Astrolabe Island and Lindblad Cove, 1/22/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
Our morning was a true expedition morning, enjoying the wild waters and abundant wildlife of Astrolabe Island. We viewed Weddell seals from land and from the water as well as raucous chinstrap penguins in their rugged, scattered colonies.
Our afternoon consisted of an intimate exploration of Lindblad Cove via the ship’s fleet of kayaks and Zodiacs.
We finished the day with an energetic polar plunge among drifting icebergs and brash ice.
Justin started working on expedition ships in 2008 after realizing that his new career in scientific illustration meant too much time inside. He has since worked aboard expedition vessels in numerous countries and filmed wildlife for major production...
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National Geographic Endurance woke up to heavy snow and tabular icebergs this morning. Everyone gathered on the Bridge and in observation areas to count down to our crossing of the Antarctic Circle. Past this parallel of latitude, the sun does not set near solstice. Captain Oliver Kruess and Expedition Leader Dan Olsen plotted a course to Detaille Island, 20 miles south of the circle. This is the site of the British Antarctic Survey Base W. Established in 1956 and used throughout the International Geophysical Year, the base was hastily abandoned in 1959, leaving behind a true time capsule. Trekking from our landing site through drifted snow, we were treated to a rare glimpse of life in an Antarctic base 65 years ago. Our departure from Detaille took us through close, wind-driven pack ice, highlighted by brief glimpses of the surrounding mountains through shifting fog.
After the magic of yesterday's White Christmas in Antarctica, we woke up excited for the day ahead. The festive snowfall in the South Shetland Islands made it a perfect holiday experience for both kids and adults. Today, gusts of wind up to 50 knots reminded us of how wild the Southern Ocean can be. Because of this, we started the day indoors with two inspiring lectures: one about the fascinating dynamics of the Southern Ocean and another given by our visiting scientists and entitled, “Penguin Research Around Antarctica.” In the afternoon, skilled Captain Oliver and Expedition Leader Dan found a sheltered spot in Paradise Harbour, where we launched the Zodiacs for a real Antarctic adventure. Penguins, glaciers, and the Argentinian base Almirante Brown set the scene for an unforgettable Zodiac cruise, with wind and snow adding to the excitement. Guests came back aboard thrilled and ready for a warm dinner. Just when we thought the day was over, we had one last treat. We sailed through the legendary Lemaire Channel, wrapped in a mysterious fog that made it even more extraordinary. It was the perfect ending to a truly Antarctic day.
Even with the strong winds across the Antarctic Peninsula this morning, we managed to bring the ship into a small area of shelter in Graham Passage for Zodiac cruising, and then we returned to our comfortable ship as the winds continued. In the afternoon, the wind died down and a pod of killer whales was spotted. Conditions were perfect for photographing them against the beautiful mountain backdrop.
