Early in the morning National Geographic Orion slowly approached Spert Island from the north. This is a beautiful and rugged island that is adjacent to the much larger Trinity Island situated on the north end of the Gerlache Strait. Under almost perfect conditions, we were able to do Zodiac cruises through the small channels and islets on the west side of this scenic island. Later, steaming south for about four hours, the ship entered Charlotte Bay, on the Antarctic Peninsula, where we encountered beautiful icebergs, and several feeding humpback whales. Dropping our Zodiacs again, we were able to watch these magnificent cetaceans from water level, as they deployed rings of bubbles, and engulfed their favorite food: krill! Another amazing day exploring this incredible wilderness!
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.
