Shackleton's pack ice
Antarctic Peninsula & Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Although just around the tip form the islands of the Antarctic Peninsula, the Weddell Sea is totally different and far less visited. Here the ice comes in flat-topped icebergs, known as pack-ice, which has broken off the ice shelf further south. Some are enormous (one in 2007 was said to be the size of Jamaica!). Today, distances covered are wholly dependent on the weather and the amount of pack ice.
Background
These waters were first discovered in 1823 and originally named after King George IV, in 1930 the name was changed to the Weddell Sea. Shackleton’s ship, Endurance, was trapped here by the ice and others have suffered similar fate. There are a number of islands which may be visited (weather and pack ice permitting). Emperor penguins are found in large numbers towards the south of the Weddell Sea. Curious and inquisitive, like all penguins, they are an unforgettable sight.
Whales, seals and a wide variety of seabirds may be spotted almost anywhere around Antarctica. Among the islands in the northern part of the area are James Ross Island, Snow Hill Island and Vega Island. The Ronnie, Larsen and Filchner Ice Shelves are the main sources of pack ice.