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Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords

Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords

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Description

Join us on an odyssey that combines the celebrated wonders of the southernmost realms of the planet in a single epic voyage. The Antarctic Peninsula, southern Patagonia, and the Chilean fjords are places of unimaginable beauty. Humpback whales breach and penguins gather by the thousands. Icebergs shimmer and sapphire-hued fjords harbor snowcapped peaks and virgin forests. Flexibility is a hallmark of our expedition style, and often the shipboard day-by-day itinerary will change—so we may take full advantage of rare wildlife sightings, watching whales feed off the bow, or perfect conditions for a late day Zodiac excursion.

Trip Name
Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords
Days
18
Overview
Vessel Type: Luxury Expedition Length: 108 meters Passenger Capacity: 148 (single & twin cabins) Built / Refurbished: 1982 / 2008 National Geographic Explorer is a state-of-the-art expedition ship. It is a fully stabilized, ice-class vessel, enabling it to navigate polar passages while providing exceptional comfort. It carries kayaks and a fleet of Zodiac landing craft. An Undersea Specialist operates a remotely operated vehicle (ROV) and sophisticated video equipment, extending access to the underwater world. Public areas: Bistro Bar; Chart Room; Restaurant; Global Gallery; Library, Lounge with full service bar and state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations; Mud Room with lockers for expedition gear, and Observation Lounge. Our “Open Bridge” provides guests an opportunity to meet our Officers and Captain and learn about navigation. Meals: Served in single seatings with unassigned tables for an informal atmosphere and easy mingling. Menu is international with local flair. Cabins: A New Look for National Geographic Explorer Suites National Geographic Explorer recently debuted updated suites, enhanced with the sleek, Scandinavian design that has become the hallmark of our polar fleet. Each of these elegant cabins now holds a Command Center, which allows guests to continue to explore from the comfort of their suites with a set of tools that includes a barometer, a National Geographic Atlas, a television that broadcasts entertainment and ship navigation, a coffee maker, and multiple USB and universal electric ports for cameras and other devices. 81 outside cabins All feature windows or portholes, private facilities, climate controls, hair dryers, and TV, plus Ethernet, Wi-Fi connections, and USB ports for mobile devices. Some cabins have balconies. Single cabins in Category SA and Category SB are located on the main deck and upper deck.  Expedition Equipment: Zodiac landing craft, kayaks, Remotely Operated Vehicle (ROV), hydrophone, SplashCam, underwater video camera, Crow’s Nest remote controlled camera, video microscope, snorkeling gear. Special Features: A full-time doctor, Undersea Specialist, LEX Photo Specialist and Video Chronicler, Internet Cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by two Wellness Specialists and features a glass enclosed Fitness Center, outdoor stretching area, two LEXspa treatment rooms and Sauna.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1: Santiago
Arrive in Santiago and settle into the Mandarin Oriental (or similar) before a guided overview of the vibrant Chilean capital backed by the Andes. (L)
Day 2 - DAY 2: Punta Arenas / Embark
Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southern gateway to Patagonia. Embark National Geographic Explorer or National Geographic Resolution. (B,L,D)
Day 3 - DAY 3: Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park & Ainsworth Bay
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 albatross, and more. Then sail to Ainsworth Bay, a stunning fjord surrounded by subpolar forest, keeping an eye out for elephant seals. (B,L,D)
Day 4 - 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 spot black-and-white Peale’s dolphins, the endangered Chilean dolphin, and Andean condors. (B,L,D)
Day 5 - DAY 5: Puerto Natales & 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” to windswept grasslands to rivers, glaciers, and gem-colored lagoons. Keep an eye out for guanacos, rheas, foxes, and armadillos. (B,L,D)
Day 6 - DAY 6: Puerto Natales / Kirke Narrows
Local pilots will 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. (B,L,D)
Day 7 - DAY 7-8: Exploring the 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. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 8 - DAY 9: At Sea / Drake Passage
Sail to Antarctica via the Drake Passage, named after 16th-century English admiral Sir Francis Drake. Watch for dozens of species of seabirds gliding alongside our ship—including the albatross, which boasts the longest wingspan of any extant bird—and enjoy talks from our onboard naturalists about the wildlife and geology that await us on the Antarctic Peninsula. (B,L,D)
Day 9 - DAY 10-15: Exploring 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’re 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, we might experience the thrill of the ship crunching through pack ice. Our expert expedition team will enrich our experiences. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 10 - DAY 16-17: At Sea
Relax onboard and enjoy the ship’s amenities as the coast of Antarctica disappears from view. Round the southernmost tip of South America at Cape Horn and witness the dramatic meeting of the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans en route to Ushuaia, Argentina. (B,L,D Daily)
Day 11 - DAY 18: Ushuaia / Disembark / Santiago (Resolution)
Disembark in Ushuaia and board our flight to Santiago to connect with your overnight flight home. (B,L)
Day 12 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $32,830Category 1
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $39,360Category 3
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $49,240Category A Solo
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $50,650Category 5
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $64,580Category 7
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $0Category B Solo
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $0Category 2
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $0Category 6
19-01-202505-02-2025AUD $0Category 4
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $33,810Category 2
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $44,050Category 4
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $49,240Category A Solo
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $50,650Category 5
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $50,700Category B Solo
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $64,580Category 7
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $0Category 3
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $0Category 6
03-02-202520-02-2025AUD $32,830Category 1
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $34,650Category 1
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $38,930Category 2
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $40,130Category 3
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $43,150Category 4
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $51,970Category SA (solo)
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $53,940Category 5
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $60,190Category SB (solo)
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $69,290Category 7
22-02-202511-03-2025AUD $0Category 6
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $38,130Category 1
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $39,260Category 2
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $45,700Category 3
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $51,160Category 4
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $57,190Category A Solo
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $58,810Category 5
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $58,880Category B Solo
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $67,560Category 6
12-10-202529-10-2025AUD $74,990Category 7
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $36,640Category 1
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $37,690Category 2
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $43,670Category 3
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $48,730Category 4
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $54,320Category A Solo
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $55,840Category 5
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $55,890Category B Solo
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $63,950Category 6
10-02-202627-02-2026AUD $70,850Category 7

Inclusions

    • Seek out Antarctica’s iconic wildlife—including penguins, seals, and killer whales—and marvel at incandescent icebergs using our fleet of kayaks and Zodiacs
    • Navigate Chile’s coastal fjords and explore spectacular Glacier Alley, where monumental glaciers calve into the sea
    • Hike among the snowcapped “horns” of Torres del Paine National Park and enjoy special access to Karukinka Natural Park, the largest protected land area in Tierra del Fuego
    • Cruise the waters of Francisco Coloane Marine Park, searching for the humpback whales and dolphins that inhabit this vast marine reserve

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