The ample attractions of Detaille Island
Though there is a small rookery of Adélie penguins living on Detaille Island, the main attraction for most of our guests is the abandoned British station: Base W was occupied between 1956 and 1959, after which it was hurriedly evacuated when its supply ship became blocked by ice. The personnel had to leave across the pack ice, abandoning most of their gear. The ice situation this far south is sometimes difficult, however, so landings at Detaille Island are not always possible.
Detaille Island’s historic Base W
Base W is now an official Antarctic Historic Site and Monument (HSM) and open for visitors. Inside the base’s living quarters, the kitchen and working areas are still exactly the way they were left. Scientific equipment, books, clothing, even tins of food can be seen. Due to how well preserved Base W is, the site is a veritable time capsule of 50s life on an Antarctic research station.
