Danco Island: Errera Channel and playful Gentoo Penguins
Discovered in the late 1800s by the adventurous Belgian explorers, Danco Island has quite the history behind it. But what makes this small island a real charmer is its appeal to both penguin admirers and travel photography enthusiasts. You’ll find plenty of playful Gentoo penguins calling this rocky paradise their home as well as jaw-dropping landscapes inside the Errera Channel: snow-capped peaks, snaking glaciers, and colossal icebergs in the backdrop. So, whether you’re into history, wildlife, or capturing the perfect shot, Danco Island delivers an unforgettable Antarctic adventure!
Where is Danco Island?
Danco Island, a small island situated in Graham Land on the Antarctic Peninsula, is a hidden gem for wildlife and landscape photographers. Close to Neko Harbour, one of just two spots for continental landings on an Antarctic expedition cruise, Danco Island offers a distinct terrain and landscape that perfectly captures the region’s splendour.
Despite its modest size, spanning just one mile in length, Danco Island boasts amazing views from its summit. Thanks to the heavily crevassed glaciers that cover the surrounding mountains.
This rocky outcrop lies at the southern end of the Errera Channel. It is renowned for its diverse landscape, with snow-covered peaks and massive glaciers dominating the scenery. Towering icebergs and colossal glaciers encircle the island, forming a stunning backdrop for photographers.
Have a look at the Danco Island map below. It pinpoints its position on the Antarctic Peninsula.
Our visit
Date: Morning, 15 December 2022.
Conditions: Overcast, windy and cold (-2 – 0°C).
What We Did:
Unfortunately, we were not able to land on Danco Island, and instead, we took an Errera Channel and Danco Island tour on a Zodiac boat exploring the landscapes and abundant wildlife.
Notable Things We Saw:
- Observed Gentoo penguin colonies from the Zodiac boats.
- Saw some of the biggest icebergs on the whole trip.
- Spotted a humpback whale showing off his fluke.
Danco Island landing site
Danco Island’s landing site is amongst Antarctica’s best-sheltered locations. Zodiac boats typically take the adventurers to the western end of the north shore, close to the site where the British once had their base. This snow-free zone is home to a lively Gentoo penguin colony, making it a must-visit. As the boats approach the shallow areas near the landing beach, watch out for penguins on the offshore rocks watching the visitors come in.
As you step ashore, you’ll notice permanent ice slopes that are crevassed and pose potential risks, so it’s best to steer clear. To the right of the landing site, a concrete foundation with a plaque marks the former British “Base O”. Keep an eye out for the wave action from calving icebergs, especially on the beach area south of the former Base ‘O’.
From here, a hike up the slopes offers breathtaking vistas of the island, the Errera Channel, and the surrounding mountains. Keep your eyes peeled for Minke and Humpback whales in the channel water. Along the way, you’ll pass by Gentoo penguin colonies and will have a chance to take lots of close-up photos of these playful creatures going about their day!
Short history of the Island
Danco Island’s history dates back to its discovery during the Belgian Antarctic Expedition led by the fearless explorer Adrien de Gerlache in 1897-1899. This expedition marked the island’s first documented appearance on the world stage.
The island owes its name to the Belgian geophysicist and magnetician Emile Danco, a heroic member of de Gerlache’s team. Tragically, Emile Danco lost his life during the expedition, succumbing to the harsh Antarctic conditions. In his memory and as a tribute to his dedication to the mission, the island was named “Danco Island.”
During the mid-20th century, Danco Island played a role in the scientific endeavours of the British Antarctic Survey. British Base ‘O’ held crucial significance as a research outpost for meteorological and scientific investigations. Even though the hut was dismantled in 2004, the presence of a concrete foundation with a commemorative plaque still pays homage to this historic research station.
Today, Danco Island stands not only as a testament to the courage and dedication of early polar explorers but also as a symbol of international scientific cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty.
