Antarctica
Travels across the Drake Passage to Antarctica and South Georgia
Antarctica has long been one of our dream destinations. We missed an opportunity to fly there in 2009. However, in early 2025, we boarded the Viking Octantis in Ushuaia, Argentina, to make this dream a reality. We specifically chose an itinerary that included South Georgia, another remote location we had long wanted to visit – I mean, if we are already traveling this far, we might as well. Graced with good weather and seas and the benefit of an excellent expedition team, we saw countless penguins, whales, and the largest iceberg in the world.
Antarctica and the South Atlantic (click to hide)
Images courtesy Bing Maps
-
Fort Point
An uneventful crossing of the Drake Passage brings us to Fort Point in the South Shetlands and our first glimpse of Antarctic wildlife.
-
On the Antarctic Peninsula
A bay full of humpback whales welcome us as we set foot on the continent of Antarctica on the Antarctic peninsula.
-
Damoy Point and Port Lockroy
Visiting the time capsule of Damoy Hut and learning about living in Antarctica from the team at Port Lockroy.
-
Lemaire Channel
Thoughts on ice and icebergs, given that an abundance of the frozen stuff prevents our passage through the Lemaire Channel in Antarctica.
-
Danco Island
Surrounded by penguins on land and whales at sea during a stop at Danco Island, Antarctica, named after a member of the Belgica Expedition.
-
Mikkelsen Harbour
D’Hainaut Island, our final Antarctic stop. We survey the remains of an old whaling boat while a Weddell seal snores nearby.
-
Royal Bay / Godthul
Harsh katabatic winds welcome us to the island of South Georgia. After relocating to Godthul, we explore the bay by kayak and enjoy the local wildlife.
-
Grytviken
Visiting the former whaling station at Grytviken, South Georgia – a location forever associated with Ernest Shackleton.
-
A23a and South Georgia
Leaving South Georgia, we sailed near A23a – the largest iceberg in the world. Thoughts on South Georgia during the Falklands war.
-
Falkland Islands
Returning to the Falklands, we hike across West Point Island to see penguins and learn some history in the capital, Stanley
