Winkle Island (Antarctica)

Winkle Island is a small island located off the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. More specifically, it lies in Wilhelmina Bay, off the coast of Graham Land. The island is situated approximately 3.7 kilometers (2 nautical miles) north-northwest of Cape Anna on the Danco Coast.

Winkle Island is relatively low-lying and largely ice-covered, although some rocky outcrops may be present, especially during periods of reduced ice cover. It's typical of many small islands found in this region of Antarctica. The surrounding waters of Wilhelmina Bay are known for their stunning scenery and abundant wildlife, including whales, seals, and seabirds.

The island's name, "Winkle Island," was bestowed by the United Kingdom Antarctic Place-Names Committee (UK-APC) in 1960. The name derives from its association with Winkle, a character in Charles Dickens' novel The Pickwick Papers. The feature was named in conjunction with other nearby features that also bear names drawn from the same literary source, continuing a theme of using names from The Pickwick Papers in this geographical region.

The island is uninhabited and experiences extreme weather conditions characteristic of the Antarctic environment. Its remoteness and harsh climate limit human activity to scientific research and occasional tourist visits, typically as part of Antarctic cruises. The island does not have any permanent research stations. Data on its specific geological composition and biodiversity is likely included within broader studies of the surrounding Antarctic Peninsula region.