This morning the guests of National Geographic Explorer woke up to the optimistic, but wisely cautious headline on the daily program: “Possibly Pleasant Drake Passage.” Crossing the Drake Passage, a notorious section of the Atlantic Ocean, is the price that one has to pay in order to enter the wonderland of Antarctica’s spectacular beauty. Fortunately, we experienced a pleasant and almost lake-like Drake sea state. We used the day at sea to sort our photos, catch up on our travel journals and enjoy sights of all the amazing seabirds, such as the wandering albatross, who make their home in the Drake Passage. We also attended fascinating presentations from the talented naturalists and reflected on all the amazing experiences we had in Antarctica.
2/28/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
Northbound Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Beagle Channel
This morning, we had a later start than usual after a late night enjoying the crew show. Our galley team gifted us with a fulfilling brunch. We then had a brilliant forum about climate change with the participation of our panel of experts onboard. Afterward, our expedition leader called us to the bow to see Cape Horn, which was only a few miles ahead. The good weather allowed us to have a smooth and fast crossing, allowing extra time to swing by Cape Horn, the most southern tip of the Americas. Over the PA system, Steven provided a very interesting description of the historical importance of this area, then Pablo read a beautiful poem, a memorial to the seaman lost at sea. We could see the monument in the distance, two metal sheets that depict an albatross in flight. During the afternoon, we enjoyed Madalena’s presentation about Women in Antarctica. This was an incredible voyage through the struggles and delays of allowing women to participate in science and logistics in Antarctica. We entered the Beagle Channel around 17:00 and we encountered black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and whales. On our final approach to the beautiful city of Ushuaia, we passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and some of the seals that live in the Bridges Islands Archipelago.
