Antarctica is otherworldly, like nothing I’ve ever seen before. Stark, cold, beautiful desolation.
- Mark Hoppus
For my 40th birthday, I took a boat from Ushuaia in Argentina to visit the 7th continent at the bottom of the world. The landscape, the animals, and the weather are all unique and we were incredibly fortunate in how far south we were able to go.
At our most southern only 3,000 people were lower on the globe than we were.
South of the Circle
One of five primary circles of latitude, the Antarctic Circle marks the point where during solstice the sun is above the horizon for a full 24 hours. Compared to crossing the Antarctic Circle, which is relatively common given it crosses Canada, Sweden, Finland, Norway, Russia and others, people crossing the Antarctic Circle is much more rare and special.
Southern Ocean
Between leaving the Drake Passage and reaching the Antarctic Peninsular, you spend some time in the Southern Ocean. Occasionally called the Antarctic Ocean, this body of water is generally considered to be anything inside the southern 60th parallel.
Drake Passage
Considered one of the most treacherous voyages for ships to make, the Drake Passage is uncomfortable even for passengers on ships like the MV Expedition. Huge waves and strong winds make the experience one that brings out sea sickness in a large portion of the people passing through. Souvenirs saying things like ‘I survived the Drake Shake’ are common.