The blow…a giant, audible exhale. Heads turned to look, hoping for a glance at the world’s second largest mammal, the fin whale. A single fin whale can be up to 85 feet long and weigh up to 160,000 pounds. At Cornwallis Island, guests aboard National Geographic Resolution had a once in a lifetime experience, the thrill and awe-inspiring delight of a super pod of fin whales. Audible and visible blows in every direction as far as the eye could see sent us all into sensory overload. The water surrounding the ship was filled with gentoo and chinstrap penguins, numerous seabirds, and an estimated 200 fin whales. The visual blow, the audible sound, the overloaded sensory experience…a day we will never forget.
3/12/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
At Sea towards Ushuaia
It was a day for reflection. Our journey was coming to an end as we left the Falklands behind and National Geographic Endurance steamed towards South America and Ushuaia. The seas were kind to us, and despite low winds, we had black-browed albatross, among other birds, around us. In the morning, we listened to the naturalists onboard as they presented on different subjects in the ice lounge. Land-ho! Mid-morning we had land in sight, South America was appearing on the horizon. Upon entering the Beagle Channel, we saw possibly a hundred sei whales. While the seabirds were waiting for the wind on the surface, the whales were feeding a short distance from the ship. As our vessel waited for the pilot to arrive, we could still see whale blows in the distance. We enjoyed a teatime extravaganza with Chef Sara and her team. Cheese and wine brought most of the ship’s inhabitants to deck 8, and while sipping wine we watched sea lions, dolphins, and stunning views of Tierra del Fuego go by until it was time for Captain Aaron’s farewell toast. As much as we are reflecting on our expedition today, it has also been a day of celebration! It has been an incredible journey of many miles, great people, and wonderful experiences. Thank you all!
