Lemaire & Neumayer Channels

travel wonder in Antarctica

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

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

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

Their waters are interspersed with icebergs and ice floes, so careful navigation is paramount.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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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I hope your Antarctica dreams come true - and that my Lemaire and

Neumayer Channels page helps you enjoy your vacation, tour or trip

©2008 HQP / Hillman Quality Publications