Lemaire/Neumayer Channels

Why the Lemaire and Neumayer Channels are special
These are Antarctica's two most photographed waterways. Because they lie conveniently near each other, they often become part of the same cruise itinerary down the west coast of the Antarctica Peninsula.

Lemaire and Neumayer Channels tips and insights
Setting
Glaciers, sheer cliffs and snow-crowned mountain peaks dramatically line the narrow Lemaire Channel and Neumayer Channel.

Calving
Glacial calving is a common occurrence along the banks of these channels.

Navigational hazard
Careful navigation is essential because the channels are interspersed with icebergs and ice floes.

Ice obstacles
Occasionally cruise boats cannot pass completely through the two channels because of temporary ice blockage.

Wildlife
Penguin colonies and basking seals dozing on rocks add to the tourist's viewing experience, as do the playful whales that sometimes accompany the cruise boats.

Zodiacs
Tours include Zodiac (small inflatable boat) trips for up close views and shore landings.

Kodak Gap
Visitors take so many photographs while passing through Lemaire Channel that it picked up the nickname Kodak Gap.

Long daylight
At this latitude, visitors have 20 hours of daylight to enjoy the passing natural scenes from the observation decks of their cruise ships.

Lemaire Channel measurements
It is about 6 kilometers (4 miles) in length and, at its narrowest point, roughly 500 meters (1600 feet) wide.

Positions
Whereas the Lemaire Channel abuts the Antarctica continent, the Neumayer Channel does not touch the mainland. It lounges between two islands.

Naming
Curiously, Lemaire Channel was named for the 19th century Congo official and explorer Charles Lemaire, a gentleman who never set foot on the Antarctica continent.

Location in Antarctica