Neptune's Bellows

An iconic Antarctic landmark, Neptune's Bellows mark the entrance to the sunken caldera that forms Deception Island

Neptune's Bellows

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: South Shetland Islands

Chinstrap Penguins

In this natural Antarctic amphitheatre about 50,000 chinstrap penguins breed. Unfortunately, though, the colony is seldom visited due to the difficult landing conditions on the outside of the island.

Caldera

Deception Island is an island unequalled in the world. The ring-shaped island is in fact the top of a volcano, a caldera. The Caldera has a diameter of about 15 kilometres and has a narrow entrance on one side, Neptune’s Bellows.

0 photo

Through this spectacular passage ships can sail into the flooded crater, a unique phenomenon. ​The caldera has a narrow entrance, just 230 metres (755 feet) wide, called Neptune’s Bellows. Navigating a ship through the bellows can be quite tricky.

Adding to the hazard is Ravn Rock, which lies 2.5 metres (8.2 feet) below the water in the middle of the channel. Remains of a shipwreck, a Norwegian whale catcher that hit Ravn Rock in 1957, can still be seen in the passage.

1 photo

Related cruises

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

21 Dec, 2025 - 8 Jan, 2026

Tripcode: HDS25-26

  • EN
  • CN
  • LA

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.

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
Up to $3650 OFF

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

8 Jan - 18 Jan, 2026

Tripcode: HDS26-26

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.

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
Up to $3450 OFF

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

9 Jan - 19 Jan, 2026

Tripcode: PLA26-26

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.

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
Up to $3650 OFF

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

18 Jan - 28 Jan, 2026

Tripcode: HDS27-26

  • EN
  • CN
  • BI

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.

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

19 Jan - 6 Feb, 2026

Tripcode: PLA27-26

  • EN
  • DE
  • BI

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.

Loading