Antarctic Sites – Lemaire Channel

The Lemaire Channel is a wonderfully calm and stunning waterway that, if we are fortunate enough to pass through it, offers some of the most fantastic views and incredible wildlife sightings on the peninsula. The area has rightfully earned the nickname ‘Kodak Alley’ or ‘Kodak Gap’ for its astonishingly photogenic landscape and wildlife-rich waters.

Historical Significance

Named after 19th-century Belgian explorer Charles Lemaire, who never actually set foot in Antarctica but rather was honored with the name of another Belgian explorer, Adrien de Gerlache. It was Gerlache who first explored the Lemaire Channel and this area of the Antarctic Peninsula in 1898, then chose to name the Channel after his fellow countryman.

Navigate the Lemaire Channel with our expedition team

Lying between Booth Island and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Lemaire Channel measures almost seven miles long, five hundred feet deep, and just two thousand feet wide at the narrowest point. As our ship makes its way through the glassy channel, guests are awed by spectacular natural scenery, including towering mountains, large chunks of sea ice from calving glaciers and dramatic peaks. All the grandeur of one of Antarctica’s expedition wonders is reflected in the serene waters that are protected by the steep glacial cliffs on either side.

Wildlife

Along the way, it’s common to encounter Orcas, Humpback whales, and Minke whales, as well as a variety of seals. This area is a photographer’s dream destination, and if you are traveling this well-traversed route, your fellow travelers (and you) will be on the decks capturing pictures of one of the prettiest and most remote places on Earth.

Orcas are often seen in the Lemaire Channel

Lemaire Channel Highlights

• Bundle up and sit on the deck of the ship, taking in the stunning scenery as it glides by
• Capture captivating shots of icebergs and reflections in the water
• Look for whales and seals hauled out on sea ice