Paradise Bay

A breathtakingly beautiful bay offering classic views of colossal ice formations and iconic Antarctic wildlife

Paradise Bay

Region: Antarctica

Destinations: Antarctic Peninsula

The bountiful pleasures of Paradise Bay

When it comes to Antarctic scenery, Paradise Bay is a longstanding favorite. Enormous glaciers tower out of the steel-blue sea, shattered icebergs shimmer along the shoreline, and there’s a fair chance you can spot whales, gentoo penguins, or crabeater seals as well. When the sun is shining and the weather calm, there are few places that will give you the classic Antarctic experience more than a brisk Zodiac cruise around Paradise Bay.

Paradise Bay’s whaling history and research bases

Paradise Bay is located just north of the Lemaire Channel and was once used by whale hunters as an anchorage for their floating factory ships in the early 20th century. The Argentinian research station, Almirante Brown, is located there and is a possible landing site.

Almirante Brown owes its name to the Irish-Argentinian admiral William Brown, founder of the Argentinian Navy and hero of the Argentine War of Independence. His namesake station is one of 13 Argentinian stations in Antarctica. The base was well equipped in the 1960s but burned down in 1984 and was only partially rebuilt as a summer station. Rumor has it, the station’s doctor set fire to the building to avoid spending another winter there, though an American ship saved the staff.

González Videla, a Chilean research station, is also in Paradise Bay. It is situated at Waterboat Point, which is on a land spit at the northern entrance of the bay. The name came from two British scientists who stayed here from 1921―22 in a primitive shelter built partly out of an upturned boat left by whale hunters. Their hut is now an historic monument.

Related cruises

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Up to $11350 OFF

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Meet at least six penguin species

HDS26-25 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 Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

4 Jan - 22 Jan, 2025

Berths start from:

9450 USD

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage
Up to $2600 OFF

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Classic Antarctica including Deception Island

PLA26-25 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 Plancius

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

6 Jan - 16 Jan, 2025

Berths start from:

6050 USD

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica
Up to $9050 OFF

Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Meet at least six penguin species

PLA27-25 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:

16 Jan - 3 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

9450 USD

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage + navigational workshop
Free kayaking

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage + navigational workshop

Classic Antarctica including Deception Island

OTL28-25 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:

22 Jan - 1 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

12650 USD

Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Classic Antarctica including Deception Island

HDS27-25 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 Hondius

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

22 Jan - 1 Feb, 2025

Berths start from:

8650 USD

Loading