Gerlache Strait to Bransfield Strait

tony
November 8, 2015
Antarctica / birds / mammals / travel

Southern Giant Petrel against a background of Gerlache Strait Glaciers

Departing Danco Island we moved along the Gerlache Strait to Bransfield Strait and soon the sadness we felt at leaving was blown away by the rising wind and the abundance of wildlife that seemed to be putting on a farewell display for us. A pod of Orca frolicked close to the bow, a juvenile rolling onto it’s back and looking up at us before they were attracted to a passing flock of Gentoos and began hunting with penguins erupting from the water like baitfish.

Orca playing near the ship - juvenile rolling — Orca playing near the ship – juvenile rolling

Gentoo Penguin making it's escape — Gentoo Penguin making it’s escape

Humpback Whales seemed to be everywhere and one swam directly toward us before sounding just beneath the bow.

Humpback Whale sounding beneath the bow of NG Explorer — Humpback Whale sounding beneath the bow of National Geographic Explorer

A Giant Petrel flew circuits around us, almost close enough to touch and offering photo opportunities until the ache my arms from holding up the long lens distracted from the ache in my heart.

Giant Petrel with incidental Gentoo erupting from the sea in the background

Leaving the shelter of the South Shetland Islands in a foggy sea the swells of the Drake Passage began to crash into the ship and spray up over the bow making for an interesting night of sleep in our cabin, one moment, almost weightless in our bunks and the next, being forced firmly down into our mattresses. Despite this we slept well and woke to a more moderate passage in the morning.