Today I was able to get off the ship to see wildlife, drive Zodiacs, and go for a dive - three of my favorite reasons for doing this job (four if you count the ice cream cone) which I am sure apart from the dive is what made most of us happy today. Being able to go for a good hike and get so much fresh air hitting you in the face making your cheeks red is a great experience.
First off, we went to Half Moon Island, named because of the island’s half moon shape. The landing was a little tricky, but soon we had everyone ashore and dry to go hiking and visit the chinstrap penguin colonies. An adélie penguin was well spotted by some guests as well. Everyone was back on board by 12, and National Geographic Orion then sailed a short distance away to Yankee Harbour, where we all piled off into the Zodiacs armed with snowballs to pelt at those ashore during a snowball throwing drive-by. Lots of deep snow ashore at this site made it a bit more challenging, but it’s a real Antarctic adventure!
In the evening, we were even given a bonus visit to Whalers Bay in Deception Island – an incredible active volcano that you can sail right into!
