Place to Visit: Antarctic Peninsula

The tip of Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

The most accessible part of the frozen continent, the Antarctic Peninsula is rich is wildlife and heritage. The archipelago of isles that fringe the Peninsula ensure relatively calm waters and each cast their own individual spell.

Great Reasons To Visit

  • Experiencing the fantastic variety of bird life.
  • Sailing around and exploring rarely-visited islands.
  • Going where few people have gone before!

Background

As the ice retreats during the Antarctic summer, marine life steadily returns to these relatively warmer waters and travellers can see penguin, whales, seals and a diverse variety of sea birds including the incredible albatross that glide across the seas between the southernmost point of South America and this stunning region.

The Antarctic Peninsula is the main destination of the Antarctic Expedition Cruises. that depart from South America. Overseen by the International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators, itineraries vary, but most will pass by the sunken caldera of Deception Island, visit the former British Base of Port Lockroy, witness numerous penguin colonies, including the Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adelie varieties, and glide through the magical Lamaire Channel.

Relaxing

Facilities vary on the different ships, but most offer a bar, a library and an observation lounge where you can sit back and enjoy the magical scenes that you sail by.

Antarctic Peninsula

Each visit to Antarctica will vary, due to ice and sea conditions, but each place you visit and every direction you sail offers it’s own charm, surprises and memories. It is no wonder that many people find they become hooked on Antarctica and return again and again.

Cape Horn

Overlooking Cape Horn

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

This is the infamous series of islands of which Hoorn Island is the most revered. The cliff is 424 metres (around 1000 feet) high. Although landings are attempted, the storms for which the area is n...

More Details

Deception Island

Deception Island

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

The sunken caldera of Deception Island is a gray and eerie place. Sailing through the narrow entrance, named Neptune’s Bellows the waters within provide a natural harbour. This is the site of an old...

More Details

Elephant Island

Seal

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

It was Elephant Island that Shackleton and his crew eventually reached on their epic journey back to civilisation – the first landfall after almost 200 days on the ice covered Weddell Sea. Here he le...

More Details

Highlights of the Antarctic Peninsula

Cuberville

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Each visit to the Antarctic Peninsula is different and changing weather combined with differing ice conditions ensure that no two visits are ever the same, but all who come are cast under its spell. ...

More Details

Lamaire Channel

Ice

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

The Lamaire Channel, often known as ‘Kodak Creek’ because of the sound of clicking cameras, is one of the most beautiful areas of the Antarctic Peninsular. Narrow and often ice-filled (so that a pass...

More Details

Margarite Bay

Emperor Penguins

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Located on the western edge of the Antarctic Peninsula, Marguerite Bay was discovered by a French expedition team at the turn of the 20th century, its distinctly Gallic name deriving from that of the...

More Details

Port Lockroy

Port Lockroy

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

Port Lockroy, situated on a small island, is often the furthest point south reached by the larger cruise ships. Set in a stunning bay, it boasts the world’s most southerly post office and a small mus...

More Details

South Shetland Islands

Seal

Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica

The South Shetland Islands present a dramatic introduction to Antarctica and many expedition cruise ships call here. Including some big names like King George Island and half Moon Island, they are ho...

More Details

Reviews

Post your review:

Login or Register to post a review.