Astrolabe Island - Antarctica

After a splendid morning at Brown Bluff, we had Brunch as the Ocean Nova made its way to Astrolabe Island where we did a Zodiac Cruise.

We passed many icebergs on the way to Astrolabe Island

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Penguins hanging out at the bottom of an iceberg - mouseover for close-up

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Everyone in the Zodiac is watching some nearby wildlife - mouseover image for wide-angle view

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Leopard Seals can be aggressive predators - even going after Zodiacs!

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He decided to come over to our Zodiac and pay us a visit!

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Chinstrap penguins playing in the water - mouseover for close-up - notice the lack of color in these images

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They didn't seem to be bothered by crashing waves that were much bigger than them

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This little Chinstrap takes a flying leap and plunges into the swirling waters

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Astrolabe Island antarctica chin strap penguin

OK - who is jumping in next?!?

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Cape Petrel comes in for a landing and then takes off

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A pack of penguins leaping through the water - mouseover images to see 'em in action/close-ups

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A few more leaping penguin pictures - it was very cool to watch

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Crabeater seal chilling on a small piece of ice ... and then slithers in

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Probably some food in the water with all of the birds here - mouseover image to see 'em in action

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They all took flight at once - perhaps due to a fast approaching storm

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Astrolabe Island birds flying

With the dramatic weather change, it was like the classic Alfred Hitchcock movie

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After this incredible first day on the 7th continent, we hit the sack for our next landing the following day at Danco Island, Antarctica.

Return to Antarctic Cruise.