Antarctic Peninsula: Deception Island

Deception Island – this was a super spectacular landing. Deception island is an active volcanic caldera in the South Shetlands Islands. It last erupted in 1969 destroying a research station. It’s a stark island with ash covered beaches, steep mountains and snow. Here we had the most strenuous hike of the while trip – a very steep climb to the highest point on the island (see map) with beyond spectacular 360 views and howling 45 mile per hour winds literally knocking you off your feet.

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