Antarctic Sites – Elephant Island

Elephant Island is one of our most popular places to visit. From above, this spectacular place looks like an elephant head and trunk and is home to hundreds of elephant seals. Located just 150 miles off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, Elephant Island is famously known as the place where Sir Ernest Shackleton and his men found refuge amid grave danger in 1916.

A guest observing the characteristic dark rocky mountains of this inhospitable island

Historical Significance

British Sealers first discovered it in the 1820s, and it was charted by a Russian Antarctic expedition. It was originally named Mordvinov Island after an eighteenth-century Admiral in the Imperial Russian Navy.

The story of Shackleton’s party and Elephant Island stands as a testament to resilience and bravery from the Heroic Age of Antarctic Exploration. After being trapped in the Weddell Sea ice, the party abandoned their ship. They took lifeboats, hoping to find refuge on the island. Upon arrival, Shackleton and five men sailed a lifeboat to South Georgia, leaving the remaining team to survive on Elephant Island for 135 days, living beneath two upturned boats. Shackleton’s party reached a whaling station in South Georgia after traversing treacherous mountains, enabling the rescue of the rest of the crew. Miraculously, everyone survived the ordeal.

Elephant Island is of great historical significance and has two dedicated memorial sites. In one location you’ll see the bust of Captain Luis Pardo, who notably captained the rescue ship that returned to save Shackleton’s men. Point Wild, where Shackleton’s men hunkered down, is also a historical site. You’ll see another monument located at the site of a wreckage of a large wooden boat in the southwestern part of the island.

Bronze bust of Captain Luis Pardo standing at Point Wild

Wildlife

Once you see Elephant Island, you’ll notice how many elephant seals there are. These incredible creatures are a guest favourite, and you’ll be fascinated not only by their size but by their huge bulbous noses and loud snorts and roars. During mating season, the ‘beach masters’ battle it out over the females, which is truly a sight to see. The beaches are also crowded with fur seals, gentoo penguins and chinstrap penguins.

With so much history and an abundance of wildlife, Elephant Island is a fantastic place to visit and one we often hope to accomplish on our expeditions. That being said, landing here is incredibly difficult due to windy conditions and exposed terrain so Zodiac tours in the waters that surround the island are the best way to visit this special place.

Seals and penguins living peacefully together

Elephant Island Highlights

Is this your first time in Antarctica, or are you a seasoned explorer eager for your next adventure with us? Elephant Island is one of the most stunning locations to visit, along with nearby top destinations like the Antarctica Peninsula and South Georgia, which are often included in the same expedition. This inhospitable island is a must-visit destination for those who enjoy breathtaking natural landscapes or are enthusiasts of polar history, offering highlights such as:

• Explore the site of Shackleton’s party at Point Wild.
• Observe vast colonies of elephant seals, fur seals, and chinstrap and gentoo penguins.
• Learn about the island’s historical significance and memorials.