Sail through Neptune's Bellows into the flooded caldera of an active Antarctic volcano, hike the black-sand rim past the ruins of a whale-processing station, then bathe in geothermal hot springs on the world's most remote beach.
What to expect
Neptune's Bellows, a narrow rock passage just 230 metres wide, frames your dramatic Zodiac entry into the caldera. On shore, a 2-hour hike traverses volcanic ash fields, passes collapsed Nissen huts of the abandoned Hektor Whaling Station, and climbs to a ridge with views across the entire 15 km caldera. The return route passes the famous geothermally heated beach where you can wade into surprisingly warm black-sand shallows.
Good to know
Deception Island is a scheduled stop on most Antarctic Peninsula itineraries; confirm inclusion with your expedition team the evening before. Sturdy waterproof hiking boots essential. The hot springs are tidal — best at low tide in the morning. Swimwear under your dry layers is highly recommended.