We spent our third day aboard National Geographic Explorer amongst a colony of Adelie and chinstrap penguins on Paulet Island. The penguins were nesting, and we noticed the slightly more serene atmosphere compared to yesterday’s gentoo colony. That’s not to say there wasn’t some rambunctious activity as penguins defended their nests from each other, and villainous snowy sheathbills and brown skuas tried to steal penguin eggs. Of course, though villains they may be to penguins, the skuas and sheathbills must also earn a living and battle this inhospitable environment. A bird has to eat. Guests enjoyed a Zodiac cruise amongst icebergs and even spotted a Weddell seal on shore. Paulet Island was not the day’s only destination. As National Geographic Explorer cruised towards Snow Hill, a known emperor penguin colony was in our sight. Guests were rewarded as we found a lone emperor on an iceberg.
2/28/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Northbound Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Beagle Channel
This morning, we had a later start than usual after a late night enjoying the crew show. Our galley team gifted us with a fulfilling brunch. We then had a brilliant forum about climate change with the participation of our panel of experts onboard. Afterward, our expedition leader called us to the bow to see Cape Horn, which was only a few miles ahead. The good weather allowed us to have a smooth and fast crossing, allowing extra time to swing by Cape Horn, the most southern tip of the Americas. Over the PA system, Steven provided a very interesting description of the historical importance of this area, then Pablo read a beautiful poem, a memorial to the seaman lost at sea. We could see the monument in the distance, two metal sheets that depict an albatross in flight. During the afternoon, we enjoyed Madalena’s presentation about Women in Antarctica. This was an incredible voyage through the struggles and delays of allowing women to participate in science and logistics in Antarctica. We entered the Beagle Channel around 17:00 and we encountered black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and whales. On our final approach to the beautiful city of Ushuaia, we passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and some of the seals that live in the Bridges Islands Archipelago.
