Antarctic & Arctic Blogs | Discover more with us

HDS31-26, trip log, Antarctica - Beyond the Polar Circle - whale watching

The transit of the ship to below the Antarctic Circle was marked by a dramatic blend of raw ocean power, wildlife encounters, and a milestone moment.

OTL31a26, trip log, Weddell Sea Explorer Basecamp

With ice conditions dictating our plans, anticipation was high as we prepared for a flexible day of exploration in this remote and seldom-visited part of Antarctica.

HDS30-26, trip log, Antarctica - Whale watching - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Wherever we looked, there was movement - breaches in the distance, closer tail slaps, and occasional surface lunges.

OTL30b26, trip log, Antarctica - Deep South Basecamp experience

A new venue for many of the team, Ridge Island looked amazing with its jagged peaks and patches of remaining snowfields.

HDS29-26, trip log, Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Elephant Island - Antarctica - Polar Circle

The shoreline was completely occupied by representatives of the local fauna — there were gentoo penguins, Magellanic penguins, and even a dozen or so king penguins!

OTL30a26, trip log, Antarctica - Uncharted Islands of the Deep South

We had never seen so many icebergs in our lives! They were everywhere we looked, some resembled ancient castles, some exquisite gems, and some even faces!

OTL29a26, trip log, Remote Weddell Sea Explorer incl. South Georgia - South Sandwich Islands - Neuschwabenland - Larsen Ice Shelf - Paulet and Devil Island - Elephant Island, incl. helicopters

Our ship has broken its own record set last year, becoming the southernmost expedition ship company to reach the southernmost point for the second consecutive year!

PLA28-26, trip log, Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

While half the group was on land the rest of us were cruising the bay, there were beautiful humpbacks and chinstrap penguins for us to watch.

HDS28-26, trip log, Falkland Islands, South Georgia and Antarctica

Those who landed were immediately immersed in one of the most extraordinary wildlife spectacles of the expedition.

PLA27-26, trip log, Falkland Islands, South Georgia, Antarctica

Finally South Georgia! As we approached the north tip of the island the fog lifted, and we saw mountains and icebergs.

HDS27-26, trip log, Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

We climbed a snowy hill to a stunning viewpoint overlooking the impressive glacier front of Neko Harbour.

PLA26-26, trip log, Antarctica - Discovery and Learning Voyage

Sunlight slid across the water and picked out detail in the ice-blue textures of the coast. The same landscape that had looked austere minutes earlier suddenly felt crisp and alive.

HDS26-26, trip log, Antarctica - Discovery and learning voyage

Large colonies of Adélie penguins and gentoo penguins occupied the rocky slopes, busily nesting and tending to their chicks.

OTL26-26, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp - free camping, kayaking, snowshoe/hiking, mountaineering, photo workshop

Who were the first sea kayakers to paddle Antarctica in 2026? Chances are it was us!

HDS25-26, trip log, Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

Thousands upon thousands of these remarkable birds were everywhere, as far as the eye could see.

PLA25-26, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp

Light snow fell steadily as we worked, laughter echoing across the quiet bay while we prepared our sleeping kits.

OTL25-26, trip log, Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

As guests stepped ashore, they were immediately greeted by the unmistakable sounds of king penguins, echoing across the bay.

HDS24-25, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp

Surrounded by ice, wildlife, and giants of the ocean, we were reminded exactly why we explore.

OTL24-25, trip log, Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

Jess spotted an Emperor Penguin on an ice floe. That was the best view we’ve had so far on the trip.

HDS23-25, trip log, Antarctica - Basecamp

It was a day that captured the full drama and beauty of Antarctica — an experience impossible to forget.

PLA23-25, trip log, Falkland Islands - South Georgia - Antarctica

As we headed up the valley, we found a large colony of King Penguins—a rookery of approximately 20,000 breeding pairs.

OTL23-25, trip log, Weddell Sea - In search of the Emperor Penguin, incl. helicopters

A wave of great excitement ran through the ship when it was announced that a lone emperor penguin had appeared on the ice just off our starboard side.