New Year’s Day in Antarctica! Our incredible ship, the National Geographic Endurance is steaming south down the Gerlache Strait toward Cuverville Island, the destination for this morning’s adventure. Conditions ashore for a landing were difficult, so the decision was made by our expedition leader to do a Zodiac cruise instead. The combination of many large icebergs and light falling snow, made it a wonderland for our small boats to explore! After lunch the ship approached Neko Harbor, and gently caressed the bottom very close to shore, an impressive feat by Captain Wood! All ashore for a landing on the Antarctic Peninsula itself, and then an incredible transit through the Lemaire Channel, on our way south, shortly after dinner! Happy New Year!
1/19/2025
Read
National Geographic Resolution
The Drake Passage
As we navigated north across the Drake Passage, conditions gradually improved and blue petrels and black-browed albatrosses graced our journey as visitors. John Pailthorpe delivered a captivating retelling of Shackleton's attempted crossing of the Antarctic continent, recounting the trials faced by those rugged men who cared little for comfort yet had a penchant for taking mortal risks. Following him, National Geographic Photographer Ralph Lee Hopkins shared some of the many future exploration options available to our guests through National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions. As we approached Tierra del Fuego, the seas calmed. Although the skies remained overcast, wildlife became increasingly abundant as we neared the entrance to the Beagle Channel. Captain Martin presented a fascinating overview of the construction of MV National Geographic Resolution and her impressive capabilities. As we entered the channel, we were greeted by hourglass and dusky dolphins while enjoying empanadas for teatime. Once we entered the Beagle, sailing was smooth all the way to Ushuaia.
