Why
Deception Island 
is special

The horseshoe-shaped  Deception Island sits just off the Antarctica Peninsula coast. The bay in the middle of the island has an interesting harbor that has become a popular stop over destination for Antarctica cruise ships. 

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Deception Island
tips & insights

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The land is a caldera

It is the remnants of a collapsed volcano. Characteristically, the middle portion of the volcano sank, creating a depression while the remnants of the collapsed wall formed a high barrier around the hollow.

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Volcano is still active

It last erupted several decades ago, destroying some buildings, and forcing research scientists and military personnel to flee Deception Island.

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Wading in Pendulum Bay

Subterranean volcanic energy heats a few areas of the bay, particularly Pendulum Bay. Tourists don bathing suits and splash around in that bay while their friends take their pictures (they know that being photographed in beach attire in the Antarctica will be a conversation piece when they get back home).

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Other visitor activities

They include:

Exploring an old whaling station
The once flourishing whaling industry peaked around 1900

Hiking up the caldera rim
Great views

Eyeballing the penguins
The environment teems with them

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Bay is large

Nature created a narrow breach at one point of the rim. This let seawater flood the depression, creating a bay spanning 9 kilometers (nearly 6 miles).

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Natural harbor

The bay of Deception Island makes a natural harbor. The tall caldera rim blocks strong sea winds while the narrow entrance allows ships to enter but keeps out Antarctica icebergs and rough seas.

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©2010 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications