03 Dec 2019

Albatross Welcome at The Snares

As Spirit of Enderby approached The Snares, the first stop on our Galapagos of the Southern Ocean expedition, large numbers of Salvin's, White-capped and South Royal Albatross started circling the ship, while Sooty Shearwaters were everywhere.

Launching our Zodiacs at Southern Bay, we cruised our way around to the eastern side of the island, between North East Island and Broughton Island, for some excellent views of Snares Crested Penguins. Obligingly, the sun tried its best to come out improving the light for the photographers among us.

One of the highlights of the cruise involved watching a large New Zealand/Hooker's Sea Lion clambering up the rocks scattering penguins both into the water and along the rocks. Rafts of inquisitive penguins came to check us out, or just porpoised around the Zodiacs, as we headed back into the Southern Bay of North East Island. Sea caves and New Zealand Fur Seals made a fitting end to our first outing of the voyage.

Back on board Spirit of Enderby, we enjoyed attending lectures on New Zealand/Hooker's Sea Lions and the history of the Auckland Islands in preparation for tomorrow's visit to the Auckland Island's Enderby Island.

Image © A.Chavanne, Heritage Expeditions