During your stay in Antarctica, you’ll have multiple days to explore Union Glacier. Our meteorologists will carefully monitor the weather conditions and identify the best days for skydiving.
A typical day starts with breakfast, then a meeting with your guide to discuss the day’s options and choose an activity tailored to the weather and the group’s interests. Excursions may include any of the following destinations and activities:
Elephant’s Head
Ride in one of our wheeled vehicles to this dramatic marble buttress overlooking the blue-ice runway. Beautiful ice formations and moraines offer endless opportunities for photographers to capture close-up frozen formations or wide angle glacial landscapes. Hikers can trek up to the base of Elephant’s Head or all the way to the top of Rhodes Bluff for panoramic views of Union Glacier and the Heritage Range.
Rhodes Bluff and Fossil Garden
Geology lovers will be delighted to explore this hotspot for ichnofossils. Our experienced guides can help you navigate by GPS to known trace fossils or accompany you on a mission to discover new ones.
Buchanan Hills
Board our one-of-a-kind Tucker Bus, a custom designed tracked vehicle, for the scenic drive to the remote Buchanan Hills. You’ll arrive at a high pass that offers expansive views of Union Glacier as it flows into Constellation Inlet. Higgins Nunatak pokes through the ice, like an atoll in a frozen ocean. For the fit and adventurous, there are two easy hiking routes that require no prior experience and grant you the rare opportunity to summit a peak in the heart of Antarctica.
Drake Icefall
Named in the 1960s after geologist Benjamin Drake IV, this impressive icefall tumbles off the polar plateau into Union Glacier. Winds from the South Pole carve huge waves into the blue-ice and polish the surface into a high shine.
Charles Windscoop
Discover the power of wind on ice as you wander through a sparkling turquoise corridor. If you’re truly adventurous, this is a prime place to try ice climbing with one of our experienced guides. For the less vertically inclined, you can rock hunt to your heart’s content. Just remember to leave them in place, as nothing may be removed from Antarctica.
The Beach at Rossman Cove
Another spectacular setting for photography and panoramic views! Head out on cross-country skis and enjoy Antarctica’s version of a glacial beach getaway.
If you’d prefer to stay closer to camp, we have a variety of activities for all abilities. You can check out a pair of cross-country skis or a fat-tire bike and take a spin around our groomed 10k loop or you can enjoy a cup of tea, an Antarctic book, or fun game in our camp library.
Lectures and films tailored to your experience round out our camp activities.
Skydive the 7th Continent
Freefall over the Ellsworth Mountains of Antarctica is quite simply the most spectacular and surreal skydive you will ever have. The landscapes here are almost beyond words.
Our experienced team will select the best possible times for your jumps and our Skydive Master will keep you informed of current weather conditions during daily briefings. Safety is our top priority and jumps will proceed as conditions and flight operations allow.
When conditions are optimal, you will board the Twin Otter and head for the skies! Breathe in the crisp Antarctic air as you freefall for 50-60 seconds, high over the polar landscape, viewing mountain ranges, glaciers, and an endless expanse of white. Open your chute and gain a unique perspective on Union Glacier as you float towards your temporary home on ice.
Congratulations! You have joined an elite group of people who have skydived on the southernmost continent.
Twin Otter Capabilities
The DHC-6 “Twin Otter” is a twin engine, turbo prop, STOL (short take-off and landing) aircraft, used throughout the world to access remote locations on wheels, floats, tundra tires and skis. Their rugged landing gear and STOL characteristics allow them to take off land where other aircraft cannot.
Ski-equipped Twin Otters are a staple in Antarctic aviation. They are used by ALE, the British Antarctic Survey, the United States Antarctic Program, as well as the Argentine and Chilean air force. The Twin Otter can accommodate up to six skydivers plus the Skydiver Master.
Landing Area
You will land near our main camp on a 492ft x 492ft (150m x 150m) groomed drop zone. A 13ft x 7ft (4m x 2m) orange arrow will be placed within the landing area to indicate wind direction and the center of the drop zone.
As a precaution, travel safety and medical personnel will be on standby at the landing area. All skydivers will carry a personal locator beacon, supplied by ALE, to locate you in the event of a landing outside the drop zone.
