24 Jan 2018

SHO: Spectacular day exploring the Balleny and Young Islands

After the evening meal on Tuesday 23rd, we experienced the most amazing sight of 25+ Humpback whales feeding near the Akademik Shokalskiy. There were some close encounters which in one instance, took place when a whale was passing the bow. This provided a unique opportunity, to view the huge mammal at close quarters. Many took photographs and others simply enjoyed viewing, the whales from the Bridge or decks. As with the Minke, Orca and Blue whale sightings, this was an experience that will be long remembered.

On Wednesday we had a sunny day for most of our voyage to the Balleny Islands and arrived off the north end of Young Island at 2.15pm. Two Humpback whales were seen, some Antarctic Fulmars and there were excellent views of the wild landscape with below the islands ice cap, glaciers, icefalls and ice cliffs, along the entire east coast. At 5.30pm when just south of Young Island, we crossed the Antarctic Circle and marked this auspicious occasion. We then positioned near Borradaile Island, the next island south of Young Island, and remained here for the night.