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Peale's dolphins (Lagenorhynchus australis) accompany our ship.
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The most common Albatross species is the Black-browed Albatross (Thalassarche melanophrys).
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The broad black borders of the underwings are characteristic for the Black-browed Albatross.
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Like a sort of ocean swallow, the Antarctic Prion (Pachyptila desolata) is a fast and very agile flyer.
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Antarctic Prion resemble other Prion species. On rough seas, it may be difficult to spot these small dull-coloured birds.
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Cape Petrels (Daption capense) are fairly common in these waters.
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A Wilson's Storm-Petrel (Oceanites oceanicus) lives up to its scientific name by dancing on the ocean waves.
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Giant Petrels are the biggest members of the Procellariidae family, reaching a wingspan of 150 to 210 cm and weighting some 5 kilos. Male and female of both the Northern and Southern Giant-Petrel (Macronectes giganteus) have a remarkably different feeding pattern, this becomes most apparent during the breeding season. While most of the males of both species feed close to the breeding grounds, the females undertake remote foraging trips far away from their nest.
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A group of Grey-headed Albatrosses (Thalassarche chrysostoma) has gathered on the sea waves. You do not often get to see so many birds together.
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A bit further South the first icebergs appear on the horizon. This is a typical table iceberg, a plateau which broke off of a glacier.
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The Southern Fulmar (Fulmarus glacialoides) very much resembles its Northern counterpart.
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The closer you get to these icebergs, the more you'll appreciate their enormous dimensions as well as their patterns of blue and white.
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Land near Antarctica - not the actual continent, but snowy mountains belonging to the Melchior islands.
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