We spent this morning cruising north to our afternoon destination at the Fish Islands and their neighboring islands, the Minnows. Here we dropped our Zodiacs and toured amongst beautiful icebergs, snowcapped peaks, and tidewater glaciers. It was a day filled with presentations in the Ice Lounge. Staff naturalists covered a variety of topics, including, “The Natural History of Antarctica,” iPhone photography, and, “A Brief History of Antarctic Exploration.”
1/5/2025
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National Geographic Endurance
Pourquoi Pas Island
Finally, Antarctica! After two days spent crossing the Drake Passage, we reached our destination. Early this morning, with sunlight illuminating glaciated peaks, we woke to the sight of a pod of orcas—a remarkable welcome under perfect weather conditions. Shortly after, Zodiacs navigated through icebergs to Pourquoi Pas Island, where we observed Adelie penguin colonies and hiked along the moraine for stunning glacier views. Calm seas and ideal conditions continued into the afternoon, allowing us to kayak through a glacier-lined bay. We paddled among seals and penguins resting on icebergs, creating unforgettable memories. The day ended with eighty-two adventurous guests taking the Antarctic Polar Plunge, earning well-deserved patches in waters colder than the freezing point of freshwater. Ended? Well, not quite. South of the Antarctic Circle, where the sun neither rises nor sets near the solstice, guests continued to enjoy the ship and the views. As National Geographic Endurance continued southward through the pack ice, some guests took in the view from the Bridge or outside decks, while others contemplated it from the sauna or the hot tubs. It was an ideal end to an extraordinary day.