Falkland Islands and At Sea
Wildlife on Barren Island … Island hospitality on George Island … and undersea exploration…
While the guests of the MS Endeavour enjoyed the wide variety of wildlife on Barren Island, and a little Falkland Island hospitality at the settlement on George Island, the undersea specialist and his dive buddies took the opportunity to plunge into this fabulous underwater environment.
After spending the last 3 months diving in the 28 degree Fahrenheit water of Antarctica, the Falklands Island 45 degree water seems absolutely tropical. The dive area here is much like the area off of Monterey California. Vast areas of kelp forest surround many of the islands here in the Falklands, creating a rich and diverse habitat for many creatures. In this temperate area, the underwater environment is rich and alive with animals at the very surface, all the way to the holdfast of the kelp. There are several types of crabs living here. The feisty spider crab hangs on the kelp fronds filter-feeding or he can be found walking nonchalantly along the bottom, turning to face any unwelcome visitor with his front claws raised for battle. The Falkland Islands rock crab is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The hermit crab carries his house on his back, and in addition many were also dragging another house along with them; carrying their mates around until they felt the time was right.
There are huge neudibranchs here feeding off the sponges; their gleaming white bodies a stark contrast to the brown and green of the kelp. Sponges and sea stars are in abundance here, colored in blues, oranges, yellows, and purples; they make quite an underwater rainbow.
Leaving the bottom and heading up the tall kelp stipes, the diversity does not end. On many of the kelp fronds baby clams have made their home, filter feeding and waiting until maturity takes hold. There are also anemones that look like small flowers sitting on the kelp.
Later the same day – a second dive … with sea lions!
The biggest treat of the day was on our second dive. A pair of sea lions came to greet us in the kelp. Curious yet shy these mammals swim gracefully amongst the kelp, feeding on the wide variety of fish and lobster krill that are found in the Falkland Islands. The female moved quickly passing us, quite close at times, trying to get a better look at us, the strangely clad visitors. The male stayed in the background as a silent watcher, surveying us at a distance.
It is truly a wonder to be able to see these underwater creatures, and their amazing habitat. The guests onboard the MS Endeavour can get the best of both worlds. They are able to experience the terra firma side first hand at each expedition stop. And thanks to our undersea specialist, all onboard can also live the underwater experience vicariously.
Stay tuned … what will tomorrow hold?
Wildlife on Barren Island … Island hospitality on George Island … and undersea exploration…
While the guests of the MS Endeavour enjoyed the wide variety of wildlife on Barren Island, and a little Falkland Island hospitality at the settlement on George Island, the undersea specialist and his dive buddies took the opportunity to plunge into this fabulous underwater environment.
After spending the last 3 months diving in the 28 degree Fahrenheit water of Antarctica, the Falklands Island 45 degree water seems absolutely tropical. The dive area here is much like the area off of Monterey California. Vast areas of kelp forest surround many of the islands here in the Falklands, creating a rich and diverse habitat for many creatures. In this temperate area, the underwater environment is rich and alive with animals at the very surface, all the way to the holdfast of the kelp. There are several types of crabs living here. The feisty spider crab hangs on the kelp fronds filter-feeding or he can be found walking nonchalantly along the bottom, turning to face any unwelcome visitor with his front claws raised for battle. The Falkland Islands rock crab is enough to make anyone’s mouth water. The hermit crab carries his house on his back, and in addition many were also dragging another house along with them; carrying their mates around until they felt the time was right.
There are huge neudibranchs here feeding off the sponges; their gleaming white bodies a stark contrast to the brown and green of the kelp. Sponges and sea stars are in abundance here, colored in blues, oranges, yellows, and purples; they make quite an underwater rainbow.
Leaving the bottom and heading up the tall kelp stipes, the diversity does not end. On many of the kelp fronds baby clams have made their home, filter feeding and waiting until maturity takes hold. There are also anemones that look like small flowers sitting on the kelp.
Later the same day – a second dive … with sea lions!
The biggest treat of the day was on our second dive. A pair of sea lions came to greet us in the kelp. Curious yet shy these mammals swim gracefully amongst the kelp, feeding on the wide variety of fish and lobster krill that are found in the Falkland Islands. The female moved quickly passing us, quite close at times, trying to get a better look at us, the strangely clad visitors. The male stayed in the background as a silent watcher, surveying us at a distance.
It is truly a wonder to be able to see these underwater creatures, and their amazing habitat. The guests onboard the MS Endeavour can get the best of both worlds. They are able to experience the terra firma side first hand at each expedition stop. And thanks to our undersea specialist, all onboard can also live the underwater experience vicariously.
Stay tuned … what will tomorrow hold?
