11-kilometre-long strait
The Lemaire Canal is a very spectacular, narrow strait between the Antarctic Peninsula and Booth Island,the largest island of the Wilhelm Archipelago. On either side, snow and ice-covered rocks rise steeply from the sea. Because of the seclusibility of the strait, the water is calm, sometimes as smooth as a mirror. The reflection of the majestic mountains in the water with floating ice floes is extraordinarily picturesque. Be sure to stand on the deck for the trek through the eleven-kilometre strait, so as not to miss out on this beautiful spectacle. Then look out for humpback whales and minke whales.
Sometimes, however, there are so many ice floes and icebergs that the Lemaire Canal is not accessible to the cruise ship. In that case, the other islands of the Wilhelm Archipelago can only be reached by sailing around Booth Island.
PETERMANN ISLAND AND PLENEAU ISLAND
On the south side of the Lemaire Canal are these islands of the Wilhelm Archipelago, special places that are very suitable for a zodiac landing. Here you walk between colonies of Adélieping penguins and donkey penguins, kelp gulls and imperial awnings. If you're lucky, you'll also see southern elephant seals here.
In the icy silence of the landscape, the colonies sound rowdy, chattering and shouting. Take your time, sit near a couple of penguins. Sometimes they come waddle closer, curious about the visitor in their territory.
