Winds and the swell on our first expedition day helped us realize what it might have been like for sailors facing the Drake Passage in previous centuries. Sailing comfortably aboard National Geographic Explorer, guests were delighted by the first lectures that helped them start identifying the seabirds around us. Precisely, the good thing about the Drake Passage is the joy of the birders as the black-browed albatrosses glided and danced around us!
2/13/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
At Sea towards Marguerite Bay
Our second sea day towards Marguerite Bay, south of Adelaide Island, was filled with content. The Global Explorer Program had a tour of the bridge which ended with one of our young explorers at the helm! Several presentations from the staff were provided to help prepare us for the experience that lies ahead, including plenty of whales, penguins, and ice! Fittingly during the whale presentation, some spouts were spotted not too far from the vessel. Fin and humpback whales were identified. Expedition Leader Russ held a mandatory meeting where we learned about code of conduct as we are now entering the realm of Antarctica. Then the vacuum party ensued. The importance of keeping alien species out of Antarctica is getting more and more important. After the recap, briefing, and dinner we were anxious to rest before the big day of arrival! There was just one more thing on the agenda…the crossing of the Antarctic Circle! We met for a toast on deck eight to celebrate having made it further south in the Antarctic than we had ever anticipated.