Today was an important day for many of us. Not only was it one of the first days of a brand-new and exciting year, but it was also the first full day of a wild, adventure-filled expedition on board National Geographic Endurance. The day was filled with a variety of activities and presentations to prepare guests to meet the White Continent just one day from now. Guests enjoyed lessons on identifying animal species and photographing the incredible wildlife we are about to see. We discussed the importance of these animals to not just the Southern Ocean ecosystems but worldwide. Guests couldn’t be more excited to see their first iceberg and penguin – only a few hours away!
2/28/2025
Read
National Geographic Resolution
Northbound Drake Passage, Cape Horn, and the Beagle Channel
This morning, we had a later start than usual after a late night enjoying the crew show. Our galley team gifted us with a fulfilling brunch. We then had a brilliant forum about climate change with the participation of our panel of experts onboard. Afterward, our expedition leader called us to the bow to see Cape Horn, which was only a few miles ahead. The good weather allowed us to have a smooth and fast crossing, allowing extra time to swing by Cape Horn, the most southern tip of the Americas. Over the PA system, Steven provided a very interesting description of the historical importance of this area, then Pablo read a beautiful poem, a memorial to the seaman lost at sea. We could see the monument in the distance, two metal sheets that depict an albatross in flight. During the afternoon, we enjoyed Madalena’s presentation about Women in Antarctica. This was an incredible voyage through the struggles and delays of allowing women to participate in science and logistics in Antarctica. We entered the Beagle Channel around 17:00 and we encountered black-browed albatrosses, cormorants, dolphins, and whales. On our final approach to the beautiful city of Ushuaia, we passed by Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse and some of the seals that live in the Bridges Islands Archipelago.