Our day began in the legendary Drake Passage which thankfully was unusually calm, and we soon learned that we had made excellent progress overnight toward the Antarctic Peninsula. At around nine in the morning, an unexpected marvel drew everyone to the bridge — our first sighting of a tabular iceberg. Its immense, flat surface gleamed under the Antarctic sky, a breathtaking prelude to the wonders ahead.
The morning onboard was just as engaging. Greg, our National Geographic Photo Expert, shared stories from his career and also practical photography tips to help us capture the essence of Antarctica. Following this, Kristian, one of our Naturalists, painted a vivid picture of the Antarctic food web, explaining the intricate connections that sustain life in this extreme environment.
After a hearty lunch, we embarked on our first Antarctic adventure. Our destination, Mikkelsen Harbor, is a small island teeming with life. Hundreds of gentoo penguins, amid their breeding season, provided endless entertainment with their waddles and calls.
As the day closed, we gathered in the ice lounge for the daily recap. The Expedition Team shared highlights, and Expedition Leader Steff revealed tomorrow’s exciting plans. With views of the icy wilderness outside, we settled in for the night.
