Weddell Sea

After Barrientos Island on the South Shetlands, we took an excursion into the Weddell Sea. The assumption was quite clear: shortly after passing the Antarctic Channel, we would encounter pack ice adorned with seals and penguins. Unfortunately, the only pack ice we found was a small, loose, and nearly unadorned patch. The partly stormy winds made reaching various alternative locations impossible, and landing at an Adelie penguin colony failed due to too many icebergs at the landing site.

Therefore, we sail around somewhat aimlessly, spotting Adelie penguins, a few seals, and a pod of orcas.

On the next night - the first with significant waves and wind strengths of up to 11 bft - we sail back to the South Shetland Islands and visit Deception Island - a volcanic caldera that contains a well-protected bay. There are some hiking opportunities and an old whaling station. We also see a few penguins, and we spot an (injured) leopard seal, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, and 2 elephant seals.

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After Barrientos Island, we did a sidetrip into the Weddell Sea. The plan was (obviously) to find some sea ice with some seals and penguins on it; however, there was just a lot of icebergs, but no sea ice. Alternate targets could not be reached due to strong winds, and a landing on an Adelie penguin colony did fail due to too many icebergs at the landing site.

So, finally, we sailed around with no true destination, but at least we see Adelie penguins, some seals, and a pod of killer whales.

In the following night - the first with significant waves and gusts up to 11 bft - we sailed back to the South Shetland Islands, we visited now Deception Island. Deception Island is a sunken volcano, and its caldera offers a natural shelter for ships. So, here is an old whaler station, but as well a possibility to do some hikes. We saw here some penguins, an (injured) leopard seal, Weddell seals, crabeater seals, and elephant seals.