Why Paradise Harbor
of Antarctica is special

The setting is a photographer's dream. Some say it is Antarctica's most beautiful place. The name, Paradise Harbor, was well chosen because of the setting's serene ambiance.

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Paradise Harbor
tips & insights

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Calving

This is a marvelous spot for catching the sight of glacial calving. This defines the moment when a monstrous chunk of ice breaks off the facade of a glacier and dramatically crashes into the sea to become an iceberg.

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Tranquil reflections

When the glaciers are not calving icebergs, the waters can be peacefully smooth, creating a visual paradise. The surrounding glaciers and snow covered peaks are mirrored on the water.

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Zodiacs

Paradise Harbor is especially well suited for exploring in a Zodiac, a small inflatable rubber raft powered by an outboard motor. It can hold about a dozen passengers.

Traveling in the low lying Zodiac gives you a close-to-the-water perspective of the tall icebergs. Refracted light accents them with shades of blue and green. Another advantage is a Zodiac can take you to places where your cruise ship cannot travel. The same is true for exploring in a kayak, which some tours provide.

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Penguin colonies

Both the chintrap and gentoo penguins have colonies in the area.

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Research stations

There are two scientific research stations in the harbor, one operated by Argentina, the other on occasions by Chile.

For some tour passengers, visiting these stations may be their only chance to set foot on the Antarctica mainland. The other popular landings for Antarctica tours take place on islands just offshore of the continent.

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