Antarctica Cruise: The Gerlache Strait, Errera Channel, Cuverville Island, and Neko Harbour in Andvord Bay.
Weather: Overcast. 37 degrees F
The day started with a few Minke whales escorting the MV Ortelius towards the Errera Channel, our destination was Cuverville Island, one of the most important Gentoo penguin colonies of the peninsula.
While part of the group landed and proceeded uphill to a viewpoint, others enjoyed a zodiac cruise around icebergs and approaching the nearby Ronge Island.
While some people were observing the nesting process of the Gentoo penguins, and the frequent attacks of Skuas; others concentrated in the landscape and photography. I started a snowball fight, fortunately there were no casualties, only laughter.
Upon return to the MV Ortelius, lunch was served and by 3pm we were approaching the next destination, leaving the Errera channel behind and proceeding south to Andvord Bay. Neko Harbor, one of the most beautiful and visited places in the area, offered many alternatives, including a mellow hike to a viewpoint from where the whole area can be appreciated, walks towards the remains of an emergency hut built by Argentina in the 50's and collapsed by an extraordinary snowfall a few years ago. Zodiac cruises were part of the alternatives and also some brave (or perhaps a bit crazy?) passengers including myself decided to test their stamina with a polar plunge into the cold waters of the bay. The zodiac cruise produced two of the common species of true seals in the area: two Crabeaters showed some scars on their bellies (which is common as this species are attacked by Orcas and especially by Leopard Selas when young); and one Weddell was taking a nap as usual on the shore of Neko. The highlights of the afternoon were without doubt the moments shared with Minke whales, so curious about the zodiacs that they ''inspected'' the crafts several times, offering amazing views of their whole bodies at just inches from some fortunate passengers. These whales dove at least twice under the zodiacs, showing the typical ''chevrons'' rostrum and eyes.
By the time the zodiacs started shuttling people back to the MV Ortelius the smell of dinner captivated more than one, as tonight was the trip's BBQ night. A complete Antarctic BBQ was served on deck, and the weather was amazing! There was no wind and it was really warm. After a long day, the ship remained in the bay, ready to lift anchor in the morning and go explore south towards the Lemaire Channel, and reach farther south at Petermann Island.
The agent had great response to questions and coordinated well to create an itinerary that met our expectations.
Bob Sunshine
1 day ago
Very responsive to all questions
Teresa Cardoso
2 days ago
Kelly and Rhenee were excellent to work with on planning our trip. The logistics all worked smoothly and everyone was friendly and on time. Our accommodations were very good, particularly the incredible Patagonia Camp in Torres del Paine! Our guides on every excursion were outstanding and made the hikes memorable! Overall we had a wonderful trip with incredible memories!
Scott Gibson
2 days ago
Adventure Life is definitely a first-class safari tour company, and our representative was Franny Friesz. First of all, she responded immediately after we contacted Adventure Life. We told Franny that we had never been on a safari, and she was more than eager to offer a mountain of information about the trip. She informed us fully about all the ups, downs, and all arounds! She even prepared a number of packages for us to review -- even after we made changes to the areas we wanted to explore. Friendly, helpful, professional, and extremely knowledgeable -- these words describe Franny, and what a wonderful trip she prepared! We couldn't have asked for better service than Franny of Adventure Life. We HIGHLY recommend her and her outstanding company! Bon Voyage!
Prima Burke
3 days ago
The staff at Adventure Life made planning my family's trip to the Galapagos Islands as easy as possible. They listened to what we were hoping to experience and made thoughtful suggestions about how to accomplish our vacation goals while meeting the needs of travelers ages 17-76! They patiently answered questions and follow up questions in the months leading up to the trip. They helped us trouble shoot and customize the trip in every way possible. The logistics involved in traveling from Boston to the Galapagos are innumerable. The Adventure Life staff helped us arrange every detail and the team they assembled in the Galapagos was tremendous. I have never done a trip this big before and after working with Adventure Life this time--would not hesitate one second in working with them again.