Day 7 – Jan 4th – Special Operations Boat (SOB)
Neko Harbour was discovered by Belgian explorer Adrien de Gerlache during the early 20th century. It was named for a Norwegian whaling ship, the Neko, that was often found in the bay. The harbor is located on the Eastern shore of Andvord Bay and is considered a continental landing as it is part of the Antarctic Peninsula.
It is a popular spot to visit due to wildlife spotting and the striking scenery. The place is full of Gentoo penguins – a big breeding ground. According to guide books one can also find Leopard Seals, Weddell Seals, Minke Whales, Kelp Gulls and Skuas. during our visit it was just the Gentoo’s and Skuas.
There is a massive glacier located at Neko Harbour that can sometimes be seen calving into the sea, with huge slabs of ice that thunderously splash into the water below. It would be impressive to see – alas, did not occur during our visit.
We hiked up the hill from the harbour to enjoy the panoramic views, and revelling in nature’s beauty before us. In front of us was a sight to behold, a Penguin Highway, no less!
Here are some of the highlights of a visit to Neko Harbour:
- The Penguin Highway
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