Today’s highlights began with peaceful cruising in Charlotte Bay, where humpback whales rested at the surface before thrilling us with their powerful flukes. Weddell and Antarctic fur seals lounged on drifting icebergs, while others swam gracefully nearby, all set against a breathtaking, glassy seascape.

Our continental landing at Portal Point was unforgettable. Lazy fur seals basked in the sun, as dominant males sparred on a small island framed by glaciers and blue skies. We also spotted imperial shags and chinstrap and gentoo penguins along the rocky, snowy shoreline.

Back on board, wildlife watching continued with more humpback encounters. The lecture on marine mammals with our Guest Scientists deepened our understanding of whale–krill interactions and their global importance, followed by the interactive Antarctic food web workshop, which connected today’s sightings to the wider ecosystem.