Deception Island's Volcanic Harbour

Deception Island is an active volcano in the South Shetland Islands. The sea flooded its centre to form a bay.

Ships enter Port Foster through Neptune's Bellows. A tight squeeze for anyone with a wide load.

Deception Island is a large circular volcano.

Glaciers up to 10 m thick cover 57% of the island. Mount Pond reaches 539 m on the east side.

American sealer Nathaniel Palmer explored the bay on 15 November 1820. He named the island for its deceptive appearance.

A shore station opened at Whalers Bay in 1912. Efficiency was never the whaling industry's strong suit.

Eruptions in 1967 and 1969 destroyed scientific stations. Volcanic tremors remain common from depths less than 10 km.

Argentina and Spain run summer research stations today. Over 15,000 visitors arrive annually to see the caldera.