Deception Island - Whalers Bay

The weather hadn’t been good during the night with icy conditions and strong winds, so the ship was a bit behind with her arrival for Whalers Bay in Deception Island.

The passage through the Bellows (the opening into the volcano caldera) wasn't great as there was snowy conditions and fog.

Paul had to go to a meeting so I went ashore on my own. It wasn’t nice outside – windy and snowy.

Deception Island is a horseshoe shaped island which is the caldera of an active volcano. We were able to take a zodiac to the black volcanic sand shore and take a walk to see the remains of whalebones, boats, buildings, rendering pots, tanks and a warehouse; a stark reminder of early 20th century whaling and sealing operations. Most of the area was blanketed by snow and we could only imagine the harsh conditions people had to work and live in.

We saw small groups of penguins as we walked along the coastline. The coastline steamed from sea water below being warmed from the depths below.

I was quite glad to get back to the ship - I was feeling a bit chilled and wet from the driving wind and rain. Walking through snow can be hard as well, if you are not used to it.Read more