We passed through the Lemaire Channel twice today. The first time was early in the morning when guests were just waking up, and then again during cocktail hour and recap, when we took a break to observe the beautiful scenery. Port Charcot is on the other side of the channel. We had a chance to visit Booth Island, which separates two iceberg-packed coves. Several colonies of gentoo penguins live on the island. Some guests opted for Zodiac cruises amongst the immense and prolific icebergs in the bay. We spent the afternoon a short distance away at Petermann Island, where we visited more colonies of gentoos mixed in with a few chinstrap and Adelie penguins as well.
2/4/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
Red Rock Ridge and Horseshoe Island
We awoke to an astonishing view of Marguerite Bay as we slowly cruised between icebergs and humpback whales towards our first excursion. Our first day landing on the Antarctic Continent at Red Rock Ridge was nothing short of breathtaking. The day unfolded like a dream, starting with a beautiful visit to an Adélie penguin colony. These charming, resilient birds captivated us as they waddled across the rocky terrain along with their downy chicks. From there, we went in our Zodiacs to explore the surrounding waters. Gliding between towering icebergs, we watched seals, their serene presence a striking contrast to the dramatic Antarctic backdrop. The glassy waters reflected the surreal landscape, making every moment on the Zodiac feel like stepping into a postcard. Our adventure continued on Horseshoe Island where we embarked on a hike that revealed stunning views of the snow-clad peaks and historical remnants from past expeditions. The air was crisp and invigorating as we followed in the footsteps of explorers who had once relied on these very outposts. Each step brought us closer to the stories of human resilience and the untouched beauty of this icy frontier. By the end of the day, as we stood together overlooking the glacial expanse, we felt an incredible connection to this otherworldly place. Antarctica has already imprinted itself and we can’t wait to see what lies ahead.
