Lemaire Channel, Antarctica, 11/18/2024, National Geographic Endurance
Aboard the
National Geographic Endurance
Antarctica
Steady snowfall created a beautifully ethereal atmosphere as we sailed through the Lemaire Channel between landings. The veil of falling snowflakes obscured the dramatic mountain peaks and meant icebergs would emerge suddenly from the blanket of white, creating stunning opportunities for photography. Captain Oliver expertly slalomed the ship between imperious icebergs on our way to Port Charcot.
Rory’s underwater experiences began while working on a citizen science project in Tobago, conducting surveys of coral reefs with Coral Cay Conservation. After completing a degree in foreign languages, and returning to his hometown London, it wasn’t l...
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The body of water between South America’s Cape Horn and the Antarctic Peninsula, the Drake Passage, is one of the most infamous stretches of water. We were fortunate to have a friendly passage today with only 35 knots of wind and less than 4-meter wave heights. The seas were spitting and spraying while the albatross and petrels relished in soaring along, unhindered. While we not only prepared ourselves for the journey ahead, but we also got the chance to meet our National Geographic-Lindblad naturalist team and our National Geographic Expert Kenneth Garrett who will be sailing this voyage with us. After a presentation about the seabirds we could expect to see on this voyage by Naturalist Bryan Holliday, we all went out on the outer decks to identify and photograph these magnificent species.
This was a true expedition day, as plans were adjusted due to changing conditions, but in the end, it was a miraculously amazing day full of wonderful events. In the morning, we found ourselves in a very dense concentration of both multi-year and glacial ice, and Captain Martin decided to revise the plan, and we set on the course to Paulet Island, one of the inactive volcanoes in this area where a colony of almost 400,000 Adelie penguins is known to reside. Guests were split in two groups and while the first group had a short hike to observe the penguin colony and very young chicks, the second group enjoyed a presentation onboard, and later they switched. After a delicious dinner, a group of orcas were spotted from the bridge, and for over an hour guests were able to watch the dramatic episodes of orcas hunting Adelie penguins. It was unforgettable experience on this Christmas Eve!
Guests of National Geographic Resolution enjoyed an unforgettable day on the South Shetland Islands, taking full advantage of a “Drake Lake” crossing to Antarctica. The adventure began with a visit to Barrientos Island where we encountered two species of penguins, gentoo and lively chinstrap penguins, offering a charming first glimpse of Antarctica’s wildlife. As the ship relocated over lunch, excitement rippled through the air when orcas were spotted in the distance, an incredible sighting of these apex predators. Afterward, most guests ventured onto Half Moon Island where they marveled at the historic Camara Base, observed majestic elephant seals, and studied whale bones and hardy lichens. The highlight was a close encounter with even more chinstrap penguins. The day ended with the Antarctic snow swirling around us, adding a truly authentic touch to the experience. What adventures will tomorrow bring as the journey continues around the White Continent?
