Antarctica is one of the most extraordinary destinations you can experience on a cruise, with towering glaciers, snow-covered mountains, enormous icebergs and wildlife living in one of the most remote regions on Earth. If your Antarctic itinerary includes scenic cruising through Schollaert Channel, you’re in for a remarkable experience.

During a January 2026 Antarctic cruise aboard Celebrity Equinox, we explored this spectacular region from the ship’s open decks. The scenery was breathtaking, with enormous walls of ice, dramatic mountain peaks and whales appearing in the surrounding waters.

But where is Schollaert Channel, what can you expect to see, and is it worth including on your Antarctic cruise itinerary?

Where Is Schollaert Channel in Antarctica?

Schollaert Channel is located in the Palmer Archipelago, off the western coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. It separates Brabant Island from Anvers Island and connects Dallmann Bay with the Gerlache Strait.

The channel was explored during the Belgian Antarctic Expedition of 1897 to 1899, led by Adrien de Gerlache, and named after Belgian statesman Frans Schollaert.

Unlike a traditional cruise destination, there are no towns, shops or attractions to visit. Instead, the appeal lies entirely in the surrounding landscape and the opportunity to observe Antarctic wildlife.

What Is Scenic Cruising Through Schollaert Channel Like?

Scenic cruising in Antarctica is very different from sailing through more familiar destinations such as the Mediterranean or Caribbean. During our visit aboard Celebrity Equinox, passengers gathered along the open decks to admire the extraordinary landscape. Huge glaciers stretched along the coastline, while dark rocky peaks rose above the snow.

One of the most striking aspects was how dramatically the scenery changed with the light. Bright sunshine illuminated some sections of the mountains, while low cloud created a completely different atmosphere elsewhere.

The contrast between the white snow, dark rock and blue ice was particularly beautiful. At times, the water was calm enough to reflect the surrounding landscape, adding another dimension to the views.

There was also a wonderful sense of scale. From the ship, some formations appeared almost sculptural, but their enormous size became much more apparent when viewed against the mountains behind them.

The Glaciers and Ice Formations of Schollaert Channel

One of the highlights of our passage was seeing the extraordinary glaciers lining the coastline. Some sections featured enormous vertical walls of ice, while others were deeply fractured, with crevasses and unusual formations creating intricate patterns. Particularly impressive were the areas where the glaciers met the sea. Steep ice cliffs rose directly from the water, with deep blue openings visible between layers of compacted snow and ice.

The photographs from our visit show just how varied these formations can be. Some surfaces appeared almost smooth, while others resembled enormous frozen sculptures. You may also notice that Antarctic ice isn’t always white. Depending on its structure and the surrounding light, it can display beautiful shades of blue and turquoise.

Seeing Icebergs in Schollaert Channel

As well as the glaciers, we encountered numerous icebergs floating in the surrounding waters. They varied considerably in size and appearance, from relatively small pieces of ice to substantial formations with ridges, peaks and unusual shapes.

One particularly beautiful iceberg featured pale blue ice surrounded by vivid turquoise water. Another had developed a natural arch, creating an opening through the ice that resembled a bridge. These remarkable formations are constantly changing as icebergs drift and gradually melt. It is worth looking beyond the largest icebergs, as smaller pieces can reveal equally fascinating shapes and colours.

Can You See Whales in Schollaert Channel?

Wildlife watching is another highlight of Antarctic scenic cruising, and we were fortunate to see whales during our passage. One particularly memorable sighting involved a whale breaking the surface of the water against a spectacular backdrop of snow-covered mountains and glaciers.

The waters around the Antarctic Peninsula attract several whale species during the summer months, when feeding opportunities are plentiful. However, sightings are never guaranteed, and whales can appear and disappear remarkably quickly.

Keeping an eye on the surrounding water is worthwhile throughout your passage, particularly if you notice activity at the surface. A camera with a good zoom is useful for capturing these moments, although watching the wildlife without concentrating entirely on photographs can be just as rewarding.

Can You See Penguins in Schollaert Channel?

