Deception Island

Swimming in Antarctica? You bet!

This is not your usual port-of-call. There are no swaying palms, balmy breezes, tropical drinks with umbrellas, no vendors pursuing you along the quaint streets.

There are no cantinas with light-hearted laughter, no strolling musicians to serenade you at your table, no souvenir stores and exotic purchases.

After all, Deception Island is not a tropical island paradise, though it does have a Paradise Harbor. Deception Island is one of the islands in the South Shetland Island chain. It was formed by a volcanic crater, and when part of the crater collapsed, seawater rushed in the caldera and created one of the largest natural harbors (about 10 miles across) in the world. The harbor is protected from passing icebergs.

Deception Island is in Antartica. You can swim, though, and that's what brings modern day visitors.

Scientists, geologists, environmentalists and volcanologists may come for the other natural phenomena, but tourists come to swim in the Antarctic, at Pendulum Cove in water heated by an active volcano.

It's not real swimming, more like dipping into a narrow strip of shallow water along the beach, somewhere between blistering hot and frigid water. This is Deception Island's hot tub.

Getting There

Though there are there are ruins of airplanes on the island, visitors today arrive by ship.

• How we came to be at Deception Island

When to Go

Summer,of course! Even then, you'll need to be bundled up in foul weather gear, most of which is provided by the tour or cruise ship.

Things to Do and See

Deception Island was at one time a whaling station (see this hand-drawn map from that era) and later observation and scientific outposts for various countries. Today, Argentina, Spain and Great Britain maintain a summer presence. The British and Chilean posts were destroyed in the 1969 volcanic eruption and there is some talk of reinstating a scientific post on the island.

Now, visitors come to see the Ruins on Deception Island on a Deception Island tour, as seen in this text and photo description.

Deception Island offers hiking opportunities to see the old whaling station, abandoned installations and of course, the penguins.

The Photo Gallery brings some of the sights to you, including some of the wildlife:

If you're planning a cruise through the southernmost waters of South America, don't forgot to stop off for a swim in Deception Island's protected harbor.

If you have a question or comment about Deception Island and/or cruising the Antarctic. please post it on the South America for Visitors Forum