Today was an exceptional day. After a nourishing breakfast, guests were excitedly invited to join the naturalists on the bow for the very first sighting of killer whales on this Antarctic voyage. Gathered in warm parkas, guests were enjoying views of these rare animals when suddenly the mood turned from a gentle awe to breathtaking apprehension as the killer whales, also known as orcas, began to hunt a wayward and unlucky elephant seal. The action culminated in an exciting but brutal act of predation as the orcas successfully took their prey. After contemplating the rare and wild sighting, guests returned to the warmth of National Geographic Explorer as we continued to our destination for the day, Wilhelmina Bay.
Arriving after lunch, guests geared up in warm waterproof layers to set out in the bay to marvel at ice and seals. Kayaking was offered for those interested in a bit more activity. The luck from this morning continued as humpback whales arrived to swim among the kayakers.
