Antartica 2018 | FindPenguins

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Antartica 2018 Traveler
16 March Waiting, Planes, Waiting
March 17, 2018 in Chile ⋅ 🌙 13 °C
Finally we arrived in Santiago, checked into our boutique hotel after 10pm. The hotel is great - we deposited our bags and headed down to the bar for some tapas and wine. We then headed out onto the street - I think we are in a bohemian area - the place is alive - restaurants everywhere, street markets, you can buy cannabis, street artists - two guys doing the tango - fabulous - an old guy trying to juggle - bad. Our room faces the street so we may be partying for a few hours yet. This day started at 5.30am, so I think we will be able to sleep through anything.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 14-15 Drake Passage & Cape Horn
March 13, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 3 °C
We went to bed rocking and rolling and woke to rocking and rolling. Thankfully with the skillfull captaincy of our Captain we have missed most of the bad weather, and the plus is with the change of course we now go past Cape Horn. Lots of celebrations, final briefing, camera roll, Captains drinks, final dinner - superb and more drinks.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 13 12th March Deception Bay
March 12, 2018 in Antarctica ⋅ ⛅ -2 °C
We are currently anchored in the middle of Deception Bay - a part of the South Shetland Islands. Deception Island is an active volcano. Very early this morning we zodiaced into Whalers Bay, an old whaling station, now occupied by fur seals. The water was warm and you can still smell the sulphur - the visibility was low - we were unable to see the ship or Neptune’s Window, our walking destination - the winds were gusting at 39 knots. We spent 2 hours ashore and we felt as though we had a complete workout. Back on the Ocean Diamond we had a warming shower and breakfast, whilst the other half of the Quark passengers went ashore.
Antartica has a treaty, and amongst other things the treaty regulates the amount of tourism, restrictions on areas visited and numbers of people ashore.
Really bad weather was predicted for the Drake Passage, so it was decided by the Captain and Expedition leader, to leave a half day early and make a run across the Passage to try and beat the worst of the weather. Leaving moody Deception Bay was a little sad as this was our last excursion.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 12 11th March Weather brewing
March 11, 2018 in Antarctica ⋅ ☁️ 25 °C
This morning our destination was Portal Point, however the dark, dark clouds and wind have come upon us, so we headed up the Gerlache Strait to Graham Passage. We boarded our zodiacs and took off in snowy, bleak conditions. We saw some whales that were logging - they obviously thought the weather horrid, so stayed asleep. We rode the waves in the zodiac, crunched some ice and took in the fabulous landscape.
Wildlife: Humpback whales, Chinstrap penguin, terns, and birds.
After lunch the weather looked horrid so I told Stephen if I should fall asleep before the next zodiac ride -leave me be - he did exactly that. As it turned out the weather cleared, blue skies all around (the first time for the whole trip) - conditions were so good they stayed out for 2.15 hours instead of the planned 1.30 hours. Needles to say I am sulking so I will leave it to Stephen to tell you all. Unfortunately for Carolynne probably the best zodiac trip so far. We zodiaced on Cievra Bay, lots of ice and icebergs which we motored through, Humpback and minke whales, leopard, fur and Crabeater seals, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins on the shore, rafting at sea, jumping down rocks, a variety of birds all in full sunshine. There was also an Argentinian research base to view.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 11 10th March Rock and rolling
March 10, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ❄️ 1 °C
This morning we zodiac cruised, plowing through the crunching ice - at times it was a bumpy ride. Except for the birds, the seals and whales were not in abundance. A different story when we landed on Danco Island - inhabited by a colony of Gentoo genguins - they are so much fun - some adults were moulting, so stand in a patch of feathers until they lose them all and have a shiny new coats - chicks were shedding their down - and some chicks playing house by collecting stones for a nest - others braving the water and learning to swim for when they have to find their own food, which is krill.
Wildlife: Humpback whales, Gentoo penguins, Crabeater seals, Terns, Kelp gulls, Snowy sheathbill, Skua
We cruised into Wilhelmina Bay and in the afternoon we were out in our zodiac for a ride around the bay. Again we saw lots of Humpback whales - however the whales were mostly logging, and not showing their dorsal fin. The Bay was interesting with many glaciers and importantly it was protected by the winds.
Wildlife: Humpback whales, terns, Crabeater seal
Tonight was BBQ night, out on deck, 1degrees and snowing heavily - oh - and we had to wear a mad hat. It was lots of fun but needless to say by the time you ate your BBQ the food was cold. Ice cream was the only thing on offer for desert, and yes I had ice cream. After dinner, Baileys coffee in the lounge went down a treat.
