Ahoy from the Drake! This is day two of our crossing of the Drake Passage. All are in good spirits as crossing the Drake is part of the experience of journeying to Antarctica. By afternoon, the seas calmed to a gentle roll. It was quite pleasant. Guests were briefed on a myriad of subjects from Zodiac safety to biosecurity protocols. We are headed to visit the most pristine and untouched wilderness on the planet. Protecting this place is at the top of everyone’s list. Guests enjoyed educational talks by a few of our expert staff members. Vigilant guests spotted a few humpback whales and over five wandering albatrosses! We closed the day by crossing into the Antarctic Circle, a dream come true for many guests on board National Geographic Endurance. Tomorrow will be our first opportunity to land in Antarctica. The excitement is palpable.
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.
