Antarctica: Iceberg Safari

On our second day sailing the Antarctic Peninsula, we cruised on small Zodiac boats through Pleneau Bay, a cove that accumulates magnificent icebergs carried by currents and trapped by shallow waters. For our purposes, it was a scene out of a fantasy world and a haven for sea wildlife. We boarded our small boats of about ten people each and almost immediately encountered some Minke whales who seemed as fascinated and excited to see us as we were to see them. For about 20 minutes, the 25 foot Minkes swam around and under our boats so close that you could almost feel the mists from their blow holes.

The Minke whales were far from shy.

We left the Minkes to explore the breathtaking cove that awaited us: an expanse of water clear and smooth as glass that mirrored unspeakably massive icebergs looming high above and below the sea’s surface. In the words of our guide, it was an iceberg safari.

Wide angle shot of Pleneau Bay. 

Perched upon some of the smaller icebergs were leopard seals, a hefty predator with an infamous penchant for penguins. As we slowly idled up to the iceberg to view the leopard seals slumbering after a recent feast, one slipped into the water, not to escape our presence, rather to more closely investigate us. The animal that had seconds ago seemed fat, clumsy and rather ordinary beast had beautifully transformed into an elegant and streamlined dancer as it glided under and around our boats in the pristine polar waters. Its grace combined with its genuine desire to see us and understand what we were was simply enchanting.

Digesting breakfast with a nice iceberg nap.

Other than Orca whales, Leopard seals are the top predator in the Antarctic. They have massive jaws and can weigh in at up to half a ton.

Chunky and awkward became slender and lithe (and lethal).

Just checking each other out, mammal to mammal.

Speaking to the beauty of the icebergs and the grandeur of Antarctica’s snow and ice in general seems an impossible task. As we silently sat in our boats admiring the enormous icebergs looming high over our heads, I was overcome with simultaneous feelings of thrill and calm. Each one seemed a magnificent and absurd sculpture on proud display in this natural art gallery. Along with that ostentatious presentation came the mystery of the vast ice submerged beneath the surface and the years of journey that brought it to its current position. Together, the striking exhibition combined with that left to the imagination incited pure and utter wonder. I question whether I will ever again be in the presence of such awe inspiring scenery.

A good shot to see the colossal amount of ice lurking below to support the exposed part of the iceberg.

Possibly the most striking iceberg we came across-- artfully sculpted bridge of enormous size put into perspective by the cruising boat on the bottom right.