Within the next few days, you explore the South Shetland Islands and the Antarctic Peninsula in-depth. This region contains some of Antarctica's most impressive scenery and the best wildlife viewing. Sheltered bays and channels sparkle with ice, reflecting towering mountain peaks coated in permanent snow and immense glaciers. Icebergs of every size and description complete an image of incomparable beauty. Waters rich with krill are home to many marine mammals and seabirds. The whole area is alive with penguins foraging at sea and forming large rookeries at special places on land. Here, you can also find Antarctic research bases of various nationalities.
The South Shetland Islands are the northernmost islands in Antarctica and will likely be your first area of exploration. This wildly beautiful island chain contains many landing sites with historical significance and abundant wildlife. Explore the Antarctic Peninsula's supremely picturesque Gerlache Strait area, a pristine wilderness of spectacular white landscapes, colossal icebergs, obliging marine mammals, and bustling penguin colonies. You plan to pass through the famous Lemaire Channel, also known as "Kodak Gap," because of the photogenic way the narrow channel reflects the image of sheer snowy mountains.
On this special voyage, you have additional days to push even further south in your attempt to cross the Antarctic Circle. The sublime icescapes in Crystal Sound and beyond are particularly austere, the weather is especially wild, and the waters are full of constantly shifting ice. Very few people have ventured this far south. This is a true expedition.
Throughout the islands and on the mainland, you can find large colonies of Gentoo, chinstrap, and Adélie penguins, sometimes side by side. It is a dramatic time in the colonies. While some parents remain at the nest to guard against skua attack, others go fishing in seas patrolled by predatory leopard seals and killer whales. Meanwhile, fluffy chicks are starting to explore away from their nests. Also, humpbacks and minke whales have arrived in great numbers, and the feeding frenzy is in full swing. Crabeater and Weddell seals abound in these highly productive waters.
In this rugged yet accessible environment, superb wildlife viewing is best complemented by active adventure. For sea kayakers, the wildlife-rich waters of Antarctica offer many chances to paddle with seals and penguins in some of the world's most scenic waterways. To make the most of your time on the White Continent, you can also spend a night camping ashore, surrounded by untamed Antarctic nature.
This is expedition cruising at its most authentic. Your precise route and exploration opportunities will be shaped by weather and ice. Your experienced captain and expedition leader will continually adjust plans to take maximum advantage of the conditions in this challenging polar environment.
