Wilhelmina Bay and Lemaire Channel

From December to April, whale sightings on Antarctic expeditions are possible year-round, but the best months are February and March. Beginning with the Drake Passage crossing, whales can be found all over Antarctica. One of the hotspots is Wilhelmina Bay, also called "Whale-mina Bay" because of the extraordinary number of whales that can be found there thanks to the abundance of krill. In the bay, humpback whales are particularly prevalent. An 11 km long natural aquarium, the Lemaire Channel is surrounded by glaciers, enormous icebergs, and sheer cliffs. Humpback and minke whales, orcas, penguins, and dolphins find refuge in its lake-like waters, which reflect the natural surroundings. Because so many rolls of film must have been discharged here over the years, the Lemaire Channel is also known as the Kodak Gap. Conditions permitting, Antarctic cruise itineraries typically include stops at Wilhelmina Bay and the Lemaire Channel.