{"id":18462617,"date":"2026-07-22T11:57:07","date_gmt":"2026-07-22T09:57:07","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/?p=18462617"},"modified":"2026-07-22T11:57:23","modified_gmt":"2026-07-22T09:57:23","slug":"tour-antarctica","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/us\/tour-antarctica\/","title":{"rendered":"Antarctica: one history, a thousand faces"},"content":{"rendered":"

[et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 header_2_font=\u201d||||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d18px||18px||true|\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d28px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

An overview of the White Continent<\/h2>\n

\u00a0
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d33px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Immense, magnetic, elusive: the White Continent<\/strong> reveals a mosaic of worlds, a patchwork of emotions. From the Antarctic Peninsula<\/strong> to the farthest reaches of the Ross Sea<\/strong>\u2026 from the monumental ice of the Weddell Sea to the wind-battered sub-Antarctic islands\u2026 embark on a journey to Antarctica<\/a><\/u> in the company of biologist, ecologist and PONANT EXPLORATIONS expedition leader David Beaune.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/CARTO_ANTARCTIQUE_ESCALES_ENG_VDEF_1000.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dmap antartica\u201d title_text=\u201dCARTO_ANTARCTIQUE_ESCALES_ENG_VDEF_1000\u2033 align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d width=\u201d900px\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Contrasting worlds<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px||51px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

At first glance, Antarctica appears to be a realm of ice. Yet behind this apparent unity lies a spectacular diversity of landscapes, climates and ecosystems. With an area of some 14 million square kilometres<\/strong> in winter, the continent is much larger than Europe (10.53 million square kilometres), when the pack ice extends over the Southern Ocean<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

Each region has its own personality. Some offer sheer mountains and<\/strong> breathtaking fjords<\/strong>, others vast glacial platforms<\/strong> and seas dotted with majestic icebergs<\/strong>. Everywhere, the same sensation dominates: that of entering an extraordinary space in which nature dictates its own laws.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]You think you\u2019ve come to see ice, but what you really discover is life.<\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]David Beaune, biologist and PONANT EXPLORATIONS expedition leader
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d module_class=\u201dhy-carousel-img\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 custom_padding=\u201d100px||100px||true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d50px||50px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d collapsed=\u201don\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d65vh\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-35-Antarctica_McMurdo-Bay_Mer-de-ross\u00a9StudioPONANT_MorganeLANCO-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dPair of emperor penguins on pack ice, Antarctica.\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d url=\u201dhttps:\/\/www.bleuebuzz.fr\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d height=\u201d65vh\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#FFFFFF\u201d text_font_size=\u201d14px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d10px||||false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d12px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]The Emperor penguin: symbol of Antarctica.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d65vh\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-No-2229\u00a9StudioPONANT-OlivierBLAUD-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dicebergs at Cierva Cove, Antarctic Peninsula. \u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d height=\u201d65vh\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#FFFFFF\u201d text_font_size=\u201d14px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d10px||||false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d12px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]Cierva Cove, on the Antarctic Peninsula, is home to icebergs of almost unreal shapes.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d65vh\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-00078_CC140223_Hut_Point_Antarctica_\u00a9PONANT-Photo-Ambassador-Ian-Dawson-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dInside Robert Falcon Scott\u2019s hut, Ross Island, Antarctica.\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d height=\u201d65vh\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#FFFFFF\u201d text_font_size=\u201d14px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d10px||||false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d12px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]Inside Robert Falcon Scott\u2019s hut, Ross Island, Antarctica.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d65vh\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-ANTARCTIQUE-MANCHOT-ADELIE-Retouche\u00a9StudioPonant-Sylvain-Adenot-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dAd\u00e9lie penguin diving in Antarctica \u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d height=\u201d65vh\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#FFFFFF\u201d text_font_size=\u201d14px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d10px||||false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d12px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]The Ad\u00e9lie penguin: an excellent diver, recognisable by its long tail.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d module_class=\u201dswiper-slide\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d65vh\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d0px|0px||0px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-HumpbackWhale_Antarctique-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dThe tail of a humpback whale in Antarctica\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d height=\u201d65vh\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201d67498989-fe43-4cc1-80eb-d194df7858f4\u2033 text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#FFFFFF\u201d text_font_size=\u201d14px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d10px||||false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d14px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d12px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]The sight of a breaching humpback whale never ceases to stir the emotions.
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d51px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

A shared ecosystem, suspended in the Southern Ocean<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-A15I3563-2-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201da giant petrel flies over the Southern Ocean\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||14px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px||51px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

All the Antarctic regions share one key point in common: their dependence on the Southern Ocean<\/strong>. These cold waters support one of the most fascinating biological systems<\/strong> on the planet. At the heart of this mechanism is the krill<\/strong>, a small translucent crustacean that is essential to the food chain. Whales, seals, penguins, seabirds: countless species depend directly or indirectly on this resource.<\/p>\n

