With demand for Antarctic cruises at an all-time high – experts refer to this surge in popularity as ‘the Sir David Attenborough effect’ – these are the top seven penguin spotting cruise locations.
Luxury cruise bookings offering the opportunity to observe penguins in their natural habitat are booming with travel bosses putting it down to ‘the Sir David Attenborough effect’. Luxury cruise retailer, Panache Cruises say demand for cruises to the Antarctic region has never been higher with many customers saying they hope to spot penguins after watching Sir David’s wildlife programmes on the BBC.
Cruising allows nature lovers to access remote areas and enjoy them in luxury accommodation from a small cruise ship which has minimal impact on the delicate environment. There are 18 species of penguins found in different parts of the world, but the southernmost continent has the largest population of penguins – half of the species can be found on Antarctic coasts and sub-Antarctic islands. One of the best ways to meet penguins is to go on an Antarctica cruise, as some of the most breathtaking places where they’re located are only accessible by sea. A luxury Antarctic voyage will take adventurous travellers to see the mesmerising scenery and rich wildlife in some of the most popular destinations of the continent, including the Antarctic Peninsula, South Shetland Islands and South Georgia.
So where to see these charming little marine birds? Here are the top seven penguin spotting cruise locations where multiple species of the famous flightless bird can be found in the wild.
Antarctic Peninsula
The Peninsula is one of the most popular and accessible destinations in Antarctica. This northernmost region of the continent is home to the greatest variety of wildlife species and some of the most breathtaking scenery. One of the main attractions to The Peninsula is the abundance of penguins, particularly the Gentoo penguin, which are very common there.
Antarctic Sound
The Antarctic Sound, known as the “Iceberg Alley,” is a channel lined with icebergs and is found at the northern tip of the Peninsula. It’s a great place to see the large Adélie and Emperor penguins. Tourists can also spot seals and hear the sound of whales cutting through the eerie silence.
Penguin Island
Penguin Island is one of the smallest South Shetland Islands in Antarctica. This mile-long island offers a nesting and breeding place for Adelie and chinstrap penguins. On the highest point of the island visitors can see the Deacon Peak inactive volcano. To avoid disturbing the wildlife, there is a 100-person limit on the shore. Visitors are not allowed to roam freely, although they are welcome to take guided excursions.
Elephant Island
Elephant Island gets its name from the large Elephant seals that live there. It’s also a home for Gentoo penguins and nesting chinstrap penguins. This remote island is regarded as one of the most desolate locations in the entire world. This place is a must-go for polar enthusiasts as they can find out more about the Endurance expedition crew who got stranded on the island for months.
Deception Island
Deception Island in the middle of South Shetland Islands is one of the most unique tourist destinations. In the midst of its fascinating landscape tourists can see a former whaling station and hundreds of thousands of penguins waddling around. In the centre of the island is a massive crater formed by a gigantic volcanic eruption. The volcano on the island is still active which means that the black-sand beaches hold hot steam under the surface and visitors can take a warm volcanic bath.
South Georgia
South Georgia is a popular destination on an Antarctica cruise where visitors can step into a wildlife oasis. It’s known as the “Gateway to Antarctica” where tourists can spot petrels, seals, penguins, whales and albatrosses. South Georgia has the highest concentration of marine life on the planet.
New Zealand
If you head to the tiny town of Oamaru in New Zealand’s South Island you’ll not only have the chance to see little Blue penguins, which climb up onto the beach every evening to nest, but also the rare Yellow-eyed penguins, especially around the Bushy Beach Scenic Reserve and Katiki Point Lighthouse. You can even quietly slip into pre-prepared viewing spots to watch the Blues arrive home safe after a day’s fishing.
South Africa
Another great spot to see penguins is in Cape Town, South Africa’s southern most city. The African penguin is a crowd favourite, but is sadly endangered. Due to the Benguela Current, these little visitors can be found on Cape Town’s coastal beaches and surrounding islands, including Dassen Island, St Croix, Robben Island, and Bird Island.
The Falklands
Did you know that The Falklands are home to more penguins than people, and their habitat is amazingly accessible. It’s also not overrun with tourists, meaning magical experiences are yours alone to have. There are five species of penguins in the Falkland Islands, with the adorable Rockhopper the most prevalent, followed by Gentoo and Magellanic, and then King penguins. Macaroni penguins are more elusive but they certainly do visit.
Drake Passage
The Drake Passage is an iconic part of the cruise journey to Antarctica. The arctic travellers will be able to see a vast variety of marine life, including dolphins, humpback whales, orcas, and penguins, by navigating the notoriously rough waters of the Passage