Tonight we enjoyed an exciting final encounter with the Antarctic coastline and some of its most iconic wildlife–type B2 killer whales!–before transiting to the waters that define the White Continent. All on board National Geographic Endurance enjoyed spending time on the bridge and open decks. We spotted Southern Ocean seabirds, such as pintado petrels and southern royal albatrosses, as they glided in the sunshine and salt spray! Seabird spotting sessions were squeezed in between a full schedule of presentations by the naturalists that offered guests a closer look at some of the subjects we have encountered during our expedition, including krill, ocean currents, and geologic processes. We may be leaving Antarctica behind, but the moments we have shared, the questions we have been inspired to ask, and the conversations we have started during our time exploring this vast wilderness will stay with us as we continue our journey back north and beyond!
2/28/2025
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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.