Steeple Jason & Carcass Islands, 12/6/2021, National Geographic Endurance
Aboard the
National Geographic Endurance
Antarctica
Wow, what a day here in the Falkland Islands on the National Geographic Endurance. We spent the morning on Steeple Jason Island enjoying close sights of the world’s largest black-browed albatross colony. With approximately 160,000 breeding pairs it was truly a sight to behold. The afternoon was spent on Carcass Island where we were able to spot Magellanic penguins on the beach—our 8th penguin species of the trip—and enjoyed Commerson’s dolphins bow riding on our return to the ship. What a time to be alive.
Brett is a photographer, marine biologist, and educator from California. He is happiest underwater with camera in hand working to inspire marine conservation. He has worked and traveled extensively throughout the Americas, Asia, Oceania, and the Midd...
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The day began as National Geographic Endurance slipped into the scenic Errera Channel. As operations began, the guests could choose from a variety of exciting options including kayaking or heading to land to enjoy a gentoo penguin colony. Some even enjoyed the tranquility of a Zodiac cruise through massive icebergs and feeding humpback whales. In the afternoon, the ship repositioned to Neko Harbor. For the last operation of the trip there was another chance for a continental landing or Zodiac cruises through the brash ice and seals. As the day ended, the ship moved out of the protected waters of the Antarctic Peninsula and began the adventure of the Drake Passage. What a day!
Like all good days of exploration, our morning started well before breakfast with a sighting of B2 killer whales, followed by a change of plans due to ice conditions at our desired landing. Quickly pivoting, the staff team scouted a new-to-Lindblad hiking location at Cape Bird, the southernmost point of the Tabarin Peninsula. Excited for an official continental landing, we meandered over black and red volcanic debris to reach the edge of a glacier and examined small marine creatures stranded on the beach by the last high tide. Snow flurries and wind picked up mid-day and reduced visibility, only making our Zodiac cruises around Devil Island more magical. Grounded pieces of sea and glacial ice created a sculpture garden to explore. Smells and sounds of the Adelie colony carried far from shore, and we delighted in watching penguins leap onto and dive off the icebergs. Multiple members of the National Geographic Endurance crew and staff previously worked at research stations on Antarctica, so this evening they shared stories and photos, deepening our appreciation of life on the continent.
The day began with an early wakeup call for an incredible sighting of type B killer whales while the ship transited to our first stop at Tay Head on Joinville Island. The morning sent us ashore for a visit to an incredible Adelie penguin colony and a beautiful hike with views of the island. After lunch, a blue whale was spotted while transiting to Paulette Island before disappearing amongst the ice. Zodiac cruises allowed us to explore bergs floating in front of another Adelie penguin colony, and guests were treated to hot chocolate served by the hotel team via Zodiac. After dinner, a rarely seen emperor penguin chick was spotted on the ice as the ship transited further south into the Weddell Sea, bringing the penguin species observed during our trip to eight!
