Location & Transportation
Since cruise ships cannot dock at Cape Adare, you will be tendered by inflatable Zodiac boats. Landings here can be challenging due to heavy surf and strong off-shore winds, so always follow the guidance of your expedition leader for a smooth and safe transfer.
Sightseeing
The approach to Cape Adare is via Robertson Bay, where you’ll encounter a black, pebble-covered beach that hosts the largest colony of Adélie penguins in the world. I was truly amazed to see the colony at Ridley Beach during the breeding season—currently around 338,000 breeding pairs—with penguins joyfully porpoising among the ice floes. The rugged coastal scenery and the historical significance of Cape Adare—one of the earliest landing sites on the continent, where Carsten Borchgrevink’s 1899 Southern Cross Expedition erected the first buildings ever constructed in Antarctica—make this a memorable stop.
Tours & Excursions
- Enjoy a guided Zodiac tour that takes you up close to the penguin colony.
- Join a photography expedition designed to capture the dramatic landscape and wildlife.
- If weather conditions allow, take a guided hike to vantage points overlooking the colony, providing a unique perspective on this remote wilderness.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
I’ll be honest: there is no shopping at Cape Adare. This is a wild, uninhabited stretch of Antarctic coast with no shops, stalls, or settlements of any kind—the only “residents” are the penguins. The one souvenir I bring home from here is a memory card full of photographs. If you’re hoping to pick up a keepsake, look to your ship’s onboard shop, where I’ve often found expedition-branded gear and Antarctic books, and save your shopping for gateway ports like Hobart or Bluff before and after the voyage.
Dining
There are no cafés or restaurants ashore at Cape Adare, so all your meals are enjoyed back onboard. I love coming in from a cold Zodiac landing to a warm ship, and there’s nothing better than wrapping cold hands around a hot chocolate or a bowl of soup after a morning among the penguins. Expedition galleys tend to keep hearty, warming food on hand, and I always make a point of refilling my thermos before heading out—out here, everything you eat and drink is managed by your vessel.
Culture & Local Events
While Cape Adare lacks urban amenities, there are unique aspects every visitor should know:
Local Events
- During the breeding season, the sheer number of Adélie penguins creates a natural event that is nothing short of spectacular.
- Occasionally, expedition teams schedule environmental briefings or talks on Antarctic research, offering insights into this pristine ecosystem.
Safety & Awareness
- Antarctica is an extremely fragile environment. Always adhere closely to guidelines provided by your expedition leaders to minimize your impact on the local wildlife.
- Be prepared for rapidly changing weather conditions—dress warmly in layers and secure all exposed skin against strong winds.
- Note that there are no local shops, dining facilities, or lodging options in this remote area; all necessary provisions are managed onboard your vessel.