Orne Harbor and Chiriguano Bay, 11/29/2024, National Geographic Explorer
Aboard the
National Geographic Explorer
Antarctica
Today was a wonderful day. We went to visit the colony of chinstrap penguins in Orne Harbor, a mainland landing with stunning views. We enjoyed the morning there, and after lunch we headed to the protected Chiriguano Bay where we had the option of kayaking or Zodiac cruising.
We ended this amazing day with the classic polar plunge, and we celebrated it later all together in the lounge!
Maria Intxaustegi is an internationally awarded maritime archaeologist, naval historian, commercial diver, professional offshore sailor, and expedition guide from the Basque Country.
Enter travel details to receive reports from a single expedition
Loading...
Loading...
Loading...
Send Daily Expedition Reports to friends and family
*By clicking the submit button, I authorize Lindblad Expeditions to email me; however, I am able to unsubscribe at any time. For more details, see our Privacy Policy.
Please note: All Daily Expedition Reports (DERs) are posted Monday-Friday,
during normal business hours. DERs are written onboard the ship only and do
not apply to land-based portions of expeditions.
Merry Christmas! The ship took us to the beautiful and calm Cierva Cove in the early hours of the morning. Zodiacs were lowered into the water and off we went for a Zodiac cruise among icebergs and porpoising penguins. The dive team took to the water and returned happy after a very successful dive observing amazing aquatic life in vivid colors. Antarctica is so beautiful, underwater as well as above! The wind picked up and our afternoon plans changed to after dinner plans. Mikkelsen Harbor, with even more penguins, awaited after yet another delicious meal. As soon as dessert was enjoyed, we headed out for evening adventures.
We awoke this morning to low clouds and beautiful views as we transited through Peltier Channel. The winds were too strong for us to make a landing at Damoy Point, but when we exited into the Gerlache Strait to look for wildlife, we were met with a large pod of killer whales! In the afternoon, we made it to Fournier Bay where some ventured outside in Zodiacs and the rest got to kayak among the Antarctic ice. Humpback whales were our constant companions as we explored the calm waters of the bay. The day ended with a surprise after-dinner-landing at Danco Island, giving us our first visit to a large penguin colony. Enjoying time with the gentoo penguins was the perfect way to cap off an amazing day.
This morning, we awoke to fantastic Antarctic conditions, kicking our trip off with a bang. We began the day at Portal Point, our first landing on the Antarctic Continent and for many, this was the seventh and final to be checked off the list. A great achievement! While ashore, we had the option to hike to the top of a nearby bluff or simply watch the passing humpback whales and gentoo penguins cruise by. After a hearty lunch, we arrived at Hunt Island where we offered a Zodiac cruise. Here, we were rewarded with many great sights, including more whales, Weddell seals, and calving glaciers. The hotel team also offered a surprise for us in the form of hot chocolates served right on the water! This treat could be taken straight or spiced up with some spirits. Once back on board, we received our official welcome from the captain and were also formally introduced to the expedition team. It was a fantastic first day.