We anchored at Wilhelmina Bay for the night because of the protection it provided the ship.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 10 Setting foot on the Continent
March 9, 2018 in Antarctica ⋅ ❄️ 1 °C
This morning we cruised in the zodiac through iceburgs and a plethora of wildlife and then we went for a walk on the smelly side. We landed on Cuverville Island home to 5,000 pairs of breeding Gentoo penguins. They are so cute and inquisitive, Stephen was standing with his legs a little apart and one penguin waddled right up to him and continued through his legs, as if one walks through a black arch everyday to get home.
Wildlife: Gentoo penguins, Chinstrap penguins, Crabeater seal, fur seal, Leopard seal, Waddell sea, Antartic tern, Skua, Kelp gull, Humpback whales.
The Ocean Diamond then set sailed through Andvord Bay to Neko Harbour. The Passage was unbelievable, whilst most people had lunch we went to the bridge and upper deck to watch the Captain and crew navigate through what we thought an impossible passage. The Russian speaking Engineer told us two ships tried to navigate the passage yesterday and had to turn around - 10 out of 10 for our Captain. However when we did reach Neko Harbour it was not suitable for a zodiac landing, we then steamed to Paradise Harbour. We finally landed on the Continent at an Argentinian Station -they left yesterday, however the Gentoo penguins warmly greeted us. Before returning to this ship we cruised the Harbour which was the playground for Humpback whales. Tonight we are staying in the Harbour for protection from the winds - however we are parked just off a glacier, which has calved several times this afternoon. I envisage we will have a night of groans and maybe calving during the night - so the ship we be rocking from the waves caused by the calving.
Wildlife: Gentoo penguins, Humpback whales, leopard seals, Snowy sheathbill, Antartic ternsRead more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 9 penguins, penguins, penguins
March 8, 2018 in Antarctica ⋅ ☁️ 0 °C
What can I say, you just have to come to this magical place for yourselves, as words can’t do it justice. This morning we toured in a zodiac around Yalour Islands, stunning landscape, icebergs and wildlife.
Wildlife: Humpbacks, Adelie penguins, Gentoo penguins, Crabeater seal
After lunch back on Ocean Diamond we boarded our zodiac for a shore excursion to Booth Island, landing at Port Charcot, named by a French explorer after his father. Jean-Baptiste Charcot wintered on Booth Island in 1904. The Island is now home to some 80,000 Gentoo penguins, they are so much fun, they come right up to you, and are as inquisitive as we are. We walked to the top of the Island to a cairn - a memorial to the Charcot’s expedition. We then boarded the zodiac to cruise or plow through the ice, around the island to enjoy the iceburgs and wildlife up close.
Wildlife: Gentoo penguins, Chinstrap penguin, Crabeater seal, fur seal, Antartic gull, Skua etc.
As if this place could get any better - when we started sail we went through the Lemaire Passage - simply stunning - we are blessed. We know this Passage was special as all the expedition team were out front enjoying the views with us. We are going to bed contented people.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 8 Iceburgs and wildlife
March 7, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
This morning we arrived at Crystal Sound. The ship put down anchor near Andresen Island and we hopped onto a zodiac for a spin around the icebergs, glaciers and for some wildlife spotting. What can I say - it was stunning, particularly the pod of 6 or 7 whales.
For most of the day it snowed - not whilst we were out on the zodiacs, however when we made our made dash back to the ship a blizzard came in and it was so cold.

Wildlife - Adelie penguins, Antarctic cormorants, Skua, fur seals, crabeater seals and a pod of minke whales.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 6 another day at sea
March 7, 2018, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Still Steaming along at sea. The wonder drug is wearing off - I have managed to stay awake for most talks. Today we have had talks on glaciers, seals, penguins, a base station and briefings.
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 7 Crossing the Circle
March 6, 2018, South Pacific Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
At 2am this morning with great excitement it was announced over the ships PA that we were about to cross the Antarctic Circle. We hauled ourselves out of bed, putting many layer of clothing over our PJs and when outside to celebrate with champagne. When dawn broke we were steaming past Adelaide Island. The landscape and environs far exceeds our expectations- you have to come and experience it to believe the wonders of the Antarctica. At noon we anchored at Marguerite Bay, we hopped onto a zodiac and motored to explore the ice burgs and wildlife. Our zodiac circled Neney Island and then we landed on Stonington Island, an ex British and American Station. We were ever so fortunate in that a British Conservation Team were on the Island and gave us talks about the British Station and one of our Expedition Team talked about the American Station. The Brits also had a post office - I am sure as a means to make money for the conservation of the buildings. Although I am not sure how much they would have made as only six cruise ship made it that far south this season. The majority of our expedition team have never been this far south even though they have worked for Quark for five + years.
