Deception Island

A volcanic island in the South Shetlands, north of the Antarctic Peninsula

Deception Island

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: South Shetland Islands

Deception Island and Neptune’s Bellows

This ring-shaped island, which is actually the caldera of an active volcano, is a popular part of our Antarctic Peninsula cruises. The caldera has a diameter of about 15 km (nine miles) with a narrow entrance on one side known as Neptune’s Bellows. We can sometimes sail through this spectacular passage into the flooded crater beyond

Since the Deception Island volcano is active, geothermal activity still takes place inside the caldera. Sea water temperatures of 70°C (150°F) have been recorded, and eruptions occurred as recently as 1970. Sealers, whalers, explorers, and scientists have been sailing into the island’s Port Foster since 1820, and remains of these expeditions can still be seen.

Whalers Bay, Bailey Head, and chinstrap penguins

Bleached whale bones, wooden barrels, and other artifacts from 20th-century whaling remain in the Norwegian whaling compound of Whalers Bay, along with old buildings from a British scientific station evacuated after a 1969 eruption. Though the wildlife inside the caldera is not terribly abundant, several bird species breed on the caldera cliffs.

On the outside of Deception Island is a seldom-seen Antarctic highlight: Bailey Head, where about 50,000 pairs of chinstrap penguins breed. Unfortunately, we’re not often able to visit the colony due to the difficult landing conditions in that area of Deception Island.

Wildlife on Deception Island

Though wildlife inside the caldera is scarce, thousands of Cape pigeons, Wilson’s storm petrels, black-bellied storm petrels, Dominican gulls, brown and south polar skuas, and Antarctic terns breed on the caldera shores and cliffs. Penguins and seals also sometimes venture through Neptune’s Bellows into the caldera, where they enjoy a bath in the heated water.

Deception Island hiking

Since Deception Island is not totally covered by ice, it offers some great walking opportunities. A great hike can be made from Whalers Bay to a viewpoint above Neptune’s Window and South East Point. From this summit, you can enjoy great views of Port Foster and little rock columns called the “Sewing Machine Needles”. Telefon Bay at the northwest side of Port Foster also offers great hiking opportunities and views.

Related cruises

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Up to $8500 OFF

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Meet at least six penguin species!

PLA20-24 A cruise to the Falkland Islands, South Georgia & the Antarctic Peninsula. Visit some of the most beautiful arrays of wildlife on Earth. This journey will introduce you to at least 6 species of penguin and a whole lot of Antarctic fur seals!

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

18 Oct - 7 Nov, 2024

Berths start from:

6650 USD

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
Up to $2400 OFF

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Searching for the Elusive Emperor Penguins

OTL22-24 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

10 Nov - 20 Nov, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters
Up to $2750 OFF

Weddell Sea – In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Searching for the Elusive Emperor Penguins

OTL23-24 A true expedition, our Weddell Sea cruise sets out to explore the range of the Emperor Penguins near Snow Hill Island. We will visit the area via helicopter and see a variety of other birds and penguins including Adélies and Gentoos.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

20 Nov - 30 Nov, 2024

Berths start from:

11050 USD

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage + navigational workshop
Free kayaking and diving

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage + navigational workshop

Classic Antarctica including Deception Island

OTL24-24 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins.

m/v Ortelius

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

30 Nov - 10 Dec, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Up to $9850 OFF

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Meet at least six penguin species

PLA24-24 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife.

m/v Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

6 Dec - 25 Dec, 2024

Berths start from:

on request

Loading