Katie Harber, our Senior Business Development Manager for the UK, recently returned from a remarkable Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea expedition. Sailing aboard the Sylvia Earle, she ventured beyond the usual routes to explore a lesser-seen side of the White Continent—where towering tabular icebergs, remote penguin colonies, and a deep sense of history await.
In this recap, Katie shares why returning to Antarctica felt every bit as powerful as her first visit, and how this unforgettable journey left a lasting impression.
It’s been more than a month since I returned from my second voyage to Antarctica, yet the experience continues to resonate deeply. Having had the rare privilege of exploring this remote and pristine continent not once but twice is something I don’t take lightly. With only about 80,000 visitors each season (according to IAATO's 2023/24 figures), I remain in awe of how lucky I am to be part of such a small group of travellers.
This latest adventure—Wild Antarctica featuring the Weddell Sea—took me to a lesser-known corner of the continent aboard the remarkable Sylvia Earle. We journeyed to the eastern flank of the Antarctic Peninsula via the Antarctic Sound, a narrow waterway often blocked by massive icebergs. The Weddell Sea, rarely accessible, felt like an entirely different world compared to the more-travelled western side.
Over three magical days in the Weddell Sea, we explored remote islands, watched Adélie penguins shuffle along their icy paths, and saw fur seals sparring on the shoreline. It felt surreal—like walking through a page of an untouched storybook.
The Weddell Sea is steeped in the legacy of polar pioneers like Shackleton and Nordenskjöld. Their feats—and hardships—during the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration came alive through the stories shared by our expedition team. Sailing past enormous tabular icebergs and even standing on sea ice myself, I couldn’t help but imagine the courage it took to venture into such an unforgiving frontier over a century ago. Every moment made me feel part of something greater—a modern-day explorer in a place that still humbles.
As shifting ice and unpredictable conditions dictated our route, we made our way back to the western peninsula. Here, the adventure continued with zodiac rides through dense brash ice, hikes to spectacular viewpoints, and visits to iconic sites like Deception Island—an eerie volcanic caldera where rusting remnants of the whaling era are slowly being overtaken by nature.
One of the more unforgettable challenges was the infamous polar plunge. A few brave (or slightly mad) among us leapt into the icy -2°C waters, followed by a much-needed warm-up in the ship’s outdoor heated pool. It was cold, ridiculous, and entirely worth it.
March revealed a side of Antarctica that’s nothing short of poetic. With long golden hours casting light across the frozen landscape, the continent showed off its dramatic beauty. And then there were the whales. So many whales. From orcas gliding alongside the ship to humpbacks surrounding our zodiac, it felt like something out of a dream. One moment in particular stands out: a humpback breached right in front of us, something I will never forget.
Our ship, home to just 130 guests, offered a more intimate and immersive experience. With small groups heading ashore simultaneously, we could all enjoy landings at the same time. The adventurous spirit ran deep—many opted in for snorkelling, scuba diving, or kayaking. And in the evenings, over cocktails and shared stories, strangers quickly became friends.
What lingers most in my memory is Antarctica’s unique soundscape—the kind where silence is the sound. The fizz of ice cracking under our boat, the deep boom of a calving glacier, the exhale of a whale breaking the stillness—it all stays with you.
If I had to describe this journey in just three words, they would be: raw, transformative, and unforgettable.
Ready for an Antarctic adventure of your own?
Jewels of the Arctic is the perfect voyage if you want to experience the very best of what the Arctic has to offer. Start your adventure today by contacting our friendly team or requesting an online quote.
