Journey to Antartica Aboard the National Geographic Explorer – Day 7
So far, we have seen so much beauty in Antarctica and each day presented new wonders. Still in awe from the staggering grandeur of the Lemaire Channel from the day before, we were anxious to see what this day would bring.
Kayaking and Hiking in Neko Harbor
If nature would allow our expedition leader’s Plan A for this morning, we would finally be kayaking on the waters of Antarctica. We woke up calling for the weather gods to bless us with windless morning and calm waters. Thankfully, our prayers were heard.
It was exhilarating to paddle our way around the splendor of Neko Harbor. The sky was overcast but our spirits were bright and high.
Our fellow travelers paddle through brash ice amidst the staggering mountains that surround Neko Harbor.
(Thanks to Cotton Coulson for taking this photo.)
As we serenely glided through the quiet water, we were occasionally startled by penguins who quickly jumped up and down the water next to our kayak.
But some kayakers didn’t only have close encounters with the penguins….. One of the whale experts in the expedition captured this minke whale trying to get upclose and personal with kayakers.
Sea kayaking in Antarctica is an intimate way to explore and to take in the beauty of this glorious place. It is an experience not to be missed if you’re traveling in this region.
After our kayaking adventure, it was time for a good, sweaty hike in one of the astounding ice-covered mountains surrounding the harbor.
The landing beach is populated by Gentoo penguins. It was fun to see them climb up and down on their own trails.
Some penguins preferred to share the human trail and this one appeared to be leading some of the hikers.
It was quite a steep hike and gave us a good workout. We sweat for the first time during the expedition and we had to shed the parkas as we made our way up. We also passed by a lot of penguin rookeries (those brown spots in the background) as we were going up.
Fellow hikers who started early were making their way down as we were getting closer to the viewpoint. The view of the ice from here was pretty astonishing.
We reached the viewpoint where we soaked in a 180 degree panoramic vista of the bay.
Hikers making a steep descent to the landing beach.
Some of our fellow hikers preferred a more fun way to descend — by sliding down….
…and some young girls preferred to roll down.
Icebergs of Cuverville
In the afternoon, the plan was to land at Orne Harbor but the landing site was iced in. But of course, our efficient expedition team always had a Plan B.
We instead headed to Cuverville Island, where we were given a choice of two activities – to hike one of the rocky domes of the island or take a Zodiac cruise around the iceberg field. As we already had a good hike in the morning. we chose the latter.
We were in awe at the sight of our fellow travelers looking like penguins on the trail of the Cuverville’s mountain. Mountains are big, people are so small — it was very humbling.
Some more of the spectacular rocky domes that make up most of Cuverville Island.
Aboard the Zodiac, we were accompanied by a lively and passionate naturalist who gave use talk about our surrounding and how the icebergs were formed.
Icebergs are ice debris that are born from land glaciers. They begin as snow falling, they accumulate and are compressed over many years. Pressure and weight causes the ice sheet to move and flow into the sea. To be classified as icebergs, they must be at least 15 feet above water line. If they are 5 feet above water line, they are ‘bergy bits’ and are ‘growlers’ if they are a foot. We learned that only 10% of all bergs are seen above water – that truly is “just a tip of an iceberg.”
We were enthralled by the stunning bergs that came in different sizes and beautifully sculpted by nature.
A lone bird resting on top of an iceberg.
It was another day filled with great polar experiences and staggering beauty. We were sad to think that the following day would be our last day in the Antarctic continent before we sail back to Argentina. We saw more penguins, visited a museum (yes, there is a museum in Antarctica!) and had our last walk on sea ice. We’ll share our bittersweet last day in our next post.
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Linking to Weekend Travel Inspiration and The Weekly Postcard
Yet more stunning photos from one of the most awe-inspiring places on the planet, Marisol! If I were on the same trip, I would have rolled down the hill as well. Such a convenient way to move downhill. 😀
Bama recently posted..Creating A City in A Garden
Hi Bama, it really looked like a lot of fun. W would have rolled down ourselves if we didn’t have all our gears with us.
Your photos make it look wonderful. I’ll bet the kayaking was tremendous fun but I’m guessing you were pretty careful not to end up in the water.
Hi Lynn, it truly was a lot of fun. We were secured with the stability of those sea kayaks that we didn’t have any worry about toppling down.
ENVY! Every time I read one of your Antarctic posts I get overwhelmed with envy. I know that’s not good, but I am simply soooo envious of this trip. Having a whale surface just next to a kayak must have been terrifyingly amazing! AS always your photos are stunning.
