Antarctica
Larger than Europe and Australia combined. More barren and dry than the Sahara. The coldest, windiest, most inhospitable continent on Earth. 90% of the world’s ice, up to 4.8 kilometres thick, lies there. No continent commands more awe. These 30 images attempt to do so nonetheless.
Anyone who wants to go to Antarctica has to pass through the Drake Passage: six-meter waves, wind gusts of up to 120 km/h. Those who persevere are rewarded with bright blue icebergs, a world record holder of the skies, and endless silence. An expedition to the end of the world.
White spray sprays across the deck like mist as the Vega ploughs through the notorious Drake Passage. ‘With waves over six metres high and wind speeds in excess of 60 knots, you have to be prepared for a lot,’ predicted expedition leader Mariam Pousa back in Ushuaia.
We’ve all heard it before: ‘Just jump in at the deep end!’ Yes, you can – no matter how cold the water is. But there’s more to it than that.