Cruises, facts, sightseeing, wildlife and photo gallery.
Southeast of the tip of South America, the South Shetland Islands off the Antarctic Peninsula has one of the best natural harbors in the world. Formed from volcanic action, Deception Island is a research station with a colorful whaling history. Now a popular stop on the Antarctic cruise route, Deception Island offers some surprising attractions.
Formed when seawater rushed into a volcanic crater, the harbor at Deception Island in the Shetland Islands chain is large, and a lure to visitors who want to swim in volcano-warmed Antarctic waters.
Antarctic Photo Gallery displays views of the Antarctica iceshelf, wildlife, current and abandoned research stations and vistas of ocean and icebergs.
Cruise ships traversing the Antartic water passages often visit Deception Island in the South Shetland Island chain. Enjoy this sampling of some of the wildlife found on Deception Island and elsewhere in the Antarctic.
Understanding global climate change means understanding the geological and glacial histories of Antarctica.
Click on any photo for many more in that category, and be sure to read Antartica Parts 1 and 2 for an account of a ttrip from Ushuaia to Antartica and back.
Images and descriptions, plus additional resources, about this program from the PBS Nature series.
FOTW Antarctica map and boundaries’ data by António Martins.
"By its very name, Deception Island conjures up vivid images of bleak and foreboding shores swathed in slowly swirling mist and gloomy grey cliffs. Pretty close actually."
"Position Lat. 62°59'S, Long. 60°34'W Whalers Bay, Deception Island, South Shetland Islands. Purpose Meteorology and geology. Centre for aircraft operations 1955-57 and 1959-69. Occupied 3 Feb 1944-5 Dec 1967, 4 Dec 1968-23 Feb 1969. The station was finally abandoned on 23 Feb 1969 after personnel had returned to collect personal possessions."
Photos of "flooded caldera with only a small entrance to the interior from the sea - called Deception, since one must sail around much of the island to find the small opening)." Links to more photos by Galen R. Frysinger.
Join About Cruise Guide on a trip ashore to Elephant Island in this photo gallery.
Explore the "bottom of the earth" with this interactive map and the sightrs and sounds of wildkife and learn about the explorers.
Icebergs, wildlife and descriptions.
Early voyagers or whalers named this famous landmark in Lemaire's Channel, Una's Tits for a barmaid on South Georgia Island.
The natural harbor of Port Lockroy in the Antarctica peninsula was discovered in 1903 and served as the base for explorations, whaling and military uses. Designated a Historic Site under the Antarctic Treaty, the facilities were renovated and are now a living museum. Port Lockroy is now one of Antarctica's top tourist destinations with a souvenir shop and a post office.
"Since 1996 staff have spent the austral summer at the historic 'Base A' at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. Their main duties are to help maintain and conserve the base built in 1944 and now designated as an Historic Monument under the Antarctic Treaty."
Conservation organization in the world that works exclusively to protect Antarctica's pristine wilderness and environment.
CARA nvestigates the origin of structure in the Universe by using the unique advantages of the Polar Plateau for astrophysics.
Information about astronomy in Antarctica.
Relive TerraQuest's maiden voyage as they sailed across Drake's Passage to the continent of Antarctica.
Descriptions of penguins, seals, whales and birds.
