Our second day on the Drake, and it is becoming all the more real—we are ON OUR WAY. During the night, we crossed 60° South and are officially in Antarctic waters. The Captain, in his wisdom, altered course to the east to ensure a more comfortable ride. We were briefed on IAATO and our expected behaviours ashore, and received our muck boots and boat group patches. Strict biosecurity protocols saw us vacuuming our clothes, ensuring that we help keep Antarctica pristine. You could almost smell the anticipation in the air.

Beaked whales provided a fantastic start to our cetacean sightings. Albatrosses and Cape petrels kept us amazed as they danced effortlessly through the winds.