18 Jan 2025

Emperors ahoy! A fantastic day near Coulman Island

We awoke to spectacularly calm conditions further along the Victoria Land coast, off Coulman Island, blocked from the coastline due to a thick band of dense drift ice. We continued along the ice edge, observing many Crabeater seals and Adélie Penguins. This culminated in a cruise to the front of a spectacular iceberg, where we decided to take our voyage photograph with all of us gathered at the bow whilst Snow Petrels flew high above.  

Following lunch, Heritage Adventurer was positioned within an open embayment of an ice band, and we decided to go for a Zodiac cruise or kayak in the pristine conditions. Whilst gliding through the ice floes, we were privileged to have views of Adélie Penguins, Crabeater Seals and one of the top predators of Antarctica - the Leopard Seal.

As we were having dinner, the PA announced that an Emperor Penguin had been spotted by the Expedition Team, resulting in many excited expeditioners heading to the Starboard side. The day got even better when a second Emperor Penguin was spotted, and Heritage Adventurer detoured to observe an adult with more colour in its plumage. For many, it was a new species to view, and Nigel Marven celebrated his achievement of 17 penguin species, adding it to his life list.

Images © C. Finch, Heritage Expeditions