We moved northward along the western Antarctic Peninsula and arrived at Neko Harbor in Andvord Bay in the morning. We were surrounded by dark mountains draped in snow and ice. The inexorable tug of gravity slowly sheds the ice into the bay, which is filled with icebergs and their wreckage of brash ice. We watched the expected gentoo penguins darting through the water and clambering ashore to their rocky colonies perched above. But the highlights of the day turned out to be the ice and the marine mammals we were able to observe during our Zodiac tours and from the outer decks of National Geographic Resolution.
1/19/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
Bay of Isles and Right Whale Bay
The day began with high winds as we cruised through the dramatic Bay of Isles. The air was filled with excitement as we observed massive icebergs drifting silently amidst the swells. Thousands of king penguins dotted the shorelines near Salisbury Plain, their vivid colors striking against the muted backdrop of the Southern Ocean. Overhead, the skies were alive with birdlife, from skuas and petrels to albatrosses gliding effortlessly on the wind. In the afternoon, we made a memorable landing at Right Whale Bay. Here, we hiked through tussock grass and along rocky terrain to a vast king penguin colony, where the sights and sounds of their thriving community were unforgettable. Some guests ventured farther to reach a glacier, rewarded with stunning views of its icy expanse. Others lingered near the beach, captivated by fur seal pups as they played and explored the shoreline, offering countless photographic opportunities. As the day drew to a close, the dynamic landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and powerful weather reminded us of South Georgia’s untamed beauty and the privilege of exploring this remote corner of the world.
