When we woke this morning we were finishing our journey through the Drake Passage where the seas were kind to us over the two-day sail back north. After breakfast we made our way around Cape Horn, the southernmost place in South America, and we had one of our first sites of trees in a week. The sailing only got smoother from there as we entered into the Beagle Channel. The day was spent listening to lectures by our naturalists and participating in fun activities with the Young Explorers. We continued to sail toward our final destination of Ushuaia on board the National Geographic Explorer and we reflected on the past weeks spent in amazing Antarctica as we enjoyed the Captain’s farewell cocktails.
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.
