Drake Passage, Southern Ocean
Inclement weather further north up the Antarctic Peninsula and reports of landings cancelled by other ships led our Captain and Expedition Leader to head further south. Our destination is Marguerite Bay which means the National Geographic Explorer will be crossing the Antarctic Circle in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Our ship has kept up a good speed and given us a comfortable journey across the infamous Drake Passage. This stretch of water is considered the ‘entrance fee’ to Antarctica and is notorious for truly foul weather. Thankfully we have been spared the worst that could be thrown at us and throughout the crossing we have been accompanied by a variety of seabirds that are using the winds to their advantage.
On a number of occasions today we were treated to whale sightings. Most of the animals seen were Humpback whales and the first view of them was usually the blow. This is a tall spout of air and water from the blowhole as the whale exhales at the surface and in the right weather conditions this can be seen for miles. Humpback whales, as their name suggests, have a very distinct shape to their back which is more clearly seen as the animal dives. On deeper or steeper dives the whales lift their tail high in the air, using their weight out of the water to assist their descent beneath the waves. These are very well known and popular animals, and it was a good sign for our journey that they are heading south with us to the rich feeding grounds of the Antarctic.
Throughout the day our guests were treated to a number of presentations from our experienced naturalist staff. Richard White started the day off with a worthwhile introduction to the ubiquitous penguin species that are such an attraction on the Peninsula. National Geographic Writer Jon Bowermaster entertained us with tales of exploring the oceans by kayak with photographs that will hopefully inspire our guests to try our kayaks later in the trip. An introduction to the range of seals we may see on our expedition was delivered by seasoned polar veteran Tom Smith and finally Expedition Leader Matt Drennan briefed everyone on Antarctic ‘etiquette’ as established by IAATO [International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators].
Our guests are now well primed to start identifying the various creatures we will see and how to act responsibly as we visit their precious environment. Much excitement can be felt onboard as we turn in for the night because tomorrow we plan to set foot ashore in Antarctica!
Inclement weather further north up the Antarctic Peninsula and reports of landings cancelled by other ships led our Captain and Expedition Leader to head further south. Our destination is Marguerite Bay which means the National Geographic Explorer will be crossing the Antarctic Circle in the early hours of tomorrow morning.
Our ship has kept up a good speed and given us a comfortable journey across the infamous Drake Passage. This stretch of water is considered the ‘entrance fee’ to Antarctica and is notorious for truly foul weather. Thankfully we have been spared the worst that could be thrown at us and throughout the crossing we have been accompanied by a variety of seabirds that are using the winds to their advantage.
On a number of occasions today we were treated to whale sightings. Most of the animals seen were Humpback whales and the first view of them was usually the blow. This is a tall spout of air and water from the blowhole as the whale exhales at the surface and in the right weather conditions this can be seen for miles. Humpback whales, as their name suggests, have a very distinct shape to their back which is more clearly seen as the animal dives. On deeper or steeper dives the whales lift their tail high in the air, using their weight out of the water to assist their descent beneath the waves. These are very well known and popular animals, and it was a good sign for our journey that they are heading south with us to the rich feeding grounds of the Antarctic.
Throughout the day our guests were treated to a number of presentations from our experienced naturalist staff. Richard White started the day off with a worthwhile introduction to the ubiquitous penguin species that are such an attraction on the Peninsula. National Geographic Writer Jon Bowermaster entertained us with tales of exploring the oceans by kayak with photographs that will hopefully inspire our guests to try our kayaks later in the trip. An introduction to the range of seals we may see on our expedition was delivered by seasoned polar veteran Tom Smith and finally Expedition Leader Matt Drennan briefed everyone on Antarctic ‘etiquette’ as established by IAATO [International Association of Antarctic Tour Operators].
Our guests are now well primed to start identifying the various creatures we will see and how to act responsibly as we visit their precious environment. Much excitement can be felt onboard as we turn in for the night because tomorrow we plan to set foot ashore in Antarctica!