Phoebe @ Lou Messugo recently posted..Life in Mayotte
Hi Phoebe, thanks! It’s actually a good thing if it makes you aspire to do the same thing:) And I wish from the bottom of my heart the you make it to Antarctica someday.
Marisol, Your photos, as always are stunning. I love the idea of sliding in Antarctica…just don’t really relish the climbing part of that equation. I’m sure the views were well worth it. I’m so impressed that there were so many options on activities through your cruise. You are totally selling it to me!
Thanks for linking up with Weekend Travel Inspiration!
Corinne recently posted..Weekend Travel Inspiration – Jane WilsonHowarth
Hi Corinne, thank you! Sliding was a fun idea. We would have loved to do it ourselves if we were not strapped with all our gears. I’m glad we’re successfully selling this trip to you. I’m very sure you will enjoy and love it as much as we did.
Marisol recently posted..Antarctica: Sunrise, a Museum & Final Sea Ice Walk
The icebergs are amazing! One them almost looks like a ship. It certainly looked like a great adventure. I would never imagine that you would kayak in the Antarctica
HI Kathy, the Kayaking was a great experience for us. And yes, those icebergs in all their form and sizes were really amazing.
the iceberg pictures are amazing!! Antarctica is on our bucket list, but not for now…
Shere recently posted..The best place to see sea turtles in costa Rica without spending a fortune
OMG OMG OMG you should write a warning for this post. Seriously wanderlust-inducing material ahead! This is my ultimate dream, you know, but of all your Antartica posts this is the best in my opinion! Kayaking and then sliding down the mountainside. can’t wait for more!
Margherita recently posted..Silk Road Travel: A Mardin Photostory
it would never occur to me to travel to Antarctica. seems like it would be more endurance than enjoyment. But you look like you had a lot of fun. Interesting.
OMG, what truly incredible experience this trip is. You wonder what can top this trip, if there is one. Thanks for sharing your stories and the outstanding images.
Photo Cache recently posted..Venice on Day 3
Oh, I’d love to visit! Your shots are amazing!
What a lovely trip, Marisol, I envy you for that, You were very brave to go kayaking in these cold waters, I don’t think I would have done it. Gorgeous pictures!
Wow! Now that looks like quite the unique adventure! Just love all of your photos and how the yellow kayaks just pop against the white winter background – absolutely gorgeous!
Constance – Foreign Sanctuary recently posted..Discover Taiwan: My Top 5 Outdoor Travel & Adventure Guide
Gosh it looks so very cold, and so stunning – what a beautiful place to explore. I so would want to roll down the snow or at least slide down on my bum!
The encounter with the whale would have been magical but scary at the same time, Kayaking in the wildness of Antarctica would be a trip in a life time, the photos are brilliant.
Lisa Wood recently posted..Childhood Dreams
Amazing photos…
I never thought I would describe an ice berg as beautiful. Your photos are stunning.
Rachael@safari254 recently posted..Kilaguni Serena Safari Lodge – Perfect getaway into the wild
That really is gorgeous and inspiring, I would love to go kayaking and that image with the mink whale next to the kayaker, that’s exciting indeed!
noel recently posted..eco tours in Northern Thailand
Simply amazing! The scenery is stunning. Kind of hard to believe ice can can attain those beautiful colors and shapes. The encounter with the whale had to be the best.
Ruth – Tanama Tales recently posted..The Village of Arroyo Grande: Vintage California
Just an all around WOW from me. This trip is one amazing experience after another. I cannot believe how close that whale got to the kayakers. The people look excited at the close encounter. I am curious about that museum, so I hope you’ll be sharing it with us.
Michele {Malaysian Meanders} recently posted..Searching the World for Tomorrowland
I can never get tired of reading your Antarctica series, Marisol. I love the penguins getting close to people. Aren’t they scared? And that minke whale, wow. Good thing it didn;t decide to overturn the kayak!
Such beautiful iceberg photos, and I also love the photos of you guys kayaking. Sea kayaking in Antarctica looks like such a peaceful experience, but that minke whale is a little too close for comfort. I’d have to resist the urge to try to hug a penguin though! 😉
There is so much beauty. I wouldn’t know where to look first. Kayaking there looks like an out of this world experience. As always, the penguins steal the show! Thanks for linking up last week, and sorry for being so slow in getting around. #TPThursday
Nancie recently posted..Elephant Nature Park, Chiang Mai
Gorgeous scenery and photos, Marisol!. What an incredible experience for you guys to be so close to penguins and minke whale. Love the idea of sliding down that hill or my kids would probably roll down too. I never would have imagined breaking a sweat in Antarctica so now I know it’s possible
Those icebergs are just mind-blowing!