A song from the Nancy Drew game “Danger on Deception Island.” Music from this game credited to Kevin Manthei.

The rugged but beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife combine to make this cruise one of the most visually stunning in the world. They are surprisingly well-preserved and fascinating. Further mechanisation of whale slaughter saw the advent of huge factory ships where the dead whales could by winched up ramps for processing meaning that the whalers were then able to continue their bloody trade without the need for any land-base free from any taxes or quota restrictions. And yes, Lina and I have a naked dog. View us on a Google map and download our comprehensive map and events list. The only way to travel here as a tourist is to join an Antarctic expedition as we did. The rugged but beautiful landscapes and abundant wildlife combine to make this cruise one of the most visually stunning in the world. The most numerous species are Chinstrap Penguins, which are found in large colonies that number in the thousands and total estimates put the population at well over 100,000.

Seeing these penguins marching towards the rough seas to feed is an incredible sight. We were beyond lucky and privileged to witness it with our own two eyes. Southern End of Fumarole Bay (Site C): This site has many rare species of moss that have colonized the heated soil crust close to the line of the volcanic vents.

Many operators provide a package including airfares from north American cities and a night in Buenos Aires. While many countries have since staked a claim on Deception Island, it now falls under the remit of the Antarctic Treaty System. An eerie reminder, perfectly preserved in the cold dry air, of what was here before us. It soon becomes apparent that, far from simply being a lump of volcanic rock sticking out of the ocean, this is actually the flooded centre of a volcano. We’ve visited nearly 100 countries on all 7 continents. Around Deception Island your zodiac cruise will head across the bay to a little beach where there will be Gentoo Penguins, Chinstrap Penguins, Leopard Seals, Elephant Seals, Weddell Seals, and even Peale’s Dolphins. The moment that we climbed up the hill to view the amphitheater is a moment that will stay with me for the rest of my life. Explore more travel destination possibilities and experience the world first hand. Oceanic islands are those that rise to the surface from…. Ships will also arrange the polar plunge directly from the ship in the protected waters of Whaler’s Bay. Anchoring in various spots around the region, the expedition offers the chance to hike, kayak, and dive in the iceberg-heavy waters. If I ever started to feel a little queasy, I went outside. If you’ve ever had a Korean, Japanese or Latin American style spa, you’ll know that it involves not just hot water, but also cold. Some building took place including a cemetery along with a system of taxes and quotas for the whalers. It’s a strangely dark place, as the beaches are still covered in not only whale bones but also in the remains of whaling ships and run-down buildings that have never been removed. It’s an island of doom where the worst acts of human nature played out on the shores of Antarctica. Get a chance to spot seals and penguins on their natural habitat. Captain’s Choice ports of call entail sailing around changing weather conditions as needed and taking you to the best areas for wildlife viewing. No matter what this will be a highlight of your trip to Antarctica. I stayed there until it was time to return to the ship. Travel Collecting is a participant in the Amazon.com Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

You can book it online here or get a quote right here: Do you have any stories of  Antarctica?
Buy patches to help prevent sea sickness here, Buy the anti- seasickness wrist bands here, Complete Guide to Buying Travel Insurance, From Banos to Puyo on a bicycle, Ecuador: ROUTE OF THE WATERFALLS. The deceit continues as, despite its normally benign appearance, this is an active volcano! Deception Island was a popular whaling spot that operated from 1906 to 1907. Comment document.getElementById("comment").setAttribute( "id", "a524792c08727aaa2369fe628192b0a9" );document.getElementById("cd95d16565").setAttribute( "id", "comment" ); We are David & Lina Stock, a married couple from NW Wisconsin who have been traveling together since 2001. Travelwild specialize in small ships.

Deception Island is actually the caldera of an active volcano. Fly across Drake Passage during this voyage as well. The name of the island, Deception, stems from the fact that this is a hidden entrance, and the harbor inside the Bellow’s is hidden away deceptively from the outside. It seemed a shame to go all the way down to the southern tip of Patagonia and not go that extra bit further for the bragging rights of visiting all 7 continents. Deception Island has always been a popular destination for a Polar Plunge because supposedly, the surrounding ocean is warmed by the geothermal energy. Deception Island. Along the shoreline, you will also find wildlife that’s as fascinated with you as you are of them. Natural hot springs give curious travelers a chance to don their bathing suits and take a swim amid the backdrop of icy mountain peaks. I figured I would wade into it shin deep, and that plus the chilly air would be enough for the ‘cold-water’ part of the spa experience. Explore all the wonders that Antarctica has to offer on this 12-Day adventure cruise aboard Sylvia Earle. The highest peak, Mount Pond, is on the eastern side reaching a height of 539 metres. This is notoriously one of the roughest stretches of water in the world. Found on the edge of the Antarctic, the island is home to just a few small scientific outposts and hundreds of thousands of penguins.
But back on board the ship, after a shower and with a glass of wine in hand, my skin tingled. Your cruise operator will give you a more detailed packing list. Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc. or its affiliates. Baily Head is home to the largest chinstrap penguin colony in Antarctica with more than 100,000 breeding pairs. I use the Internet a lot to plan – and I hope this blog is useful resource for you –  but I also always use a trusty Lonely Planet to get the big picture and practical things like maps. Our trip to Antarctica was in partnership with Quark Expeditions, however all opinions are 100% mine, as always. All Rights Reserved.