Antarctic-Sund
in Antarctica

Antarctic-Sund

Antarctic-Sund is a large, narrow strait located in the Antarctic region, connecting the Weddell Sea to the east and the Scotia Sea to the west. This strait is approximately 1,800 kilometers (1,118 miles) long and ranges from 200 to 400 kilometers (124 to 248 miles) wide. It is the largest of the three major passages in the Southern Ocean and is considered the gateway between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

The Antarctic-Sund is located between the Antarctic Peninsula to the west and the South Shetland Islands to the east. It is bordered by the South Orkney Islands to the north and the South Sandwich Islands to the south. The strait is also home to several small islands, including the Joinville Island, the Trinity Island, and the Elephant Island.

The Antarctic-Sund has a long and fascinating history. In the early days of exploration, the strait was used by whalers and sealers to access the Antarctic Peninsula. In the late 19th century, the strait was the scene of a number of important scientific expeditions, including the British National Antarctic Expedition of 1901-1904, which made the first crossing of the strait.

In the early 20th century, the Antarctic-Sund was the site of a number of important historical events, including the sinking of the Endurance during the Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914-1917, the rescue of the crew of the Endurance by the Chilean Navy in 1916, and the first flight over the Antarctic by two British aviators in 1921.

More recently, the Antarctic-Sund has become an important route for scientific research and exploration. In the late 20th century, the strait was the site of several important international scientific expeditions, including the International Antarctic Expedition of 1985-1986 and the International Polar Year of 2007-2008.

Today, the Antarctic-Sund is an important part of the Antarctic region and is home to a wide variety of wildlife, including seals, whales, and a variety of seabirds. It is also an important route for ships travelling between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans.

Experience Antarctic-Sund with unforgettable activities by our partner GetYourGuide. The offer is also ideal as a special gift idea for family and friends who are planning to visit Antarctic-Sund. Cancellations are possible up to 24h before the start of the activity (unless otherwise stated in the activity description), with a full refund of the booking price.

The climate in Antarctic-Sund

Antarctic-Sund is located in Antarctica, which is the coldest and driest continent on Earth. The climate in Antarctic-Sund is characterized by extreme cold temperatures throughout the year with little variation between seasons. Summer (December-February): During the summer months, temperatures in Antarctic-Sund can reach as high as -10°C (14°F). It is still very cold, but the sun is out for longer hours and the snow begins to melt, making the landscape more accessible. Autumn (March-May): Temperatures in Antarctic-Sund during autumn remain cold, usually ranging from -20°C (-4°F) to -10°C (14°F). The sun is still out for long hours but the days are shorter and the snow begins to accumulate. Winter (June-August): Winter in Antarctic-Sund is the coldest time of year with temperatures dropping to -30°C (-22°F). The sun is only out for a few hours and the snow is deep and heavy. Spring (September-November): Temperatures in Antarctic-Sund during the spring months are still cold, usually ranging from -20°C (-4°F) to -10°C (14°F). The sun is out for longer hours and the snow begins to melt, making the landscape more accessible.

Galery: Antarctic-Sund

Photos by cruise fans for cruise fans!
Share your best pictures with the community and discover authentic images from travellers who have already been there.

- There are no photos available for Antarctic-Sund yet.