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.
2/17/2025
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National Geographic Resolution
At Sea
A day was spent at sea on National Geographic Resolution as the expedition to Patagonia and Antarctica approaches the end with our navigation across the Drake Passage to Ushuaia. It is a time for reflection for all those on board to refresh their memories and to view their photographs of the dramatic landscapes and the diverse wildlife we have witnessed while visiting these special places on our planet. We have been blessed with the weather over the last several weeks and, today, the Drake Passage is in a calm state in terms of swells, less than 2 meters. Several long-finned pilot whales were spotted from the bridge and, so too, five species of petrel and a light-mantled albatross. Fin whales, killer whales, and hourglass dolphins were also spotted. During the day, guests enjoyed a number of presentations, including “Tectonic Accidents-The geology of Antarctica” by Jackie Windh and “The Mighty Krill” by Anne Hedlund. Captain Martin Graser gave a presentation on the design and building of National Geographic Resolution , while our photographic team, led by Alex Joseph and Jennifer Davidson Meadows, compiled guests’ photographs for inclusion in the end of voyage slideshow that is planned for tomorrow evening.
