Absolutely breathtaking. Starting at the Shetlands, we did a series of excursions with Rhib boats to the islands where we could. Other places were covered in Sea Ice or had vast 100 meter walls of ice, completely unclimbable to the unprepared.
At first the boats seemed gimmicky, but after getting to the continent, I realized they were the only viable mode of transportation to get to shore, navigate around the icebergs and to see wildlife.
Videos are on top, pictures on the bottom.
Zodiac Cruise
Watching pengiunos watching us
Penguins always seemed very busy, running around, but not doing anything (other than building rock nests)
The Beetles
Classic Poop and Scoot
Seals!!! Chilling
Penguins building nests with pebbles. Very important work.
Story through pictures:
Zodiacs are the only sane way of traversing any part of this continent
Mighty Zo’s first steps
Yann’s First step. Terra Firma in Australis Incognita.
Chicken or the egg – Were the black spots there first, or did the penguins seek them out?
So cute! Apparently sticking them in your jacket and trying to board the ship is “frowned upon”.
What?
Penguins build nests in the rocks, so that there is a firm, warmer area with pebbles available to build
WE MADE IT!
If you see any lazy lumps on the snow, or on the rocks, it’s going to be a seal. The fur seals are the cutest.
The icebergs were a highlight of the trip, truly awe-inspiring monoliths.
How do penguinos climb with their little feet?
These icebergs are surreal. If leopard seals weren’t an issue I would love to scuba dive to explore the ice underneath
First step onto the shetlands islands, a light taste of what was yet to come
There’s life underneath! Baby krill will gather around the bottom of icebergs for shelter.
Beauty marred by this yellow “sea ice”, ice that’s been formed on the water contains
From the bridge. We were not allowed to say “Titanic” at anytime in the presence of the crew, they were a very superstitious bunch
Zo’s frequent tea runs led to entire tables of mugs. Luckily out “hotel” staff was always taking care of us!
ZYXpeditions 