Reisen zu den Südlichen Shetlandinseln

The climate in this area is typically very cool and corresponds well with the rest of the northern Antarctic Peninsula.The average summer temperature only reaches 1.5 degrees Celsius (34.7 degrees Fahrenheit), and the typical winter temperature hovers around -5 degrees Celsius (23 degrees Fahrenheit).

Even in the summertime, the South Shetland Islands retain an ice and snow coverage of 80 percent. It is humid and often cloudy, and the sunniest days are typically accompanied by colder temperatures. Due to this, anyone who is taking a expedition cruise to the South Shetland Islands needs to bring the proper type of clothing with them. 

A visit to the South Shetland Islands will reveal a surprising amount of life for such a harsh environment. South Shetlands wildlife such as, seals, penguins and seabirds utilize the surrounding water as a feeding spot, and they can often be spotted from the cruise ship. On land, there are many examples of vegetation, including algae, lichens and mosses. This helps highlight the fact that life can find a way in even the most inhospitable places.  

The number of people living in the South Shetland Islands is extremely hard to say. Research stations may only have a skeleton crew - if any at all - during the winter. During the summer months it's booming with scientists and support crew. 

The South Shetland Islands are not under the control of any nation. Instead, the Antarctic Treaty enables all signatories to utilize the region for any non-military related purposes. This has led to 13 countries establishing research stations and field camps. Before the Antarctic Treaty was signed, the islands were claimed by the U.K., Argentina and Chile. 

The South Shetland Islands are volcanic, primarily mountainous and approximately 80 percent glaciated. A voyage to the South Shetland Islands will often provide visitors with the opportunity to see penguins and seals. Deception Island is always a highlight, and it is uninhabited aside from Spanish and Argentinean research bases. The glaciers and steep peak on the eastern side of the island provide a challenging environment for hiking. Kayaking is also an exciting way to explore Port Foster - the flooded caldera of Deception island.