Is it the teenagers' last holiday before adulthood? Or maybe you’re just craving a truly unforgettable trip to colder climates? Antarctica is guaranteed to be the most unique trip for everyone in your clang embarking. The coldest continent on earth is unsurprisingly home to the world’s largest ice mass and travel here with teenagers will ensure the most once-in-a-lifetime experience. Explore such diverse wildlife within its natural world.
For a trip to Antarctica with teenagers, here is everything you need to know pre-departure.
The Best Time to Visit Antarctica with Teenagers
Ultimately, the best time to visit the Antarctic continent, is during the austral summer, to gain more favorable daylight hours, weather conditions, and the best opportunity to see wildlife. Due to such an unpredictable climate, research before a trip out is even more imperative for this destination. Extreme cold is guaranteed to be experienced, whether it’s a summer or winter trip, but peak summer of December to January results in up to twenty-four hours of daylight.
In late October to November as the season heads towards the summer months, the ice begins to break up thanks to slightly higher temperatures. This ice movement creates some of the most stunning ice formations for the eyes to see. The warmer weather is also when most penguin chicks hatch and seal pups start embracing the natural world. Enjoy more watersports on offer during the warmer months to ensure you’re even staying active out there.
The Best Places to Go in Antarctica with Teenagers
For the most enriching experience in Antarctica especially for the younger ones, it’s beneficial to plan out routes across a range of regions in the continent. After all, it’s pretty unlikely you’ll ever be back here altogether.
The most accessible part of the Antarctic continent is the Antarctic Peninsula. Known for sublime scenery and an abundance of wildlife, there are key opportunities for both wildlife watching and active boat excursions. For an educational visit, this area is key to learning about the significance of the Antarctic continent to the rest of the world. This is due to such vast scientific work constantly being conducted in the continent. Visit seals and whales here, as well as Adelie penguins.
Port Lockroy is a former research station owned by the British embassy. Today, the area has become a museum for local icy research and development, as well as being home to the ‘Penguin Post Office’, which is Earth’s most Southern location to get a letter across the other side of the world. Let the teenagers gather postcards to send to friends back home, as a way to share their unforgettable memories. Paradise Bay is one of the most renowned areas in Antarctica, for its beauty of such extreme glacial scenery and calmer waters. There is a range of cruises that sail along waters here, to allow close-up encounters with local wildlife and icy sculptures.
The Best Ways to Explore Antarctica with Teenagers
In addition to the range of sailing offerings available in the continent, embark on an exclusive Antarctica luxury cruise as a means of getting around the ice land. Sailing at sea is the most effective means of movement to get from one place to another, and also allows those onboard to get up close to the wildlife residents of the continent, in their most natural habitat. A cruising venture around the ice also reduces the amount of planning the older ones need to do pre-departure because local experts and guides will be onboard too! Pick luxurious cabins and enjoy top-notch prepared dining onboard to even suit the fussiest teenage palettes. Take the pressure off and consider a cruise of luxury for the best at-sea adventure.
The Best Things to Do in Antarctica with Teenagers
The sheer unique nature of the whole Antarctic continent makes for a huge range of things to do on offer. To ensure the most prepared start to the trip, it’s good to go with some kind of rough plan of the top priorities of things to do. Here are some suggestions to get your inspiration juices flowing:
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Wildlife Watching: Visit the only place on Earth with large-scale colonies of a range of penguin species. Seals and sea lions are also some top pick marine life surrounding the icebergs and are sure to be awed at, by the whole family.
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Paddle through icy waters within the safety of a kayak and there are plenty of tours on offer if you’d rather do this in a group. From novices to advanced kayakers, there is a trip for everyone.
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Spend a night beneath the stars (or sunlight in the summertime) and camp within the ice. This is potentially the most memorable camping experience for the whole family. Just make sure to pack all your layers for a warm enough night's sleep.
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Embark on a guided hike to explore the breathtaking landscapes on foot. Snowshoeing is doable for people of all ages, at a range of fitness levels. Again with an expert guide, means the best routes that are sure to be worth trekking through.
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Insta’ obsessing teens will enjoy photography workshops led by professional photographers. Learn the best tips for getting the best natural pictures to showcase once back home.
What to Pack for a Trip to Antarctica
Polar packing is a task in itself, especially when you have the responsibility on top, of ensuring the teenagers have everything essential for the best and safest trip. Layers will be your best friend, alongside essential snowboots and walking gear to make the terrain accessible. Potentially surprising that sunglasses and sun-protecting skincare products are also non-negotiable thanks to the unpredictability of the weather forecast during your stay. Research, preparation, and the more the merrier with layers and snacks to ensure the most energy-fuelled active adventure!
Summary
From snow lovers to intrepid explorers, Antarctica is the most unforgettable vacation destination. Let teenagers embrace a different way of living and exploration. A life-changing memory maker for the next generation to learn the importance of diversity across the world, Antarctica awaits.
