Gerlache Strait is a breathtaking stretch of water located at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. It is named after Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache, who discovered it in 1898. The strait is surrounded by towering glaciers and snow-capped mountains, making it a photographer’s paradise. You can spot a variety of wildlife here, including penguins, seals, and whales. Gerlache Strait is also a popular destination for kayaking, as the calm waters allow for a peaceful and intimate experience with nature. For anyone seeking an unforgettable adventure, Gerlache Strait is a must-visit destination.
Gerlache Strait
Between the Palmer Archipelago and the Danco Coast—on the west side of the Antarctic Peninsula—runs the sprawling waterway of Gerlache Strait. The channel is almost 200 km long (124 miles). On the northern end, it gets as wide as 50 km (31 miles), and at the southern end as narrow as 10 km (6.2 miles). De Gerlache originally named it “Belgica Strait” after the ship he used in his expedition, though later the strait was renamed in honor of de Gerlache himself.
Sailing the ice-jeweled channel south, the strait slowly narrows. Far-off mountains grow on the horizon, showing off their jagged peaks, glacial spouts, glassy ice walls. Bergs are as numerous here as the whales, feeding on swarms of krill that swim the channel. Within moments it’s easy to see why many call Gerlache the most beautiful area in the Antarctic.
Gerlache Straight was once a heavily trafficked hunting ground for whalers during the first decades of the 20th century. Now it bears silent witness to the wreck of the Norwegian whaling vessel Gouvernøren, which sank after it caught fire in 1916. The remains of the abandoned ship are still visible in Gouvernøren Harbour, poking out of the water near Gerlache Strait. Its final resting place makes for a haunting diving spectacle for anyone willing to take the plunge.
