Antarctica

Antarctic Peninsula

Cuverville Island

Home to the largest Gentoo penguin colony on the Antarctic Peninsula. Kids stand on the beach as penguins porpoise out of the water around them. Bring waterproof boots; the landing is wet.

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Antarctic Peninsula

Port Lockroy

Historic British research base on Goudier Island, now a museum and the world's southernmost post office. Kids can mail postcards stamped from Antarctica to anyone back home. Volunteer staff give brief tours.

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Antarctic Peninsula

Lemaire Channel

Seven miles of mirror-still water flanked by 3,000-foot peaks and tabular icebergs. Wildlife photographers call it Kodak Gap. Sail through at sunrise for the light.

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Antarctic Peninsula

Paradise Bay

Glacier amphitheater with calm protected water. The classic zodiac stop. Kayak through brash ice as humpback whales surface nearby. Continental landing possible at Argentina's Almirante Brown station.

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Antarctic Peninsula

Neko Harbour

Continental landing site, meaning kids can step onto Antarctica itself. Most landings are on offshore islands. Active Gentoo colony, calving glacier wall, optional summit hike for the family view.

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Antarctic Peninsula

Deception Island

An active volcanic caldera you sail into through a narrow gap called Neptune's Bellows. Black sand beaches, abandoned whaling station, geothermal water meeting Antarctic surf. The polar plunge happens here for the brave.

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