Esperanza Base

An Argentine research station and one of only two civilian settlements in Antarctica

Esperanza Base

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: Weddell Sea

Esperanza Base, an Antarctic research station

An occasional landing site during our Antarctica cruises, Esperanza Base is a fascinating location for a friendly visit. The base was built in 1953 and houses over 50 residents, including scientists, military personnel, school teachers, and their families. Research topics studied at Esperanza include glaciology, seismology, and biology, among others. Upwards of 1,100 tourists visit Esperanza Base each year.

Noteworthy features of Esperanza Base

In 1978, the first person ever to be born in Antarctica was born at Esperanza Base. At least ten other children have been born at Esperanza since then. Also, four items designated Antarctic Historical Sites or Monuments are located at Esperanza Base: a grotto with a statue of the Virgin of Lujan, a bust of General San Martin, a flagpole raised in 1955, and a cemetery with a stele honoring the Argentine expedition crew who have died in the area.

Seeing Esperanza Base on your Antarctica trip

Some of our Antarctica voyages make stops at Esperanza Base, as noted in our itineraries. Residents of Esperanza offer tours around the base, showing our guests the small museum and other facilities, and even putting out refreshments and a modest selection of items for sale. We enjoy visiting this relatively easy landing site, which also boasts some great historic remains from the Swedish Antarctic Expedition of 1901–1903.

Related cruises

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:

12100 USD

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:

12100 USD

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

Searching for the elusive Emperor penguins

OTL22-25 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:

11 Nov - 21 Nov, 2025

Berths start from:

12900 USD

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

Searching for the elusive Emperor penguins

OTL23-25 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:

21 Nov - 1 Dec, 2025

Berths start from:

12900 USD

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