Antarctica is a dream destination for many. It’s the final frontier. The 7th continent. Once you’ve been everywhere, you’ll want to visit Antarctica. These Antarctica pictures will entice you to finally book that polar expedition.
Amazing Antarctica in Photos
Read more of our time in Antarctica
January is the perfect time of year to visit Antarctica. We started our expedition through the Antarctic Peninsula on January 30 and it turned out to be the most incredible time to visit the continent.
Newly hatched penguins had now grown to adolescence. They developed the most curious nature by the time they had grown a bit.
When we’d land on the shore after a good day of kayaking or exploring on the zodiacs, young penguins would waddle over to see what we were up to.
The wildlife of Antarctica was outstanding with whales breaching, seals sleeping, birds flying, and penguins playing right before our eyes.
But it was the landscape of Antarctica that truly took our breaths away.
Antarctica Pictures
Dave took thousand of pictures in Antarctica.
Many of his stunning Antarctica photos had never seen the light of day due to catching flights and moving onto the next location.
So once we slowed down and settled in, Dave went through his best catalogue the best of Antarctica pictures like this lone penguin below.
We saw penguins everywhere. Most were in flocks of thousands and others simply were walking alone along the coast or floating on an ice sheet in the middle of the sea.
Check out: 11 of the Best Things to do in Antarctica
Antarctica Ice in Photos
Old Whaling Stations of Antarctica
Old abandoned whaling stations can be visited when taking an expedition to Antarctica.
This is a ruin on Deception Island. Back in the day, it was a large whaling station where they slaughtered whales for their oil.
Exploration in Antarctica
More Images of Antarctica
We spent several days kayaking in Antarctica. It was the most serene and peaceful thing we’ve ever done.
There was nothing but the sound of ice crackling and our paddles dipping into the cold water.
We could move silently as to not disturb wildlife and we came very close to seals sleeping on floating ice, penguins jumping and we even had a whale breach right behind our group of 12 paddlers.
Wildlife of Antarcticca
Can’t get enough of penguins
Let us be honest with you. Penguins smell. But they are darn cute!
When you land on shore to observe a colony, the stench immediately hits you. It’s a mixture of fish and feces.
However, they are so adorable that soon your nose gets used to the smell and you could sit for hours watching them.
We saw a lot of penguins in Antarctica, but each viewing was as exciting, cute and fascinating as the first.
When visiting the continent you are not allowed to approach penguins closer than 5 meters.
But, if you stand or sit very still, they may approach you and that is completely allowed!
Stunning Beauty
Read: Antarctica or the Arctic? How Do You Choose Your Polar Expedition?
Our travels to Antarctica were courtesy of Quark Expeditions. The leader in Polar adventures.
ANJANA says
INCREDIBLE CLICKS. GOOD WORK THANKS FOR THIS ALLURING IMAGES OF ANTARCTICA
NUSRAT IQBAL says
Beautiful photos collection
Tajirul Haque says
WOW, simply WOW, amazing, breathtaking, stunning images. Outstanding skills.
Ellen Schwab says
Great photos! I just returned from there a week ago and am still under its spell……
avianti says
Wow! these are beautiful! Now I want to go to antarctica!
Dave and Deb says
Thank you! Antarctica is such an amazing destination. It’s difficult to capture the true scope in photos, but we try our best!
Darby of Green Travel Antics says
Your photos are breathtaking! I’m biking to Patagonia with by boyfriend this year, and I’d love to go to Antarctica if we have enough money left over. He doesn’t think we should to, but these pictures will surely convince him otherwise 🙂
Dan says
These photos are beyond amazing! I cannot wait to visit Antarctica.
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Dan! I hope you get to go soon. It’s an out of this world destination.
Louisa says
Wow those photos are so amazing…especially if you made them into postcards…ever thought of doing that? And the wildlife photos look amazing too…it must have been awesome to visit…
Dave and Deb says
Thank you! It was defnitely amazing to visit.
Kellie (Destination Unknown) says
Having just returned from my second trip to Antarctica, I am lapping up these incredible photos! Isn’t it great to still discover great photos from trips of years ago – and great for us that you are sharing them, keep them coming 🙂
Marie says
Wow, that’s amazing. Just wow.
Rebecca says
Holy hell, these photos are spectacular!! Great idea to get more out – look forward to more photo features.
northierthanthou says
Love the rust of the old whaling stations.
Mary @ Green Global Travel says
Incredible photos…the ones of the whaling station and of the penguins are especially striking.
neil bugghins says
I like the Antarctic photographs, it looks so peaceful and beautiful. It greatly contrasts with the fierce, harshness of what I’ve read about it there.
Joel says
Awesome ! Happy New Year!
Dave and Deb says
You too Joel. Cheers!
Marie says
Wow! Amazing pictures!
I have always dreamed of going to Antarctica. Now I definitely know, that this is a place, that I must see some day 🙂
And again – AMAZING pictures!
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Marie. Antarctica is an out of this world destination.
Joanne Joseph says
Wow, indeed. These are some of the most beautiful and spectacular shots I have seen from Antartica. Thank you so much for moving this magnificent continent a bit higher on my bucket list!
Dave and Deb says
Wow! Thank you so much Joanne and Joseph. That is a huge compliment as we have seen so many amazing photos from the Continent. It is truly a photographers dream destination.
Don says
Awesome Photos. Looks really cold!
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Don. It was actually quite comfortable sitting at around 5 degrees Celcius. Quark Expeditions also provides parkas for you to keep and warm waterproof boots for use. You stay pretty warm actually.
Emily says
I love the photo of the little penguin who approached to say hello!
Antarctica is definitely on my list of places to go…my bucket list includes a stop on every continent 🙂
Dave and Deb says
Isn’t he a cutie? I was going to lead with that image actually, but then I decided to go with the more dramatic image of the two penguins. I may change it up in the days to come 🙂
Jennifer says
I know, I know, this isn’t the most useful comment, but I just had to say WOOOOOOOOOOOOOOW!
Dave and Deb says
That’s useful to me! I love it
Claire says
Wow. Those photos are amazing. I can only imagine how incredible it was to see all of that in person.
Dave and Deb says
Thanks Claire, it was incredible to see in person. It’s difficult to top Antarctica as a destination. Now whenever anyone asks us what’s our favourite, that is always high on our list.
Katie says
I’ve always shied away from Antarctica a little due to the cold (I’m a warm weather gal), but these photos helped persuade me. The penguins, especially, as well as all that blue and the icebergs!
Dave and Deb says
Hi Katie, it’s honestly not that bad as far as the cold goes because expeditions go in the summer. Plus, Quark Expeditions supplies parkas for you to keep! that are totally warm, and they lend warm waterproof boots for the duration of the cruise. You just have to bring hats, gloves and waterproof pants. Plus all your layers of course. But you surprisingly stay very warm once you are dressed for the weather. And it is so spectacular, you tend to forget the chill in the air.
Bec says
Beautiful photos. I was lucky enough to go to Antarctica in 2013 and it is a photographers dream.
Dave and Deb says
I’m so happy to hear that Bec. You are so right, it is a photographers dream destination.