Subantarctic Island
South Shetland Islands
Deception island
Deception Island is one of the South Shetland Islands and is therefore politically part of Antarctica. The island is an active volcano that once rose high out of the Southern Ocean and then collapsed centrally. Erosion eventually created a narrow entrance to the ocean and the caldera was flooded with seawater. Ships can enter the caldera through the narrow entrance (Neptune's Bellow's).
The grandiose volcanic landscape contrasts with the glaciers that cover over 50 percent of the island. The protected natural harbor (Port Foster) was misused in the 19th century for fur seal hunting, then as a whaling station and during World War II as a base. Today, the largest colony of chinstrap penguins in the world breeds on Deception Island, and fur seals are also at home again.
South Shetland – Lagoon in Telefon Bay from Deception Island
Panorama of Whalers Bay: volcanic plain, rusty red tanks and white mountains in contrast.
Nowadays, Argentina and Spain operate research stations on the volcanic island during the summer. In the 20th century, when Argentina, Chile and England were scientifically represented, volcanic eruptions led to the evacuation of the stations. The fact that the volcano is still active can be felt from the sometimes warm water currents on the banks of the caldera. The ground is currently rising by around 30 centimeters every year.
Deception Island is a popular destination for cruise ships on Antarctic voyages. Baily Head and its chinstrap penguin colony is by far the most spectacular shore excursion, but due to heavy swells, unfortunately, it rarely happens. In the calm waters inside the caldera, however, landings are easy: The Phone Bay allows extensive hikes through the volcanic landscape, at Pendulum Cove are the remains of a research station and in the Whalers Bay there is an old whaling station to visit. In addition, you can usually observe fur seals and penguins. The AGE™ experience report about The rugged beauty of South Shetland takes you on a journey.
Tourists can also discover Antarctica on an expedition ship, for example on the Sea Spirit.
Read the travelogue from the beginning: To the end of the world and beyond.
Explore the lonely kingdom of the cold with the AGE™ Antarctic Travel Guide.
Antarctica • Antarctic trip • South Shetland • Deception Island • Field report South Shetland
Facts Deception Island
 Name | Deception Island, Island of Deception |
 Size | 98,5 km2 (approx. 15 km diameter) |
 Height | highest peak: 539 meters (Mount Pond) |
 location | Subantarctic Island, South Shetland Islands, 62°57'S, 60°38'W |
 Politics | Claims: Argentina, Chile, England Territorial claims are suspended by the 1961 Antarctic Treaty |
 Flora | Lichens & mosses, including 2 endemic speciesMore than 57% of the island is covered with permanent glaciers |
 Fauna | Mammals: fur seals Birds: eg chinstrap penguins, gentoo penguins, skuas |
 population | uninhabited |
 Protection status | Antarctic Treaty, IAATO Guidelines |
Antarctica • Antarctic trip • South Shetland • Deception Island • Field report South Shetland
Deception Island Management Group (2005), Deception Island. flora and fauna. Volcanic Activity. Current Activities. [online] Retrieved on 24.08.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX, from URL: https://www.deceptionisland.aq/
Secretariat of the Antarctic Treaty (oB), Baily Head, Deception Island. [pdf] Retrieved on 24.08.2023/XNUMX/XNUMX, from URL: https://www.env.go.jp/nature/nankyoku/kankyohogo/database/jyouyaku/atcm/atcm_pdf_en/19_en.pdf