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Billy Heaney On Antarctic Aontinent 3289

5 things that surprised me on my first trip to the Antarctic

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By Billy Heaney
APRIL 03, 2025

Antarctica is a land of wonder and extremes, where the unexpected awaits you around every corner.

Billy In Antarctica With Gentoo Penguins 3278
Billy with a colony of Gentoo Penguins on his first landing in Antarctica: Credit Billy Heaney

ExplorEarth writer and producer Billy Heaney recently completed his first trip to Antarctica, travelling aboard the MV Plancius expedition ship. As his ship headed back to Ushuaia, we asked him what had most surprised him about the trip. 

Landing directly on sea ice from ice breaker ship

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Sylvia Earle ship in Sam Ford Fjord Arctic Burnham Arlidge
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Walrus resting on sea ice with M/S Stockholm in the background, showcasing Arctic wildlife and expedition cruising.
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