North Walsham, Norfolk -- (SBWIRE) -- 11/08/2010 -- By far the most popular Antarctica cruise and polar expedition destination is the Antarctic Peninsula, which is that finger of land pointing up from north-western Antarctica towards South America's Tierra del Fuego. One reason for its popularity is that Antarctica is considered to be one of the most beautiful locations in the world and another is that it is home to countless species of unique and enchanting birds and mammals.

Many different countries have research stations on the Peninsula and, as Antarctica is governed in terms of the Antarctic Treaty, no one country is in charge, and the laws of whatever station a tour group may be visiting are the rules to live by while the group's there. Some of the bases welcome visits from foreigners but others do not but, occasionally, not only will foreigners be allowed to visit and tour a base, they will also be taken on customized expeditions and given slide shows by base personnel.

The Peninsula is made up of countless small islands, bays, fjords and archipelagos and most of these are also connected by ice shelves. A common activity is for visitors to tour some of the well known ice shelves in small inflatables known as zodiacs, and one of the places where zodiac cruising is common is in the exquisite Paradise Harbour. Paradise Harbour is known for its fascinating iceberg formations and lucky groups may even see an iceberg calve off one of the glaciers. The Harbour is also home to seals and penguins that often enjoy resting on the floating ice floes, and cormorants, terns, petrels and even whales are common.

An Antarctica cruise gives tourists the chance to see some of the most beautiful natural scenery in the world, and any opportunity to go Antarctica should be grabbed with both hands.

More information : http://www.puretravel.com/Guide/The_Poles/The_Antarctic/the_antarctic