National Geographic Resolutiongently swayed from side to side all day long, as we steadily plied the textured waters of the Drake Passage en route to Antarctica. We experienced a much more timid version of the notorious Drake Passage, with just a few meters of swell and minimal wind. Presentations were interrupted by snowy albatross, and we were repeatedly hopping out of our seats to marvel at passing fin whales. Conditions were so mellow we even had the chance to marvel at some of the Drake’s smaller inhabitants, like acrobatic Antarctic prions and Wilson’s storm petrels. With our crossing of this narrow portion of the Southern Ocean nearly complete, we look forward to the land of ice which greets us tomorrow.
3/5/2025
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National Geographic Explorer
Pia and Garibaldi Fjords, Patagonia
It was our first day in Patagonia. It was a pleasure to be back among some green scenery, although there was some residual sadness of having left behind Antarctica. This morning, we toured the Ventisquero Romanche and Pia Glaciers, which flow into Pia Fjord. A peaceful Zodiac ride brought us close to the front of the glaciers where we could watch calving in action, creating the icy wonderland that we were floating upon. Dressed for the weather, we enjoyed the light drizzle which filled the waterfalls and created misty layers against the dramatic metamorphic rock-scapes. This afternoon, our captain skillfully pirouetted us in front of the actively calving Garibaldi Glacier. It was hard to know which direction to look for the most activity. Then the kayaks and Zodiacs were launched for an exploration of the fjord at water level. Playful sea lions provided the soundtrack as the youngsters gazed at the floating curiosities that had appeared in their playground.
