Location & Transportation
Since cruise ships can’t dock directly at Devil Island, you’ll be tendered by inflatable zodiac boats. Keep in mind that the weather in Antarctica is unpredictable, so schedules and excursions can change quickly. Most expedition cruises that include Devil Island set sail from Ushuaia in Argentina.
Nearest Airport
The gateway to your Antarctic adventure is Ushuaia’s Malvinas Argentinas International Airport (USH). From there, you’ll board the expedition ship that will take you to Devil Island.
Sightseeing
Devil Island is best known for its dramatic landscape and fascinating wildlife. Some highlights that I’ve personally found memorable include:
- Striking Peaks: The island’s two distinctive “horns” create an impressive backdrop.
- Penguin Colonies: Watch the roughly 15,000 pairs of Adelie penguins nesting along the shorelines—a truly heartwarming sight, and enough to earn the island recognition as an Important Bird Area.
- Scenic Hike: If weather permits, a gentle walk up the scree slope to the western peak (a few hundred meters high) rewards you with panoramic views of Erebus and Terror Gulf, along with glimpses of nesting snow petrels and Wilson’s storm petrels.
- Iceberg Views: Often, you can see majestic grounded icebergs drifting offshore, adding to the island’s wild charm.
Tours & Excursions
While there aren’t any established land tours on Devil Island, your expedition cruise will likely offer zodiac boat trips that let you explore up close. These excursions give you the chance to safely encounter the abundant wildlife and enjoy the island’s raw landscapes. Remember to follow all crew instructions, as Antarctic conditions can change rapidly.
It‘s a good idea to compare shore excursion costs between what your cruise line offers and options like Viator and GetYourGuide. They often provide lower prices and include customer reviews and ratings to help you choose the best option. They may also offer more more flexible cancellation or rescheduling policies than those available through your cruise line. However, while booking independently might give you more variety and potentially better rates, be mindful of your schedule - cruise line excursions are typically coordinated to match your ship‘s schedule with guaranteed pick-up and drop-off times.
There is also a great resource for finding local guides at Tours by Locals. Tours by Locals connects you with local guides who can help you plan a private personal tour, guide you, and get you back to your ship on time. You can also check out Rome2Rio for local transportation options. It is a great resource for finding how to get from one place to another, including public transportation, taxis, ferries, and more.
Shopping
Devil Island is an uninhabited speck of Antarctica, so there’s no shopping ashore—not a single shop, stall, or souvenir kiosk anywhere on the island. Anything you take home from here will be photographs and memories rather than purchases. If you’re after a keepsake, I’d plan on browsing your expedition ship’s onboard shop, which usually stocks polar clothing, books, and branded mementos, or picking up souvenirs back in Ushuaia before you sail.
Dining
There are no cafés or restaurants on Devil Island either—all your meals are handled aboard your expedition ship. In my experience the onboard dining is one of the quiet pleasures of an Antarctic voyage: hearty, warming food after a cold morning on the zodiacs, often with hot drinks waiting when you return. Do bring any snacks you like for the landings, and remember that Antarctic Treaty rules mean whatever you carry ashore must come straight back with you, leaving nothing behind.
Culture & Local Events
Devil Island is a pristine, untouched environment with no permanent residents or scheduled cultural events. However, here are some important tips to help you make the most of your visit:
- Dress in layers and be prepared for very cold and changeable weather.
- There are no local shops, restaurants, or standard communication services on the island; all arrangements are handled on your cruise.
- Respect the Antarctic Treaty guidelines by keeping a safe distance from wildlife and keeping the environment undisturbed.
- Photography is a popular activity here—plan ahead with extra batteries and memory, as the stark, beautiful landscape is truly inspirational.