Wauwermans Islands

Wauwermans Islands are a small group of rocky islands located in the Wilhelm Archipelago off the western side of the Antarctic Peninsula. They form part of the cluster of islands and channels used by expedition cruise vessels operating in the region.

The islands are uninhabited and are visited mainly for wildlife viewing, including seabirds and seals, and for short guided landings by Antarctic tour operators where conditions permit. The terrain is typically low, rocky and ice-scoured with narrow channels separating the islets.

They lie off the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula within the island-strewn waters of the Wilhelm Archipelago, positioned amid numerous other small island groups used as navigation and landing points during Antarctic voyages.

The only practical way to reach the Wauwermans Islands is aboard an Antarctic Peninsula expedition cruise that visits the Wilhelm Archipelago. Typical embarkation points are Ushuaia (Argentina) or Punta Arenas (Chile); itineraries that include the western Antarctic Peninsula and the Wilhelm Archipelago run during the austral summer (November-March). Landings are by Zodiac and are entirely weather-dependent.

• Book an Antarctic Peninsula itinerary (10-14 days) that lists the Wilhelm Archipelago or 'Peninsula & Islands' - these are the trips likeliest to visit the Wauwermans cluster.
• Bring layered waterproof outerwear and non-slip boots for Zodiac landings; landings here are prone to swell and kelp-covered rocks.
• Listen to the expedition team's briefings - landings are conditional on weather and wildlife protection rules; keep distance from penguin colonies and resting seals.
• If photographing, bring a fast telephoto (200-400mm) for seabirds and seals; foregrounds of tide-polished rock and algae make for better composition than distant iceberg shots.