Today we woke up in the northeastern part of the South Shetland Islands. Already by 5:50 our expedition leader Russ called for another exciting day of exploration. Dense fog surrounded the National Geographic Explorer making her appear like a ghost ship, anchored just south of Gibbs Island. Thanks to excellent guiding from the Bridge, the Zodiac drivers successfully navigated the early risers through the mist, towards a large colony of chinstrap penguins in a bay near the eastern end of the island. In the late morning National Geographic photographer Susan Seubert gave a fascinating presentation “On Assignment with National Geographic”. She shared a number of spectacular photos from many corners of the world. The afternoon visit to Point Wild on Elephant Island, framed by stunning scenery and an abundance of wildlife marked the end of the true Antarctic part of this fabulous itinerary. We will now set course for new adventures on the sub-Antarctic island of South Georgia.
2/28/2025
Read
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.
