For the past thirty-six hours, the bridge team of National Geographic Explorer navigated the Drake Passage from Ushuaia, Argentina to Barrientos Island in the South Shetland Island group off the northwest tip of the Antarctic Peninsula. We spent our morning learning about seabirds and glaciers on board, and in the afternoon, we made our first landing of the trip and finally set foot in Antarctica! Our guests were filled with delight as most saw their very first penguin colonies! The island is home to chinstrap and gentoo penguins, both of which had chicks, as well as southern giant petrels, skuas, snowy sheathbills, and other birdlife. We even had a beautiful sunset at the end of the day as we sailed away from the island after Captain’s Welcome Dinner. What a fantastic and unforgettable day!
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.
