Shrouded in ice, snow and an element of mystery, Antarctica is as unknown as they get<\/strong><\/p>\n When travellers describe far-off places, they\u2019re probably thinking of places like Antarctica<\/a>. A destination requiring an epic journey, specialised equipment and trained professionals. Where the landscape feels almost as otherworldly as the surface of the moon and whose uniquely adapted wildlife greatly outnumbers any human inhabitants.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Setting our sights due south, let\u2019s uncover the greatest myths about our icy southern continent.\u00a0<\/p>\n Known as one of the roughest seas in the world, it\u2019s no wonder the Drake Passage has churned up a bit of hype. Those who have faced off against this meeting place of ocean and wind have earned themselves a pat on the back. That is if <\/em>you were met with the Drake Shake and not the Drake Lake \u2013 more on that later.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n What\u2019s so scary about the Drake Passage?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n The Drake Passage is a stretch of water between South America and Antarctica, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n One notable characteristic of the Drake Passage is that it\u2019s very unpredictable. You may get smooth lake-like conditions known as the \u2018Drake Lake\u2019 or the rough alternative: the \u2018Drake Shake.\u2019\u00a0<\/p>\n If you do get the Drake Shake, know that while you\u2019re earning your Passage stripes, you\u2019ll be well-protected and well-taken care of. <\/p>\n Ships that charter this passage, including Intrepid\u2019s ships, are typically ice-strengthened and purpose-built for the conditions. Similarly, your crew will be a hardy, well-trained bunch who navigate these waters in all conditions multiple times a year. There will also be an onboard doctor who is experienced in treating seasickness. Have a chat with them before the passage if you\u2019re feeling a little worried.<\/p>\n And during the crossing days, there\u2019s plenty to keep you distracted. Why not learn about your arrival destination with onboard Antarctica experts, or even get your heart rate going \u2013 or slowing \u2013 in the gym, spa or sauna? \u00a0<\/p>\n How to hack the Drake Passage, read your guide to tackling the Drake Passage<\/a><\/p>\n Aside from the passage, the waters immediately surrounding Antarctica are incredibly smooth, so it\u2019s unlikely you\u2019ll have any problems when you get there. \u00a0<\/p>\n Whether you\u2019re someone who knows they get seasick or if you have never experienced rough waters, it\u2019s recommended that everyone comes prepared to avoid white-knuckling the railing. Consult your doctor about possible medication and take cautionary measures like avoiding greasy food and alcohol. And as always, keep an eye on the horizon and try to get some fresh air.\u00a0<\/p>\n Insider tip: although they can\u2019t be guaranteed, try to request a central, middle cabin that may be less affected by the conditions.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n But whether you choose to ride out the journey in your cabin or up with others in the lounge \u2013 know that it\u2019s just a part of travelling to Antarctica \u2013 no pain, no gain, after all.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n I\u2019ll keep it real: Antarctica is one of the most remote places in the world; it\u2019s not going to be a quick or cheap journey. But honestly, you probably wouldn\u2019t want this to be a \u2018cheap\u2019 trip as Antarctica is a complicated place; you want to know you\u2019re in safe hands.\u00a0<\/p>\n Ships are purpose-built, crews are highly trained and companies are well-equipped to support the journey. So, it will be more than your average holiday spend, but this is Antarctica \u2013 kind of goes with the territory. \u00a0<\/p>\n Unlike ye olden days when boats took long, tedious journeys, today\u2019s expedition cruises have seen 21st-century upgrades.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n Take Intrepid\u2019s Ocean Endeavour. This ship has an onboard gym, spa, library, bar, boutique, pool, yoga classes and daily expert-led information sessions, not to mention the wi-fi and TVs in every cabin.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n And hey, if you\u2019re lucky, you may even get some free entertainment playing hide and seek with passing whales.\u00a0<\/p>\n Just like in any other cold climate, there can be moments of high winds and increased snowfall. Rest assured, your crew will always be monitoring the weather and are quick to make itinerary changes to lessen the effects of adverse weather.\u00a0<\/p>\n However, importantly, you\u2019ll need to come prepared with specialty gear \u2013 as this isn\u2019t your average outdoor expedition. Intrepid ships will provide you with a waterproof jacket and rubber boots, but you will need to make sure you\u2019re stocked up on the right clothing for any and all weather conditions \u2013 for your own safety, you may not be let off the ship if you\u2019re not wearing the right garments. \u00a0<\/p>\n You\u2019ll need waterproof pants, quality beanies, gloves, base layers and mid-layers to wear under the jacket and pants. Ensure you\u2019ve read the provided packing lists carefully.\u00a0<\/p>\n Read Intrepid\u2019s guide on what to pack for Antarctica<\/a>\u00a0<\/p>\n Is Antarctica\u2019s wildlife dangerous?<\/strong>\u00a0<\/p>\n There\u2019s not much to worry about regarding dangerous wildlife encounters in Antarctica. Intrepid, alongside other operators, must abide by strict Antarctica codes about maintaining distance from wildlife; as long as you are too, you should be safe around any animals.\u00a0\u00a0<\/p>\n In summary, don\u2019t pet the penguins.\u00a0<\/p>\n At its core, visiting Antarctica is about educating and sharing the wonders of wildlife and the importance of preserving our environment. Intrepid works to be a responsible tour operator in a few ways.<\/p>\n The first: Intrepid is a member of the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators<\/a> (IATTO). Being an IATTO member means operating within the parameters of the Antarctica Treaty to practise safe and environmentally responsible travel to the continent.<\/p>\n The second is partaking in responsible travel practices. These include:<\/p>\n Want to know the difference between a regular cruise and an Antarctica expedition cruise? For starters, instead of thousands of passengers, Intrepid ships carry less than 200 people. \u00a0<\/p>\n Second, instead of bingo, casinos and other classic cruise fare, your days will be spent zipping around on Zodiacs, walking on land to get up close to the wildlife, learning how to become an Antarctica wildlife photographer, joining citizen science programs<\/a> or listening to the expedition experts\u00a0during the onboard lecture programs.\u00a0<\/p>\n And if you want more excitement, Intrepid\u2019s polar cruises also offer a ton of activities to get you even closer to the Antarctic action. Join in on optional paid activities like kayaking, stand-up paddle boarding, overnight ice camping and more.\u00a0<\/p>\n So, less like your typical cruise and more like a summer camp in the coolest place on Earth. Cool, right?\u00a0<\/p>\n Traveller stories: My trip to Antarctica was like a grown-up summer camp at sea<\/a><\/p>\n So, this may not be a real myth, but in case you were wondering, \u2018What\u2019s the appeal?\u2019 \u2013 here\u2019s why people spend their hard-earned cash and tackle the Drake Passage to visit Antarctica.<\/p>\n Along with the landscape of jutting snow-topped mountains and near luminescent icebergs, Antarctica\u2019s land, water and skies are home to 235 uniquely adapted species<\/a>. Some of their most intriguing are:<\/p>\nMyth 1: The Drake Passage is really scary<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nMyth 2: I\u2019ll be too seasick on the ship to enjoy a trip to Antarctica<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nMyth 3: A trip to Antarctica will cost me my life\u2019s savings.<\/h2>\n
Myth 4: I\u2019ll get really bored on the travel days<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nMyth 5: It\u2019s really dangerous to visit Antarctica<\/h2>\n
Myth 6: A trip to Antarctica is\u00a0not good for the environment<\/h2>\n
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<\/figure>\nMyth 7: It\u2019s just another cruise<\/h2>\n
Myth 8: There\u2019s not much to see, it\u2019s just ice and water<\/h2>\n