To observe a colony of penguins<\/strong>, to catch the breath of a whale or to see petrels whirling around is to witness the interdependence of all living things<\/strong>. This fragility explains the importance of conservation policies. The Protocol to the Antarctic Treaty, signed in Madrid in 1991, is one of the most important initiatives. This treaty prohibits all non-scientific forms of exploitation, and defines the area as a \u201cnatural reserve dedicated to peace and science\u201d.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]My role is to open people\u2019s eyes to the stories of living things.<\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]David Beaune, biologist and PONANT EXPLORATIONS expedition leader
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

The sub-Antarctic islands: a paradise for the wildlife of the Southern Ocean<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-Manchots-Royaux-Fortuna-Bay-Georgie-du-sud-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dKing penguins at Fortuna Bay, South Georgia.\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||14px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px||51px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

A few days\u2019 sail east of Ushuaia, the sub-Antarctic archipelagos of the Falkland Islands<\/a>, the South Shetland Islands and South Georgia<\/a> are scattered along the Scotia Ridge. On these remote lands swept by the howling fifties<\/a>, a teeming array of wildlife thrives: fur seals, Commerson\u2019s and Peale\u2019s dolphins, elephant seals, sei whales, gentoo penguins<\/a>, albatrosses, and above all, king penguins\u2026 Getting up close to their vast colonies, numbering hundreds of thousands of individuals, on the beaches of South Georgia is a rare and intense experience.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

The Antarctic Peninsula: the gateway to polar wonders<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-N-7_Neko_Cruise_Peninsule-Antarctique_CDTCharcot@StudioPonant-Olivier-Blaud-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dIceberg on the Antarctic Peninsula.\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||14px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d22px||21px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Stretching out towards South America like an extension of the Andes, the Antarctic Peninsula<\/strong> is one of the continent\u2019s most fascinating regions. It boasts some stunning landscapes<\/strong>: snow-capped peaks, glaciers plunging into the sea, silent channels and drifting pack ice.<\/p>\n

Animal life is particularly abundant here. Papuan penguins, crabeater seals, humpback whales<\/strong> and killer whales all have feeding grounds here, where the climate is relatively mild compared with the rest of the continent. The peninsula also bears the memory of the golden age of exploration. The expeditions of Commander Jean-Baptiste Charcot<\/a><\/u> left a lasting imprint, recalling the courage of the pioneers who came to map the unknown.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]Antarctica is a world where the elements are still in their raw state. Over there, you get the feeling that humans aren\u2019t the ones calling the shots.<\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]David Beaune, biologist and PONANT EXPLORATIONS expedition leader
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Marie Byrd Land and the Thwaites Glacier: the terra nullius\u2026<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-21-_63_CC140223_Antarctica_Siple_Island_view-of-nearby-island_\u00a9PONANT-Photo-Ambassador-Sue-Flood_-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dSiple Island on Marie Byrd Land, Antarctica.\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||14px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d46px||46px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

To the west of the White Continent<\/strong> lies Marie Byrd Land<\/strong>, an immense region of ice and dormant volcanoes with no official sovereign claim\u00a0\u2013 something unique on the planet. Rarely approached, this terra nullius<\/em> remains one of the world\u2019s most unknown territories.<\/p>\n

It is also home to the Thwaites Glacier<\/strong>, an immense cathedral of ice roughly the size of Great Britain, which plays a crucial role in the global balance: if it were to melt, sea levels would rise by 3 metres. At a time when it is being threatened by global warming<\/strong>, its retreat is attracting the attention of researchers around the world.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

The Ross Sea: a sanctuary at the end of the world<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d4px|auto||auto|false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-10_Antarctique_Icebergs_tabulaires_Mer_de_Ross_\u00a9StudioPONANT_MorganeMonneret-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dTabular icebergs in the Ross Sea, Antarctica.\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||23px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]The Ross Sea is one of the great territories of the emperor penguin. It\u2019s a place where you can get up close with this icon of the polar world.<\/em>\u00a0It is the only animal to spend the whole year in Antarctica, on the ice, and has the densest plumage of all the animal kingdom. The Ross Sea colonies.
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]David Beaune, biologist and PONANT EXPLORATIONS expedition leader
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d16px||16px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

At the geographically opposite end of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Ross Sea<\/a><\/u> offers a more remote, more extreme and even rarer experience. Here stands the mythical Ross Barrier<\/strong>,\u00a0 a monumental wall of floating ice that marks one of the most impressive vistas on the planet. The weather conditions are harsh and the sailing demanding, but the reward is all the more precious as a result.<\/p>\n

