Following a spectacular afterdinner visit to Paradise Bay last night, the Caledonian Star continued with her push south. First thing this morning we cruised through the dramatic Lemaire Channel and entered Penola Strait, where we found a tiny archipelago called the Yalour Islands. Here the Caledonian Star reached her most southerly point of the voyage at 65 degrees 14 minutes south latitude.

Glorious conditions prevailed as we got into the Zodiacs and set off for an exploratory cruise of the Yalours. The scene was simply spectacular. The islands were surrounded by an amazing labyrinth of icebergs of all shapes and sizes, and the sun shone on the mountains of the Antarctic Peninsula only two miles away, providing a breathtaking backdrop. As we explored the islands and ice, Adelie penguins, Antarctic terns, skuas and the occasional crabeater seal watched us go by.

The most exciting encounter was with a leopard seal (Hydrurga leptonyx), a relatively rare, solitary animal, and one of Antarctica's top predators. Orcas are their only natural enemy. Females are slightly larger than males, averaging 11 ft. 6 in. long, and a weight of around 800 lbs. Built for speed, these animals are masters at catching and devouring penguins. As opportunistic feeders, they also feed on krill, fish and other seals, particularly young crabeaters. Today's picture show's the distinctive, almost reptilian profile of this remarkable creature. An encounter with a leopard seal is always a rare treat and an exciting highlight.