Personal Stories from Antarctica: What It’s Really Like to Visit the Last Continent
Visiting Antarctica is a once-in-a-lifetime experience, but what is it really like? Beyond the towering icebergs and vast, untouched wilderness, it’s the people—both visitors and guides—who bring the journey to life. Every person who sets foot on the White Continent comes away with unforgettable memories, incredible wildlife encounters, and a deeper appreciation for this remote world. Here are some Personal Stories from Antarctica.
In this blog, we’ll share real guest experiences and behind-the-scenes insights from expedition guides who have spent countless days navigating the icy landscapes of Antarctica.
Guest Experiences: First-Time Visitors to Antarctica & Personal Stories from Antarctica
For many travellers, visiting Antarctica is the culmination of a lifelong dream. The moment they step onto the continent, surrounded by glaciers and curious penguins, reality exceeds all expectations. Here are some firsthand stories from people who have made the journey:
“I Felt Like I Was on Another Planet” – James, UK
“No photos or videos can prepare you for the sheer scale of Antarctica. When we arrived at our first landing site, I just stood there, in awe. The silence was overwhelming, broken only by the occasional creaking of icebergs or the distant calls of penguins. The most surreal moment for me was kayaking in Paradise Bay. We paddled among towering icebergs, and suddenly, a humpback whale surfaced right beside us. I could hear it breathe. That was the moment I truly grasped just how wild and pristine Antarctica is.”
“The Drake Passage Nearly Broke Me – But It Was Worth It” – Sophie, Australia
“I won’t lie—crossing the **Drake Passage** was rough. I spent the first day lying in my cabin, trying not to move. But by the second day, I started feeling better and spent hours on deck watching wandering albatrosses glide effortlessly over the waves. The minute we reached calmer waters and spotted our first icebergs, all the seasickness was forgotten. I remember stepping onto the ice for the first time in Neko Harbour, surrounded by thousands of gentoo penguins. It was like stepping into a nature documentary. Would I do it again? In a heartbeat.”
“Camping on the Ice Was the Most Peaceful Night of My Life” – Mark, Canada
“I was one of the lucky few who got to try ice camping in Antarctica. We left the warmth of the ship behind and set up our bivvy bags on the snow. No tents, no sound, just us and the Antarctic wilderness. I lay there, staring up at the sky, feeling the absolute stillness around me. Occasionally, I’d hear a distant crack of shifting ice. In the morning, we woke to penguins waddling past our sleeping bags. It was the most peaceful night I’ve ever had. We went with Quark.”
Behind the Scenes: What It’s Like to Be an Antarctic Guide
For visitors, Antarctica is a dream destination. But for **expedition guides and ship crew members**, it’s a job that comes with long hours, incredible rewards, and the **responsibility of ensuring safe and memorable experiences**. Here’s what life is like as an Antarctic guide.
“Every Day Is an Adventure” – Emily, Expedition Leader
“Being an Antarctic guide is one of the most rewarding and demanding jobs in the world. Our days start early, coordinating with the ship’s captain to determine safe landing sites based on weather and ice conditions. Most days involve multiple Zodiac cruises and landings, where we guide guests through penguin colonies, answer their questions, and ensure they respect wildlife distances. One minute, I’m talking about how to identify a Wilson’s storm petrel, and the next, I’m helping someone experience their first iceberg up close. At night, we eat with the guests, share stories, and give talks on everything from glaciology to Antarctic history. It’s exhausting—but I wouldn’t trade it for anything.”
“Zodiac Driving Never Gets Old” – Carlos, Zodiac Driver
“I’ve driven Zodiac boats in some of the most spectacular places on Earth, but nothing beats Antarctica. Every time I take guests out, there’s a sense of excitement—will we see a leopard seal hunting? Will a glacier calve in front of us? Will we spot an orca pod? One of my favourite moments was taking a group through Pléneau Bay, weaving through crystal-clear icebergs. Suddenly, we spotted a massive humpback whale just ahead. We cut the engine and drifted in silence as the whale surfaced just metres away. Even after years of doing this, I still get chills.”
“People Expect Cold – They Don’t Expect the Silence” – Alex, Naturalist Guide
“Everyone who visits Antarctica expects the cold, the ice, the penguins. But what catches most people off guard is the silence. I’ll never forget guiding a group on their first landing at Brown Bluff. We asked everyone to stand still and just listen for a minute. The silence was so deep it was almost unsettling. Then, the distant call of a skua, the sound of penguins chattering, and the crack of ice shifting. That’s when it hits people—this place is truly wild.”
Final Thoughts: The Magic of Antarctica
Whether you’re visiting as a traveller or working as an expedition guide, Antarctica is a place that changes you. From the first glimpse of an iceberg on the horizon to the last penguin encounter before heading back north, every moment is extraordinary. We hope you have enjoyed reading about some Personal Stories from Antarctica.
For those lucky enough to visit, Antarctica is more than just a destination—it’s an experience that stays with you for life.
For more tips on responsible Antarctic travel, check out our other Antarctica blogs –
Sustainable Travel in Antarctica