Antarctic Sites – Cierva Cove

Cierva Cove is a stunning cov e that lays 6 nautical miles southeast of Cape Sterneck in Hughes B ay , along the west coast of Graham Lan d , Antarctica . It is named after Juan de la Cierva, a Spanish pilot, engineer, and inventor. Cierva Cove is located in a protected Antarctic area, so we do not make landings on the peninsula here, but we can enjoy Cierva Cove regardless via Zodiac cruise and viewing from our ships .

We often cruise by Base Primavera, an Argentinian research station located in Cierva Cove. This station was established in 1977, after being expanded from an earlier naval refuge built there in 1954. Located on the southwestern shore, the station operates only during the austral summer and we are not permitted to visit. Alongside the bright orange buildings of the station, you might spot green grasses, moss, and lichen – a rare sight in Antarctica. The scenery there is stunningly beautiful, with fantastic icebergs, ice formations, and snowy landscapes. A glacial face at the north end regularly calves ice, and seals frequently haul out on ice floes. Pressing through brash ice, we cruise through the region observing the breathtaking sights.

Discover the beauty of Cierra Cove firsthand by joining one of our kayaking programs

The calving ice in this region stirs up the water oxygenating it and making it rich with nutrients. They are rich in krill, bringing an abundance of wildlife , including penguins (such as the chinstrap and king penguins), seals (such as leopard, Weddell, and crabeater seals), and whales (such as the humpback, minke, fin, and killer whales).

Speak with our team and they can assist you with choosing the right itinerary. Once you are onboard, your Expedition Leader will work with the crew and, if weather and planning allow, you may be lucky enough to visit this spectacular place.