I will always remember Portal Point as the place I first stepped foot on the continent of Antarctica. For many on the ship, it was their seventh continent, but I still have a few remaining. We’d suited up that morning in anticipation of our first kayaking excursion, but the water was rough and visibility declining, so the guides deemed it unworthy for our first paddle. Instead, the kayakers joined the main group on Portal Point, where we were greeted by our first fur seals. Fur seals at Portal Point (Meg Giddings)
Having prepared myself for one of the driest places on earth, I was quite surprised that it was snowing. Later, when we returned to the ship, the naturalists explained that snowfall on the Antarctic Peninsula has been increasing over the past 200 years. My first thought was “If the planet is warming, shouldn’t there be less snow?”, but clearly I didn’t pay enough attention in high school, because the science checks out. According to a study by the British Antarctic Survey, “Theory predicts that, as Antarctica warms, the atmosphere should hold more moisture and that this should lead therefore to more snowfall.” Put another way, “The loss of ice exposes warm water to the cold air, increasing evaporation, which returns to the world’s driest continent as snow—even rain” (National Geographic). This is affecting many wildlife habitats, especially Adélie penguin colonies. As they return to the same sites to nest each year, they’re now having to build on snow rather than rock or soil, and many of the nests collapse or flood, drowning eggs or freezing chicks to death.
It all comes down to the ice. Everything on the peninsula depends on the sea ice. While I always tended to imagine that melting was the only problem caused by warming in the poles, it’s just one part. More noticeable is how much less sea ice forms each year when winter returns. According to National Geographic, “The ice-free season on the western peninsula lasts a full 90 days longer than in 1979.” And we’re only barely beginning to understand the massive consequences of this. A zodiac preps to load onto the ship after a morning excursion (Meg Giddings)
Follow up was effective any questions were answered in a timely manner
Fiona Lonsdale
1 day ago
I spoke with at least a half dozen other travel companies, looking for a Galapagos cruise that fit our schedule and budget. Some companies could manage one or the other, but Erin was the only one who could do both. She found us the perfect cruise, at a fantastic price! And she has been quick and patient with responses to my many questions. So far, Adventure Life has been a fantastic company to work with!
Sandi T
1 day ago
Adventure Life took care of everything! All we had to do was show up when we were supposed to, which made our first trip to Costa Rica largely stress-free and incredibly fun. Our trip reps, Hannah and Mariethony, were helpful and responsive, getting back to us by email usually within a few hours. Our accommodations were all great, and we got incredibly blessed with some absolutely stellar guides and drivers.
Our Jungle & Beach trip was an excellent balance of adventure and rest. We got to try out a lot of different activities, including snorkeling, hiking, white water rafting and kayaking, while also partaking of some rest around the pool or by the ocean. We enjoyed seeing and exploring the beautiful Caribbean side of the country.
Joy Knowles
1 day ago
This was a life changing trip of a lifetime and exceeded my expectations. No details were left out during the planning of this trip by Adventure Life. The entire crew on the ship could not have been more helpful and kind. Everyone went out of their way to make this trip as pleasurable as possible.
Charles DeVito
5 days ago
The itinerary was described well and contacts for help with flights and hotels very helpful
