Antarctica with Mackenzie Oman
Destination: Antarctica
Cruise Line: Aurora Expeditions
Mackenzie Oman just returned from a bucket list trip to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions.
“I knew Antarctica would be remote and beautiful, but nothing could have prepared me for just how magical it truly is. The sheer vastness, the silence, the untouched wilderness—it’s an experience unlike any other place in the world.”
Who Would Love This Trip?
This adventure is perfect for active, adventurous travelers—anyone who’s ready to embrace the elements and experience the raw, untouched beauty of Antarctica. If you love exploring remote destinations and being out in nature, this is the trip for you.
Insider Tip: When to Visit
The best time to visit Antarctica is from late October to early March—each month offers a different experience. Whether you go early in the season when the landscapes are covered in pristine snow, mid-season when wildlife is most active, or later when the ice is starting to break up, you really can’t go wrong.
The Journey: Crossing the Drake Passage
To reach Antarctica, you first have to cross the infamous Drake Passage—a rite of passage for any Antarctic explorer. The crossing can be rough (and I definitely recommend packing seasickness medication just in case), but it’s also an exciting experience, knowing that on the other side, you’ll be stepping foot on one of the most remote and breathtaking places on Earth. And once you arrive, the reward is absolutely worth it.
Aboard the Aurora Expeditions Ship:
One of the best parts of this trip was how comfortable and spacious the ship was. Aurora Expeditions’ small ships offer an intimate experience without sacrificing comfort. The rooms were surprisingly roomy and well-designed, making it easy to relax after long days of adventure. Beyond the accommodations, the ship itself offered incredible opportunities to learn. There were daily lectures from experts on Antarctic wildlife, history, and the legendary explorers who first set foot on this continent. It was fascinating to hear about the challenges early adventurers faced while we were sailing through the same icy waters!
Favorite Places & Experiences
It’s impossible to pick just one favorite—every landing felt special in its own way. But a few standouts were:
Neko Harbour – Stunning glaciers and incredible wildlife sightings
Deception Island – A volcanic caldera with surreal landscapes
Portal Point – One of the few places where you can actually step onto the Antarctic continent
One of the things I loved most about Aurora Expeditions is their commitment to getting guests off the ship as much as possible. Their smaller ships mean more flexibility, and we were able to do two landings per day, maximizing our time exploring.
Biggest Surprise
I knew Antarctica would be remote and beautiful, but nothing could have prepared me for just how magical it truly is. The sheer vastness, the silence, the untouched wilderness—it’s an experience unlike any other place in the world.
Also, the penguins! Seeing them in their natural habitat, completely unbothered by humans, was incredible. They would waddle right past us, going about their day as if we weren’t even there. I could have watched them for hours—they were so entertaining and full of personality.
Trip Highlights
For me, the best part was being active every day—I got to snowshoe twice a day in Antarctica! Aurora Expeditions offers a ton of adventure activities, so whether you’re into skiing, kayaking, snorkeling, scuba diving, snowshoeing, or even camping on the ice, there’s something for everyone.
Pro Tip: Start Your Trip in Buenos Aires
If you’re heading to Antarctica with Aurora Expeditions, you’ll most likely have to fly through Buenos Aires before continuing south to Ushuaia, where your voyage begins. Since you’re passing through anyway, I highly recommend spending a few days here before your journey—it’s the perfect way to kick off your adventure!
I stayed at Alvear Palace, which is in a great location and close to many of the city’s top spots. I also did a private city tour (which I highly recommend) and had an amazing time experiencing the vibrant nightlife and incredible dining scene. It’s the ideal place to soak up some culture before heading to the wild, remote landscapes of Antarctica.
Antarctica is truly a once-in-a-lifetime destination, and if you’re considering this adventure, the time to book is now! You won’t regret it.
