Antarctic Cruise
The best way to visit Antarctica is on an Antarctic cruise, during the Austral (Southern) summer (November to March).
Weddell Sea, Antarctica
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The continent itself tends to be cold, harsh, and hostile, even in summer. It is such a harsh environment that there is very little in the way of plants or animals. There are a few lichens, mosses and algae that manage to survive on the Antarctic rocks, and a few very tiny invertebrates (such as mites, ticks, nematode worms) that manage to survive because they have antifreeze in their bodies and can survive being frozen in winter.
But the Oceans around Antarctica are teeming with life, including whales, seals, penguins and a variety of sea birds. And you're likely to see all of these on an Antarctic cruise, along with icebergs, and spectacular coastal scenes of mountains and glaciers.
also see: Antarctica