On the fifth day of the cruise, we headed to Deception Island and a very different experience. Deception Island is found off the northwest side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Deception Island, Antarctica. Those stories are for another day. The harbour, known as Port Foster, has been the central port of entry for British claims in the Antarctic since 1910. It was first used by sealers as a base for operations and then later by whalers. It serves as home to a large colony of chinstrap penguins, cape petrels, brown skuas, and sheathbills. Deception Island, made of the volcano’s caldera and located near the tip of the Antarctic peninsula, has erupted several times since humans first set foot in … It is one of … Deception Island was first visited in 1820 by sealers and was named by the American sealer Nathaniel Palmer. Your email address will not be published. Every visitor to Antarctica must include an exploration of Deception Island as part of their Antarctica journey. I took an 11-day cruise around Antarctica; we spent the first two days crossing the Drake Passage and filled the next two days with penguins, seals, whales and icebergs and glaciers. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.
In Deception Island. Deception Island is also home to the still waters of Telefon Bay as well as Mount Achala which offered a nice hiking trail with magnificent views. There are whales too to further heighten your nature expedition! Aside from penguins, another main attraction for those who travel to Deception island are the birds. Deception Island is a collapsed (but still active) volcanic cone. In fact, the BirdLife International has recognized Deception Island as an important bird area. There is a 12km wide natural harbour, one of the safest in the world protected by high cliffs and a narrow entrance, Neptune's Bellows. Get kids back-to-school ready with Expedition: Learn. The island has also served as a whaling and seal-hunting station from 1906 to 1931 and, during World War II, as a British military base. By signing up for this email, you are agreeing to news, offers, and information from Encyclopaedia Britannica. The mystery is behind the geothermal activities that are happening within the city and the animals that freely roam there. The harbour, known as Port Foster, has been the central port of entry for British claims in the Antarctic since 1910. The island has also served as a whaling and seal-hunting station from 1906 to 1931 and, during World War II, as a British military base. All Rights Reserved. A lone chinstrap penguin stopped to check us out as we were taking the last few steps to our final zodiac ride!
Birding in Deception Island. Includes history, facts, wildlife guide and things to do during your visit. A restless volcanic island located at the southwest end of the South Shetland Islands, northeast of Graham Land Peninsula, and was constructed along the axis of the Bransfield Rift spreading center. Just make sure to know some mandatory guidelines when you visit Deception Island. Argentina, Chile, and…. Sep 5, 2019 - Uncover the hidden wonders of Deception Island on a cruise to Antarctica. | Terms of Use | Privacy Policy | Contact Us. Quick Facts Deception Island is a 14 km wide, ring-shaped volcanic island at the south-western end of the South Shetland Islands, NE of Graham Land Peninsul. Deception Island is indeed the destination to be since here you could very much commune with nature.