Red Rock Ridge, 12/3/2022, National Geographic Endurance
Aboard the
National Geographic Endurance
Antarctica
Last night at midnight, we crossed the Antarctic Circle at 66°33’S, and today we landed on the continent! In the morning, we visited an Adelie penguin colony at Red Rock Ridge, and in the afternoon, we explored Stonington Island by kayak and Zodiac.
Stefano is originally from Italy and nature has always been the greatest of his passions. Spending time outdoors is his daily priority with a special devotion rock climbing during summer, accompanied by ski and snowboarding during winter.
It was our last day on the ocean and National Geographic Endurance pushed through the waves of the Drake Passage with ease. Giant petrels, black-browed and wandering albatrosses joined us as we headed for Cape Horn and into the Beagle Channel. Captain Aaron Wood bid us farewell as we enjoyed one last evening in the Ice Lounge.
As we sail north across the Drake Passage, we bid farewell to Antarctica, still awed by its icy grandeur. Though leaving the White Continent is never easy, the energy on board remains high, with guests immersing themselves in shipboard activities—attending presentations, scanning the horizon for seabirds and whales, pampering in the Sanctuary, and reflecting on unforgettable moments. The open bridge invites curious minds to chat with officers and naturalists or simply take in the vast seascape. And while our expedition winds down, the comforts of National Geographic Endurance offer a welcome chance to unwind after multiple long days of exploration.
Today was an incredible day of exploration and wildlife encounters. The morning took us to the Berthelot Islands where we observed gentoo penguins up close and spotted both humpback and minke whales. Some adventurers took to the water in kayaks, paddling among the ice and marine life. In the afternoon, we arrived at Booth Island where we landed at a gentoo penguin colony. The wildlife sightings continued, with more humpback whales making an appearance and a thrilling encounter with leopard seals. As the day wound down, we sailed through the breathtaking Lemaire Channel in the early evening, surrounded by towering cliffs and pristine ice formations. It was a truly unforgettable day in Antarctica.
