
Cruises
IAATO's new Geofenced Whale Area around South Orkney Islands
The International Association of Antarctica Tour Operators announced a new voluntary Geofenced Whale Area around the South Orkney Islands beginning in the 2026/27 Antarctic season. IAATO members will observe a 10-knot speed restriction between Nov. 1 and May 30 for an initial two-year period to reduce whale strike risks. The decision follows survey data documenting 1,468 individual whales of six species in the area, including 82 humpback whales and 76 fin whales.























