Today was a beautifully sunny and windy day as we crossed the Drake Passage on National Geographic Explorer. We had perfect conditions for watching seabirds, including albatrosses, shearwaters, and petrels. We had an opportunity to learn more about Antarctica during presentations and then finally, after lunch, we spotted land on the tip of South America. The seas calmed as we entered the Beagle Channel, and we enjoyed the views as we sailed into Ushuaia. The captain’s farewell cocktail hour was a wonderful cap to the trip, along with the guest slideshow. It was an amazing last day on board and an absolutely incredible trip to the White Continent.
2/28/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Northbound Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Beagle Channel
This morning, we had a later start than usual after a late night enjoying the crew show. Our galley team gifted us with a fulfilling brunch. We then had a brilliant forum about climate change with the participation of our panel of experts onboard. Afterward, our expedition leader called us to the bow to see Cape Horn, which was only a few miles ahead. The good weather allowed us to have a smooth and fast crossing, allowing extra time to swing by Cape Horn, the most southern tip of the Americas. Over the PA system, Steven provided a very interesting description of the historical importance of this area, then Pablo read a beautiful poem, a memorial to the seaman lost at sea. We could see the monument in the distance, two metal sheets that depict an albatross in flight. During the afternoon, we enjoyed Madalena’s presentation about Women in Antarctica. This was an incredible voyage through the struggles and delays of allowing women to participate in science and logistics in Antarctica. We entered the Beagle Channel around 17:00 and we encountered black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and whales. On our final approach to the beautiful city of Ushuaia, we passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and some of the seals that live in the Bridges Islands Archipelago.
