Walk the black sand caldera of an active volcano past rusting whaling-era boilers and the shell of a British research base, one of Antarctica's strangest historic sites.
What to expect
The Zodiac lands you on warm-to-the-touch black sand inside the collapsed caldera. You'll pass rusted oil tanks, a graveyard, and an abandoned aircraft hangar as the guide recounts the 1969 eruption that forced evacuation. Some operators offer a brief polar plunge here in the geothermally warmed shallows.
Good to know
Landing is contingent on volcanic and weather conditions and can be cancelled same-day; bring a swimsuit under your gear if you want the option of the polar dip.
Sail there
Luxury cruises that call at South Shetland Islands — book through us, the fare is identical and your concierge stays on your side.