Exquisite beauty and pristine landscapes are waiting for you on the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. Myriads of icebergs with different shades and shapes are floating free in the waterways around the continent. The Antarctic Peninsula's remarkable history provides you with a type of excitement often only associated with the early explorers. There is plenty of time to explore its amazing scenery and a wide variety of wildlife. Apart from Adélie, gentoo, and chinstrap penguins and other seabirds you are likely to encounter Weddell, crabeater, fur, and leopard seals as well as minke whales and orcas at close range. At this time of year you are also very likely to encounter big cetaceans, such as humpback, fin, and sei whales in the area.
Navigate some of the most beautiful waterways the area has to offer, such as: the Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Neumayer Channel, and the extremely narrow Lemaire Channel. Possible landing sites may include Paradise Bay, which is perhaps the most aptly named place in the world with its impressive glacial fronts and mountains, Cuverville Island, home of the biggest gentoo penguin colony in the Peninsula surrounded by glaciers and castellated icebergs, and the British Museum and post office Port Lockroy.
As further exploration leads you far South of the Lemaire Channel in quest of the Polar Circle, you might also visit the Ukrainian Station Vernadsky, the former British base Faradey - where the ozone hole was first spotted, the rugged Yalour Islands, and south of the Polar Circle Detaille Island.
On your way north plan to explore the South Shetland Islands. The volcanic island group is a haven for wildlife. Vast penguin rookeries and seals hauling out on the shorelines make every day spent here unforgettable. Sailing through the narrow passage into the flooded caldera of Deception Island is truly amazing, so is visiting the crescent-shaped island Half Moon, home to chinstrap penguins in breathtaking surroundings.
