Half Moon Island Antarctica (South Shetlands, Camara Base Argentina)

Half Moon Island (Antarctica) is located approx 1,4 km (0,8 mi) north of Burgas Peninsula (Livingston Island) in South Shetland Islands. The island is uninhabited and covers a total area of approx 1,7 km2 (0,7 mi2).

This Antarctic island's "cruise namesakes" are Half Moon Cay Bahamas and Half Moon Caye Belize.

Argentina's scientific research station "Camara Base" is on the island (at Menguante Cove), and features a helipad (no airport). The location is accessible only by helicopter and by ship. Camara Base is a naval base and is operational only during the summer. It is among Argentina's all 13 Antarctic bases.

Half Moon Island is used as a stop along Antarctic cruise itineraries, with peak season November through March.

In the island's southern part there is a walking track (length approx 2 km / 1,2 mi) allowing cruise tourists to get a close view of the wildlife and the surrounding mountainous scenery of nearby Greenwich and Livingston Islands. The path starts on the south side of Menguante Cove and runs westwards (along the beach) to the Camara Base. Then it turns north along the cove's head and eventually ascends northeastwards to Xenia Hill's top.

Plants found on Half Moon Island include Antarctic Hairgrass, as well as several moss and lichen species. The island has been identified as an IBA (Important Bird Area) by BirdLife International due to its support of a breeding colony of around 100 pairs of south polar skuas. Other nesting seabirds found on the island are kelp gulls (40 pairs), Antarctic terns (125 pairs), chinstrap penguins (2000 pairs), brown skuas, snowy sheathbills, imperial shags, Cape petrels, Wilson's and black-bellied storm petrels. Antarctic and Weddell fur seals regularly haul out on the beaches. Whales are often seen here. Southern elephant seals have also been recorded.