Henderson Island, Pitcairn Group
As we approached Henderson Island in the calm golden sunshine of early morning, we knew today was going to be a great day. The decks were packed as National Geographic Endeavour made her way along the rugged coast of this Makatea island – an uplifted coral atoll, with high cliffs behind the beaches surrounding an impenetrable eroded-limestone interior. Looking aloft, we noticed an escort of frigate birds, gliding just above our heads. It is not surprising that they seemed interested in our vessel, as they do not see many. Only a few ships pass this incredibly remote and uninhabited island each year, and even fewer actually stop to explore the wonders that led to Henderson being designated a UNSESCO world heritage site.
Arriving off the North coast of the island, a scout boat was sent ashore to assess the landing, which can be a challenge even on the calmest days. Those watching the surf crashing on the reef from the bridge were not too surprised when the announcement came that our plans to land were postponed. However, in true expedition style, plan B was put into effect and we set out to see what lay below the waves. As well as snorkeling and scuba diving, our new glass-bottom boat set off on her maiden voyage, allowing everyone a view of the reef through the gin-clear water.
During lunch plans changed once again, as conditions moderated with the incoming tide, allowing those feeling adventurous the chance to make an afternoon landing. It was not a ride for the faint-hearted, as the Zodiacs rode the surf through white-water across the reef and to the beach. Once ashore though, it was well worth it. Strolls along the white-sand beach encountered all four of the island’s endemic land birds, the Henderson fruit dove, reed warbler, rail and lorikeet, as well as masked and brown boobies, frigate birds and red-tailed tropic birds.
Back under the waves, the scuba-divers drifted along a beautiful reef slope at the northeast point of the island. It was an exciting dive, with many gray reef sharks coming to investigate us, as well as several white tip reef sharks. The highlight however, was a huge Napoleon Wrasse, the size of our grand piano, which cruised along the reef ahead of us before retiring for the day into his sleeping cave.
We sailed from Henderson as the sun set, reflecting on what an incredible day this, the first landing of the first voyage of the inaugural South Pacific Season for the National Geographic Endeavour, had been. Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, a thrilling Zodiac landing, birds galore and two scuba dives – not a bad start!
As we approached Henderson Island in the calm golden sunshine of early morning, we knew today was going to be a great day. The decks were packed as National Geographic Endeavour made her way along the rugged coast of this Makatea island – an uplifted coral atoll, with high cliffs behind the beaches surrounding an impenetrable eroded-limestone interior. Looking aloft, we noticed an escort of frigate birds, gliding just above our heads. It is not surprising that they seemed interested in our vessel, as they do not see many. Only a few ships pass this incredibly remote and uninhabited island each year, and even fewer actually stop to explore the wonders that led to Henderson being designated a UNSESCO world heritage site.
Arriving off the North coast of the island, a scout boat was sent ashore to assess the landing, which can be a challenge even on the calmest days. Those watching the surf crashing on the reef from the bridge were not too surprised when the announcement came that our plans to land were postponed. However, in true expedition style, plan B was put into effect and we set out to see what lay below the waves. As well as snorkeling and scuba diving, our new glass-bottom boat set off on her maiden voyage, allowing everyone a view of the reef through the gin-clear water.
During lunch plans changed once again, as conditions moderated with the incoming tide, allowing those feeling adventurous the chance to make an afternoon landing. It was not a ride for the faint-hearted, as the Zodiacs rode the surf through white-water across the reef and to the beach. Once ashore though, it was well worth it. Strolls along the white-sand beach encountered all four of the island’s endemic land birds, the Henderson fruit dove, reed warbler, rail and lorikeet, as well as masked and brown boobies, frigate birds and red-tailed tropic birds.
Back under the waves, the scuba-divers drifted along a beautiful reef slope at the northeast point of the island. It was an exciting dive, with many gray reef sharks coming to investigate us, as well as several white tip reef sharks. The highlight however, was a huge Napoleon Wrasse, the size of our grand piano, which cruised along the reef ahead of us before retiring for the day into his sleeping cave.
We sailed from Henderson as the sun set, reflecting on what an incredible day this, the first landing of the first voyage of the inaugural South Pacific Season for the National Geographic Endeavour, had been. Snorkeling, glass-bottom boat tours, a thrilling Zodiac landing, birds galore and two scuba dives – not a bad start!
