Adventure Travel Blogs

Early this morning whale blows were spotted off the starboard. Everyone grabbed a suitable spot out on deck and were treated to the sight of two humpback whales moving through the water. Tail flukes were flaunted and cameras dutifully clicked in over-drive all round. Some retreated to the warmth inside the ship only to be called outside again 5 minutes later by the news that a different group of whales were breaching in front of a spectacular ice face. Seeing such a huge creature leap into th...

Following another sumptious dinner and possibly a little too much wine last night, one might have expected me to have trouble getting up this morning. Luckily some sort of sixth sense kicked in shortly before 5a.m and drove me to look out of the cabin window just as dawn was breaking. The view before my sleep-blurred eyes was simply staggering. Huge tabular icebergs floating serenely past offset with a backdrop of pink-tinged sky and ice-covered mountains, their black tips just peaking out here ...

We sailed into Antarctic waters proper yesterday and this morning approached the South Shetland Islands. Everyone was out on deck to see the land slowly appear out of the horizon. Saw our first penguins in the water plus a flotilla of Cape Petrel accompanying the ship towards land.

After a comprehensive briefing about our obligations under IAATO and Zodiac safety we dutifully cleaned our possessions of all traces of seeds etc to prevent biological contamination. The excitement on board ...

Awoke to find the swell of the sea had increased in the night. Getting from one side of the cabin required new balance skills to be developed. However, am fairly sure that in terms of Drake's Passage, this counts as a calm crossing. Looked out of the balcony window to see a Waved Albatross soaring past. Decided to skip breakfast in favour of donning my newly aquired yellow Quark jacket and going to the stern of the ship for some fresh air. I was not disappointed in my choice for here, several...

After some 30 hours travelling it was a huge relief to finally reach the comforts of the hotel in Ushuaia. After a good night's sleep, breakfast brought with it the first views of the Sea Spirit - soon to be my home for the next 10 days. After the confines of aeroplanes, airports and being processed in various queues, it was wonderful to be able to stretch legs and breath fresh air again. Ushuaia has a peaceful atmosphere and its harbour is the main draw. Here polar expedition vessels sit pat...