The Lemaire Channel is one of the most picturesque waterways in Antarctica. It is a narrow strait between towering ice cliffs and offers stunning views of the surrounding mountain peaks. This channel is a must-visit spot for cruise members who want to experience the natural beauty of the continent.
While sailing through the spectacular Lemaire Channel, you will witness one of multiple highlights of Antarctica. It is 11 kilometers long, 150 meters deep, and 700 meters wide channel with rock and ice rising out of the sea. Tidal currents often clog the passage with bergs and pack ice, so the channel is sometimes blocked for vessels sailing down south. Marine birds and orca, humpback, and minke whales often show up on the surface of water.
The Lemaire Channel, also known as "Kodak Gap" due to its picture-perfect scenery, is a narrow passage located in Antarctica, flanked by towering cliffs and glaciers. The channel was first discovered by the Belgian Antarctic Expedition in 1898 and is named after Charles Lemaire, a Belgian explorer who participated in the expedition.
According to local legend, the Lemaire Channel is haunted by a mythical sea creature known as the Kraken. The Kraken is said to be a giant octopus or squid, with long tentacles that can reach up to 100 feet in length. It is said to dwell in the dark depths of the channel, waiting for unsuspecting ships to pass by.
Legend has it that the Kraken was awakened by the sounds of the first ships to enter the channel and has been causing havoc ever since. Sailors have reported seeing its massive tentacles wrapping around their vessels, dragging them down into the icy depths below. Some have even claimed to have seen the creature's glowing eyes peering up at them from the depths.
Despite the many tales of the Kraken's wrath, some believe that the creature is not evil but merely a guardian of the channel, protecting the waters from those who seek to exploit its natural beauty and resources. Whatever the truth may be, the legend of the Kraken has only added to the mystique and allure of the Lemaire Channel, making it a must-see destination for adventurers and thrill-seekers alike.