15 Dec 2023

Birders delight - Zodiac cruising at Antipodes Island

The fine weather and gentle conditions continued as Heritage Adventurer cruised up the east coast of the main Antipodes Island during breakfast, and dropped anchor - in Anchorage Bay, of course.

Unfortunately, an approaching shift in weather meant a change of plans for today's excursion. So, back south we went to Ringdove Bay on the more sheltered southeast coast. Along the way, we experienced an incredible encounter as several Antipodean Albatrosses circled our trusty expedition vessel.

After the re-start, we cruised the bay getting close views of the Erect-crested Penguins on the rocks and in the water, with a few Rockhopper Penguins in the mix too. We regularly scanned the tussocks, and eventually, both Red-crowned and Antipodes Parakeets were found.

The sky was filled with birds for the whole cruise, notably Light-mantled Sooty Albatross and Fairy and Fulmar Prions. The sea itself a highlight with our experienced drivers guiding the Zodiacs very close to where the large rollers were crashing on the rocks. What a wild and captivating place.

Our Zodiac cruise was extended into the early afternoon. Back on-board Heritage Adventurer, we enjoyed a delicious barbeque lunch which was eagerly received after our exciting voyage.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions