24 Jan 2021

Subantarctic Islands of Contrast

With winds above 30 knots, a Zodiac cruise at The Snares wasn't possible, however this was resolved this with a ship cruise as Spirit of Enderby was carefully manoeuvred along the east side of North East Island, the main island in the chain.

Cameras and binoculars lined the portside and were rewarded with spectacular shots of the birdlife, dramatic cliffs and tree daisies. One of the many highlights was observing the long line of Snares Crested Penguins making their way down the steep rock face/Penguin Slide from their nesting sites beneath the tree daisies to the sea.

As our fantastic Galapagos of the Southern Ocean voyage draws to a close it was time to reflect on the extraordinary islands we visited. Each group of Subantarctic islands has been so different to the one before. Each having its own selection of birdlife and unique vegetation cover. First we had the Bounty Islands' bare rock, Erect-crested Penguins and Salvin's Albatross. Next the grasslands of the Antipodes followed by the dracophyllum and megaherbs of Campbell Island. The stunted rata forest set the Auckland Islands apart, and this morning we arrived at The Snares with its tree daises and flocks of Sooty Shearwaters - thousands of them!

We are now on the final stage of our journey; heading north to Bluff where we expect to arrive at 0600 hours tomorrow morning and the end of another unforgettable voyage. A special thanks to our crew and guides for making it possible to see so much of these incredible islands.

Image © K.Riedel, Heritage Expeditions