Antarctica

15-02-2026 // 63’10S 063’35W

This year we are doing two trips with new and different destinations in Antarctica. The first one went into the Weddell Sea, or more precisely the Erebus and Terror Gulf. The second goes as far south as we dare. Currently, we are underway in the Drake after having spent two weeks cruising the Weddell Sea and the Peninsula on our first trip south.

There is no way around it: the reason for these itineraries is not only the adventure, but also the increasing number of ships that make it this far south. We try to find places that are less visited by other ships. This also requires a little more time. Time, like we used to have for these expeditions, seems to be becoming less and less available. People don’t have much of it these days. To cut down even more would make a trip like this pointless. The weather and the ocean dictate the rate of success, and they will not be forced into a package deal.

We have been blessed with both a friendly ocean and a great spell of weather. Blessed — or was it that little extra time we had that took away the pressure? Whatever it was, the expedition has been a great success. Over 40 different species of wildlife, with the “mini” Bs on one of the last days. These are a smaller type of orca that feed on penguins and small seals. They are sometimes referred to as the Gerlache orca.

Gerlache orcas (Small Type B) are distinct, smaller Antarctic killer whales (approx. 7m/22ft) known for their yellowish-brown appearance caused by a coating of diatom algae. Found primarily around the Gerlache Strait, they have large eye patches and specialize in hunting penguins, though they likely also consume fish and seals.

Key Facts About Gerlache Orcas

Appearance: They are smaller than other Type B orcas, with a brownish/yellowish, two-toned grey coloration and a prominent, large, pale eye patch.

Habitat: Commonly found in open water around the Gerlache Strait and the West Antarctic Peninsula during summer.

Diet: Known to hunt penguins, often spotted around colonies, but research suggests they also feed on fish and squid, diving to depths of 500–700m.

Behavior: They are known to travel to lower latitudes to shed the diatom layer from their skin.

Identification: They are often confused with Type C (Ross Sea) orcas but can be distinguished by their unique eye patch shape and habitat.

Social Structure: They live in family groups, similar to other orca ecotypes.

Last year we had a pod surrounding the boat when we killed the engine. A few of the younger ones dived under the boat and were very inquisitive!

We left Antarctica after a visit to Damoy Point. A lot less snow covered the rocks than last year. Due to work on the Port Lockroy base and the pressure from passing ships, we could not visit the southernmost post office. We had bagged enough, and it was time to go!

No Drake Lake, but also no Drake drama so far… We will see!

All is well,

Gijs