By: Sarah Stone
I have always, always, always wanted to visit Antarctica. One of these days I’ll save enough cash to take a cruise there, but in the meantime, photos and stories from others will have to do. Here are a few films and stories that have inspired me, and that I hope will do the same for you!
Encounters at the End of the World
This gorgeous film by Werner Herzog brings you to McMurdo Station in Antarctica, and introduces you to some of the amazing people living there, and the otherworldly environment in which they’ve found themselves.
Icebreaker Ships
Ever since I learned about icebreaker cruises, I’ve been pricing them out every so often. Personally, I just think they’re cool—but there are other cruises you can take to Antarctica that are more focused on short tours and adventures like kayaking, penguin watching, and more.
The Thing
Oh my gosh, this movie! Between that and Alien vs. Predator, Antarctica’s got that whole “Unexplored Terror” vibe to it that’s super intriguing.
The U.S. Antarctic Program

Station – image via Pixabay
Before ultimately deciding to build my own business, I looked seriously at jobs with the U.S. Antarctic Program, and still wonder how things would be different if I’d been part of it. There are a lot of amazing opportunities that you can apply for through the USAP’s partners—and you don’t necessarily need experience in conservation, engineering, or other fields you may expect (there’s an artists and writers program!).
Leonid Rogozov

Here is a whale instead – Photo by Derek Oyen on Unsplash
It’s probably better if I don’t post the applicable photo here. In 1961, Leonid Rogozov was a Russian doctor stationed in Antarctica when he fell ill with peritonitis. Due to the remoteness of his location, an impending blizzard blocking all access from the outside, he was forced, as the only medical professional in the group, to perform an appendectomy on himself. He was back to his regular work two weeks later.
Happy Feet (or just penguins in general)
Let’s end on an adorable note! We can all agree Happy Feet was a sweet movie, and while I wouldn’t want to tromp over any penguins’ home, I would want to look at them through binoculars.