02 Dec 2024

Sublime sunshine on Enderby Island

Our Galapagos of the Southern Ocean adventure saw us arrive at Enderby Island in perfect weather. Hopping in the Zodiacs, we landed at Sandy Bay, where we could choose a long walk or continue on a Zodiac cruise. The long-walkers set off first and enjoyed a fabulous 6-hour walk encountering Royal Albatrosses, Yellow-eyed Penguin/Hoiho, brilliant Subantarctic mega herbs, Bellbirds singing in Rātā forest, Parakeets and a Snipe chick alongside its parent. It was a photographer’s paradise, with those walking to the northern cliffs taking time to compose their shots, observing Light-mantled Sooty Albatross in flight, the abundant Auckland Island Shag and the flowering Bulbinella paddock delicately blowing in the wind. 

The rest of us enjoyed an immersive Zodiac cruise of the historic sites of Port Ross. Along the way, we had superb observations of Yellow-eyed Penguin/Hoiho and Auckland Island Teal.

Afterwards, we reconvened on Heritage Adventurer for the famous Heritage Expeditions BBQ, followed by one final walk across Enderby Island in the warm sun and no wind - a rarity for this part of the world.

Images © T. Henderson, M. Potter, S. Bradley & O. Thomas