Wildlife Seasons

Awakening Spring - November to Early December

As the Antarctic spring emerges from the depths of a long, dark winter, the icy continent begins to stir in November. Vast expanses of sea ice still linger, offering a stark yet beautiful reminder of the region’s frigid heart.

This is a season of renewal for Antarctic wildlife. Birds like albatrosses and penguins, as well as seals, prepare for a new cycle of life. Penguins start their courtship rituals, constructing nests, and laying eggs, while fur and elephant seals welcome their pups, creating bustling nurseries on beaches. King penguins, for example, carefully incubate their eggs for nearly two months, with parents taking turns to forage at sea.

In the surrounding waters, the increasing sunlight triggers plankton blooms, drawing fish, orcas, and minke whales back to the area. This convergence of activity makes spring an excellent time to witness Antarctica’s dynamic ecosystem in action.

Endless Days of Midsummer December to Early February

By December, the Antarctic summer is in full swing, with nearly round-the-clock daylight illuminating the ice-covered landscapes. This abundance of light allows wildlife to thrive, and the focus shifts to nurturing the next generation.

Penguin chicks begin their lives under the watchful care of their parents, often huddled together in groups for warmth and safety. On South Georgia’s beaches, elephant seal pups grow stronger while leopard seals patrol the shores, preying on penguins making their way between nests and the sea.

Offshore, humpback whales arrive in search of krill, showcasing their awe-inspiring bubble-net feeding technique. This remarkable behavior involves whales working together to corral fish with walls of bubbles before rising to the surface with mouths agape.

For visitors, the long summer days offer unparalleled opportunities to observe wildlife interactions and explore the stunningly illuminated landscapes.

Transformative Late Summer - Mid-February to Late March

As summer draws to a close, Antarctica undergoes another transformation. Young animals venture out into their surroundings, testing their skills and instincts for survival. Fur seal pups practice swimming and play-fighting, while albatross chicks, still on a slower breeding schedule, begin to emerge.

For penguin chicks, this period is fraught with challenges. Now independent, they must navigate treacherous waters filled with leopard seals, whose courtship calls echo hauntingly across the icy beaches. This perilous journey to the sea marks a critical milestone in their development.

Meanwhile, humpback whales, having gorged on krill throughout the summer, celebrate their success with spectacular breaches, providing unforgettable displays for lucky observers.

As autumn approaches, the return of cooler temperatures brings a gradual freeze to the waters, with sea ice beginning to reform. The fading daylight casts vibrant hues across the skies, signalling the end of another Antarctic summer.

A Changing World Worth Exploring

Antarctica’s ever-shifting seasons offer a front-row seat to one of the planet’s most unique and untamed environments. Each phase of the year brings its own magic, from the awakening spring to the vibrant life of summer and the quiet transition into winter. Exploring this extraordinary region promises memories that will last a lifetime.