Ever wonder what “continental landings” are on an Antarctic itinerary?
Those are spots where you actually step foot on the Antarctic mainland (not islands), often among glaciers, snow fields, research stations or pristine shorelines with wildlife.
👉🏻 Here’s a list of well-known landing sites you might visit, depending on ice, season, and your expedition.
(Reminder: no operator can ever guarantee all landings, they depend on weather, ice conditions, permits, etc. But these are among the most regularly visited.)
Top Antarctic Peninsula Landing Sites
Here are some of the sites you may land at on the continental mainland of the Antarctic Peninsula:
- Neko Harbour: A popular stop with spectacular views of glaciers and ice cliffs.
- Paradise Harbour: Beautiful bay, often used for walks, zodiac cruises, and great landscape photo ops.
- Brown Bluff: Rugged cliffs on the Antarctic Sound; good for wildlife and dramatic scenery.
- Petermann Island: Often visited for its gentoo penguins and iceberg views.
- Damoy Point (Wiencke Island): Historic huts and gentoo penguins; although technically Wiencke is an island, this site is very close to peninsula landings itineraries.
- Enterprise Island / Foyn Harbour: Shipwrecks, scenery, wildlife; great touchpoints for explorers.
- Port Lockroy: Historic base/museum/huts; great for both culture + wildlife.
- Goudier Island: Close to Port Lockroy; often included in many itineraries.
- Cuverville Island: On the mainland side near the western coast; glaciers, penguin colonies, ice-choked bays.
What to Check Before You Choose
- How many of these landings are in your itinerary vs. which ones are optional depending on ice/weather.
- Whether the ship is small enough and agile enough to reach more remote landing sites.
- Expedition team quality: will they help you understand each site (geology, wildlife, history)?
- Time of year: early season vs. peak season can determine which sites are accessible.
Sea days, long sails, and conditions permitting: landing on these spots is what many travellers dream of.
When planning your trip, check the itinerary closely and talk to your travel agent so your expectations match what’s realistic for that season.
