Antarctica, accessible only for two to three months during the austral summer, offers an unparalleled adventure. Sailing on these icy waters adds a unique dimension to the journey, where time seems suspended and uncertainties give the landscapes and animal encounters a new flavor. Karine Berthonnet and Damien Cudel share with us their unforgettable experience.
A long-awaited departure
The trip is scheduled for early February, the warmest period when the continent becomes accessible. Temperatures range from -1°C to +7°C on the peninsula, while nights, from 11 PM to 5 AM, can turn icy, with the ship’s deck often covered in snow and ice.
Antarctica, whose surface triples in winter due to the extension of the ice pack, is so vast that it’s impossible to explore more than a tiny part of it. Before our departure, we were unaware of the immense distances to be traveled from Ushuaia. Sailing on this continent is a tangible experience of the dilation of time and space.

Did you enjoy this excerpt?
Read the full article.
READING TIME ≈ 10 min
Dive into the heart of PLONGEZ! Magazine
To enjoy this article and its exclusive content, a modest contribution is required.