Growing up, I dreamed of visiting all seven continents. I didn’t just want to see them from afar—I wanted to stand on the land, breathe the air, and hear the sounds of each one. As a kid, this felt impossible. What working-class child gets to travel the world? It seemed like a distant fantasy. But as my career path developed, opportunities appeared that I never thought possible. One of those doors recently opened, leading me to Antarctica.
Staring our at the Antarctica Peninsula on my first zodiac ride of the cruise. Photo by Dalton Johnson
As a travel writer, certain moments feel like a dream. Pinch-me moments where life seems too good to be real, and you’re afraid you might wake up. Getting the email invite from AdventureSmith Explorations for a trip to Antarctica was one of those times. There was no hesitation—I said yes.
After several flights and a mild Drake Passage crossing, the White Continent finally came into view. From the window of the Sylvia Earle, our expedition ship with Aurora Expeditions, I could see glaciers, soaring peaks, and penguins. The scene teased me with its grandeur. I wanted more. I wanted to touch the ground. Maybe today would be the day—but if not, I still had 15 days ahead.
That afternoon, I hopped into a zodiac—a sturdy rubber boat initially designed for the military—to explore the coastline. I had my camera ready, capturing images of everything: whales, towering ice spires, glaciers, penguins, and seals. The sounds were wild and chaotic. Penguins squawked, seals barked, and seabirds added their chorus to the Antarctic soundtrack.
A pair of penguins about to plunge into the frigid waters. Photo by Dalton Johnson
As the salty spray from the ocean hit the zodiac, I turned instinctively, letting my waterproof layers take the brunt of the wave. I was dry, my camera was safe, and I was in awe of the landscape. Approaching the shoreline, the unmistakable smell of a penguin colony hit my nose—a strong, gut-wrenching stench that almost made me gag. I’ve loved penguins since childhood. I wore penguin pajamas and swam for a team called the Penguins. Seeing them dart through the water, playful and fast, was a surreal experience… even if they did smell terrible.
Despite our efforts, today wasn’t the day. After an hour of searching, there was no suitable landing spot. Disappointment settled in, but I held onto hope. I still had time.
The following days took us to the Weddell Sea side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Each day brought new adventures. More penguins, more whales, more seals, more icebergs. The scenes were magical, even if landings remained elusive. I ventured out kayaking, gliding silently between massive icebergs while others explored in zodiacs. Each paddle stroke reminded me of how lucky I was to be there, even without stepping ashore.
Then, it happened.
On a perfectly calm day, while kayaking among the icebergs, we got a call from the Zodiac team. We could land. Excitement surged through me. I turned my kayak toward the shore, paddling faster than I thought possible. The landing site was a beach—an easy approach, finally within reach.
Sea kayaking on a rare perfect day in Antarctica. Photo by Dalton Johnson
As I slid out of the kayak, I felt my boot sink into the cold water. Then, my foot hit solid ground. One step. Another step. I was out of the water and standing on Antarctica. I looked down, taking it all in. The moment felt heavier than I expected. I was standing on the Antarctic Peninsula. I was standing on Antarctica.
The emotions were overwhelming—gratitude, wonder, disbelief. This was the dream I had as a kid, a dream that once seemed unreachable. Yet here I was, with the sounds of penguins in the distance and the icy air on my face. Standing on the White Continent wasn’t just a goal achieved. It was a reminder of how far life can take you when you dare to say yes to opportunities.
The view from my first landing in Antarctica. Photo by Dalton Johnson
So, can you set foot on Antarctica during a cruise? Yes, you absolutely can. Many expedition cruises, like the one I took with Aurora Expeditions, include landings as part of their itineraries. These moments are weather and condition-dependent, but the chance to step onto Antarctica is very real. If standing on this pristine land is on your bucket list, it’s more achievable than you might think.
For me, setting foot on Antarctica was more than a travel milestone. It was a full-circle moment—a reminder of where dreams begin and where determination can take you. If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to stand on the White Continent, I can tell you this: it’s worth everything it takes to get there.
