Lemaire Channel is one of the most photogenic spots in Antarctica. Having been nicknamed “Kodak Gap”, you have an idea why. This steep-sided channel is a strait located between Kiev Peninsula. It is also one of the top tourist destinations in the Antarctic continent with thousands of tourists that travel to Lemaire Channel all year long.
The Lemaire Channel was first discovered by a German expedition sailing to the channel in 1873. However, no ship or expedition has traversed through the strait until 1898. It was the Belgian Antarctic Expedition that first passed through the Lemaire Channel. The said expedition was led by Adrien de Gerlache. He named the strait Lemaire Channel in honor of Charles Lemaire, who is also a Belgian explorer.
Since then, travel to Lemaire Channel continued to grow after expedition cruise companies included a stop to this landing in their Antarctic cruise itinerary. The beautiful scenery with the icy mountains, narrow passages, glaciers and icy blue waters provide quite a scenic attraction. The protected waters in the Lemaire Channel are also still and quiet. The strait itself is also quite narrow; the widest point is measured at 1,600 meters wide. In fact, the passageway is not visible from afar. You can only see the entry point between Booth Island and the Peninsula once you get close.
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Quick Facts
- The Lemaire Channel runs for approximately 7 miles in length. The width of the channel is at 5,250 feet.
- Some of the most popularly visited spots in Lemaire Channel includes the Petermann Island and the Palmer Research Station.
- There are several wildlife that live near the Lemaire Channel. When you travel to Lemaire Channel via cruise, you will probably spot whales and seals along with the icebergs in the area.
- Due to the location of the channel, water in this area is mostly calm. It also enables the water to reflect the mountains and icebergs in the channel.
- The Lemaire Channel is also one of the best spots in Antarctica to see whales, especially from February to March.
My Photos on Lemaire Channel
Mountains and Icebergs in Lemaire Channel
Pack Ice in Lemaire Channel
Crossing the Lemaire Channel
Iceberg in Lemaire Channel
Travel to Lemaire Channel Resources
