ANTARCTICA AND PATAGONIA : LEGENDARY ICE AND EPIC FJORDS 

SHIP OFFERING THIS ITINERARY

NATIONAL GEOGRAPHIC EXPLORER

National Geographic Explorer was completely redesigned and rebuilt after originally ferrying passengers among the fjords along Norway’s coast in conditions that could deteriorate into heavy seas in a matter of minutes. She is able to handle deep swells and towering waves—and have a high degree of maneuverability. Equipped with an ice-strengthened hull and advanced navigation equipment making it ideal for Antarctic expeditions, and offers a well-appointed interior with vast expanses of glass for an unprecedented connection to the regions explored. The Explorer accommodates guests in 81 spacious outside cabins, most with feature windows and some with balconies. Public areas include a lounge and bar, a spa, fitness centre and sauna, and a choice of dining options that offer regionally inspired cuisine. The ship is outfitted with the latest equipment for exploration – kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft, as well as hydrophones, HD cameras, and sophisticated video equipment that allows access to the underwater world.

Day 1 Santiago, Chile

Santiago is surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring backdrop to your afternoon guided tour of this vibrant city (dependent on your arrival time). Explore the Plaza de Armas, the main square, and nearby Presidential Palace, enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that dot the city. In the early evening gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.

Day 2 Punta Arenas, Chile

Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southern gateway to Patagonia, where we’ll embark our ship.

Day 3 Tierra del Fuego

Cruise to Tierra del Fuego and venture into the archipelago’s largest protected land area: Karukinka Natural Park. Visit this private reserve by special permission, searching for Andean foxes, guanacos, black-browed albatrosses, and more. Then sail to Ainsworth Bay, a stunning fjord surrounded by subpolar forest, keeping an eye out for elephant seals.

Day 4 Francisco Coloane Marine Park

Today we enter the Strait of Magellan to explore Francisco Coloane Marine Park. The park covers more than 165,000 acres of land and sea and is home to an abundance of wildlife, including humpback whales, two species of sea lions, and Magellanic penguins. Cruise along the coastline by Zodiac and kayak to watch for black and white Peale’s dolphins, the endangered Chilean dolphin, and Andean condors.

Day 5 Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine Park

Early this morning we dock in picturesque Puerto Natales before heading out to explore majestic Torres del Paine National Park, a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Set out by foot or by vehicle across the windswept, rugged landscape, which spans more than 550,000 acres and harbors an astounding variety of geological forms, from the soaring granite pillars of the “horns” and windswept grasslands to rivers, glaciers, and gem-colored lagoons. Keep an eye out for guanacos, rheas, foxes, and armadillos.

Day 6 Puerto Natales / Kirk Narrows

Local pilots join our captain on the bridge to guide us through the winding Kirke Narrows, accessible only to small expedition ships. We then continue our discovery of the Chilean fjords where we may explore by ship or take a forest walk.

Days 7 & 8 Chilean Fjords

Sail into southern Patagonia’s vast wilderness of forested isles, mirror-like lakes, and snowcapped peaks. Myriad fjords cut between soaring granite walls and waterfalls tumble from high above. Explore the region known as Chile’s “Glacier Alley,” part of the UNESCO- recognized Cape Horn Biosphere Reserve. Cruise into the secluded Pia Fjord, admiring views of its massive glacier, and glide into Garibaldi Fjord in Alberto de Agostini National Park, where the Andes meet the sea. Get up close to the monumental wall of ice that marks the edge of Garibaldi Glacier, exploring by Zodiac or kayak. Continue to Agostini Fjord, where numerous glaciers originate from the nearby mountains, for a chance to witness thunderous glacial calving.

Days 9 & 10 At Sea, Drake Passage

As you leave the continent and sail back to Ushuaia, an albatross or two may join the escort of seabirds that cross the ship’s bow, and your spotters will keep an eye out for marine life. There’ll be plenty of time to enjoy a wellness treatment, log some time in the gym, or catch up on the book you haven’t had a minute to read. Final presentations from the expedition staff will reflect on all you have seen and learned.

Days 11 – 15 Antarctica

With long hours of daylight at this time of year, we have ample opportunities to explore. Our schedule is flexible, allowing us to take advantage of the unexpected, whether we are watching whales at play off the bow of our ship or enjoying an evening Zodiac cruise amid glittering icebergs. One day, we might set out by kayak to encounter towering icebergs at water level; embark on a Zodiac excursion in search of seals and blue-eyed shags; or walk on a beach amid thousands of Adélie and gentoo penguins. The next day, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Our expert expedition team enriches our experiences.

Days 16 & 17 At Sea – Drake Passage

Day 18 Ushuaia

In the early morning, arrive back in Ushuaia. After breakfast, it is time to say farewell to your crew and fellow travellers. You have the option of booking onto the National Geographic charter flight from Ushuaia to Buenos Aires on the day of disembarkation at an additional cost. Alternatively you may wish to spend a bit more time exploring this region.

NOTE: It is possible to arrange alternate flights if you want to explore other areas of Argentina or Chile before or after the voyage.  Please ask at time of booking.