We awoke to the low-looming shape of Deception Island off our bow. This active volcano last erupted a half-century ago, taking out some of the local research stations.
The island is ring-shaped, and we sailed into the caldera through the only gap. We landed on the steaming beach at Whaler’s Bay. An incredible three quarters of our guests had signed up for the long hike - such keeners!
Non-hikers explored the historic remains of the whaling station, which was active here a century ago. Our group first hiked up to Neptune’s Window, a low gap in the caldera rim where we could look out to open sea and in to survey the caldera. From there, we descended back to the beach then up a steep and loose trail to ascend Ronald Hill. From its summit, we had views back down to the beach and to our lovely ship, National Geographic Explorer.
After lunch, the bridge team routed us close to some massive tabular icebergs, so very different from the bergs we have been seeing near the peninsula. It was fantastic to see the bridge so crowded with guests, all keen to absorb every experience of this amazing voyage!
