We spent the morning sailing aboard National Geographic Explorer and looking for wildlife along the beautiful backdrop of Antarctica. The beauty of this place is hard to put into words, but the smiles on everyone’s faces revealed the magic of the White Continent. Upon arriving to Cierva Cove, our destination, we got into our Zodiacs and explored among the brash ice. We were treated to amazing views of humpback whales, leopard seals, and gentoo and chinstrap penguins. We were able to ship cruise and travel closer to the glacier to see the amazing walls of ice. It was a truly remarkable day.
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.