Picturesque Errera Channel
The Errera Channel, situated near Danco Island in the Antarctic Peninsula, is a captivating waterway known for its spectacular views and photographic opportunities. This channel presents a stunning backdrop for photography enthusiasts, with snow-covered peaks, crevassed glaciers and colossal icebergs providing a dramatic and ever-changing setting. The play of light on the glaciers and the surrounding mountains creates a dynamic interplay of shadows and reflections that is a dream for those behind the camera lens.
The Errera Channel was named in honour of the Italian explorer and scientist, Emilio Errera, who contributed significantly to Antarctic exploration during the early 20th century. Errera was a member of several Antarctic expeditions, and his dedication to scientific research left a lasting legacy in the region.
Errera Channel also serves as a vital navigational route for Antarctic expeditions, connecting various islands and landing sites, including Danco Island.
Antarctic Wildlife around Danco
Whilst exploring Danco Island and the surrounding Errera Channel, you can expect to spot an array of fascinating wildlife, including:
- Weddell seals and Crabeater seals (and sometimes Antarctic Fur Seals – unfortunately we didn’t see any) basking on ice floes.
- Minke whales and humpback whales gracefully surfacing the waters. They typically show lots of interest in the ship and the Zodiac boats, so look around if you are on a Zodiac cruising or taking in the views from the deck.
- Approximately 2,000 Pairs of Gentoo penguins nest along the rocky shore, so you are sure to see some of these adorable creatures. Have a look at our Penguin Photography article for tips on how to take the best photos of them.
- Lots of seabirds soar overhead, adding to the coastal ambience. Keep an eye out for kelp gulls, snowy sheathbills, Antarctic terns, cape petrels and Antarctic shags. Head straight to our Antarctic seabird photography guide to learn more about bird photography, even if you don’t have an expensive camera lens.
What else is there to do around Danco Island?
- Bird Watching: Join knowledgeable expedition leaders on the deck of your ship for bird-watching sessions. Keep your binoculars and camera handy as you spot various seabirds and coastal species in their natural habitat.
- Whale Spotting: As you cruise through the pristine waters of the Errera Channel and its surroundings, be on the lookout for Minke and Humpback whales. They are plentiful in the waters surrounding Danco Island.
- Zodiac Cruising: Board Zodiac boats for intimate and up-close encounters with icebergs and penguins swimming in the waters.
- Snowshoeing: For the more adventurous souls, Danco Island offers an excellent opportunity for snowshoeing. Some cruise lines organise snowshoeing exploration of the island’s snowy terrain – an adventure not to be missed!
- Polar Plunge: If you’re feeling exceptionally daring, some cruise lines offer the exhilarating experience of a polar plunge. We had our Polar plunge on Deception Island but saw other ships allowing guests to jump out straight off the ship into the freezing waters of the Errera Channel.
- Enjoying Serenity: Sometimes, the best activity is simply savouring the tranquillity of this remarkable place. Take a moment to absorb the silence, the awe-inspiring landscapes, and the feeling of being at the end of the world.
Read next
Read more about different locations you’re likely to visit on your Antarctica expedition cruise:
- Yalour Islands
- Petermann Island
- Port Charcot, Booth Island
- Port Lockroy, Goudier Island
- Jougla Point
For more tips for your polar cruise, head straight to our full collection of articles about Antarctica.
Bottom line
In summary, Danco Island and the neighbouring Errera Channel provide a captivating Antarctic experience! With its rich history from Belgian explorers to the British Antarctic Survey and its appeal to penguin lovers and photography enthusiasts, Danco Island’s charm is undeniable. While our visit was limited to a Zodiac tour, the area still offered remarkable wildlife encounters and stunning vistas. The Errera Channel, named after Emilio Errera, is a photographer’s paradise with its play of light on glaciers and mountains. Wildlife sightings included seals, whales, Gentoo penguins, and a variety of seabirds, making it an unforgettable Antarctic adventure!
