Antarctica – Day 5 – Cierva Cove, Mikkelsen Harbour

Cierva Cove

Super-early wake-up call today for an early-morning zodiac around Cierva Cove.  

Cierva Cove - Antarctica
Dawn coming into Cierva Cove

This Cove houses a colony of Chinstrap Penguins, which, to date, we’d only seen swimming in the Drake passage.  These penguins are named (obviously) for their white chinstrap, and for me at least, are the most attractive of the penguins we’ve seen so far.    It was a beautifully calm morning as we motored around the rocks for great views of the penguin colony.   

Chinstrap Penguins at Cierva Cove - Antarctica

This is also the site of the Argentinean-owned “Primavera Base”, from which they conduct scientific studies of the lichen in the Antarctic Peninsula.

Primavera Station - Antarctica

We pootled around in the Zodiacs for about 2 hours then headed back to the Vavilov via some pretty cool icebergs for a late breakfast.

Icebergs around Cierva Cove - Antarctica

 

 

Mikkelsen Harbour

An hour after leaving Cierva Cove we arrived at the gorgeous Mikkelsen Harbour and another Gentoo penguin colony. 

Gentoo Colony - Mikkelsen Harbour - Antarctica
View over part of the Gentoo Colony at Mikkelsen Harbour

This day it happened to be guarded by 2 Weddell seals, and the One Ocean staff set out poles to indicate safe “paths” for us to stick to in order to avoid the seals (though they are one of the most placid types) and the worst of the deep snow.

Weddell Seal - Mikkelsen Harbour - Antarctica

As with the Leopard seals and the Crabeater seals, it amazes me how soft their muzzle looks … not that I’m going to get close enough to see whether it is soft in reality!

Weddell Seal - Mikkelsen Harbour - Antarctica

Enjoyed walking about as well as sitting and just watching the penguins do their thing.  They really are funny little birds – you could watch them for hours!  And yes, the colonies really smell, but you get used to it after a bit 🙂

Gentoo Penguin - Mikkelsen Harbour - Antarctica

I find I have to keep reminding myself that I’m actually in Antarctica, and to stop and enjoy the wider views as well, not just the animals.

Mikkelsen Harbour - Antarctica
Walked around past the seals along the beach to discover more amazing views of Mikkelsen Harbour
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