Detaille Island

Small and almost completely covered in snow, Detaille Island can only be visited on voyages that cross south of the Antarctic Circle

The ample attractions of Detaille Island

Though there is a small rookery of Adélie penguins living on Detaille Island, the main attraction for most of our guests is the abandoned British station: Base W was occupied between 1956 and 1959, after which it was hurriedly evacuated when its supply ship became blocked by ice. The personnel had to leave across the pack ice, abandoning most of their gear. The ice situation this far south is sometimes difficult, however, so landings at Detaille Island are not always possible.

Detaille Island’s historic Base W

Base W is now an official Antarctic Historic Site and Monument (HSM) and open for visitors. Inside the base’s living quarters, the kitchen and working areas are still exactly the way they were left. Scientific equipment, books, clothing, even tins of food can be seen. Due to how well preserved Base W is, the site is a veritable time capsule of 50s life on an Antarctic research station.

Related cruises

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Venture beyond the polar circle, visiting some of Antarctica’s most wildlife-filled waters and islands

PLA30-26 This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich animal life of the Weddell Sea with the surreal shores and islands o

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

9 Mar - 23 Mar, 2026

Price:

11200 USD

Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - whale watching

Crossing the Polar Circle

HDS31-26 This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around

m/v Hondius

Cruise date:

20 Mar - 31 Mar, 2026

Price:

8200 USD

Bellingshausen Sea / Peter I Island + Ellsworth Land - incl. helicopters

A unique opportunity to discover very rarely visited places

OTL27-27 This adventurous expedition offers a unique opportunity to discover very rarely visited places, deep South along the coast of Antarctica to the Bellin

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

14 Jan - 7 Feb, 2027

Price:

24500 USD

Antarctica - Polar Circle - Deep South Discovery voyage

Crossing the Polar Circle

OTL29-27 This Polar Circle and Antarctic Peninsula cruise passes through waters travelled by Humpback, Minke and Fin whales. Anchoring in various spots around

m/v Ortelius

Cruise date:

6 Mar - 18 Mar, 2027

Price:

10950 USD

Antarctica - Elephant Island - Weddell Sea - Polar Circle

Venture beyond the polar circle, visiting some of Antarctica’s most wildlife-filled waters and islands

PLA31-27 This expansive expedition takes you into the Antarctic Circle, combining the rich animal life of the Weddell Sea with the surreal shores and islands o

m/v Plancius

Cruise date:

12 Mar - 26 Mar, 2027

Price:

11650 USD