Croft Bay and Cockburn Island, 2/14/2024, National Geographic Resolution
Aboard the
National Geographic Resolution
Antarctica
Venturing further south entering the Weddell Sea, we found ourselves at the north of James Ross Island at Croft Bay. With a range of hikes on offer, we were able to take in magnificent views in all directions.
After lunchtime interruptions from some humpback whales and a first-class ice navigation from our bridge team, we arrived at our second location of the day, Cockburn Island. Zodiac cruising was a great way to get a different perspective of the glacial icebergs, along with Adelie penguins and Antarctic shags.
Jonny started out life in the West coast of England and was often found searching through rock pools down at the beach while walking the dog. His passion for marine life continued to grow and he decided to pursue a career in marine biology, where he ...
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Traveling south aboard National Geographic Endurance , we ride the steady rhythm of the following seas toward Antarctica. Albatrosses, prions, and petrels accompany us, their effortless flight a constant presence above the waves. These seabirds, perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions, escort the ship through one of the most remote regions on earth. In the galley, preparations continue as usual, with the occasional clatter of a spatula against a pan punctuating the ship’s daily routines. This small sound offers a sense of normalcy amidst the vast and untamed Southern Ocean. Outside, the air sharpens, and the sea begins to hint at the icy landscapes ahead. As the ship presses on, the anticipation grows. The seabirds continue to follow, a living connection to the wilderness around us. Soon, icebergs will break the horizon, and the familiar blue of the ocean will give way to the stark whites of Antarctica. Each mile south reinforces the sense of entering a world where survival is a delicate balance, and every element of life must adapt to extremes. The journey promises discovery and an encounter with one of the planet’s last frontiers.
Our day at sea began with the awe-inspiring sight of Antarctica’s vast, icy landscapes. As we awoke, we found ourselves surrounded by towering mountains and glaciers, with Mikkelsen Harbor on the horizon. This small island, just south of Trinity Island, offered an unforgettable landing. We ventured ashore, walking among playful gentoo penguins and encountering four Weddell seals, including an adorable nursing pup. While some soaked in the sights, our undersea specialist, Emmet, captivated us with a fascinating lecture on the Southern Ocean’s currents. After returning aboard, we savored a delicious lunch as we cruised icy waters toward our afternoon destination, the rugged Spert Island. Zodiacs took us on a thrilling exploration of the island’s dramatic coastline where towering cliffs, steep rock faces, and natural rock arches formed a surreal backdrop, all framed by gigantic icebergs in every shape and size. As the day drew to a close, we gathered for our evening recap and briefing, reflecting on the day’s highlights and eagerly anticipating tomorrow’s adventures. It was yet another unforgettable day in the heart of Antarctica, where nature’s raw beauty never fails to amaze.
It’s a foggy morning with fairly calm seas. Antarctica waits for us, shrouded, mysterious, and might I say magical! We enter English Strait, a narrow passage that bisects the South Shetland Islands. Shortly we can see land, Barrientos Island, our proposed landing site after breakfast. There are penguins here and so much more to come. This is just the beginning of the adventure.
