whale call Antarctica home at some point during the year, with regular sightings of Blue, Minke, Fin, Humpback, Orca, Southern Right, Sei and Sperm whales; disappointment is not an option.

Meeting one of the planet's most gracious creatures at close quarters is an awe-inspiring and often life changing experience, which is not to be missed.

Whales have a certain calmness and elegances about them, which stays with many visitors for several years after their trip.

Other Antarctic Creatures

Antarctica is also teeming with invertebrate animal life, with mites, lice, nematodes, tardigrades, rotifers, krill and springtales all serving as a vital food source for Antarctica's larger occupants. While some of these microscopic creatures live among the ice and rocks of the Antarctic, others live as parasites in the bodies of penguins, seals and whales.

Krill is extremely important to the Antarctic food chain, providing the staple diet for many of its spectacular residents. Without millions of these Krill drifting on the ocean currents the whales and penguins of the Antarctic would not visit to feed. Fish stocks are also hugely influenced by the supply of these small creatures, without which they would not survive, thus eventually depleting the food source of seals and penguins in the area.

Making Cruise Arrangements

For more information on our Antarctica Wildlife Cruise please call 01285 880981 or email through click here.