Adélie penguins gathered on rocky terrain with an icy Antarctic backdrop

The Yalour Islands and Our First Leopard Seal

Hiking to an Adelie Penguin Colony

In the afternoon, we traveled to the Yalour Islands, renowned for their Adelie penguin colonies. After a brief hike from the landing site to a nearby plateau, we observed numerous colonies. Each rocky patch appeared to host its own penguin neighborhood.

People exploring a snowy Antarctic landscape with icebergs and mountains under a cloudy sky.

Colony of penguins gathered on rocky, snow-covered terrain with towering Antarctic mountains in the background.

Penguins nesting on rocky ground near icy Antarctic waters, with mountains and glaciers in the background.

We watched the penguins as they moved between colonies, collected rocks for their nests, and tended to their chicks. It was a multi-sensory experience, filled with loud noises and strong odours.

Adélie penguins with fluffy chicks nestled underneath on a rocky surface in Antarctica

Adélie penguin standing on a rocky surface with its head tilted upward and wings slightly spread, in an icy Antarctic setting.

Adélie penguin balancing on one foot on a rocky surface with icy surroundings in Antarctica

Adélie penguin standing on a rocky surface with wings outstretched, icy Antarctic landscape in the background.

Adélie penguin leaning down to check on its chick nestled beneath it on a rocky surface

Adélie penguin standing on a rocky slope with wings outstretched, icy Antarctic scenery in the background.

Gentoo penguin standing on a snow-covered peak, flapping its wings with a rocky background in Antarctica.

Gentoo penguin standing on a snow-covered hill with overcast skies and ice formations in the background.

A trail of penguin footprints winding through fresh Antarctic snow

Zodiac Crusing

It’s refreshing to disembark from the ship and explore on foot. Even though kneeling, squatting, or sitting was not possible, taking photos on land is certainly easier than attempting to do so from a Zodiac bobbing around with 8-10 other people. However, the Zodiac cruise that followed our hike offered some fantastic photo opportunities.

Three Adélie penguins on an icy ledge, with one diving into the cold Antarctic water.

Adélie penguin standing atop a large, sculpted blue iceberg in Antarctic waters.

Massive blue icebergs floating in calm Antarctic waters against a foggy sky.

In addition to the penguins, we also saw a Weddell seal basking on the ice.
Seal resting peacefully on a snow-covered iceberg in Antarctica.

Seal lounging on snow near rocky terrain in Antarctica, with glaciers in the background.

Close-up of a seal resting on snow in Antarctica, looking relaxed and peaceful

The highlight of my zodiac cruise was a sleek and powerful leopard seal sleeping on an iceberg. This was my first real sighting of a leopard seal, as I only caught a glimpse of one in the water last year at Port Lockroy. Leopard seals, apex predators of the Antarctic, are remarkable for their size, reaching lengths of up to 12 feet and weights of nearly 1,300 pounds. With their powerful build and strikingly spotted fur, these solitary hunters dominate the icy waters, skillfully preying on penguins, fish, and even smaller seals, underscoring their crucial role in the marine ecosystem.

Seal sprawled out on a large snow-covered iceberg, surrounded by calm Antarctic waters and icy cliffs in the background.

Seal lying on an iceberg, yawning widely, surrounded by icy Antarctic waters.

The highlight on Andy’s zodiac cruise was humpback whales, with at least seven different whales (based on the fluke patterns). (In case you are wondering, we try to go in different zodiacs so we get different photos)

Humpback whale's back surfacing in cold Antarctic waters, with icebergs and rocky snow-covered cliffs in the background.

Humpback whale diving in Antarctic waters, with its tail fin raised above the surface. Snow-covered land and icebergs are visible in the background, along with two distant figures on a snowy ridge.

Humpback whale tail rises from Antarctic waters, with icebergs in the distance. Water cascades off the tail, creating a serene contrast against the icy blue backdrop

Humpback whale's head surfaces in Antarctic waters, with two penguins standing on a rocky snow-covered shore in the background. The scene captures the contrast between marine and land wildlife in the polar environment.

Humpback whale's tail rises from Antarctic waters near a rocky, snow-covered shore. A lone penguin stands on the dark rocks in the background, observing the scene.

Two humpback whales diving in Antarctic waters, with their tails visible above the surface. Icebergs drift in the background under an overcast sky.

A humpback whale tail emerges from Antarctic waters, water cascading off its fluke. Massive icebergs form the backdrop under a gray, overcast sky.

A large, jagged iceberg floats in Antarctic waters, its deep blue hues highlighted under a gray, overcast sky.

We ended this unforgettable day in true Antarctic style—cruising the Lemaire Channel while sitting in one of the ship’s jacuzzis as snow began to fall.

A man and woman, both wearing white bathrobes, pose for a humorous selfie in an elevator.

A man and woman relax in a hot tub, smiling at the camera. The man gives a thumbs-up gesture, and the woman wears glasses, both enjoying the warm water. The background shows a foggy or misty glass enclosure.

Next up — A Snowy Day at Chiriguano and Damoy Point

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