Christmas day in Antarctica was definitely not a disappointment. The morning started with a landing at Mikkelsen harbor to visit a small island teeming with nesting Gentoo penguins and an unlikely welcome visit of elephant seals relaxing in the middle of the colony! As well as the landing we were able to take advantage of a kayak around the bay enjoying flat calm seas and crystal clear waters allowing us to see the seabed several meters below. After this we departed for Cierva Cove. As had become tradition our initial plans were scrapped when we discovered a pod of type A Orcas, the top Antarctic predator and largest Orca species in the world! One particular orca was incredibly inquisitive and was seen for around 10 minutes swimming by and rolling under the bow of the ship. We were eventually back on track and arrived at Cierva Cove in time for a spectacular ships cruise to a large glacier and zodiac cruise to wildlife and icebergs.
2/20/2024
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Cape Horn and Beagle Channel
The huge distances we have covered on this journey meant that our last full day was spent almost completely at sea on our return leg from Antarctica. After a merciful lie-in, we crowded the decks as we sailed past Cape Horn, the majestic headland at the bottom tip of Hornos Island, the southernmost point of Tierra del Fuego and the entire South American continent. Despite its fearsome reputation, pleasant seas allowed for an enjoyable brunch before we plunged into our presentation schedule for the morning and afternoon. Naturalist Gail Ashton related her experience of living on the Antarctica continent for 18 months, Jonny Reid discussed marine mammal acoustics and the underwater soundscapes of this region, and Jess Farrer explained how the study of whale and seal poop can tell us so much about these animals. As we entered the Beagle Channel, the stunning mountains of Tierra del Fuego lined our passage to Ushuaia. Gathering in the Ice Lounge for the captain’s farewell party, we toasted a hugely enjoyable trip and the new friends we have made.
