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.
1/19/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
The Drake Passage
As we navigated north across the Drake Passage, conditions gradually improved and blue petrels and black-browed albatrosses graced our journey as visitors. John Pailthorpe delivered a captivating retelling of Shackleton's attempted crossing of the Antarctic continent, recounting the trials faced by those rugged men who cared little for comfort yet had a penchant for taking mortal risks. Following him, National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins shared some of the many future exploration options available to our guests through National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. As we approached Tierra del Fuego, the seas calmed. Although the skies remained overcast, wildlife became increasingly abundant as we neared the entrance to the Beagle Channel. Captain Martin presented a fascinating overview of the construction of MV National Geographic Resolution and her impressive capabilities. As we entered the channel, we were greeted by hourglass and dusky dolphins while enjoying empanadas for teatime. Once we entered the Beagle, sailing was smooth all the way to Ushuaia.
