MID-SEASON
WILDLIFE TO SPOT • The first penguin chicks begin to hatch late in Decem- ber, making this a great time to see adult penguins hunting for fish and krill just offshore or playing with their young. • Whale-watching is tremendous, especially in places like Wilhelmina Bay, often referred to as Whale-a- mina Bay.
WHAT TO EXPECT • The days stretch on seemingly forever, with up to 20 hours of daily sunlight from late December into January. • Sunlight and salt water begin to melt and erode icebergs, turning each one into an ever-changing work of art. • Glaciers actively calve as temperatures rise.
LATE SEASON
WILDLIFE TO SPOT • The sightings of humpback, minke and killer whales are more plentiful. As well, you may also encounter blue, fine, sei, southern right and sperm whales. • By this time, the penguin chicks are quickly becom- ing “teenagers,” and starting to grow adult feathers, while their parents begin their molting season.
WHAT TO EXPECT • From mid-February to the end of the Antarctic sea- son, exploration further south is possible as the pack ice recedes allowing you to see more of the region. • The days begin to get shorter and the sunsets are incredible. • Glaciers, icebergs, beaches and landing sites are all weathered, each a fascinating study in the toll taken by the sun and heat — even in a climate where the temperature remains below freezing most of the time.
Photo Credit: (top left) Acacia Johnson, (top right & bottom left) David Merron, (bottom right) Samantha Crimmin
ANTARCTICA 2019.20 GUIDE | 13
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