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Elephant Island: Five Facts You Need to Know

Elephant Island, Antarctica, is named after the elephant seals that make their home there (as well as for its elephant-like shape). The island is located 150 miles off the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula, in the outer reaches of the South Shetland Islands. Covered in ice and towering above the surrounding Southern Ocean, it’s truly a sight to behold. Here are five notable facts.


1. Elephant Island was charted by the Russians

2. Ernest Shackleton and his crew took refuge on Elephant Island in 1916.

3. Elephant Island has two historical sites

4. A joint services expedition landed on Elephant Island in 1970.

5. Elephant seals are everywhere on Elephant Island.

Elephant Island is worth your time

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Penguins perched on the ice of Cuverville Island, Antarctica. Credit: Espen Mills / HX Hurtigruten Expeditions

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