The Seventh Continent

Considered to be one of the most treacherous voyages for ships to make, the Drake Passage connects Chile, Argentina and the closest islands of Antarctica. Though it’s named after explorer Sir Francis Drake, Drake himself never actually passed through the channel (win-win for him). The ride is a bit rocky (to say the least), but it’s actually a very important part of physical oceanography, as the three main ocean basins (Atlantic, Pacific and Indian) all connect in this passage. Just don’t forget your motion sickness medicine!

Elephant Island isn’t exactly as tender and loving as its namesake animal… This island was the desolate refuge of the British explorer Ernest Shackleton and his crew in 1916, following a devastating loss of their ship in the ice of the Weddell Sea. After months drifting on ice floats and harrowingly crossing the open ocean in small lifeboats, the crew of 28 reached Point Valentine on Elephant Island where they found a small, rocky spit at the terminus of a glacier, which offered better protection from rockfalls and from the sea. Ultimately, the site was named Point Wild after Frank Wild, who was selected by Shackleton to lead the crew while he went on a harrowing search for rescue. The entire crew managed to endure the harsh conditions for four and a half months until Shackleton finally returned with help. TV’s Survivor doesn’t stand a chance against this crew.

Antarctica is also home to… volcanos! Named Whalers Bay for the whaling and research station that was active back in the day, it’s now home to a cemetery. Although Whalers Bay was shook by not one but two eruptions within the last three years, it is typically known as a “safe” harbor with the exception of being inside an active volcano. If an eruption does occur, you only get a 6 minute warning to get the heck out of dodge, so best not to stray too far from the ship.

Nicknamed “Kodak Gap,” this icy channel is not only quite obviously scenic, but its waters are almost always practically still. This serenity is uncommon in the waters at the end of the world, as the southern seas are most often storm-wrecked. The Lemaire Channel is also narrow (only a mile wide at its narrowest point) and only goes for about 7 miles. It takes an experienced captian to navigate this narrow passage while simultaneously dodging icebergs!

Shimmering glaciers, towering mountain peaks, pure white ice and snow makes up the tiny Orne Harbor. A tiny alcove in the hills of Antartica, Orne was originally used by whalers in the early 1900s. A steep but worthwhile hike to the top of the hill allows for fantastic views of glaciers, along with a few waddly friends!

Danco Island is small but mighty! Sitting at the end of the Errera Channel, this icy island is home to 1,600 breeding pairs of gentoo penguins. It also is a prime location to see Minke and Humpback whales, which can often be heard from the shore. That is, that is if not penguins aren’t being too chatty at the time to hear to whales.