07/14/2026
It's not every day you encounter not one, but TWO pods of orcas while exploring the Southern Ocean. And if you do, hopefully you have the good sense to drop everything and go whale watching!
That's exactly what our fearless Antarctic expedition leader did. Instead of sticking to the afternoon's schedule, we launched an impromptu Zodiac excursion, and it turned into one of the most unforgettable wildlife experiences of our lives.
For 45 incredible minutes, we were surrounded by more than two dozen orcas as they swam, surfaced, spy-hopped, and tail-slapped while curiously investigating our boats. They came so close we could hear the explosive sound of their breaths as they surfaced, and at one point several whales glided effortlessly beneath our boats.
Encounters like this are never guaranteed, but they're exactly why we carefully choose the expedition partners we work with. The right crew, the right itinerary, and the right time of year can make all the difference when nature puts on a show.
Happy World Orca Day to one of the ocean's most intelligent and awe-inspiring predators - and thank you for the memories!
