Making the most of Deception Island
Use these notes to shape a realistic day ashore, then confirm any time-sensitive information for the date of your call.
Arriving at the port
As cruise ships are not able to dock here you will be tendered by inflatable zodiac boats.
Sightseeing
Deception Island is one of the islands in the South Shetland Island chain. It was formed by a volcanic crater, and when part of the crater collapsed, seawater rushed in the caldera and created one of the largest natural harbors (about 10 miles across) in the world. The harbor is protected from passing icebergs.
Scientists, geologists, environmentalists and volcanologists may come for the other natural phenomena, but tourists come to swim in the Antarctic, at Pendulum Cove in water heated by an active volcano.
It's not really swimming, more like dipping into a narrow strip of shallow water along the beach, somewhere between blistering hot and frigid water. This is Deception Island's hot tub.