Earth Day 2025

Why Antarctica?

Let’s be honest. When people think of wellness retreats or soul-searching journeys, Antarctica isn’t exactly top of the list! It’s raw, wild, and deeply humbling. A friend and I cooked up this plan in 2020 at a time when we couldn't venture more than 2KM from our living rooms, and every Friday we turned on the TV for the latest updates on restrictions. 

As the founder of Brown Bear Wellness, my mission has always been to reconnect people—with nature, with themselves, and with each other. And Antarctica? It reconnected me in ways I didn't even realise I was craving. In particular, the impact of a complete screen detox was so nourishing for the soul! It really made me rethink the use of apps and screen time, and I have dramatically reduced this for the benefit of my mental health on my return! 

What It’s Like to Be There (and Get There)

Getting to Antarctica isn’t easy—and that’s part of what makes it so entrancing.

To reach the White Continent, we crossed the infamous *Drake Passage*—a stretch of ocean between the southern tip of South America and the Antarctic Peninsula known for being one of the most volatile seas on Earth.

On our way south, we encountered a full-blown storm—*8 to 10-meter swells*, relentless wind, and a ship that rocked and groaned like it had a personality of its own. Walking down the corridor felt like surfing on dry land. Seasickness was real among staff and passengers alike and the decks were closed for everyone’s safety.

But when we emerged from the storm and laid eyes on the jagged white peaks of Antarctica rising from the ocean, it all felt worth it. Nothing could prepare you for the first morning waking up and seeing the ice! We had seen some icebergs on route, even a few penguins in the distance, but emerging from the storm we awoke to a calm and pristine bay. I could barely maintain my composure during breakfast as we waited to be called to the mud room in our groups (my group was last on day 1 of course!) for the first excursion off the ship after 2.5 days of seas! We were matched with the best mud room group and made some great friendships during our time in Antarctica 

A World Beyond Words

What greeted us was like another planet. Towering icebergs sculpted by time, ancient glaciers calving into the sea, and skies so pure they seemed to amplify every sound—or lack thereof. It’s one of the few places on Earth where you truly grasp the meaning of silence. 

And the wildlife? Utterly unbothered by humans.

We stood meters away from colonies of Gentoo and chinstrap penguins. It was amazing to learn about these beautiful animals, the chilled and more Zen chinstraps and the messers that are the gentoos, scrambling around, falling over and making a racket! We watched crabeater and Weddell seals nap on rocks and ice. But the stars of the show—day after day—were the humpback whales

We saw dozens of them, sometimes solo or in pairs, sometimes in pods, their massive bodies slicing through the cold water with elegance and power.  And learning of their incredible ability to sleep so perfectly still in the sheltered bays.  Each sighting left us in awe—and reminded us of both the fragility and strength of life here. Impossible not to hold your breath as the zodiac slowed down with each sighting of a blowhole or a fluke. These massive creatures seemed so content in the Southern Ocean, where they come to feed to their hearts content on Krill. 

Tracking Whales, Feeling Wonder

Our expedition team introduced us to Happywhale (https://happywhale.com/), a brilliant citizen science platform that tracks individual whales using photographs of their flukes. Anyone can contribute, and the data helps researchers understand migration patterns and threats to whale populations.

One of the most eye-opening lessons? These humpbacks travel from tropical breeding grounds to icy feeding zones—sometimes thousands of kilometres apart. The ocean connects us in powerful, invisible ways.

But their future is threatened—not by whaling these days, as was the case in the past, but by the growing danger of krill fishing. 

Krill—tiny shrimp-like creatures—are the backbone of the Southern Ocean food web. They feed whales, seals, penguins, and seabirds. Industrial-scale krill fishing, often to produce supplements or pet food, is now disrupting this delicate balance.

It’s yet another reminder that what we consume has consequences—even when we’re half a world away. Since coming home I have been double-checking my food labels, cosmetics and pet food labels to avoid Krill. If the consumer demand  for this unnecessary product reduces, then the fishing industry will reduce this massive exploitation of a keystone species.  

Becoming an Antarctica Ambassador

One of the most meaningful takeaways from the trip was joining the Antarctic Ambassadors (https://iaato.org/information-resources/antarctic-ambassadors/) program through IAATO (https://iaato.org/)—the International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators.

Ambassadors are people who love and respect Antarctica, who want to protect it, and who share its story with others. Anyone with an interest in protecting this beautiful area can sign up and become an ambassador free of charge, it is open to anyone with a genuine interest in conservation and education. 

Earth Day: From the Poles to Our Back Gardens

Even in one of the most remote places on Earth, microplastics have been found embedded in snow and ice.

It’s sobering—but also empowering. Because if we can influence a place that far away with our daily actions, then we can also protect it.

Reducing plastic use, making mindful choices, and demanding change from industries and policymakers all matter. We as consumers are more powerful than we think.

The Coldest Yes I've Ever Said: The Polar Plunge

And then... there was the polar plunge!

Picture this: snow falling gently, air temperature at -1°C, water temperature also at -1°C. You’re in your swimsuit, standing on the edge of a gangway, about to jump into freezing Antarctic waters.

Why? Because sometimes, you say yes to life even when it terrifies you.

The second I hit the water, I lost my breath. It felt like a thousand icy needles wrapping around me. But when I surfaced—laughing, shaking and blue!—I felt electric, Awake! The shot of vodka offered afterwards was a help, i won’t lie!! 

Bringing Antarctica Home

Since coming back, I’ve been reflecting on how we can bring a little bit of Antarctica into our everyday lives. At Brown Bear Wellness, I am  infusing workshops and offerings with even deeper environmental intention—because wellness isn’t just about us. It’s about the planet, too.

Spending time in Antarctica reminded me of our deep connection to nature—and our responsibility to protect it. 

I have added a 3 part nature walk and connection series for families this summer, mum and dad with smallies aged 0-5 years  are welcome to attend for a stroll in the woods, some mindfulness and a teddy bear picnic, you can read more about these here. 

What You Can Do

You don’t have to travel to Antarctica to be part of its story. Here are a few ways you can help:

• Support whale research by contributing photos to Happywhale (https://happywhale.com/) or donating to marine conservation groups.

• Say no to krill-based products (check labels on omega-3s and pet food).

• Reduce plastic use and advocate for systemic change.

• Educate others about polar regions and climate change.

• Reconnect with nature—walk barefoot, breathe deeply, observe the changing seasons.

Every action matters. Every ripple counts.

Final Thoughts

Antarctica wasn’t a holiday. It was a wake-up call wrapped in ice, awe and wonder. I have seen how fragile ecosystems are. And now, more than ever, I believe we all have a part to play in protecting our planet. This Earth Day, and on Antarctica Ambassador Day, I hope you’ll pause, breathe, and ask yourself:

What one small change can I make? 

With love and gratitude. 

Rachel x

Photo used for this post taken at a Gentoo Colony March 2025.