Viking Cruises

62 For complete itinerary details and videos, visit viking.com/expeditions ANTARCTICA HAS TWO SEASONS, summer and winter. During winter Antarctica is plunged into darkness and extreme temperatures and weather conditions prevail while sea ice surrounds the continent rendering it inaccessible. The ideal time to explore is the Antarctic summer between November and March when the cold, windy weather turns to 24-hour sunlight and temperatures rise to a more comfortable zero degrees celsius and the ice melts, unlocking seaways that were frozen in winter. This is the optimal time to visit, often with relatively open water, clear weather and endless views. Every month over summer aff ords an altogether diff erent experience. NOVEMBER Pristine snow-covered landscapes and the waters surrounding the peninsula are awash with ice fl ows and icebergs as the pack ice begins to melt – an opportune time for budding landscape photographers. Whales and migratory birds begin to return and penguins form highways as they migrate up the slopes to build their nests in preparation for raising their chicks. This is also penguin mating season, so courtships are on full display. DECEMBER/JANUARY This is Antarctica at its fi nest. The weather is more stable, days become longer and temperatures increase with January aff ording 20+ hours of sunlight. The continent and surrounding waters are teeming with life. Penguin rookeries are a hive of new life as chicks begin to hatch. Various species of seals will bask in the sun and keep your eyes peeled upward for albatross, snow petrel and skuas. FEBRUARY/MARCH February provides the greatest accessibility for landings and an opportunity to sail across the Antarctic Circle (if weather permits). March is peak whale watching season as whales are feasting on the abundance of krill before their great migration north. By the end of March as winter begins to descend, the days become shorter, the sunsets are spectacular and there's the potential for fresh snowfalls. W H E N T O V I S I T A N TA R C T I C A A landscape of diff ering contrasts "It's hard to know where to look when you're overwhelmed by breathtaking scenery. All around me are snow-covered peaks that launch from the sea into the clouds, gigantic glaciers and house-sized icebergs." B r o o k S a b i n , Tr a v e l J o u r n a l i s t s t u f f. c o . n z . I C E B E RG I N A N TA R C T I C A

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