South Shetland Islands
The South Shetland Islands are amongst the top attractions and places to visit in Antarctica. Located on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, these groups of islands are also home to the unique Deception Island and an active volcano. The islands offer breath-taking views of ice sheets, icebergs and glaciers, and it is here where you can find thousands of penguins flocking around. The interior black sand beaches on the South Shetland Islands are also sites of several research stations and ancient whaling stations that you can pay a visit to.
Location: 120 kilometres north of the Antarctic Peninsula
Antarctic Peninsula
Known as the northernmost part of Antarctica, the Antarctic Peninsula boasts of a wide range of polar wildlife. From iceberg-clad waterways and passages to frequent polar expedition cruises, natural harbours and snowy islands, the Antarctic Peninsula is a wonder in itself. You can also soak in stunning views of towering glaciers, penguin colonies and various types of whales here, including the minke whale, humpback whale, killer whales and more.
Location: Northernmost part of Antarctica
Drake Passage
One of the best places in Antarctica, the Drake Passage is home to the roughest seas in the world. It is here in Drake Passage where the Atlantic Ocean and Pacific Ocean converge with the Southern seas. This wide stretch of water between Antarctica and South America is full of adventure, adrenaline and dread. You are sure to experience the fear in your stomach from excitement, in addition to the choppy waves, huge gales of water and more. The Drake Passage is also a great place for albatross sightings in Antarctica.
Location: Between South America and Antarctica
South Georgia
Amongst the top tourist places in Antarctica, South Georgia is a narrow but long island in the South Atlantic Ocean. Surrounded by rising mountains, South Georgia is known for its verdant grasslands, meadows, stunning glaciers and majestic fjords. This place also boasts of an abundance of wildlife species, from different types of penguins and seas to whales and more. You can also explore the remnants of the whaling stations of the past here.
Location: South Atlantic Ocean
Highlights: Abundance of wildlife, albatross sighting, Fortuna Bay, beaches with penguin colonies, breath-taking glaciers
Falkland Islands
The Falkland Islands in Antarctica is known all over the world for its vibrant biodiversity, making it one of the most popular tourist attractions in the continent. Exuding a British vibe and ambience, the islands take inspiration from the British architecture and design, which is very clearly present here. The island also serves as a home and nesting area to many different species of birds and marine animals, such as albatross, penguins, etc. You can also visit several museums and historical monuments here.
Location: South Atlantic Ocean, Patagonian Shelf
Lemaire Channel
The Lemaire Channel is a natural strait that stretches across 11 kilometres and is often known as the Kodak Gap in Antarctica. Located on the Antarctic Peninsula, this narrow passage is amongst the best places in Antarctica, and is surrounded by tumbling glaciers, pristine icebergs and towering mountains. For lovers of marine life, the Lemaire Channel is a great place to be for spotting all kinds of seals and different whale species, including orcas and humpbacks. It is also a haven for photographers, with mesmerising sceneries and landscapes.
Location: Kiev Peninsula, between Graham Land and Booth Island, Antarctica
Port Lockroy
When looking for places to visit in Antarctica, do not forget the natural harbour of Port Lockroy. Located on the north western shore of the Wiencke Island, Port Lockroy is a major tourist attraction, especially for those entering Antarctica in cruise ships. This natural harbour has been in use since the second World War, and has served as home for whaling stations as well as military bases. As of now, Port Lockroy is being used as a research station. You can visit the post office and museum here to learn about the port’s history.
Location: North-western shore of Wiencke Island, Palmer Archipelago, Antarctic Peninsula
Ross Sea
This is a deep bay located in the Southern Ocean in Antarctica, and is known for being the largest ice shelf of the continent. Being several hundred metres thick, the Ross Sea is also considered to be amongst the most beautiful natural attractions on the planet. The sea is also home to the Ross Island, which is the abode of Mt Erebus, an active volcano. From large colonies of penguins and majestic glaciers, to historical sites, icebergs and immense natural beauty, Ross Sea has it all.
Location: Southern Ocean, Antarctica
King George Island
King George Island is also one of the top tourist places in Antarctica. The largest of the South Shetland Islands, King George Island is usually the first stop in an Antarctic expedition, and is home to many scientific research stations. Named after the British king George III, the island has presence of many different countries, including Argentina, Russia, South Korea, Chile, Germany and more. As of today, the island serves as an aerodrome for flights to Antarctica. You can also spot numerous different wildlife species and marine animals like seals, penguins and more here.
Location: South Shetland Island, Southern Ocean, Antarctica
Ice Cube Research Station
When in Antarctica, pay a visit to the IceCube Research Station and get a chance to see the largest neutrino telescope in the world. Learn about the secrets of the universe at the South Pole at the station and see numerous sensitive monitoring equipment and particles in ice. Speak to scientists here, who are studying the behaviour and workings of the neutrinos, otherwise known as the most mysterious building blocks in the entire universe.
Location: IceCube Array, Amundsen-Scott South Pole Station, Antarctica
Highlights: Southern Lights, learn about the way the universe works, speak to scientists
Colossal Penguin Colonies
Antarctica is known for its penguins and penguin colonies. While you can find colossal penguin colonies in most places in the continent, there are some locations where they are found in giant numbers. You can spot a stunning emperor penguin colony at Snow Hill Island in the Weddell Sea. Alternatively, you can also head over to the Antarctic Peninsula to catch sightings of the chinstrap, gentoo and adelie penguin colonies.
Highlights: different penguin colonies, unique colonies that can only be found in Antarctica
Deception Island
One of the best places in Antarctica, the Deception Island stands true to its name. There is way more than what meets the eye of this island. The island is actually a caldera of an active volcano, with warmer waters than the rest of the continent making it a great spot to indulge in a polar plunge. From old whale skeletons, dilapidated buildings and rusty oil drums to black volcanic sand beaches, the island is often regarded as one of the spookiest attractions of Antarctica. Furthermore, this island is also home to the only thermal spa in all of Antarctica, all due to the volcanic activity present below the surface here.
Location: South Shetland Islands, Antarctic Peninsula
