The day started with a visit to St. Andrews Bay – the largest king penguin colony in South Georgia. There are 150,000 nesting pairs of king penguins as well as nesting gentoo penguins, Antarctic fur seals, elephant seals, and a whole host of predatory birds. To their delight, guests came ashore to meet the fur seals and penguins for the first time. After a delicious lunch, the ship repositioned to the beautiful Drygalski Fjord, where guests viewed Larsen Harbour and Drygalski Fjord with their rich birdlife and amazing, unique geology.
1/19/2025
Read
National Geographic Endurance
Bay of Isles and Right Whale Bay
The day began with high winds as we cruised through the dramatic Bay of Isles. The air was filled with excitement as we observed massive icebergs drifting silently amidst the swells. Thousands of king penguins dotted the shorelines near Salisbury Plain, their vivid colors striking against the muted backdrop of the Southern Ocean. Overhead, the skies were alive with birdlife, from skuas and petrels to albatrosses gliding effortlessly on the wind. In the afternoon, we made a memorable landing at Right Whale Bay. Here, we hiked through tussock grass and along rocky terrain to a vast king penguin colony, where the sights and sounds of their thriving community were unforgettable. Some guests ventured farther to reach a glacier, rewarded with stunning views of its icy expanse. Others lingered near the beach, captivated by fur seal pups as they played and explored the shoreline, offering countless photographic opportunities. As the day drew to a close, the dynamic landscapes, vibrant wildlife, and powerful weather reminded us of South Georgia’s untamed beauty and the privilege of exploring this remote corner of the world.
