26 Nov 2024

Arriving at the awe-inspiring Macquarie Island

Our Galapagos of the Southern Ocean voyage saw us journey to Macquarie Island in true Subantarctic style, leaving behind snow showers and gusty wind. Arriving at this wildlife haven in beautiful sunshine, we experienced incredible seabirds around Heritage Adventurer as our Captain brought us to anchor in Buckles Bay. Once ashore, we were welcomed by the Macquarie Island Research Staff alongside hundreds of Weaner Elephant Seal pups, Gentoo Penguins, King Penguins, Royal Penguins, Giant Petrels and Light-mantled Sooty Albatross. A wander through to the adjoining beach showed the strength of the seas we had just come through and just how incredibly isolated this slice of paradise truly is.

Everyone enjoyed trekking to a breathtaking lookout over The Isthmus to see the Macquarie Island Station and the surrounding landscape.

After lunch on board Heritage Adventurer, we enjoyed a stunning Zodiac cruise observing hundreds of elegant King Penguins swimming in the water around us. Afterwards, we had fantastic observations of the Rockhopper Penguin colony to tick off all four penguins of Macquarie Island!

It was an incredible first day in this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Images © S. Bradley & M. Potter, Heritage Expeditions