
Northeast beach of Ardley Island
A haven for Antarctic bird life and important research site.
Information about Northeast beach Ardley Island
Ardley Island is a small, rocky island about a mile long. It’s in Maxwell Bay, just off the coast of King George Island. It was first charted in 1935 by a British expedition but was mistaken for a headland. It was not until aerial surveys many years later that it was reclassified as an island.
Ardley Island is an active summer research station, and you will often see scientists and researchers at work here. The huts that you can see from the beach are part of the research station and not able to be visited.
The landing on the beach is just below the lighthouse, a distinctive feature that you will have spotted from out to sea. This gently sloping cobble beach is the only place that visitors can arrive on Ardley.
Visitor numbers are restricted due to the importance of the island as a breeding site for antarctic bird species.
During your excursion on the island, you will see a large gentoo penguin colony, as well as lesser numbers of Adelie and chinstrap penguins. You can also see southern giant petrels, Wilson's petrels, black-bellied storm petrels, Cape petrels, skuas, and Antarctic terns. The northeast beach of Ardley Island is a “must-visit” site for bird watchers!
Interesting facts about Northeast beach Ardley Island
The whole Ardley Island, except for this site, is an Antarctic Specially Protected Area (ASPA 150) under the Antarctic Treaty. Therefore, entry is prohibited without a permit issued by an Antarctic National Competent Authority. Diverse scientific activities are carried out in the island and it is usual to meet researchers in this site.
Pictures of Northeast beach Ardley Island


