This location is tough, but the rewards are there for the dedicated.
Rating: * * *
Why Visit?
This little rock (5 kilometers or 3 miles long) is a great spot to shake off imminent cabin fever when passing over the top end of the peninsula. It is rocky, exposed, dramatic and bleak, as you would expect from even a quick look at a map or nautical chart. It is also pretty much on its own in a big body of water, so any wildlife that is in the area will eventually clamber onto the island.
Where is it?
Astrolabe is located on the northwestern tip of the Trinity peninsula, and is a convenient stopping point between Weddell Sea landing sites and the sheltered Gerlache Strait area.
Challenges?
There is usually a significant swell, routinely long boat runs from your ship to big surf and lots of rocks surrounding tiny, impossible beaches. This place is exposed to the Bransfield Strait and everything that blows into it from the Southern Ocean.
This is primarily a zodiac cruise location. In the unlikely event that tide, swell, wind and wildlife cooperate, short landings on rocky beaches are possible.
Wildlife
Chinstrap penguins love the tough beach exits and 100 meter (328 feet) high rocky cliff breeding sites, Weddell seals and fur seals may be seen closer to shore.
History
Frenchman Dumont d’Urville sighted this island in the Bransfield Strait during his 1837–40 Antarctic voyage, naming it after his expedition ship.
Photos, Voting and more coming soon!