Content Summary
The next day in Antarctica – still buzzing from having sailed not just to Antarctica but far south into the Antarctica circle – a feat no other sailing all season had done – we got up super early and super excited, and super eager to explore even more of the frozen continent.
Also, since we had done the Drake Passage crossing, this meant that we could stop taking our sea sickness tablets.
To be honest, I don’t think we really needed them as much as we were lucky to have the Drake Lake – which is when the Drake Passage is all nice and calm.
As a quick reminder, the Drake Passage is the most powerful sea convergence and the most treacherous sea voyage in the world.
It’s the one that has 12m / 40ft high waves which makes sense when you realise that this is where the Pacific Ocean, the Atlantic Ocean and the Southern Ocean all meet.
When it’s calm, it’s called the Drake Lake and when it’s rough and stormy, it’s called the Drake Shake.
We took our time with breakfast, which has now actually become one of my favourite things to do. I love a long lazy breakfast.
It’s just so calming and wakes you up properly.
Anyway, after breakfast, we grabbed our cameras and headed to the deck above the ship.
The weather is such a strange thing in Antarctica – one minute it’s all nice and calm and the next minute you’re in stormy winds.
It was such an exhilarating feeling to finally explore the serene beauty and stunning landscapes of Antarctica. After a leisurely breakfast, we excitedly prepared to embark on our adventures, heading towards the upper deck for some breathtaking views.
As the zodiac boat took us to Neko Harbour, a serene calmness enveloped us as we spotted seals relaxing on the ice, curious penguins swimming in the icy waters, and even orcas gliding by gracefully. The sudden appearance of a strong odor reminded us of the penguin colony nearby!
The experience was beyond amazing, as the chaotic winds gave way to a peaceful ambiance, allowing us to deeply appreciate the stunning sights. The majestic glaciers left a resonating impression as you could hear the occasional crack of ice as colossal chunks broke away and fell into the ocean, creating spectacular icebergs.
Ultimately, our day on land in Antarctica was a dream come true, one filled with unforgettable moments of thrilling wildlife encounters, surreal landscapes, and the joyous camaraderie of celebrating every experience with a glass of champagne after each excursion.
To take in as much as we could, we lingered, reveling in the breathtaking beauty all around us while bidding our time before heading back to the boat.
