Gentoo Penguins and Beautiful Glaciers. Cuverville Island and Neko Harbour
Gentoo Penguins stand on top of the mountain on Cuverville Island
Overnight we sailed into the heart of the Antarctic Peninsula, into the Gerlache Straight, anchoring just north of Cuverville island. What a stunning region! Rocky Islands are covered in pristine white snow and blue ice that looks as though bright blue bubble gum snow cone flavouring has settled to the bottom. Bright baby blue icebergs of all sizes majestically decorate the dark icy waters.
Cuverville Island, our first excursion for the day, is home to the largest Gentoo penguin colony.
Gentoos look adorably clumsy on land but are torpedoes in the water. They can dive to over 600 ft and swim up to 22 miles/hr which makes them the fastest diving birds.
The morning conditions, dreary sky and gusting winds were not conducive to taking out the kayaks, so we joined everyone else via a bumpy zodiac ride to the island.
There are penguins everywhere, some on a mission to get somewhere, and others hanging out in colonies on flat rocky areas painted pink. Krill, small pink crustaceans like shrimp, are a primary source of food for penguins. So they eat pink, and they poop pink.
For the afternoon, our captain maneuvered through the Errera Channel passing beautiful icebergs along the way.
Our afternoon destination was Neko Harbour. To say this area is stunning is an understatement! Andvord Bay is surrounded by breathtaking icebergs.
The massive glacier ice around is always at risk of breaking off causing tsunamis in the bay. As such, our landings required quick exits from the zodiacs, walking off the beach, and heading straight up the hill away from the tsunami zone.
Always mindful of the "penguin highways", we hiked up an icy hill to enjoy a fabulous view of the penguin colony and stunning glacial vistas.
Penguin highways are everywhere. Just like many other animals, penguins too will create pathways by repeating their routes. We had to be mindful to avoid standing in the middle of their route when they approach, so as not to block their path. I sometimes noticed If someone was in their way on a narrow path, they often just stopped looked and waited. When the person moved they continued on their merry way.
It's impressive watching penguins hike up and down steep hills either rocky or snowy and icy. They head to the water for food and then take the long journey back up to their nests to feed their hungry chicks.
Time flew by, and before I knew it, it was time to leave. The timing was great as on our zodiac ride back to our ship we were fortunate to see some humpback whales.
