Anyone who’s researched a trip to Antarctica has heard of the dreaded Drake Passage. Considered one of the most dangerous stretches of ocean on Earth, it’s the stuff of legend (and more than one viral video of 40-foot waves pounding against cabin windows).
Leading a tour of 11 intrepid pole trekkers in 2023, Westport-based travel agent Rene Prasad, the owner of boutique travel agency Grand Explorations, was determined to avoid the treacherous stretch. Lucky for her group, she had the savvy to circumvent the potential ordeal by hopping a flight from Punta Arenas, Chile to an airstrip on King George Island, where a bus travels to a small cruise ship waiting just off the coast of the 5.4 million-square-mile continent.
“Off the coast” is the key phrase there, says Rene.
“You start on the plane in regular clothes, and about halfway through [the flight] they tell you to start getting ready. You put on boots and waterproof pants, because you get off the plane and then the bus and then you’re walking directly into the water to get to a Zodiac [a small, inflatable boat] that takes you to the ship,” she explains. “The water is 32 or 33 degrees and you’re wading right in it. The trip starts right there.” Once safely aboard the cruise ship with about 90 fellow travelers, they were off.
This was Rene’s first trip to Antarctica, the sixth continent she’s visited. But the vibe of the tour her boutique agency put together was the same as it would have been if they’d voyaged to well-traveled Rome or Rangoon: Grand Explorations builds one-of-a-kind journeys that open visitors’ eyes to new cultures, traditions, and perspectives.
The Antarctica trip included five nights on the cruise ship, which featured a communal dining room, relaxing library, and evening educational talks. “It’s not luxury, but it’s not roughing it either,” says Rene. “And much of the sailing is overnight, so you wake up in the morning and you’re in this other world.” Travelers could play games or cards, nap in their guestrooms, or stroll the decks on fair days. Luckily, the group had many. “It was sunny most days we were there and you could really walk around,” she says. “The landscape is very dramatic and just so big!”
As the ship toured around the continent, it passed research stations of many nations. Expert naturalists, geologists and historians helped explain the topography, scientific efforts, and the life and times of 20th-century Antarctic explorer Ernest Shackleton.
“You can’t visit Antarctica without talking about Shackleton!” Rene says with a laugh. The British explorer visited the continent numerous times in attempts to reach the South Pole.
Beyond the scenic vistas, another highlight is watching the wildlife. The group spied several bird species, seals, penguins and—of course—whales. On the first day, they sat in Zodiacs observing a few of the massive mammals surrounding them.
“They’re just beautiful,” Rene says. “It takes your breath away.”
The group also visited an abandoned whaling village, learning about the harsh lifestyle of those who lived there—and those who continue to inhabit the research stations. Current job listings often warn potential employees what they might be in for—like no running water, which can mean waiting for passing ships where they might be able to snag a hot shower every few days (or even weeks).
For the daring, a few are given the chance to jump off the deck and into the waters of the icy continent—a true polar plunge. Rene says about 80 of the 100 people on board took the challenge, earning a warming shot of vodka and bragging rights for their courage. Most spent little more than a few seconds communing with the curious penguins.
Next up, Rene’s planning a May tour of Italy, a country that’s been tremendously popular with her clients since the pandemic. Her group will head for Emilia Romagna, a less-traveled northern region known for its seaside resorts. And in November, she’ll travel to Australia, on a trip that includes a few repeat clients. “We’ll all hit our seventh continent together!”
Thinking of planning your own adventure? Visit grandexplorations.com for inspiration or to join one of her vacations.
“You wake up in the morning, and you’re in this other world.”