Cities Within Antarctica

Destinations » Polar Regions » Antarctica

Antarctica, fifth largest of the earth's seven continents, surrounds the South Pole. It is mostly circular and its total area is about 5.5-million sq. mi. in summer. During the winter Antarctica doubles in size because of the large amount of sea ice that forms at its periphery. The true boundary of Antarctica is not the coastline of the continent itself but the Antarctic Convergence.

Antarctic Peninsula view_15

The Antarctic Peninsula has some of the continent's best wildlife and scenery. Take plenty of time to experience the special magic of this awe-inspiring wilderness of snow, ice, waterways and mountains.

Cape Lookout view_15

Cape Lookout lies on the southern end of Elephant Island, one of the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. Cape Lookout is ideal for spotting chinstrap penguins as it is home to a breeding colony of more than 12,000 pairs.

Carcass Island view_15

Carcass Island is one of the most picturesque islands of the Falkand Islands, located off the southern tip of South America. Songbird species flourish here, making this a birdwatcher’s paradise while seabirds such as penguins and albatross, as well as sea lions, elephants seals and dolphins can also be found along the calm shores. The island can be visited by boat from West Point or during some Antarctic cruise itineraries.

Coronation Island view_15

Excursions to Coronation Island are a special occasion as this glacial island is not a traditional stop on Antarctic itineraries and visited only when ice and weather conditions are perfect. The largest of the South Orkney Islands, Coronation Island is home to nesting chinstrap penguins and snow petrels as well as playful seals.

Cumberland Bay view_15

Located on the northeastern coast of South Georgia, Cumberland Bay is a scenic bay bordering surrounding King Edward Cove and the settlement of Grytviken.

Deception Island view_15

Known as one of the safest natural harbors in the world, Deception Island lures tourists with its maritime history and unique geological features. Thanks to volcanic activity, the water in this collapsed caldera is warm in comparison to the Antarctic air, though even the island’s chinstrap penguins prefer to stay shore side due to water’s heat. As you walk along the black-sand beaches, observe the remains of the island’s whaling station which operated during the early 20th century. 

Drake Passage view_15

The Drake Passage is the body of water between the southern tip of South America at Cape Horn, Chile and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica. It connects the southwestern part of the Atlantic Ocean (Scotia Sea) with the southeastern part of the Pacific Ocean and extends into the Southern Ocean. It is named after 16th century English privateer Sir Francis Drake, although he never sailed the Passage, opting instead for the less turbulent Strait of Magellan.

Elephant Island view_15

Take a close look as your sail by Elephant Island and decide for yourself whether its name originates from the presence of elephant seals or the elephant head-like shape of the island. This mountainous island is covered in pink algae and ice, giving it a stunning appearance. 

Elsehul view_15

As one of the main breeding grounds on South Georgia, Elsehul is packed with an abundance of wildlife including the iconic king penguins, fur seals, macaroni penguins, petrels and albatross. Whether on land or on a Zodiak boat, have your camera ready to capture the furry and feathered residents. 

Esperanza Station view_15

As one of two civilian settlements on Antarctica, Esperanza Station is the birthplace of the continent’s very first human resident. Today, the community is a thriving research facility to support various scientific studies.

Gold Harbour view_15

You may not find gold in Gold Harbour, but you will find hundreds of thousands of breeding pairs of king penguins, along with other bird species and seals. 

Grytviken view_15

Grytviken is a settlement on the island of South Georgia in King Edward Cove. Travelers can explore this former whaling station, which is now a museum and embraces all the main areas of island's history, including most aspects of South Georgia's human heritage and natural history.  

Half Moon Island view_15

This island is located on the South Shetland Islands, tucked into Moon Bay of eastern Livingston Island. It is one of the most beautiful sites in the South Shetlands. The 2-km long island is crescent-shaped and home to approximately 3,300 breeding pairs of chinstrap penguins. Whales may be seen off shore against a stunning back drop of surrounding mountains.

Hope Bay view_15

Located on the Trinity Peninsula, Hope Bay is 3.1 miles long and 1.9 miles wide. Historian buffs may want to check this out since this is the scene of the first-ever shots-fired-in-anger in Antarctica in 1952 when an Argentine shore party fired a machine gun over the heads of a British Antarctic Survey team unloading supplies from the John Biscoe. It is also home to one of the largest Adélie penguin colonies in Antarctica with around 125,000 pairs.

Intercurrence Island view_15

Intercurrence Island is an island 4.5 miles long, the largest of the Christiania Islands, lying 8 miles east-northeast of Liège Island at the northeastern end of the Palmer Archipelago, off the northwestern coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. 

King George Island view_15

King George Island is one of the largest of the South Shetland Islands and is about 75 miles off the coast of Antarctica. It is home to elephant, Weddell and leopard seals, and Adelie, chinstrap and gentoo penguins. There are several other seabirds, including skuas and southern giant petrel, which nest on this island during the summer months.

Lemaire Channel view_15

Lemaire Channel is known as the most famous and visually beautiful place along the peninsula. Cruise through this narrow channel between towering snow-covered mountains and spectacular blue icebergs. Enormous sheer cliffs drop straight into the sea. 

Paradise Harbor view_15

Paradise Harbor, also known as "Paradise Bay" is another of Antarctica's most visited areas. There are many icebergs that calve off the glacier at the harbor's head. The glaciers and mountains reflect beautifully in the water and the serenity of the area is a highlight for many visitors. It is home to terns, petrels, cormorants, seals, penguins, and whales.

Port Lockroy view_15

Port Lockroy is a beautiful natural harbor on Goudier Island on the Palmer archipelago, reached by passing through the towering grandiose cliffs of the Neumayer Channel. The great French explorer Jean-Baptiste Charcot named Port Lockroy a century ago. This is home to Antarctica's only public post office, so make sure to bring a postcard to send mail to be postmarked in Antarctica.

Sigma Island view_15

Sigma Island is one of the smaller islands of the South Shetland chain, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula.

South Georgia view_15

South Georgia Island is known for its large population of king penguin, seals and variety of sea birds, including diving petrels and majestic albatrosses. On the way, here you will spot mighty Southern Right whales breaching the water. Stunningly beautiful and rugged, this island wildlife sanctuary, once visited, is not easily forgotten. Its snow-covered peaks, blue glacier ice and emerald green bays, are a breathtaking sight. It is a real "oasis" in the stormy southern oceans and is home to sea and land birds, seals and reindeer. This site aims to provide a window to this fragile environment–and offer the chance to discover more about what makes the island of South Georgia so special.

South Shetland Islands view_15

The South Shetland Islands are a string of islands running parallel to the northwest coast of the Antarctic peninsula. The South Shetlands are almost completely covered in ice and there is a slight chance to see penguins or seals.  

West Point view_15

Located in the Falkland Islands, West Point Island offers visitors dramatic and stunning coastal scenery of high cliffs, the highest of which is more than 1,200 feet tall. Many bird species call the island home, including albatross, Rockhopper penguins and Imperial Cormorants. The island’s gardens and impressive landscapers are ideal for hiking and taking photos.