South Shetland Islands Cruise Guide

The South Shetland Islands are the gateway to Antarctica — an archipelago of 11 major islands stretching 335 miles between the Drake Passage and the Antarctic Peninsula. These volcanic islands host abundant wildlife, active research stations, and one of Antarctica's most unique experiences: sailing into the flooded caldera of Deception Island.

From the Logbook

"As we approached Neptune's Bellows — the narrow entrance to Deception Island's caldera — the captain cut engines and the ship went silent. The volcanic cliffs towered on both sides, the passage just wide enough for our hull. Inside, the caldera opened into an otherworldly bay: black sand beaches, rusting whaling tanks, steam rising from the water's edge. Passengers were already stripping to swimsuits, eager to dig trenches in the sand where geothermal heat meets Antarctic cold. You swim in Antarctica at an active volcano. It's as surreal as it sounds."

— Deception Island landing, South Shetland Islands

Highlight: Digging a hole in the black volcanic sand at Pendulum Cove and sinking into warm geothermal water while snow-capped peaks encircle the caldera.

Major Islands & Landing Sites

  • Deception Island — Active volcano, flooded caldera, geothermal beaches, abandoned whaling station at Whalers Bay, chinstrap penguins at Baily Head
  • Half Moon Island — Crescent-shaped island, chinstrap penguin colony, Antarctic terns, spectacular mountain backdrop
  • Livingston Island — Second largest island, Hannah Point with gentoo, chinstrap, and elephant seals
  • King George Island — Largest island, multiple international research stations, Fildes Peninsula
  • Elephant Island — Historic Shackleton refuge, difficult landings, Point Wild with Pardo bust
  • Aitcho Islands — Gentoo and chinstrap colonies, often first Antarctic landing after Drake crossing

Deception Island

Deception Island is one of Antarctica's most extraordinary destinations — an active volcanic caldera you can sail inside:

  • Neptune's Bellows — Dramatic 230m-wide entrance passage between volcanic cliffs
  • Whalers Bay — Abandoned Norwegian whaling station, rusting tanks, haunting industrial ruins
  • Pendulum Cove — Geothermal beaches where you can "swim" in Antarctica (water temperature varies)
  • Baily Head — Massive chinstrap penguin colony (100,000+ breeding pairs) on outer coast
  • Volcanic activity — Last erupted 1970. Geothermal vents still active. Scientists monitor continuously

Wildlife

The South Shetland Islands host significant wildlife populations:

  • Chinstrap penguins — Dominant species, named for distinctive "chinstrap" markings
  • Gentoo penguins — At several landing sites, recognizable by red-orange bills
  • Antarctic fur seals — Aggressive during breeding season, maintain distance
  • Elephant seals — Massive males weigh up to 4 tons, often seen at Hannah Point
  • Whales — Humpback and minke whales feed in surrounding waters
  • Seabirds — Antarctic terns, skuas, giant petrels, blue-eyed cormorants

Research Stations

King George Island has the highest concentration of research stations in Antarctica, earning it the nickname "Antarctic Greenwich Village":

  • Bellingshausen (Russia)
  • King Sejong (South Korea)
  • Artigas (Uruguay)
  • Great Wall (China)
  • Presidente Eduardo Frei Montalva (Chile) — Includes small settlement, school
  • Escudero (Chile)
  • Carlini (Argentina)

Station visits depend on prior arrangement and operational schedules.

Shackleton History

Elephant Island holds special significance in Antarctic exploration:

  • Point Wild — Where 22 men of Shackleton's Endurance expedition survived 4+ months awaiting rescue in 1916
  • Pardo Bust — Bronze memorial to Chilean pilot Luis Pardo, who rescued the stranded men
  • Difficult landings — High seas and rocky coastline often prevent Zodiac landings; scenic cruising typical

Practical Information

  • Location — 75 miles north of Antarctic Peninsula
  • First landfall — Often first landing site after crossing Drake Passage
  • Weather — Notoriously changeable; fog, wind, rain common
  • Swimming — Possible at Deception Island's geothermal beaches (bring swimsuit!)
  • Landings — Via Zodiac; wet landings common

South Shetland Islands Map

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Deception Island?

Deception Island is an active volcanic caldera in the South Shetland Islands. Ships sail through Neptune's Bellows into the flooded caldera. Hot springs warm the black sand beaches. Abandoned whaling station remains at Whalers Bay. It's one of Antarctica's most unique landing sites.

Can you really swim in Antarctica?

Yes, at Deception Island's Pendulum Cove. Geothermal heat warms the water near shore, though temperatures vary wildly. Dig a trench in the black sand to mix hot spring water with cold ocean water. Bring a swimsuit and prepare for bragging rights.

Which research stations can you visit?

Visits depend on prior arrangement and weather. King George Island has the most stations, some of which occasionally welcome cruise passengers. Arrangements are made through expedition staff, not passengers.