07 Jan 2023

A buffet of wildlife encounters at the Snares

After a gentle passage Heritage Adventurer arrived at the Snares Islands, our first of many explorations on our Ross Sea Antarctica voyage In the Wake of Scott & Shackleton - and what an incredible start to the amazing wildlife encounters ahead. The unusual easterly wind and swell made for a dynamic ride to the coves via Zodiac cruise - a true baptism for our expedition.

It was an absolute buffet of wildlife as we made our approach to the bustling colony of Snares Crested Penguins standing by the steep rocks, with many making their way in and out of the water. New Zealand Fur Seals frolicked curiously around the Zodiacs while the birders among us spotter Buller's Albatross and Cape Petrels swooping low overhead before settling in large numbers on the sea around us, feeding on the schools of fish swimming below our Zodiacs.

As we finished our time at the Snares we returned to Heritage Adventurer with excitement to share our photos and stories with one another. Our excitement only grew as we sailed onto our next destination: the Auckland Islands.

Image on file (c): C.Todd