Blue skies, relatively calm seas, and an abundance of seabirds beckoned us on deck today as we steamed due south towards the western Antarctic Peninsula. It was surprising to see our first iceberg before entering the cold seas of the Southern Ocean. The towering berg partially collapsed before our eyes, creating a huge splash as we watched seabirds from the aft deck. Several brief snow showers descended on us as we approached the colder waters of the Southern Ocean at around 60 degrees south; the sea temperature dropped from 4.5 to 2 degrees Celsius. Now we are truly in the Southern Ocean! From Naturalist Doug Gualtieri, we learned about the seabirds that call this unforgiving environment their home. It was superb to be graced by the very species that he was talking about. Our species tally for the day was ten petrel and five albatross species.
2/3/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
The Drake Passage
Today, we experienced an exceptionally calm crossing of the Drake Passage. The glassy seas and gentle swells provided perfect conditions for both learning and wildlife viewing. Throughout the day, guests engaged in enriching programs covering topics such as Antarctic history, the unique ecosystem of the Southern Ocean, and expert-led photography sessions. These presentations deepened our appreciation for the region and prepared us for the incredible sights ahead. Nature provided a spectacular show as well. Numerous fin whales surfaced around the ship, their sleek bodies slicing through the calm waters. The highlight of the day came when we spotted the distant yet unmistakable presence of a blue whale—the largest animal on the planet. Even from afar, this rare sighting left everyone in awe, a reminder of the Southern Ocean’s vastness and the incredible marine life it supports. With smooth seas and inspiring wildlife encounters, our journey south is off to an unforgettable start. Excitement builds as we draw closer to Antarctica, eager for the adventures that await.
