Paradise Bay, Antarctic Peninsula

A serene bay nestled among ice-covered peaks.

A huge glacier wall with jagged edges and deep cracks, a beautiful landmark in the waters of Paradise Bay, Antarctica.

Overview

Paradise Bay, Antarctic Peninsula Cruise Port

Paradise Bay is a magnificent and aptly named inlet located on the Antarctic Peninsula, celebrated as one of the most beautiful places on the continent. As a destination for expedition cruises, it is not a traditional cruise port but a spectacular bay where ships anchor for unforgettable Zodiac cruising and shore landings. The bay is a dramatic amphitheater of ice, with towering glaciers calving into the icy waters and snow-covered mountains reaching for the sky.

A visit to Paradise Bay is an immersion into the sublime beauty of the Antarctic wilderness. The bay is a haven for a rich diversity of wildlife, and its calm, protected waters provide a perfect environment for close encounters with glaciers, icebergs, and a variety of marine life. It is an experience of profound natural grandeur, offering a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to witness the pristine and awe-inspiring landscape of the white continent.

Top Things to Do in Paradise Bay, Antarctic Peninsula

Go Zodiac Cruising Among the Icebergs

The primary activity in Paradise Bay is cruising in small, inflatable Zodiac boats. Your expert guides will navigate through the bay's calm waters, taking you close to towering icebergs of every size and shape. The experience offers a unique perspective on the scale of the landscape and the intricate beauty of the ice formations.

Tip: Dress in multiple warm layers, including a waterproof outer layer, to stay comfortable in the cold and spray from the water.

Make a Shore Landing to See Penguins

If conditions permit, your expedition will make a shore landing at a site with a gentoo penguin colony. Stepping onto the Antarctic mainland is a momentous occasion, and getting to observe the penguins waddling and nesting in their natural habitat is a highlight for many visitors.

Tip: Always maintain a safe and respectful distance from the wildlife and follow the directions of your guides.

Visit a Scientific Research Station

Paradise Bay is home to several scientific bases, including Chile's González Videla Base. Occasionally, these stations open their doors to cruise visitors, offering a unique opportunity to meet scientists and learn about their work in this remote and challenging environment.

Tip: Visits are subject to the station's operational status and crew availability, so this is a special bonus if it happens.

Observe Diverse Antarctic Wildlife

The protected waters of Paradise Bay are a haven for wildlife. While cruising, keep your eyes peeled for crabeater seals resting on ice floes, humpback whales feeding in the bay, and a variety of seabirds, including Antarctic terns and skuas, soaring overhead.

Tip: Binoculars are an essential item to bring for the best wildlife spotting experience from the ship and the Zodiacs.

Take a Kayaking Excursion

Many expedition ships offer optional kayaking excursions in Paradise Bay. Paddling silently among the icebergs provides a profound and peaceful connection to the environment, allowing you to appreciate the stillness and grandeur of the scenery from water level.

Tip: This activity often requires a pre-booking and is subject to weather conditions.

Capture Stunning Ice and Landscape Photography

With its glaciers, mountains, and icebergs, Paradise Bay is a photographer's dream. The light reflects off the ice in a way that creates incredible shades of blue and white, and the wildlife provides perfect subjects. The dramatic scenery offers a challenge and a reward for any photographer.

Tip: Bring extra batteries for your camera, as they drain more quickly in the cold.

Overview