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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Today, we experienced an exceptionally calm crossing of the Drake Passage. The glassy seas and gentle swells provided perfect conditions for both learning and wildlife viewing. Throughout the day, guests engaged in enriching programs covering topics such as Antarctic history, the unique ecosystem of the Southern Ocean, and expert-led photography sessions. These presentations deepened our appreciation for the region and prepared us for the incredible sights ahead. Nature provided a spectacular show as well. Numerous fin whales surfaced around the ship, their sleek bodies slicing through the calm waters. The highlight of the day came when we spotted the distant yet unmistakable presence of a blue whale—the largest animal on the planet. Even from afar, this rare sighting left everyone in awe, a reminder of the Southern Ocean’s vastness and the incredible marine life it supports. With smooth seas and inspiring wildlife encounters, our journey south is off to an unforgettable start. Excitement builds as we draw closer to Antarctica, eager for the adventures that await.
Our first full day on National Geographic Endurance was spent in the Drake Passage, which was decidedly calm. Just a light breeze and a low, mellow swell made for good sea-watching conditions. Seabird abundance was low, although the species richness was relatively high, with 17 species seen. The highlight of the day, in addition to Captain Aaron Wood’s welcome reception, was a pod of four hourglass dolphins.
As we navigated north across the Drake Passage, conditions gradually improved and blue petrels and black-browed albatrosses graced our journey as visitors. John Pailthorpe delivered a captivating retelling of Shackleton's attempted crossing of the Antarctic continent, recounting the trials faced by those rugged men who cared little for comfort yet had a penchant for taking mortal risks. Following him, National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins shared some of the many future exploration options available to our guests through National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. As we approached Tierra del Fuego, the seas calmed. Although the skies remained overcast, wildlife became increasingly abundant as we neared the entrance to the Beagle Channel. Captain Martin presented a fascinating overview of the construction of MV National Geographic Resolution and her impressive capabilities. As we entered the channel, we were greeted by hourglass and dusky dolphins while enjoying empanadas for teatime. Once we entered the Beagle, sailing was smooth all the way to Ushuaia.
