The abandoned island surrounded by icebergs that's a dark tourism hotspot

A deserted island in was once bustling with scientists and researchers but is now left eerily abandoned for to explore.

Deception Island is now a popular dark tourist destination in Antarctica's freezing South Shetland Islands, famous for its deserted whaling and research station.

The station was abandoned many times between 1931 and 1969 due to volcanic eruptions, leaving behind the beached boats and rusting boilers you see today.

Once a place for cutting edge science and military interest, the station finally stood deserted following an eruption destroying British Base B in 1969.

Despite this, the island is now a favoured spot for keen explorers of the Antarctic region, as well as a scientific outpost for summer research teams.

However, as it is still an active volcano, Deception Island poses significant volcanic risk being constantly monitored for seismic activity.

For those seeking a more adventurous holiday, you can book a cruise with Lindblad Expeditions to explore the deserted site.

The glacial ice and black sand beaches span as far as the eye can see with breathtaking views of mountainous backdrops. Although the spookily quiet landscapes can leave a chill down your spine.

Many supernatural studies and investigations have taken place with people claiming they have seen and heard ghosts scattered around the island.

The Antarctic area has no residents at all, yet it is still brimming with wildlife. Explorers can look out for chinstrap penguins, seals, whales, and other birds on the island in the spring and summer season.

A more sinister spot to look out for is the Deception Island Whalers Cemetery. This was established at Whalers Bay when it was in use for processing whale carcasses.

The cemetery holds the remains of at least 35 workers who died during their service at the whaling industry. Unfortunately, the majority of the site were buried during the 1969 eruption, but a few graves remain which are clearly marked by crosses.

Deception Island became the home of whaling in 1906 with the bay being established as an anchorage for factory ships. The station became home to approximately 150 employees who processed whale blubber and turned it into oil.

After the station's collapse, giant, rusting tanks and boilers lay alongside the men who lost their lives on the island.