The Drake Passage, 12/18/2021, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
Today we’ve been bobbing around the Drake Passage making our way north. It has been a better than average crossing, and most people are enjoying our time on the ship, listening to engaging presentations, and taking advantage of our lavish life at sea.
Jeff Litton is a dedicated advocate for our planet, igniting a passion within people to cherish our Earth. His circuitous journey involves leading individuals into the untamed wilderness, where he unveils the hidden splendor of the natural world. Jef...
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Chasing sunshine, we remained in the Weddell Sea overnight and were rewarded by a calm and beautiful day in Croft Bay on James Ross Island. Numerous activities took place, including a Zodiac cruise, kayaking, and a long walk on the island. A highlight of any Antarctic trip is the polar plunge, and many guests took the leap into icy waters. After lunch we cruised in Zodiacs below the amazing waterfalls of Vega Island.
Finally, Antarctica! After two days spent crossing the Drake Passage, we reached our destination. Early this morning, with sunlight illuminating glaciated peaks, we woke to the sight of a pod of orcas—a remarkable welcome under perfect weather conditions. Shortly after, Zodiacs navigated through icebergs to Pourquoi Pas Island, where we observed Adelie penguin colonies and hiked along the moraine for stunning glacier views. Calm seas and ideal conditions continued into the afternoon, allowing us to kayak through a glacier-lined bay. We paddled among seals and penguins resting on icebergs, creating unforgettable memories. The day ended with eighty-two adventurous guests taking the Antarctic Polar Plunge, earning well-deserved patches in waters colder than the freezing point of freshwater. Ended? Well, not quite. South of the Antarctic Circle, where the sun neither rises nor sets near the solstice, guests continued to enjoy the ship and the views. As National Geographic Endurance continued southward through the pack ice, some guests took in the view from the Bridge or outside decks, while others contemplated it from the sauna or the hot tubs. It was an ideal end to an extraordinary day.
Ahoy from the Drake! This is day two of our crossing of the Drake Passage. All are in good spirits as crossing the Drake is part of the experience of journeying to Antarctica. By afternoon, the seas calmed to a gentle roll. It was quite pleasant. Guests were briefed on a myriad of subjects from Zodiac safety to biosecurity protocols. We are headed to visit the most pristine and untouched wilderness on the planet. Protecting this place is at the top of everyone’s list. Guests enjoyed educational talks by a few of our expert staff members. Vigilant guests spotted a few humpback whales and over five wandering albatrosses! We closed the day by crossing into the Antarctic Circle, a dream come true for many guests on board National Geographic Endurance . Tomorrow will be our first opportunity to land in Antarctica. The excitement is palpable.
