Fournier Bay, Antarctica

  Sea conditions remain very favourable as we head to Fournier Bay, our first expedition stop in Antarctica. The plan is to arrive there at around noon and by 10 am we start to see the Antarctic Peninsula in the distance.



Our destination, Fournier Bay


The Antarctic Peninsula comes into view

No one can believe how perfect the conditions are today and they continue to remind us that this is rare, and not to expect it for the rest of the cruise.

Fournier Bay is renowned for whale activity so all eyes are out on deck to check out wildlife sightings.

As we approach the bay we can see another small ship is in there, so we wait around 30 minutes for them to depart before we take up our afternoon time slot. The scenery is already stunning and we are starting to see penguins in the water swimming alongside the ship.





The other ship departs, almost on time and we make our way into the bay to commence the afternoon activities.



Standing by waiting for the other ship to leave


S H Diana departing

We move into position, but don't anchor, the ship just holds its position for the next 7 hours or so we are here. Everyone is on deck taking in the scenery.


As move into the bay, there is a lot more floating ice and icebergs.


 






Finally established in our spot the toys start going in the water. First up is the submarine support boat and then the submarine.


Dive support boat


The Yellow Submarine

They head off to their chosen site to set up ready for groups of 6 to be delivered by Zodiac. In the meantime, a fleet of zodiacs are put in the water, as are the kayaks and the Special Operations Boat.


Kayaks being towed closer to the shore with 16 paddlers at time possible


Special Operations Boat takes 12 people for a tour on water

By 2.30 pm activities are under way. Those doing a shore landing head off in zodiacs, the Special operations boat is loaded up for its first tour, the submarine is commencing its first dive and the first lot of kayakers have headed out to join the kayaks from the zodiacs. 

This afternoon we are kayaking and need to head down to the loading area at 4 pm, the get prepared for our adventure. To go kayaking your need to get dressed up in a dry suit, in case anyone fell in. This is quite a process but comforting nevertheless. Then fitted with neoprene boots and life jackets we are ready to go at 4.30 pm.

We cannot believe how perfect the conditions are, nor can our guides. We didn't need to put on too many layers as the sun is shining and there is no wind. The kayaking is great, some people even know how to paddle a kayak, so avoiding collisions is challenging sometimes as cameras are out and noone is psaying too much attention to where they are going. Of course it is important to stay near the guide to hear his commentary.


All in the water getting final instructions before we head off


The guide has spotted some penguins, Chinstrap and Gentoo penguins on some rocks on the shore. There is a seal sunbaking, but we can only see their back.







The gentoo's are the fastest swimmers of all of the penguins and seem to be well adapted to changing climate conditions. Their population is growing whilst the Chinstrap and Adelie penguin populations are declining.






Our 45 mins of kayaking goes quickly and on such glassy water and mild temperatures it was aa amazing experience. Sadly, all good things come to an end and we had to meet back up with Zodiacs to vacate the kayaks and head back to the ship.


Viking Octantis awaiting our return


View from our stateroom


The iceberg we can see through our window

Back on board at 6 pm, it was time for a hot shower, and a  gin and tonic or beer. The restaurant downstairs is booked out, so we decide to try the casual restaurant, which we thought was just the usual buffet. We were pleasantly surprised to find there was much more. A dedicated seafood area with freshly made sushi, sashimi with all of the trimmings, king crab legs, langoustines, seafood salads etc.

There is also a grill when you can order about 4 different types of steak, pork chops, burgers and more. I saw one older couple walking off with T Bones that could hardly fit on their plate. Surf and turf (fillet steak and half a lobster tail), is available every day and of course there is the buffet including an extravagant desert section. No real incentive to go to the restaurant other than to get table service.

We gave the seafood section a fair workout and then got some food from the buffet. No room for a big steak, but a very tender small steak diane was available in the buffet selection, with plenty of vegetable or other accompaniments.

We were in bed by 10pm only to be awoken by a all from the bridge announcing that they had spotted a pod of orcas and the ship was stopped to allow us around half an hour to observe them before continuing on.

The orcas were too far away and moved to quickly to get any good photos.

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