National Geographic Endurance is en route to New Zealand from Argentina, crossing the Southern Ocean around Antarctica. Today we are sailing the Amundsen Sea, named after Capt. Roald Amundsen, the famous Norwegian explorer who was the first to reach the South Pole.

We started our morning with a unique, incredible sighting of a blue whale. It’s just amazing to see the biggest of the whales feeding around Antarctica. From several outside decks, we had some great views to the largest animal that has ever lived on our planet.

During the afternoon, we sailed amongst magnificent icebergs. Some were incredibly big. The number of seals all over the ice was impressive, especially crabeater seals, the most plentiful of them all. We also saw humpbacks and even had good views of minke whales.

Smooth seas, beautiful icebergs, many birds, whales, and seals all around. This was a great day at sea!