Deception Island - Ultimate 2022 Huide

Deception Island is one of the most unique islands on earth, as well as being a mainstay of any tour to Antarctica. What is it though that makes Deception Island so special?

The Deception Island Story

It was first discovered in around 1820, and by the 1900’s had thriving whaling industry due to its sheltered bays and fresh water. The whaling went gangbusters until pretty much all the whales were almost extinct and we’d discovered oil.

Always remember when people slate the Japanese for hunting whale, that is was the west and its hunger for whale oil that nearly destroyed the animal.

Commercial whaling finally ended on the island in 1931, not for humanitarian reasons you understand, but for the fact that is was no longer profitable.

And lastly why is it called Deception Island? Basically the island sits atop of an active volcano, one that does occasionally go off. The shape of the island, with its narrow entrance inside into the water makes it look like a much bigger island. Hence the name deception island.

Nowadays it is claimed by Chile, Argentina and UK, all of whom as part of their Antarctica claims, but due to the Antarctica treaty it is essentially Terra Nulls, meaning there are active Scientific stations, as well as 15,000 tourists that visit annually.

To read about the Antarctica Treaty click here.

What is there to do on Deception Island?

Apart from science stuff it is as mentioned hugely popular with tourists, said tourists through come on Antarctica cruises, there is no airport, or infrastructure of any kind here. There are though remnants of its past and amazing nature.

Some groups that come here will even camp overnight, which is pretty cool, or you just enjoy the nature. When I was personally here it snowed and with the black volcanic dust had an otherworldly Oreo look.

To read about cruising Antarctica click here.

Despite the nature of the island, there is nothing except for cold and the volcano going off that might kill you, unlike Snake Island for example. The volcano though has gone off in 1939, 1852, 1967, 1969 and 1970. This led to the water in the middle of the island literally boiling the paint off a ship that was moored here.

It is also means that technically an eruption is due sooner rather than later.

Can you buy Deception Island?

No you cannot buy Deception Island, nor can you claim it like many a crazy micro-nationalist is known to do, this is due to the aforementioned treaty.

Does visiting Deception Island count as visiting Antarctica? Well if visiting Ireland counts as visiting Europe, then yes indeed it does, although you are unlikely to come here and not continue onto the continent.

To read if Antarctica is a country click here.