Guam to Chile Blog Post 13 - Ducie Island

October 5, 2024 - Ducie Island

After departing Pitcairn Island, Seabourn Pursuit continued east to Ducie Island, easternmost of the Pitcairn Islands. Ducie Island is an uninhabited atoll with pristine beaches and crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling if weather conditions permit. Ducie Island is also the home to several seabird species, since no land predators interrupt the breeding. Arriving at 1230 pm, weather conditions were such that both snorkeling and submersible operations were cancelled. The ship made a lee so zodiacs could be safely launched in the 2-3 meter swells and 15 knot winds. Zodiac tours in three waves according to our assigned color groups commenced.  With the seas, zodiacs capacity was either 6 or 8 guests depending on size, instead of the normal 10-14 guests.

Ducie Island Map

View of atoll from Seabourn Pursuit

Zodiacs waiting for the Humpback Whale pod

Numerous seabird species were flying around the ship and a pod of humpback whales put on a show between the ship and the beach.

 

Humpback Breaching

Seabirds at Ducie

Whale and bird photos are courtesy of Kevin Novak, one of the guests with a better camera and timing than ourselves.

By 1630 pm the zodiacs were retrieved and Seabourn Pursuit began the 2-day voyage to Easter Island, even further east and south of Ducie Island.  We enjoyed a delicious alfresco Italian dinner on the aft patio deck featuring veal osso buco while watching the Moon and Venus create a shimmering reflection in the wake as they slide below the horizon.