English FAQ Contact Dates & rates Login Antarctica Arctic Special deals Highlights About Home Highlights Hiking Deception Island Hiking Deception Island A glacial island with an interior caldera, Deception Island is among the best hiking locations in the South Shetlands Hiking Deception Island cruises Region: Antarctica Destinations: South Shetland Islands Deception Island: one of Antarctica’s safest ports Discovered twenty years before mainland Antarctica, Deception Island was first visited by American sealers in 1820. It would be a site for hunting, whaling, and eventually only scientific research over the ensuing years – with tourism joining in the last several decades. Because of its naturally sheltered interior harbor, Deception Island remains a useful research and travel site. The terrain, wildlife, and scientists of Deception Island Deception Island’s interior bay is what gives it its name: An American sealer named it for its deceptive appearance, given that it looks like a regular island on approach. The bay is actually the caldera of an active volcano. This in turn has contributed to the island’s unusual biological diversity, which justifies its long-time Argentine research base and various conservation areas. Deception Island’s rare flora and rich fauna There are multiple Antarctic Special Protected Areas on Deception Island due to its rare plant life, supported by nutrient substrates caused by volcanic activity. Also, part of the island is an Important Bird Area under BirdLife International because of its 100,000-strong chinstrap colony and other birds. The dreamlike hikes of Deception Island From Whalers Bay you can hike toward a viewpoint above Neptune’s Window, near the entrance to the caldera. This 130-meter (426 feet) summit affords fantastic views of Port Foster and small rock columns called the “Sewing Machine Needles.” Alternately you might visit Telefon Bay, at the northwestern side of Port Foster, which offers equally excellent hiking. 5 photos of Hiking Deception Island in the gallery » Related cruises Antarctica Classic Antarctica including Deception Island PLA24-21 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins. M/V PLANCIUS Cruise date: 12 Dec - 22 Dec, 2021 Price: €6400 Show cruise Up to 2520 discount Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage Classic Antarctica including Deception Island HDS24-21 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins. M/V HONDIUS Cruise date: 24 Dec, 2021 - 3 Jan, 2022 Price: €5640 Show cruise Up to 2520 discount Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage Classic Antarctica including Deception Island HDS25A22 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins. M/V HONDIUS Cruise date: 3 Jan - 13 Jan, 2022 Price: €5640 Show cruise Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica Meet at least six penguin species PLA27-22 This Falkland Islands, South Georgia, and Antarctic Peninsula cruise is an animal-lover’s dream come true. The expedition explores one of the last untamed areas on Earth – a land of ruggedly beautiful landscapes and amazingly varied wildlife. M/V PLANCIUS Cruise date: 15 Jan - 3 Feb, 2022 Price: on request Show cruise Antarctica Classic Antarctica including Deception Island PLA28-22 This Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands cruise delivers you into a landscape of dark rugged rock, pure white snow, and a fantastic variety of wildlife. Come say hello to whales, seals, and thousands of penguins. M/V PLANCIUS Cruise date: 3 Feb - 13 Feb, 2022 Price: €7050 Show cruise We have a total of 22 cruises All cruises Antarctica Weddell Sea Antarctic Circle Antarctic Peninsula Ascension Island Cape Verde Falkland Islands South Georgia South Orkney Islands South Shetland Islands Ross Sea Arctic Franz Josef Land Greenland Jan Mayen North Norway Svalbard Highlights Basecamp Polar Diving Mountaineering Antarctic Camping Hiking Ski Mountaineering Photo Workshop Helicopter Tours Kayaking Snowshoeing Resources Rental gear FAQ Stories Photo Gallery Press Contact Careers Privacy policy Terms and conditions Sharing guidelines Insured travel funds Photo and video terms Group request Connect with us on: +31 (0)118 410 410 Sign up and stay updated: Subscribe The cruises on oceanwide-expeditions.com have received an average rating of 9.6/10 based on 520 customer reviews Contact Privacy policy Terms and conditions cookies © 2021 Oceanwide Expeditions