The Peninsula is the most accessible area of the continent itself, and hosts some of the most interesting scenery and wildlife, as well as many of the continent’s scientific bases. Ships edge southwards through the slush and abstract patterns formed by the fractured sea ice. A few cruises departing mostly in January and February attempt to reach the Antarctic Circle, at 66°33’S.

The Antarctic Circle is the northernmost latitude in the Southern Hemisphere at which the sun can remain continuously above or below the horizon for 24 hours. Every place south of the Antarctic Circle experiences at least one whole day each year during which the sun does not set, and at least one whole day during which the sun does not rise.

Chinstrap, gentoo and Adélie penguins abound. Breeding birds include skuas, Antarctic terns, giant petrels, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic shags, kelp gulls, Wilson’s storm, Antarctic and snow petrels.