Drake Passage
Guests aboard the National Geographic Explorer awoke to beautiful sunshine streaming across large swells in the Drake Passage on their way to the Antarctic Peninsula. A 30-knot wind has slowed considerably, leaving the swells behind. After breakfast, everyone enjoyed exploring the ship and visiting the bridge to see the ship’s navigation first hand.
Southern giant petrels glided thru the air at the back of the ship, swooping low over the water in a wondrous ballet while a wandering albatross would occasionally make its appearance. Much lighter in color and with a wingspan of nearly eleven feet, this large avian would at times ride the wind alongside the ship. Cape petrels also made their appearance, darting from side to side at the stern in a ballet of movement.
Guests enjoyed introductions to the naturalist staff in the morning, followed by presentations on photography in Antarctica and seabirds, followed by a session with binoculars at the stern of the ship as they prepared for the next day – where they will first go ashore in the South Shetland Islands.
Expectations for the days ahead are high!