We also managed to fit in a talk on whales and a 1930’s movie on an expedition to Marguerite Bay.

Wildlife seen: penguins- Adelie, seals - fur, crabeaters, lion, birds - Albatross, shua, Wilson...Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 5 Rock and roll and sleepy on drugs
March 5, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Today was full of briefings and talks, interspersed by naps and sleeping. Last night the doctor gave me a wonder drug for motion sickness - needless to say I am as dopey as hell.
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 4 according to our itinery
March 4, 2018, South Atlantic Ocean ⋅ ⛅ 19 °C
Today we boarded the Ocean Diamond - but not until 4ish this afternoon. Our morning was filled with a visit to the Maritime / Old Prison Museum. Our life on board has been a settling in period, drinks, drills, out on deck to say farewell to Ushuaia, fittings for our jackets, more drinks and dinner. We have met some interesting people, including Kirsty ... an SBS news journo - felt like a bit of a fool when we said we watch SBS every evening, but didn’t recognise her. We have entered the Drake Passage - not sure if it will be a wild ride - however the doctor has given me a happy pill so I should be OK.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
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Day 4 Trains and crabs
March 3, 2018 in Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 10 °C
Still catching up with jet lag - but what a wonderful day. We rode the End of the World train, built by convicts to supply wood to the convict settlement of Ushuaia. The train traversed parts of the Tierra Del Fuego National Park - the commentary was interesting - but the Park will not resonate as the best in my memory. Now dinner will be one of those experiences that will remain - we had crab - yum, yum.Read more
Traveler You don't appear jet lagged. The beer must be great medicine!
3/2/18Reply
Traveler Is it as tasty as it looks? The scissors don't look strong enough!
3/2/18Reply
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Our Articantic journey has begun
March 1, 2018 in Argentina ⋅ ⛅ 12 °C
This is why we are doing our Antarctica journey. Our flight today - out the right side of the plane was a blood red sunrise and as we dropped into Ushuaia the view on the left was stunning craggy snow capped mountains - magical. Ushuaia is a quirky town, architecture interesting, and much larger then anticipated, I love it. We could hear music from our room, when we came down stairs in the park opposite a couple were tangoing - so romantic. We have just returned from diner - the Argentinian’s eat late - restaurants don’t open at 7pm - the steaks are the best (the reason we seek Argentinian restaurants when we are in Europe), needless to say we are contented, with fine Argentinian steak, wine and beer.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 3 Buenos Aires still in transit
March 1, 2018 in Argentina ⋅ 🌙 21 °C
Don’t you love travelling OS? We are so lucky in Australia - we rock up to the airport 45 min before the flight - where here you are meant to be at the airport two hours before your flight and this morning we arrived to be told the flight is delayed two hours. Yesterday in Santiago we were called to the gate as they announced the flight was boarding, everyone queued in our ordered lines, only to stand and wait for another 55 mins before actually boarding. We had a seven hour stopover between flights, so last night we booked into a 3 star hotel for a shower and 3 hour sleep.Read more
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 2 Santiago in transit
February 28, 2018 in Chile ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
On our body clock it is 3am, however in real time we have just left OZ. The flight was eventful - just before push back someone fell ill and was removed from the flight - it took ages for the luggage to be found, so one hour 15 minutes later we left Sydney. The flight was a rehearsal for the Drake Passage, the turbulence were the worst we have experienced - even worse than landing in Darwin during the wet. To top things off a passenger across the aisle had a medical experience - thankfully the plane was full of doctors travelling to the Antartica for a medical conference. We are still in high spirits.Read more
TravelerOh!! An eventful beginning!
2/28/18Reply
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Day 1 The journey begins
February 28, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ☀️ 22 °C
Or should I say the marathon starts - hour 2 of 38. Stephen is making the Qantas Lounge pay - he is on his second breakfast. I am hanging out for a gin and tonic - ten in the morning is a bit early.
TravelerFrom BB's experience, it's never too early for a G&T as long as you keep it down to one bottle before 11:00am. Two breakfasts is good if one of them is pancakes, maple syrup and ice cream! Go the Yatz! You beauties, max out the lounge, relish the big seats and send us lots of pickies of the ice. Monochrome is good, Luv Te barnz
2/27/18Reply
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Antartica 2018 Traveler
Count down
February 26, 2018 in Australia ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C
Let’s see if I can finally find the penguins
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Trip start
February 27, 2018