Our first Antarctic continental landing after breakfast was at Meusnier Point before cruising the waters of Recess Cove in a zodiac. Although we were on land at Barrientos Island in the South Shetland Islands the evening before, Meusnier Point was the first time most of us would ever step on the actual continent of Antarctica — and were we ever excited!
First Antarctic Continental Landing: Meusnier Point and Recess Cove
We were part of the Blue Group; so a hike at Meusnier Point on the continent of Antarctica came first for us on this part of the expedition — followed by a zodiac rise in Recess Cove.
As with all Antarctica landings, a space was set aside for any items that we potentially needed but did not want to carry with us. A blue carpet was laid out to reduce the chances of slipping after leaving the zodiac. Walking sticks were available for anyone who wanted — or needed — them.
Wait a minute — you want us to go up where now?!?
Actually, the hike looked significantly more daunting that it actually was, as when I reached the point where the ersatz trail switched back towards higher elevation, I was not worn out at all. I then looked up and thought ahh, what the heck and decided to go to the end of the trail. The snow was approximately one foot deep in places; and the air was not all that cold — probably about 34 degrees Fahrenheit or so with virtually no wind.
Although at times one could not discern snow from sky and almost everything seemed to be all white, the hike was not nearly as treacherous as it looked — although some people fell in the deep snow, which was far more comical than dangerous.
At times, I had to stop and simply appreciate where I was located: the deep blue of the glacial ice; the cracking of glaciers; the frigid water with icebergs in it — I was in Antarctica!!!
I easily reached the end of the trail. I felt like I was on top of the world — at the bottom of the world.
After an exhilarating hike on the mainland continent of Antarctica, the time had come for a zodiac cruise in Recess Cove.
We encountered the Crabeater Seal that was featured in this article last week at The Gate With Brian Cohen.
This seal was using free-floating pack ice as a platform to rest.
We felt like we were being officially welcomed to Antarctica that was sealed by a seal.
The formations of icebergs in Recess Cove were absolutely breathtaking.
The deep blue iridescence of the ice almost seemed like an ultra rich hue that is not part of the typical color spectrum.
This seal gets our seal of approval despite being asleep.
To the surprise of everyone, a couple of humpback whales suddenly came by to greet us.
They swam around us for a bit — curiously and playfully…
…before deciding that they approved of us and liked us by waving at us with their tails.
Humpback whales have a unique design and coloration to their tales, as no two tails are alike — similar to fingerprints on the hands of human beings or snowflakes.
The yellow dots on the tails are barnacles.
This raw video offers a glimpse into this part of the experience of the expedition in Antarctica.
Final Boarding Call
We spent the morning at both Meusnier Point and in Recess Cove, which was plenty of time to observe and enjoy the landscape and the waters surrounding us. We then went to the Club Lounge to enjoy lunch before partaking in the activities of the afternoon.
I would have been just fine if the expedition ended at this point, as it already had been simply magical and amazing — but it was just beginning, with so much to take in!
Please click on this article for the complete itinerary of my expedition to Antarctica, which will periodically be updated as more articles are written…
All photographs ©2025 by Brian Cohen.
