The day began with an early wakeup call for an incredible sighting of type B killer whales while the ship transited to our first stop at Tay Head on Joinville Island. The morning sent us ashore for a visit to an incredible Adelie penguin colony and a beautiful hike with views of the island. After lunch, a blue whale was spotted while transiting to Paulette Island before disappearing amongst the ice. Zodiac cruises allowed us to explore bergs floating in front of another Adelie penguin colony, and guests were treated to hot chocolate served by the hotel team via Zodiac. After dinner, a rarely seen emperor penguin chick was spotted on the ice as the ship transited further south into the Weddell Sea, bringing the penguin species observed during our trip to eight!
1/27/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
Cape Bird and Devil Island, Weddell Sea, Antarctica
Like all good days of exploration, our morning started well before breakfast with a sighting of B2 killer whales, followed by a change of plans due to ice conditions at our desired landing. Quickly pivoting, the staff team scouted a new-to-Lindblad hiking location at Cape Bird, the southernmost point of the Tabarin Peninsula. Excited for an official continental landing, we meandered over black and red volcanic debris to reach the edge of a glacier and examined small marine creatures stranded on the beach by the last high tide. Snow flurries and wind picked up mid-day and reduced visibility, only making our Zodiac cruises around Devil Island more magical. Grounded pieces of sea and glacial ice created a sculpture garden to explore. Smells and sounds of the Adelie colony carried far from shore, and we delighted in watching penguins leap onto and dive off the icebergs. Multiple members of the National Geographic Endurance crew and staff previously worked at research stations on Antarctica, so this evening they shared stories and photos, deepening our appreciation of life on the continent.
