Morning Excursion: Skontorp
We woke to find the ship anchored in Skontorp Cove, where the icy water was so still it reflected the surrounding landscape like glass. The only thing that broke up the natural beauty was the presence of Argentina’s Base Brown nearby—one of the few active research stations in this part of the Antarctic Peninsula, quietly tucked against the shoreline.
To make the most of the conditions, I arranged a private Zodiac for my wife and I with the ship’s photographer, giving us more flexibility and space to carefully set up shots as the light evolved. While our ride delivered excellent opportunities, the kayakers clearly had the best seats in the house—whales surfaced remarkably close to them, close enough to momentarily erase any awareness of the cold. Under the overcast sky, the ice and water took on a muted blue tone that extended in every direction, creating a monochromatic, almost surreal atmosphere. The light was subtle but ideal, perfectly suited for building dramatic, layered images that felt unmistakably Antarctic.
Afternoon Excursion: Useful Island
Next up was Useful Island. The channel between Useful Island and Useless Island
offers major protection from the wind and swell. The island offers the possibility of walking in flat terrain covered with snow, and to observe Gentoo penguins, other seabirds, and occasionally seals. We were lucky enough to see some Gentoo babies as well as a Weddell seal.