The region is home to the Ross emperor penguin<\/a><\/strong>. The pack ice, marked by the names of Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton<\/a><\/u>, acts as a symbol of polar resilience, as does the retiring and elegant Ross seal<\/strong>. The pack ice plays a vital role here, serving as a breeding platform, shelter and hunting ground for many species. It is also a land of memory<\/strong>, marked by the names of Robert Falcon Scott and Ernest Shackleton, key figures in the epic story of Antarctica.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d2_5,3_5\u2033 admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 decalage\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d48px||72px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d2_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dleft\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d background_color=\u201d#307f90\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d|-30%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d|0%|||false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|62.8%|30px|20px|true|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px|||true|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d header_2_font_size_tablet=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_phone=\u201d23px\u201d header_2_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Remnants of the pioneers<\/h2>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d3_5\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#f7f7f7\u2033 custom_margin=\u201d50px|||-17.9%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_tablet=\u201d0px|||0%|false|false\u201d custom_margin_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_margin_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_padding=\u201d40px|43px|40px|43px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

At the beginning of the 20th<\/sup> century, Ernest Shackleton and Robert Falcon Scott marked the heroic age of Antarctic polar exploration<\/strong>. Their cabins\u00a0\u2013 departure points for expeditions to the South Pole, still visible in the Ross Sea\u00a0\u2013 are among the most moving remnants of this wind-battered region. Preserved by the cold, they still contain tools and everyday objects<\/strong> that bear witness to past expeditions. The nearby McMurdo and Scott scientific bases continue to explore and study the wide open spaces of the south.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

East Antarctica<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/glace_antarctique\u00a9PONANT_Daphne-Buiro_carre-_1000.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dIceberg trapped in the pack ice in Antarctica\u201d title_text=\u201dglace_antarctique\u00a9PONANT_Daphn\u00e9-Buiro_carre _1000\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d39px||21px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Distant territories located south of the Indian and South Pacific oceans, Ad\u00e9lie Land<\/a> (discovered by the Frenchman Jules Dumont d\u2019Urville and claimed by France), Wilkes Land, Queen Mary Land and Queen Maud Land orchestrate a captivating transition between the more temperate worlds of the sub-Antarctic islands and the polar region<\/strong>, offering another interpretation of the Deep South<\/strong>: more plant-based (Maudlandia tundra), more volcanic (Mount Gauss), but just as spectacular.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

The Weddell Sea: a kingdom of ice and beauty<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-JU-2088_O140322_Ushuaia-Ushuai_The-Weddell-Sea\u00a9PONANT-Julien-Fabro-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dSea lion in the Weddell Sea, Antarctica.\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||23px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]The Weddell Sea is the kingdom of ice. The ice is more massive, more present, almost sovereign.<\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]David Beaune, biologist and PONANT EXPLORATIONS expedition leader
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

To the east of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea<\/a><\/u> has a fascinatingly majestic austerity. More isolated, and often covered by dense ice, it offers a more exclusive voyage, a symbol of something truly exceptional and emotional. The Larsen ice shelves<\/strong> release gigantic icebergs: true floating cathedrals that drift slowly northwards. The unreal power and beauty of the landscape amaze those who witness it, affording precious and rare experiences.<\/p>\n

Wildlife has adapted to this demanding environment. There are Weddell seals, leopard seals<\/strong> and Ad\u00e9lie penguins, particularly around Snow Hill Island<\/strong>, home to one of the most iconic colonies of emperor penguins<\/a>.\u00a0 Light, ice and space create a contemplative, timeless atmosphere.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|600|||||||\u201d header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.2em\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||18px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

New Zealand\u2019s sub-Antarctic islands: laboratories of life<\/h3>\n

[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-_DSC7218_S291215_CAMPBELL-ISLANDStudioPONANT-Margot-Sib-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201dLandscape of Campbell Island, Sub-Antarctic Islands.\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||23px|||\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d admin_label=\u201dMEA \u2013 quote V2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d background_enable_image=\u201doff\u201d background_size=\u201dcustom\u201d background_image_width=\u201d20%\u201d background_position=\u201dtop_left\u201d max_width=\u201d1000px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d50px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px|50px|60px|50px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|false|true\u201d background_image_width_tablet=\u201d20%\u201d background_image_width_phone=\u201d40%\u201d background_position_tablet=\u201dtop_left\u201d background_horizontal_offset_tablet=\u201d-4%\u201d background_horizontal_offset_phone=\u201d-10%\u201d background_vertical_offset_tablet=\u201d50%\u201d background_vertical_offset_phone=\u201d35%\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201dRGBA(255,255,255,0)\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2024\/09\/picto-quote.png\u201d alt=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d title_text=\u201dpicto-quote\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.0\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d55px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_margin=\u201d||40px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d26px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|20px||20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]The sub-Antarctic islands are worlds apart, and it is often there that life explodes: colonies of birds, penguins, sea lions\u2026 a spectacular abundance!<\/em>
\n[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#000000\u2033 text_font_size=\u201d22px\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|on||||||\u201d header_2_text_align=\u201dcenter\u201d header_2_line_height=\u201d1.5em\u201d background_enable_color=\u201doff\u201d text_orientation=\u201dcenter\u201d custom_padding=\u201d30px|20px|30px|20px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|0px||0px|true|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d20px\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d18px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_tablet=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_phone=\u201d\u201d header_2_letter_spacing_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]David Beaune, PONANT EXPLORATIONS biologist and guide<\/span><\/span>
\n[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][et_pb_row _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d900px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d0px||0px||true|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d4_4\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d header_2_font=\u201d|300|||||||\u201d header_2_text_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 header_2_font_size=\u201d30px\u201d custom_padding=\u201d36px||55px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

