Livingston Island Antarctica South Shetlands
Antarctica
Frequently Asked Questions
In the South Shetlands, the archipelago guarding the entrance to the Antarctic Peninsula. The most visited site, Hannah Point, juts out on the south coast between the entrances of Walker Bay and South Bay.
A maximum of one hundred people ashore, fifty on the point itself, one ship at a time. Only expedition ships of 200 passengers or fewer may land here. Quotas limit rotations : everyone gets ashore, though not always at the hoped for moment.
The white continent condensed into a few hundred metres : colonies of gentoo and chinstrap penguins numbering hundreds of pairs, a few macaroni penguins nesting among them, and southern elephant seals sprawled in tight groups in their wallows.
Around the penguin colonies : giant petrels, snowy sheathbills, kelp gulls, terns and blue eyed shags. The naturalist guides work through the list step by step, binoculars around their necks.
One to two hours as a rule, guided, in small groups. Landing is by zodiac, with tall boots supplied by most ships.
You should give them a wide berth. For all their apparent indolence, a multi tonne male rearing up quickly removes any urge to move closer. Guides set the distances before the outing.
Set distances from wildlife, absolute right of way for animals on the paths, boots disinfected on every trip ashore and back, nothing set down on the ground, nothing taken but photographs. The team briefs passengers before the first outing.
Multiple layers, a camera protected from spray and spare batteries kept warm : cold drains them fast. Tall boots are generally supplied on board.
Often. Every outing depends on wind, swell and ice : the day's plan is written that same morning, and sometimes rewritten by midday.
The South Shetlands were among the first southern lands humans reached, 19th century sealers first of all, and Livingston still carries traces of that hard era. Today research stations have replaced the hunt.
