Antarctica's Lemaire
& Neumayer Channels

 

Why the Lemaire
and Neumayer Channels
are special

These are Antarctica's two most photographed waterways. Because they lie conveniently near each other, they often become part of the same cruise itinerary down the west coast of the Antarctica Peninsula.

Lemaire Channel

tips & insights

Setting

Glaciers, sheer cliffs and snow-crowned mountain peaks dramatically line the narrow Lemaire Channel and Neumayer Channel.

Calving

Glacial calving is a common occurrence along the banks of these channels. 

Navigational hazard

Careful navigation is essential because the channels are interspersed with icebergs and ice floes.

Ice obstacles

Occasionally cruise boats cannot pass completely through the two channels because of temporary ice blockage.

Wildlife

Penguin colonies and basking seals dozing on rocks add to the tourist's viewing experience, as do the playful whales that sometimes accompany the cruise boats.

Zodiacs

Tours include Zodiac (small inflatable boat) trips for up close views and shore landings.

Kodak Gap

Visitors take so many photographs while passing through Lemaire Channel that it picked up the nickname Kodak Gap.

Long daylight

At this latitude, visitors have 20 hours of daylight to enjoy the passing natural scenes from the observation decks of their cruise ships.

Lemaire Channel measurements

It is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) in length and, at its narrowest point, roughly 500 meters (1600 feet) wide.

Positions

Whereas the Lemaire Channel abuts the Antarctica continent, the Neumayer Channel does not touch the mainland. It lounges between two islands.
 

Naming

Curiously, Lemaire Channel was named for the 19th century Congo official and explorer Charles Lemaire, a gentleman who never set foot on the Antarctica continent.

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©2009 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications