SOUTH SHETLAND ISLANDS

The South Shetland Islands are amongst the top attractions and places to visit in Antarctica. Located on the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, these groups of islands are also home to the unique Deception Island and an active volcano. The islands offer breath-taking views of ice sheets, icebergs and glaciers, and it is here where you can find thousands of penguins flocking around. The interior black sand beaches on the South Shetland Islands are also sites of several research stations and ancient whaling stations that you can pay a visit to.

Location: 120 kilometres north of the Antarctic Peninsula

Highlights: penguin colonies, research stations, Deception Island, elephant seals, icebergs