Orne Harbor and Chiriguano Bay, 11/29/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
Today was a wonderful day. We went to visit the colony of chinstrap penguins in Orne Harbor, a mainland landing with stunning views. We enjoyed the morning there, and after lunch we headed to the protected Chiriguano Bay where we had the option of kayaking or Zodiac cruising.
We ended this amazing day with the classic polar plunge, and we celebrated it later all together in the lounge!
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
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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!
Antarctica continues to amaze aboard National Geographic Explorer. This morning, we made a landing at Damoy Point, where the highlight was a tour of the historic Damoy Hut, originally used as a way station for British Antarctic Survey researchers in transit to stations further south. Stepping inside felt like traveling back in time. The hut, remarkably preserved, gave us a glimpse into the resilience of those who once braved this frozen frontier. Staff Historian Pelin Asfuroglu painted vivid pictures of life as a 20th century explorer, adding depth to our understanding of Antarctic history and geopolitics. Outside, a colony of gentoo penguins entertained us while we admired the stunning snowy landscape. The contrast between the rich history of the hut and the vibrant life around it made for a truly special experience. In the afternoon, we cruised through the icebergs and towering cliffs of the Neumayer Channel. Strong winds and heavy snowfall obscured some of the landscape but also provided a contrast to the conditions we had yesterday, showing us the dramatic range of conditions that are possible at this latitude.
Today on National Geographic Explorer , around 90 brave souls took the polar plunge, jumping into freezing water with icebergs floating nearby in Charlotte’s Bay. Charlotte’s Bay is rich in marine life and humpback whales were seen all around the ship as we kayaked and Zodiac cruised. In the afternoon, we took our first steps on the Antarctic continent at Portal Point. We even had our first sighting of Adelie penguins! In the evening, light streamed through the clouds creating a beautiful landscape and illuminating the flukes of humpback whales as we cruised through the area. We could not have asked for a more spectacular day along the peninsula.
