Another Penguin Species!

Today was more of a typical Antarctica day, with grey skies, strong winds, and cold temperatures. We arrived at Deception Island with the hopes to visit Bailey Head, but it was too unsafe to land Zodiacs on the shore due to the swells. Instead, we visited Whaler’s Bay, where there are many relics from the days of whaling as well as an abandoned British outpost. One of our guides, Mike Warr, worked at the British outposts in Deception Island and Adelaide Island in the early sixties. He shared many of personal anecdotes, which made the history of the island come alive.

Deception Island is a volcanic caldera, similar to Thira (Santorini Island) in the Greek Isles. The volcano erupted in the 1960’s, and there is almost daily seismic activity. Hot springs usually flow into the sea, making for a warm swim. Today, however, there was not any warm water, but still, some of my fellow passengers opted to go for a polar plunge. I did not witness the event, but apparently, it went very quickly. The eleven plungers were awarded certificates for their bravery. The remainder of us was awarded certificates for our good judgment!

Since we were unable to make any landings, we spent the afternoon cruising the outer coast of Deception Island in the Zodiacs. We watched leopard seals and visited a Chinstrap penguin colony, Vapour Colony. It’s a new (and fifth) species of penguin observed on the expedition. You can understand how it received its name.


Although I haven’t taken the greatest shots, I wanted to share some of my photos of the penguins flying through the water. This activity is referred to as “porpoising.” The still photos don’t even begin to capture the energy, which is exhilarating to experience! Yes, they are clumsy on dry land, but are incredibly swift and efficient in the water! Krill, anyone?

Chinstrap Penguins Porpoising

Gentoo Penguins Porpoising

To quote our expedition leader, “The seas are freshening” i.e., it’s starting to get really rough. This evening we have been gently reminded to secure our items, as it is possible they will go flying in the middle of the night. The Endeavour will forge onward with the plan to skirt the Northern fringe of the ice-filled Weddel Sea tomorrow. We hope to experience a different landscape in the Antarctic Sound as well as more ice, including the possibility of sighting tabular bergs!

One of the comments I have received on this blog stated I must have to pinch myself a thousand times a day. This is completely true. It feels incredibly surreal to be here, to experience Antarctica, its vastness, and all of its treasures.