17 Dec 2019
Blue Skies at The Snares
It was calm water and blue skies as Akademik Shokalskiy approached North East Island, the largest and main island in The Snares group.
After breakfast we launched the Zodiacs for the first cruise of our expedition along the jagged outcrops and rugged shores of these remote Subantarctic islands. Home to a spectacular range of birdlife, we enjoyed observing endemic Snares Crested Penguin rookeries, several Buller's Albatrosses and the more common Cape Petrel or Sooty Shearwaters.
Keen birdwatchers also spotted the endemic Snares Tomtit and Fernbird among lush vegetation as we Zodiac cruised along the shore. Adding to the excitement New Zealand Fur Seals and Hooker's Sea Lions were spotted basking in the sunshine and even porpoising alongside us in the water.
Returning to the ship two hours later it was all sun-flushed faces and smiles back on board Akademik Shokalskiy as the Captain set our course for Macquarie Island.
Image © from file, A.Russ
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