The Antarctic Peninsula is the portion of Antarctica that stretches toward South America and forms the most northerly region of the Antarctic mainland. As the closest part of the continent to another landmass, it has historically offered the most convenient access for explorers, scientists, and modern research operations. The peninsula is characterized by towering mountains, massive ice shelves, deep fjords, and glaciers that flow directly into the Southern Ocean.

This region supports some of the richest biodiversity in Antarctica, including large colonies of penguins, seals, and numerous seabird species. Despite its remote and harsh environment, the Antarctic Peninsula has become a major center for scientific research and is recognized as one of the fastest-warming regions on the planet, making it critical for climatology and environmental studies.