The skies opened up the minute we entered the Lemaire Channel, and from that moment on, we had gorgeous weather for our zodiac tour in Antarctica.
We were initially concerned that we might not see the sun during our visit to the 7th continent. With only a 20% chance of experiencing good weather in Antarctica, the crew and passengers were ecstatic when we enjoyed a solid three days of sunshine in a row.
Pleneau Bay Antarctica
It was a beautiful day, and we had already experienced so much. We had passed through the photogenic Lemaire Channel and paddled through brash ice near Peterman Island.
We had seen whales, seals, snow, and ice, yet the day was only half over. The afternoon warmed up, prompting us to enjoy lunch on the Lido deck of the Sea Spirit in the middle of Pleneau Bay.
While we appreciated the view, we didn’t relax for long because we were about to explore some more.
Pleneau Bay presents an incredible spectacle created by Mother Nature, showcasing an iceberg graveyard teeming with extraordinary ice formations.
Having drifted from the southern reaches of the continent, ancient chunks of flat ice and rolled icebergs now find themselves resting in the bay, rumbling and churning in Pleneau Bay.
Enjoy our Zodiac Tour of Antarctica
We had the pleasure of heading out on our own zodiac with Expedition Leader Shane Evoy from Georgian Bay, Ontario. A big thanks to him for suggesting I stand in the middle of the zodiac while he cruised around the bay, allowing us to capture some remarkable video footage.
Traveling with Quark Expeditions maximizes time off the ship, granting passengers ample opportunity to explore both onshore and out on the water. One of my favorite activities was taking the zodiac around the bays and harbors, allowing intimate exploration of the ice and wildlife.
Photographing crabeater, leopard, and Weddell seals resting on ice flows while navigating through the maze of icebergs proved to be one of the most thrilling experiences ever.
Although we had to skip kayaking that day, it allowed us to capture stunning photographs that would have been impossible while paddling.
What we cherish about kayaking is losing ourselves in the moment, but in the zodiac, we could take in the entire experience. Plus, we got to see our paddling mates as they floated by a giant sea bridge.
Witnessing such powerful beauty is rare. The expedition staff expertly approached icebergs, fully aware of their potential danger.
Tips for Kayaking
They navigated with caution to ensure everyone’s safety while providing a front-row seat to view ice bridges, giant cones, and long tubes of ice that are thousands of years old.
I had never seen such clear blue water. It was as smooth as glass, showcasing the vivid blues characteristic of pristine environments surrounded by ice.
There’s something striking about glacial water. Although it’s the sea, it reminds me of the glacier lakes we discovered in New Zealand.
Before departing for Antarctica, someone advised us to capture the blues in the ice when taking photographs. Once we arrived, we understood precisely what they meant. You’ll never witness blue ice quite like that found in Antarctica.
The vastness of the bay, along with a passenger count of only 107 people, made us feel as if it were our private sanctuary. We might not have encountered another zodiac had Shane not radioed Expedition Team member Jamie to join us for a photoshoot.
Quark Expeditions ensures only 8-10 people per zodiac, providing everyone with ample space to seize perfect views of the stunning wildlife and breathtaking scenery.
Boat operators make several passes on either side, allowing every individual on the zodiac a clear view. Those sitting at the front must remain seated, while those in the back can stand for photos. This system ensures everyone gets the chance to capture unforgettable moments.
While we didn’t want our day on Pleneau Bay to conclude, we felt completely satisfied by the time we returned to the ship. Our expedition to Antarctica has been one of the busiest trips we’ve ever experienced. Although we could have stayed out on the water for hours, we were grateful for the downtime we got to enjoy the amenities on the Sea Spirit.
What will tomorrow bring? In Antarctica, you never know; each day is unique and brimming with excitement.
For more information on planning your own Antarctic Expedition, check out Quark Expeditions.
