The Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are the most accessible areas; this fascinating cruising area has rugged volcanic scenery, an abundance of wildlife and hundreds of icy bays and offshore islands to explore. Visit in November to see the dramatic break up of pack-ice, the courtship of seabirds and the landscape at its most pristine. In December and January penguin chicks hatch, seal pups are born; and these are also the warmest months with 20 hours of sun each day. February and March bring spectacular sunsets, and this is the time for penguin chicks to fledge. With ice pack at a minimum, yachts can cruise deeper into the Polar Circle and the Weddell Sea.