Mornings aboard National Geographic Explorer are unpredictable! Weather, ice, and other natural factors play a part in how the day’s activities go. This morning was no exception, but with luck on our side, the windy conditions subsided once we entered Cierva Cove. Before entering the cove, winds were a cool 50 knots.
Cierva Cove is home to Primavera, an Argentine Base, which opened in 1977. Taking Zodiac tours to explore this beautiful cove, we were surprised to see that the base was occupied. The Zodiac tours were a perfect way to see the beautiful icebergs filling the cove. There was an abundance of wildlife activity, including Antarctic terns, brown skuas, and a gentoo penguin colony.
Heading to our next destination of Enterprise Islands, we encountered a large pod of killer whales. Our naturalists identified them as Type B killer whales or, “little B’s”. It was truly a moment of feeling like you are in Antarctica, being surrounded by mountains, ice, wildlife, and even snow flurries. Once arriving at Enterprise, we set up for afternoon Zodiac operations.
Coming into Enterprise Islands, we saw an old sunken whale factory ship. Tied up to it were three sailing yachts. The early part of the Zodiac tour was damp with rain, but it eased off just in time for us to take in the beautiful icebergs littering the bay.
After an Argentinean asado buffet prepared by the galley, the evening’s entertainment came in the form of humpback whales surrounding the ship. We were treated to an amazing show of tail-slapping and breaching. Another incredible day ending with an unforgettable show of wildlife and grandeur.
