Because penguins are adorable and no one believes we were THIS close to killer whales or that icebergs get to be the size of skyscrapers, we’re sharing even more of Eric’s photos from our recent Antarctic adventure aboard the M/V Antarctic Dream.
The beauty of Antarctica.
The crazy blues created by icebergs in Antarctic water.
An excursion away from the M/V Antarctic Dream in small zodiacs to get closer to wildlife and icebergs.
Gentoo penguins are utterly charming.
Gentoo penguins with our home for 11 days, the M/V Antarctic Dream, in the background.
Gentoo penguins in Port Lockroy, one of the shore excursions on an Antarctic adventure.
It was tempting to travel through this arch created as wind-eroded away an iceberg, but that’s strictly forbidden since icebergs can capsize at any moment.
Antarctica, land of the midnight sun.
A killer whale welcoming party.
The crabeater seals were curious but cautious.
It’s clear how chinstrap penguins got their name.
Gentoo penguins at Port Lockroy, one of the land excursions during an Antarctic adventure.
Gentoo penguins were busy collecting small stones to construct their nests with when we were in Antarctica.
It was tempting to travel through this arch created as wind-eroded away an iceberg but that’s strictly forbidden since icebergs can capsize at any moment.
A change in the weather had us traveling through surface ice that was clearly beginning to re-form.
Colder temperatures created conditions that made us glad our M/V Antarctic Dream ship was built as an ice-breaker with a reinforced hull.
This is what passes for flirting as gentoo penguins woo their partners so they can do what they came here to do…
…which they are not shy about at all.
Iceberg art in Antarctica.
Navigation charts keeping us on course and away from the bergs in Antarctica.
Check out the feature we did for the Dallas Morning News including tips for making the most of your trip to Antarctica and our feature for the Minneapolis Star-Tribune about all of the onboard adventures you’ll have.
Here’s more about travel in Antarctica
See all of our Photo Essays
LOVE the photos. Looks like a spectacular adventure. I’m heading down to Ushuaia shortly, but won’t be making it down to Antarctica. I’m terribly jealous.
Amazing shots of the icebergs and penguins at play!
Thanks Alex. Have a great time in Ushuaia.
Absolutely breath-taking photos. Towards the end, what was that penguin reaching up for on its tip-toes?
What kind of gear do you use when shooting, and did it hold up well in that harsh environment?
Thanks. If you’re talking aout the vertical shot, he’s just horney looking for a mate.
I shoot with Canon. Brought down some new gear to try out, review coming soon. Held up great, just need to keep it dry on the zodiac and during the blizzards.
Love the pictures! I got a glimpse of my first icebergs this past summer in Iceland, but judging by your pictures those were just babies in comparison to what’s floating around the Antarctic.
Awesome photos Eric! Really makes me want to head there soon. Icebergs and penguins sounds like the perfect agenda for any traveler!
i love penguins, i wish i could have one as a pet
They are damn cute, a bit stinky though.
This is my ultimate dream, wow!!!!!!!!! Thank you for these AMAZING pics!
Great photos! While I haven’t been to Antarctica, you seem to have really captured its beauty through your lens.
Thanks Suzy, and thanks for including us in your “Suzy Stumbles” post- https://suzyguese.com/suzy-stumbles-over-travel-week-of-january-3-2011/
Much as I hate to be cold and I don’t like cruising (I get SO seasick), you’ve convinced me to put Antarctica on my list. Gorgeous photos – wish they were larger.
It’s worth the effort, cost and the pain that might need to be endured.
The Drake effects everyone, whether you get seasick or not. The Scopalamine patch works wonders, so long as you don’t mind sleeping a lot.
Can you ever actually take any bad photos in such a beautiful environment?
let me add my WOW comment to everyone else — this looks amazing
A destination that is too cold for me to visit however love then pictures anyway. Penguins are soo cute!!
Actually, it’s not as cold as you think. As they say, it’s a dry cold–honestly, folks dealing with this winter in NYC are probably much colder right now than we ever were in Antarctica. You’re dressed properly for all shore excursions and your boat is always toasty warm (we never even needed to turn on the heater in our cabin on the MV Antarctic Dream).
Oh I love penguins, those photos are so great.
Damn, these are awesome. Never have snow and ice looked so good!
These photos are incredible! Seeing the ice reform would have freaked me out. Great job guys… what an experience! ;-)
Hey, I am in Ushuaia now and considering last-second deals. One if for the Antarctic Dream but the only reviews I found are years old. Curious to know your opinion of the boat, crew, etc.
We thought the boat and crew of the Antarctic Dream were GREAT. HIGHLY RECOMMENDED!
In addition to our other blog posts you can check out some more detailed stories we’ve published:
Icebreakers in Antarctica – Minneapolis Star Tribune
&
Tips From the World’s End: How to make the most of an Antarctic adventure – Toronto Sun
Thanks. Actually that trip booked out so I am now going on another boat, the Svetaeva so here’s hoping it turns out to be good as well. And thanks for the other links. I actually had downloaded those already but have yet to read them. On my to do list for sure.
Amigos,
Me encanta su trabajo!!! Les escribi anteriormente y me contestaste. Me siento muy animado cada vez que leo el blog. No quites por favor.
You’re doing a great service to raise the consciousness of all. I apprciate your extensive coverage of Mexico,
Jake en Tepoztlan, Morelos
Fantastic photos. I particularly loved the gigantic iceberg with an archway. Like a creative architecture.
Penguins are so cute I could just eat them up! Well, not really…you know what I mean… :)
Icebergs are so cool. We just got to see them in AK last week.
Nice photos – I love the penguin shots.
Amazing photos – what an incredible experience. I love how you saw so much wildlfe!
I see someone is obsessed with penguins :-)
What’s not to love…other than the smell.
You were right- I did want it! Have to get down there soon!
The movie Happy Feet ruined it for me, I can’t look at penguins without thinking of them dancing around :-) Antarctica looks beautiful but I don’t know if I could bare the cold…plus no trees to swing on.
[…] from AntarcticaPhoto Essay: Unreal AntarcticaAntarctica OrcasThe Lemaire Channel – AntarcticaYou Know You Want It: MORE Antarctica PhotosDay Eight – How to Photograph Antarctica21 Photos from Antarctica: The B-SidesJohn Greengo: […]
Love the “dancing penguins” shot. Everyone I’ve spoken to that’s been to Antarctica has said the experience is impossible to top. :)
You’re right – you can’t have too many Antarctica photos. My favourites are always the ice – the blue is just unlike any other blue!
These are some of the best photos I have seen of Antarctica and it seems like everyone has been lately. Even though you guys were before the rush it seems. Great shots Eric.
You’re right – you can never have too many photos of Antarctica. It’s incredible how close you get to the animals. And that blue colour in the ice is just stunning.
Very lucky guys! :)
Wow! Excellent photos. Love it.
Thanks Abdul!