Antarctic Peninsula
The Antarctic Peninsula is the northernmost part of the mainland of Antarctica, and almost the only part of that continent that extends outside the Antarctic Circle.
It lies in the Western Hemisphere, facing South America. It extends from a line between Cape Adams (Weddell Sea) and a point on the mainland south of Eklund Islands, to Prime Head.
Teeming with wildlife, the Peninsula is made up of hundreds of tiny offshore islands and is one of Antarctica’s richest breeding grounds for seabirds, seals and penguins.
The peninsula is highly mountainous, these mountains are considered to be a continuation of the Andes of South America, with a submarine spine connecting the two. That is an argument advanced by Chile and Argentina for their territorial claims. The peninsula has a sharp elevation gradient, with glaciers flowing into the Larsen Ice Shelf, which experienced significant breakup in 2002.
Since the peninsula has the mildest climate in Antarctica, the highest concentration of research stations on the continent can be found there, or on the many nearby islands, and is the part of Antarctica most often visited by tour vessels and yachts.
Adventure Cruises in Antarctica
Classic Antarctica »
Peninsula Fly-In »
Crossing the Antarctic Circle »
We also offer a range of longer voyages that take in this region as well as other parts of the continent and the sub-Antarctic Islands. find out more »
Holidays at a glance
About Antarctica
- Introduction»
- Regions of Antarctica
- Getting There
- Stopovers
- Antarctic Wildlife»
- About Polar Explorers»
- Useful Links»
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Antarctica Map
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Show Me More»I cannot fault any aspect of the holiday, nor your service. It was outstanding without exception.
Mr Russell, Classic Antarctica
