Deception Island is the name of this beautiful place in Antarctica. Also part of the South Shetland Islands, this island is often referred to as the Santorin of Antarctica.
Despite the fact that the island is home to the active volcano Mecha Neptune, Deception is one of the safest natural harbors in the world. Ships, both small and large, regularly come here to Port Forster to show off the beauty of Antarctica to tourists or to bring explorers to study this unusual and mysterious land.
The history of Deception Island is not a simple one. Since the end of the XIX century whalers came to Deception, who were fishing here. Then several base camps for research expeditions were established on the island. But people have never stayed here for long. It’s all about the regular eruptions of the volcano. It’s as if it’s against the idea of humans entering its territory. That is why the whalers’ bases and the camps of researchers were often destroyed, they were simply covered with lava and snow. The last eruption happened in 1991-1992. It was not as big as usual, and, fortunately, no one was injured during this natural phenomenon.
However, it is the volcano that makes Deception Island attractive to tourists. After the eruption, small lakes filled with thermal and mineral waters remain. But you should bathe in them with the utmost caution! The water in the lakes, because of its properties, is almost not mixed, and is preserved in the lakes as if in layers. Therefore, one awkward movement can lead to frostbite from icy water or burns from boiling water.
There are almost no animals on Deception Island, as the numerous volcanic keys heat the water in the harbor and near the island very strongly and unevenly. Therefore, it is almost impossible to reach it by swimming. Only a few colonies of penguins dare to do so, which have taken a fancy to the outer coast of Deception Island and made it their home.