Current Activities
Science
Today, Argentina and Spain operate scientific stations on the island during the austral summer. Base Decepción (Argentina, founded in 1948) and Gabriel de Castilla Station (Spain, constructed in 1989) are located on the south-western shore of Port Foster. Science at Deception Island focuses principally upon volcanic monitoring and marine benthic studies. However, many other disciplines such as invasive species, extreme microbiology and pollution research are frequently carried out in the Island. Both volcanic monitoring and research is conducted under international collaboration premises.
Tourism
The very special characteristics and unique natural values at Deception Island make the island vulnerable to outside activity. At the same time these characteristics make the island attractive for visitors to experience. Deception Island is one of the most visited sites in Antarctica by tourists. Tourists land at Whalers Bay (Conservation Strategy available here), Pendulum Cove, Baily Head and Telefon Bay. Whalers Bay is the most visited site on Deception Island. In the 2023/24 season over 25,000 people visited, with a total of 184 landed site visits and 54 vessels. In the 2023/24 season almost 11,000 people landed at Telefon Bay, almost 3000 at Pendulum Cove and almost 1000 at Baily Head.
Tourism in Deception Island has the potential to damage the island's values if not carried out in a responsible way. It is vital that visits do not have adverse impacts on the Antarctic environment, or on its scientific and aesthetic values.
The Antarctic Treaty System has developed a number of instruments for this purpose. In 2021, through Resolution 3 (2011), the Antarctic Treaty Consultative Meeting (ATCM) updated the General Guidelines for Visitors to the Antarctic, which provide general advice for visiting any location (here). The ATCM also issues specific guidelines for the sites most visited by tourists.
Further information about Deception Island visitor sites, including a Code of Conduct for Visitors and specific Visitor Site Guidelines, can be accessed in the Management Package here. All visits are to be undertaken in line with the Management Plan for Deception Island, in order to help conserve and protect the unique and outstanding environment, as well as protect the safety of those visiting the island.