After a trip to Antarctica filled with exciting wildlife encounters, our return to Ushuaia has commenced. We are fortunate to be experiencing mostly ‘Drake Lake’ conditions. Despite a paucity of albatross species accompanying the ship because of the windless seas, some keen birders were found on the outside deck with a long lens at the ready, hoping for a classic shot of these amazing birds of the Southern Ocean. Guests have spent the day editing photos, listening to presentations by naturalists in the lounge, retracing our journey on maps (provided in each cabin), and relaxing in the comfort of their cabins and the public areas of National Geographic Explorer. The delicious Swedish pancakes served at afternoon tea were one of the day’s highlights. These black and white images tell a story of some welcome downtime after a very busy and energetic week on the White Continent.
2/28/2025
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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.