Between the Antarctic continent and the waters of the South Pacific off New Zealand lie New Zealand\u2019s sub-Antarctic islands<\/strong><\/a> (Antipodean Islands, Auckland Islands, Bounty Islands, Campbell Islands, Snares Islands): windswept lands covered in giant grasses, black cliffs and beaches teeming with life. These wild territories are home to exceptional biodiversity, with albatrosses<\/a> and elephant seals <\/a><\/strong>all finding refuge here.<\/p>\n

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David Beaune: guardian of life<\/strong><\/p>\n

David Beaune is a biologist, ecologist and expedition leader who accompanies travellers from the poles to the tropics. In the field, his team of nature guides reveals the invisible stories and links behind each landscape. For him, understanding living things is not enough: we must also learn to marvel at them.<\/p>\n

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Photo credits: \u00a9PONANT\/J. Fabro\/ S. Flood \/I. Dawson \/D. Buiron; \u00a9StudioPONANT\/ M. Sib, M. Monneret, O. Blaud, N. Michel, S. Adenot, M. Lanco, S. Roux.<\/p>\n

[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=\u201d1\u2033 admin_label=\u201dPUSH\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||0px||false|false\u201d locked=\u201doff\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_row column_structure=\u201d1_2,1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d background_color=\u201d#334556\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px||50px|false|true\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_image src=\u201dhttps:\/\/escales.ponant.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/06\/Low-Resolution-N-58_Marguerite-bay_Jenny-Island_Zodiac-cruise_antarctique_CDT-Charcot\u00a9StudioPONANT-Olivier-Blaud-1.jpg\u201d alt=\u201d Ship Le Commandant Charcot sailing in Antarctica\u201d title_text=\u201dantarctica-a-thousand-faces\u201d align=\u201dcenter\u201d _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d max_width=\u201d445px\u201d module_alignment=\u201dcenter\u201d max_height=\u201d445px\u201d custom_margin=\u201d-90px||||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d||20px||false|false\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][\/et_pb_image][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=\u201d1_2\u2033 _builder_version=\u201d4.16\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|50px|||false|false\u201d custom_padding_tablet=\u201d|50px||50px|false|false\u201d custom_padding_phone=\u201d|20px||20px|false|true\u201d custom_padding_last_edited=\u201don|phone\u201d global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d][et_pb_text _builder_version=\u201d4.27.6\u2033 _module_preset=\u201ddefault\u201d text_font=\u201d|700|||||||\u201d text_text_color=\u201d#ffffff\u201d text_font_size=\u201d38px\u201d text_line_height=\u201d1.4em\u201d width=\u201d70%\u201d width_tablet=\u201d100%\u201d width_phone=\u201d\u201d width_last_edited=\u201don|desktop\u201d custom_margin=\u201d10px||20px||false|false\u201d custom_padding=\u201d|||20px|false|false\u201d text_font_size_tablet=\u201d\u201d text_font_size_phone=\u201d25px\u201d text_font_size_last_edited=\u201don|tablet\u201d border_width_left=\u201d5px\u201d border_color_left=\u201d#26afc2\u2033 global_colors_info=\u201d{}\u201d]<\/p>\n

PONANT takes you there<\/p>\n

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Explore all the treasures of the White Continent<\/p>\n

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An overview of the White Continent<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":37,"featured_media":18283026,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","_sitemap_exclude":false,"_sitemap_priority":"","_sitemap_frequency":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[1189],"tags":[],"thematique":[1459,1485,1465,1472,1467],"class_list":["post-18462617","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-get-inspired-us","thematique-antarctica-us","thematique-natural-wonders-us","thematique-polar-adventures-us","thematique-polar-wildlife-us","thematique-sea-ice-us"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"\nAntarctica: Continent of a Thousand Faces | PONANT Magazine<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Explore Antarctica, from the ends of the earth to its unique ecosystems, and immerse yourself in the fascinating 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