Antarctica Icebergs: Rhapsody in Blue Ice
This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through them, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you).
It’s an understandable mistake if you think the so-called “great white continent” of Antarctica is white.
True, the mountains blanketed with snow and vast icy plateaus are white – so blindingly white you squint even with Ray-Bans.
But Antarctica’s icebergs?
Those are blue.
Antarctica icebergs
In “Iceberg Alley” in the Weddell Sea, colossal tabular icebergs bigger than downtown buildings are luminescent in their blueness.
There are smaller ice sculptures too, in every imaginable shape and limitless blue hues.
We see baby blue mushrooms and royal blue lotus flowers and popsicle blue mermaids.
Even when day turns to dusk and everything else is grey and silver, the bergs still glow with blue light.
Visiting Antarctica
Antarctica is often the last continent adventurous travelers visit.
They go to see not only these amazing icebergs but also the different types of penguins in Antarctica, breaching whales, seals and the vast, vast icy wilderness.
It requires a commitment in terms of time and stoicism.
Most Antarctica expedition cruises are at least 11 nights long.
It takes four days from the tip of Argentina just to get to the Antarctic peninsula and back; while crossing the infamously rough Drake Passage, we popped Dramamine like candy.
But once close to the Antarctic Circle, the ice-choked waters are calm and the magic unfolds.
Roald Amundsen, Norwegian leader of the first expedition to reach the South Pole, got it right when he wrote in his diary in 1911:
“Glittering white, shining blue, raven black, in the light of the sun, the land looks like a fairy tale.”
One with many shades of blue…
Did you know Antarctica is so blue?
Let us know in the Comments below!
Our top travel tips and resources
General trip planning: TripAdvisor is a helpful starting point, offering loads of user reviews on hotels, restaurants and things to do.
Hotels: Booking.com is our go-to for scoring a “wow” hotel – or at least a decent one – often at lower rates than the hotel’s own website. We especially like Booking’s flexible cancellation policy! (You may prefer Expedia for booking hotels in the U.S. or Mexico.)
Vacation homes, condos and rentals: We prefer and use Vrbo (Vacation Rentals by Owner).
Flights: For the cheapest flights, search on Google Flights or Expedia. (Just be aware Expedia tickets are often non-refundable. If you want more flexibility, it’s usually worth booking directly with the airline, even if it costs a bit more.)
Airport lounge access: We love (and have) Priority Pass for comfy lounge seats, free snacks and drinks, complimentary WiFi and sometimes even showers and spa services!
Tours: For the best local food, walking and other guided tours, plus skip-the-line tickets to attractions, check out Viator (a TripAdvisor company) and GetYourGuide.
Car rental: Renting a car is often a great way to explore off the beaten path. Discover Cars searches car rental companies so you get the lowest rates.
eSIMS: Stay connected affordably with Airalo eSIMS covering 200+ countries and trusted by 10 million+ users, including us! (No more huge roaming bills!)
Travel insurance: SafetyWing is designed for frequent travelers, long-term adventurers and digital nomads. It covers medical expenses, lost checked luggage, trip interruption and more. We also have and recommend Medjet for global air medical transportation.
Travel gear: See our travel shop to find the best luggage, accessories and other travel gear. (We suggest these comfy travel sandals for city walking, the beach and kicking about.)
Need more help planning your trip? Check out our travel tips and resources guide for airline booking tips, ways to save money, how to find great hotels and other crazy useful trip planning info.
If you make a booking or purchase through our site, we may earn a small commission (at no cost to you). Thanks!
Photo credits: © Janice and George Mucalov, SandInMySuitcase (except lead image)
About the authors
