National Geographic Explorer set sail this morning for a full day of operations in true expedition style. On our way to Mikkelsen Harbour, the site of our first hike of the day, guests enjoyed spotting wildlife from the bridge, including humpback whales.
Mikkelsen Harbour is a small bay that was historically used by sealing vessels in the early eighteen hundreds, followed by Norwegian whaling vessels. Onshore, remnants of the whaling era were ubiquitous along the beach, which was full of whale vertebrae, jaw bones in particular. Between groups of bones, guests spotted a young elephant seal contently resting on the beach. Venturing further ashore there were chinstrap penguin highways and colonies in every direction, and on the way back to the ship, Zodiacs got the opportunity to observe a leopard seal resting on ice.
This afternoon, conditions were favorable for a Zodiac cruise around Cierva Cove, the location of the Primavera Base. This area is teaming with life nestled between towering icebergs. Zodiac cruises encountered feeding humpback whales, chinstrap and gentoo penguins porpoising around the boat, and Antarctic terns flying overhead.
