Active volcano 12 km in section
Deception Island belongs to the Southern Shetland Islands. It is an active volcano of 12 kilometers in section, the summit of which has collapsed. The caldera was then filled with water, only most of the edge rises above sea level. Through a narrow passageway, the cruise ship can reach the natural port, Port Foster. Then you are in the heart of a bizarre universe.
UNIQUE MICROCLIMATE
The bay is bordered by barren volcanic slopes, glaciers that are grey from the volcanic ash, and heavily steaming beaches. On the banks are geothermal lakes where hot water bubbles up. While the air temperature can drop to well below -20ºC, there are places where the water temperature is as much as +70ºC. The contrast is incomprehensible.
This unique microclimate provides a special flora: in some places the rocks are colored by various types of mosses and lichens. The animals of Antarctica keep them far away from the warm water. High on the rocks are the breeding colonies of several seabirds, and on the outside of the crater rim live penguins. Baily Head even has the largest colony of storm band penguins in the world.
SAFE HARBOUR
Port Foster is considered one of the safest natural ports in Antarctica. It is also the place where you can enjoy a lovely warm, thermal bath. However, it remains an active volcano, which erupted several times in the last century. Naturally, seismic activity is closely monitored.
