Today was filled with the Antarctic trifecta of ice, penguins, and scenery. An adventurous morning at the tip of the Antarctic Peninsula allowed us to explore Brown Bluff from shore and by Zodiac. Countless Adelie and gentoo penguins paraded by on their busy day to day activities going to and from the water. By Zodiac, we enjoyed a fantastic cruise along the expanse of the penguin colony and what felt like a never-ending glacier face. The weather conditions continued in a dynamic fashion, with clouds parting to expose the dramatic geology of this region. As we made our way around Antarctic Sound in the afternoon towards the western Antarctic Peninsula, we enjoyed stories of Ancient Antarctica and Antarctic krill presented by our natural history staff team, making occasional detours to view and photograph spectacular icebergs.
11/27/2023
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National Geographic Explorer
Drake Passage
We woke this morning on National Geographic Explorer to the gentle rocking of the ship as we made our way through the Drake Passage. This body of water below South America has incredibly variable weather and is home to beautiful whales and elegant seabirds. Our team of expert naturalists provided a series of captivating presentations, enriching our understanding of the Southern Ocean's unique ecosystems, wildlife, and history. Our National Geographic experts taught us how to streamline our photo processing workflow. We also learned about marine archaeology in cold waters, the historic race to the South Pole, and the challenging art of navigation in remote regions. During teatime, the bistro bar was abuzz with conversation as people exchanged insights and anecdotes, reflecting on our wonderful journey together. As evening came, we gathered for a recap of the day's highlights in the lounge. The expedition team also shared the upcoming schedule, ensuring that everyone is well prepared for the exciting adventures that await us as we approach Ushuaia.
