The first part of any expedition to Antarctica is, of course, the infamous Drake Passage. Long known for some of the worst seas in the world, many guests wonder what it will be like when we cross it. All and all, our crossing was fairly average. There is a bright side to a windy crossing, and that is birds. This is the Southern Ocean, home to the masters of long distant flight, the albatross. By the end of breakfast, we had spotted four species. Mostly, we observed light-mantled albatrosses. One species rather rare to this area, the Atlantic yellow-nosed albatross, was also spotted. This was a very special bird for a very special first day.
11/14/2024
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National Geographic Endurance
Drake Passage
Traveling south aboard National Geographic Endurance , we ride the steady rhythm of the following seas toward Antarctica. Albatrosses, prions, and petrels accompany us, their effortless flight a constant presence above the waves. These seabirds, perfectly adapted to the harsh conditions, escort the ship through one of the most remote regions on earth. In the galley, preparations continue as usual, with the occasional clatter of a spatula against a pan punctuating the ship’s daily routines. This small sound offers a sense of normalcy amidst the vast and untamed Southern Ocean. Outside, the air sharpens, and the sea begins to hint at the icy landscapes ahead. As the ship presses on, the anticipation grows. The seabirds continue to follow, a living connection to the wilderness around us. Soon, icebergs will break the horizon, and the familiar blue of the ocean will give way to the stark whites of Antarctica. Each mile south reinforces the sense of entering a world where survival is a delicate balance, and every element of life must adapt to extremes. The journey promises discovery and an encounter with one of the planet’s last frontiers.
