The '''Antarctic Peninsula''' is the most-visited region of Antarctica. This northward-reaching extension of the polar continent reaches within 1000 miles of the southernmost tips of Chile and Argentina. It includes both the landmass of the actual continent of Antarctica, numerous islands, and the ice sheets that extend and connect many of these bodies of land.
Regions
South Shetland Islands
Bases
Arturo Prat (Chile)
Bernardo O'Higgins (Chile)
Esperanza (Argentina)
King George Island (several countries)
Marambio (Argentina)
Palmer (U.S.)
Rothera (U.K.)
San Martin (Argentina)
Vernadsky (Ukraine)
Other destinations
'''Brown Bluff'''.
'''Cierva Cove'''. While no landings are possible due to land areas being designated areas of special scientific interest, the cove is home to dozens of leopard seals which lounge on the ice flows.
'''Cuverville'''.
'''Deception Island'''.
* '''Baily Head'''. Home to the world's second-largest colony of chinstrap penguins, set amidst an incredible natural amphitheatre. The penguins come and go from the colony through a narrow passage, with thousands of penguins following American driving rules by always walking on the right.
* '''Whaler's Bay'''. Hot springs, the remains of an old whaling station, and the remains of a British Antarctic Survey base destroyed by eruptions that lasted from 1967 through 1970 are the highlights of this stop.
* '''Pendulum Cove'''. A popular spot for visitors wanting to take a swim in the hot springs and thus claim the distinction of having swum in Antarctic waters.
'''Gerlache Straits'''. A body of water that stretches along much of the western side of the peninsula and offers amazing opportunities for whale watching.
'''Hannah Point'''.
'''Palmer Station'''.
'''Paradise Harbour'''.
'''Paulet Island'''. A volcanic island that is home to the largest adelie penguin colony in the world. The strenuous hike to the top of the island takes about three hours round trip and offers incredible views of the surrounding area. In addition, the remains of a hut used by the Nordenskjold expedition can be found on the island.
'''Peterman Island'''.
'''Port Lockroy'''. Since 1996 the historic base at Port Lockroy on Goudier Island has been staffed by the UK Antarctic Heritage Trust during the Antarctic summer. Receiving about 10,000 visitors a year, it is one of the most visited sites on the continent. Visitors can tour the museum, buy souvenirs, post mail, and view the large gentoo penguin colony.
Understand
The Antarctic Peninsula is almost a mirror image of southern South America. In fact, it's a geologic extension of the Andes mountain range; an underwater ridge looping through South Georgia and the South Sandwich Islands connects the two features. It is claimed by Chile, Argentina, and the United Kingdom, with the United States and Russia both reserving the right to stake a claim should the Antarctic Treaty ever fall out of force. Under the provisions of the treaty, international access to the territory is permitted.
Talk
Get in
Get around
See
Itineraries
Do
Eat
Drink
Stay safe
Get out