National Geographic Explorer started the day at Wilhelmina Bay where we were able to get out on the fast ice and stroll comfortably on a windless bay with bright blue skies and comfortable temperatures. In the afternoon we relocated to nearby Cuverville Island, home to a wealth of breeding gentoo penguins. During transit times throughout the day, we were treated to a whale bonanza of humpbacks, Arnoux’s beaked whales, and orca whales.
12/19/2024
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National Geographic Explorer
Paradise Bay and Danco Island
The phrase, “Red sky at night, sailors delight…” was an accurate forecast for today (sunset last night at Lemaire Channel was stunning). With calm, sunny, high wispy clouds, and cragged peaks emerging from thick blankets of highly sculptured and absolutely white snow, Paradise Bay was indeed a paradise. After breakfast, we kayaked among growlers, bergy bits, and small icebergs, enjoying the stunning vistas and observing the ubiquitous gentoo penguins and several Weddell seals lounging on ice floes. Just before lunch, some of us participated in the time-honored tradition of the Polar Plunge and received a coveted patch attesting to getting really cold and wet. During lunch, we sailed to Danco Island for hikes around the gentoo colony and Zodiac tours through the ice fields. The penguins provided endless amusement as they constantly stole rocks from each other’s nests. A few eggshells were observed, suggesting that at least a few Gentoos had laid eggs, but lost them to the ever-watchful skuas. While the hikers were on shore and the Zodiacs were cruising, six humpback whales spent the afternoon circling National Geographic Explorer, presumably feeding. The blows were close and loud, and at least one mom-calf pair was sighted. It was a spectacular day!
