Blog

Antarctic Peninsula

In March of 2016 I travelled to the Antarctic for the first time. It was an amazing experience I want to repeat sometime in the near future. I chose the former Russian research vessel Akademic Sergej Vavilov, one of One Ocean’s ships, due to its relatively small size. In Antarctica landings are not allowed to more than 100 people at one time so with larger ships tourists have to wait their turn which I wanted to avoid.

Unfortunately, even though I am an avid kayaker, I did not get to kayak in the Antarctic, due to my late registration. This proved to be less of a problem as I got to take some great photos in paradise bay from a zodiac that would not have been possible had I been in a kayak. I was happy with the service One Ocean provided. I never felt unsafe and everything was organized very well. I was especially lucky to be on a trip with some very interesting and fun people.

The only thing that I didn’t like is that of the 11 day expedition, only 5 days were spent around the Antarctic peninsula. When you spend so much time crossing the infamous Drake Passage, you should spend more time down there. I am looking into experiencing the Antarctic peninsula in a smaller boat with the opportunity to spend more time in those magical iceberg filled bays where the silence is only broken by the rhythmic breathing of a pod of whales.

 

Of the 5 days we spent around the Antarctic peninsula, only 3 were good weather wise. Therefore, most of the images you see below were taken during those days. I wonder what kind of pictures I would end up with if I spent a couple of weeks in this magical place.

 

Unfortunately, we missed the Lemaire Channel (blocked by Icebergs) and couldn’t land at Deception Island due to high winds, still it was one of the best trips I have done so far.

 

Antarctic Peninsula – March 21-25, 2016
Vessel: Akademik Sergej Vavilov (One Ocean)

21.03.2016 Cierva Cove (N. Gerlache Strait)
21.03.2016 Mikkelsen Harbour (Trinity Island)
22.03.2016 Wilhelmina Bay (Gerlache Strait)
23.03.2016 Almirante Brown Antarctic Base (Antarctic Continent)
23.03.2016 Paradise Bay (Antarctic Continent)
24.03.2016 Cuverville Island (Gerlache Strait)
25.03.2016 Hannah Point (Livingston Island)

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Humpback whale

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctic Terns

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Penguin in the snow

Vavilov kayakers

Penguin Portrait

Penguin in the snow

Gentoo

Kayakers in Paradise Bay

Kayakers in Paradise Bay

Paradise Bay

Icebergs in Paradise Bay

Kayaker in Paradise Bay

Icebergs in Paradise Bay

Iceberg in Paradise Bay

Icebergs in Paradise Bay

Icebergs in Paradise Bay

Icebergs in Paradise Bay

Icebergs in Paradise Bay

Icebergs in Paradise Bay

Icebergs in Paradise Bay

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Gentoo Penguins

Gentoo Penguins

Penguin

Penguin chick

Antarctica

Antarctica

Antarctica

Iceberg

Iceberg

Iceberg

Crabeater seal

Sleeping seal

Penguin colony

Penguin

Drinking Penguin

Gentoo

Gentoo Penguin

Elephant seal

 



8 responses to “Antarctic Peninsula”

  1. Leonie Moore says:

    Absolutely fantastic pictures Stephan, thanks so much for sharing these, bringing back great memories! Leonie and Steve from Perth in Australia!

  2. Pamela Seymour says:

    What a wonderful reminder of 1 year ago.
    Congratulations Stephan on your spectacular pictures.
    My absolute favourite – the seal’s muzzle – 9th from the end …… bliss, pure bliss
    I’d like to have that feeling in my life once each day – maybe we have to take the time to recognise that moment each day.

  3. Pereena McGuirk says:

    Thanks Stephan, fantastic words and fantastic pics. So many wonderful memories. Still can’t believe I’ve been there-done that! Pereena, W. Aust.

  4. Jesper Jurcenoks says:

    Stephan, great pictures, love the colors.

    2 of the pictures looks like flukes though!

    (sorry couldn’t help but pointing that out)

  5. Eric Hautemont says:

    Some very nice memories indeed; Thank you for sharing, Stephan!

  6. Doreen Clarke says:

    Thanks so much for sharing these memorable photos, I would go back in a heartbeat. Loved every minute.

    Cheers Doreen Clarke

  7. Peter Keys says:

    Stephan, What fantastic photos. They bring back to life some wonderful memories and are exceptionally well put together. Thank you very much for your efforts in editing and sharing your passion. PETER KEYS PERTH WESTERN AUSTRALIA.

  8. Melissa L says:

    fabulous.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

*

This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.