Danco Island and Chiriguano Bay, 11/24/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
Today we had a true Antarctic expedition. We started our day at Danco Island where we had the chance to hike to great heights and take in the scenery all around us. Gentoo penguins were in constant motion up and down the penguin highways, making their way to the sea. We then repositioned to Chiriguano Bay where we offered Zodiac cruises and kayaking inside of this super scenic bay.
Nathan Kelley developed his love for nature as a kid at his family’s cabin in Northern Wisconsin. Family fishing trips, camping, hiking and a trip to his first National Park in the Everglades, all vigorously shaped his passion for the natural world. ...
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This morning, National Geographic Explorer guests awoke to calm seas and little wind in Orleans Strait. After breakfast we dropped anchor in Mikkelson Harbor and the fog lifted as we headed to the small island of D’Hainaut (aka Bombay) for our morning landing. At the landing, there was evidence of the area’s past in the form of ribs of an old boat peeking through the snow. Before we headed up the hill to the gentoo colony, a naturalist shared the history of whaling in the area and the floating factories that moored here in the summers of 1910-1917. Whale bones around the water boat helped to tell the story of this interesting, yet grim past. Exploring further from the landing, we observed the amazing dynamics of the gentoo colony. After lunch the ship headed south to Cierva Cove along the west coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. We jumped into Zodiacs and spent the afternoon exploring the incredible glacial ice while the ship headed towards the head of the fjord and the face of Breguet Glacier. We could not have asked for a more perfect day. Calm conditions in the morning and bluebird skies in the afternoon.
With a gentle following sea and our bow pointed south, we woke to the ocean pushing us towards Antarctica. Sunny, blue skies invited us to the outer decks where seabirds entertained us for hours. Five species of albatross glided by on long stiff wings, often coming impressively close and offering wonderful photographic opportunities. Many humpback and fin whales cruised by as we crossed the polar front and entered the Southern Ocean. The Drake Passage journey was a delightful one, and we look forward to our arrival in Antarctica tomorrow.
