We sailed toward Booth Island and reached our expedition destination, Port Charcot. This is the location where the first French expedition led by Jean-Baptiste Charcot wintered in 1904 aboard Le Français. Today the conditions were perfect, and upon landing we hiked up to the 120-year-old cairn left by the members of this extraordinary French expedition and marvelled at the panoramic views from the top. We also lowered our Zodiacs into the water for a wonderful cruise exploring the magnificent iceberg graveyard in the waters around Booth Island and in the bay near Pléneau Island. We were more than happy to see the sunshine and blue skies unveiling the magnificent towering peaks and steep glacial cliffs, offering some of the most scenic views of our voyage.
12/30/2024
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National Geographic Resolution
Drake Passage and Beagle Channel
We completed a mild Drake Passage crossing today at the end of our incredible expedition to Antarctica, enjoying sightings of albatrosses, hourglass dolphins, sei whales, sea lions, penguins and seabirds on approach to South America. We enjoyed onboard presentations on a changing Antarctic Peninsula, historical perspectives on Antarctica, on assignment with our National Geographic photographer, and the results of an ice sculpture photography contest. Guests enjoyed the milder air temperatures and sightings from the decks as we approached civilization again after a week of incredible experiences among polar wildlife and icy scenery along the Antarctic Peninsula. “My heart is full,” was a memorable quote from one of our travelers after one such experience. We celebrated our voyage with the viewing of the guest slideshow, Captain Martin’s cocktail party, and a farewell dinner, as we boarded a local navigation pilot to lead National Geographic Resolution down the famous Beagle Channel into Ushuaia, Argentina, to end our remarkable expedition among penguins, whales and ice.