Penguins are another species you may encounter while cruising through Antarctic waters. During our visit, we spotted penguins standing on floating icebergs. Against the enormous scale of the ice and surrounding ocean, they appeared incredibly small. Watching them in their natural environment was a wonderful part of the experience.

If you’re hoping to photograph penguins from a larger cruise ship, a camera with a telephoto lens or a phone with a good zoom will be particularly useful. They can be surprisingly difficult to spot, especially when they’re some distance away or standing against a white background. We did spot them much closer during other days exploring.

Where Is the Best Place on the Ship to Watch the Scenery?

For scenic cruising through Schollaert Channel, I would recommend spending as much time as possible on the open decks. Aboard Celebrity Equinox, passengers gathered along the railings to enjoy uninterrupted views of the surrounding landscape.

An elevated position can provide an excellent perspective, particularly when looking down towards icebergs or watching for wildlife. It’s also worth moving between different areas of the ship rather than remaining in one place. Depending on the vessel’s direction, the most interesting scenery may appear on either side.

One advantage of cruising aboard a larger ship is that you can easily return indoors to warm up before heading outside again.

What Should You Wear for Scenic Cruising in Antarctica?

Even during the Antarctic summer, conditions on the open decks can feel extremely cold, particularly when the wind picks up. Warm layers are essential if you want to enjoy the scenery comfortably. A winter coat, hat, gloves and scarf will make a considerable difference when spending extended periods outside.

A Snood or face covering is also useful, especially when the wind is particularly biting. It’s worth dressing in layers so you can adjust your clothing as conditions change throughout the day.

Sunglasses are another useful addition, particularly when sunlight reflects from the snow and ice. If you’re planning to take plenty of photographs, gloves that allow you to operate your phone or camera without removing them are especially practical.

Do You Get Off the Ship at Schollaert Channel?

If you’re visiting Schollaert Channel aboard a larger cruise ship such as Celebrity Equinox, the experience is scenic cruising rather than a shore excursion. You remain aboard while the ship navigates through the surrounding waters, enjoying the landscape and wildlife from the decks and observation areas. This is an important distinction when choosing an Antarctic cruise.

Traditional scenic cruises allow you to experience the region from the comfort of a larger ship, with familiar facilities such as restaurants, entertainment and comfortable accommodation. Expedition cruises may offer additional activities, including Zodiac excursions, kayaking and Antarctic landings, depending on the itinerary and conditions. If setting foot on Antarctica is important to you, make sure you choose an expedition itinerary that includes opportunities for landings.

If a polar expedition interests you, I have written about my National Geographic Lindblad Expedition in the Arctic in May 2026.

However, if your priority is experiencing the extraordinary scenery while enjoying the facilities of a larger cruise ship, or perhaps a large ship favours your mobility, then scenic cruising can be a wonderful option.

Is Schollaert Channel Worth Visiting on an Antarctic Cruise?

Absolutely. Schollaert Channel offers an extraordinary combination of dramatic scenery and opportunities to observe Antarctic wildlife. Our passage aboard Celebrity Equinox was a memorable part of the cruise, particularly because of the spectacular ice formations and whale sightings.

If you’re comparing Antarctic itineraries, this is certainly a destination worth looking out for. However, it’s important to remember that cruising in Antarctica is influenced by weather, sea conditions and ice. The precise route taken by your ship, visibility and wildlife sightings may vary between sailings.

Final Thoughts on Cruising Through Schollaert Channel

Schollaert Channel is a remarkable destination for anyone interested in experiencing the beauty of Antarctica.

From the open decks of Celebrity Equinox, we enjoyed spectacular views of glaciers, unusual icebergs and dramatic mountain scenery, with wildlife adding another dimension to the experience. You don’t have to step ashore to appreciate just how extraordinary Antarctica is. Scenic cruising provides an opportunity to experience this remote region in a completely different way.

Our Antarctic itinerary also included Paradise Harbour, Half Moon Island and King George Island, each offering its own distinctive scenery and experiences.

Disclosure: All photographs and observations are from our January 2026 sailing.