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Antarctic Peninsula Cruise
The Antarctic Peninsula is part of the Antarctic Continent and is the southern continuation of the mountain chain that runs from North America through South America into the Scotia Sea. Here it continues as a mainly sub-marine ridge, the Scotia Ridge, until it comes above sea-level at the northern tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. The peninsula consists of an 800 kilometres (500 mile) long mountain chain, the highest peaks rising to approximately 2,800 metres (9,186 feet), and numerous off-lying islands. The Peninsula offers the most dramatic scenery and biggest variety of wildlife in Antarctica. Visitors are easily overcome by sensory overload by the huge amount of ice-bergs, glaciers, high mountains and the abundant and tame wildlife.
The history of discovery runs parallel to that of the South Shetland Islands. Here, exploitation was again the major force behind the early explorations. Nowadays the Antarctic Peninsula is protected by the Antarctic Treaty, which has been signed by 46 countries. The signatory parties have agreed to abstain for 50 years from recognizing, disputing, or establishing territorial sovereignty claims. The parties also agreed to set aside Antarctica as a scientific preserve, established freedom of scientific investigation and banned military activity on the continent.
Climate
Antarctica can boast several records with relation to climate. It is the coldest, driest and windiest continent on earth. Although the Antarctic Peninsula is part of the continent it does not show these extremes. During the Austral summer temperatures as high as 15°C (59°F) have been recorded at the west side of the peninsula, however, the average temperature is around 2°C (36°F). Although blue skies and calm weather are common in the sheltered bays and channels, cold katabatic winds, caused by cold air accelerating under gravity from icecaps and glaciers, pick-up quickly and form a strong opponent for the Antarctic traveller.
Flora & Fauna
Vegetation is scarce on the peninsula though. Besides abundant lichens and mosses the only higher plants are Antarctic Hairgrass and Antarctic Pearlwort.
Frequently visited
places
For more detailed information on our Antarctica cruise programmes, please see the itineraries section.
- Cuverville Island, at the entrance of the beautiful Errera Channel. Surrounded by steep mountains and glaciers of the Antarctic mainland. The island has an extensive Gentoo Penguin colony. Both Antarctic plants also can also be found here. The waters around the island offer good zodiac cruising as ice-bergs often run aground nearby.
- Neko Harbour, named after a floating factory whaling ship that was once based here. Bordered on one side by spectacular glaciers this is a perfect place for a landing on the Antarctic Continent. Gentoo Penguins breed on the hill above the beach and Weddell Seals and Fur Seals often haul out.
- Paradise Bay is unequalled in its scenery. A true Antarctic paradise formed by the dozens of dramatic glaciers that drop down into the bay, the cathedral-like ice-bergs that run aground and the whales that frequent the bay. At the Argentine Almirante Brown Station the Antarctic Continent can be reached.
- Port Lockroy on Goudier Island. During the 2nd WW the British Forces build several secret stations in Antarctica. One of these was Base A at Port Lockroy. After the war the station became a scientific station until 1962. Now the station is restored and acts as a museum station and post-office.
- The narrow and spectacular Lemaire Channel. Surrounded by mountains and glaciers and a popular passage for several species of whales journeying up and down the sheltered Antarctic Peninsula waterways.
- Petermann Island, south of the Lemaire Channel. It has one of the most northerly Adélie Penguin colonies. Besides Adélie Penguins, Gentoo Penguins and Blue-eyed Shags breed on the beautifully located island.
- The Argentine Islands. Often the southernmost destination of our Antarctic Peninsula voyages. The small archipelago is located at Latitude 65º South. The Ukrainian research station Vernadskiy (previously the British Faraday Station) is based on Galindez Island and is often visited. Here can be seen how scientist live and work in the harsh Antarctic climate.
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27 Trips found in this destination: Please click below on the trip of your choice to see more details (prices, day by day itinerary, etc.)
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