After an incredible couple of days in the Weddell Sea, National Geographic Resolution made her way north and west along the Antarctic Peninsula. Stopping briefly at Cierva Cove for some whale watching, we continued to the Gerlache Strait and then to Brabant Island. Here we launched our fleet of Zodiacs amongst the ice and proceeded to look for wildlife on the floes. A couple of leopard seals lounged sleeping on ice, but the discovery of the day was humpback whales sub-surface feeding in groups of two and three! Time and again the whales would utilize bubbles from their blowholes to circle their prey, probably Antarctic krill, then lunge through the krill with mouths wide open. The table was set, and the whales feasted again and again on their prey! We simple shut down the Zodiacs and watched as the whales ate their fill! Truly an incredible sight to behold in the calm waters of Brabant Island.
1/19/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
The Drake Passage
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.
