Whales!

The most extraordinary time on the water was the last evening in Wilhelmina Bay, with humpback whales encircling us while they fed on krill.

Lisa took this photo from another Zodiak boat. Mine is the tiny gray-beanied face on the left side of this boat.

Three humpback whales side by side.

Two tiny Zodiak boats in the distance.

Humpback whale's throat expanding as it gulps down huge volumes of water.

The good ship Vavilov in the background.

A humpback whale sinking back into the water.

That is great ice in the background! (Also, nice fluke.)

Extraordinary, peaceful and foggy: Wilhelmina Bay.

Photo disclaimer: Many of these photos were taken and shared by others on my trip; the credits are unknown except where watermarked.

Seals!

 

Penguins are adorable and whales are overwhelming, but seals seem more familiar to anyone who grew up near an ocean. I hereby apologize to the amazing, charismatic seals of Antarctica for underestimating you. Below are photos of fur seals, but Weddell seals and an occasional leopard seal were also in the mix.

Handsome fur seal, posing on a bergy bit in Neko Harbor.

Seals and glaciers at Mikkelson Harbor.

How can you not love this face?

Whaddya looking at? (Half Moon Island.)

The least graceful seals. Dunking in the water at Paradise Bay.

Photo disclaimer: Many of these photos were taken and shared by others on my trip; the credits are unknown except where watermarked.

Penguins!!

Chinstrap penguins, Half Moon Island

Actually, it's hard to think or write the word 'penguin' without exuberant exclamation points. Without effort it just comes out as penguins!!! because they are so darn charming.

This rock outcropping on Half Moon Island is home to hundreds and hundreds of chinstrap penguins, barely distinguishable here against the snow-covered rocks.

 

And a few random Gentoo penguins in the mix at Half Moon Island.

Gentoo penguins at Neko Harbor.

A Gentoo at Mikkelson Harbor. He had so little to say, I didn't even press 'record.'

This poor little guy is molting, but a took a few minutes to check us out.

Not sure if the Gentoo or Andy won the staring contest.

Photo disclaimer: Many of these photos were taken and shared by others on my trip; the credits are unknown except where watermarked.