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Classic Patagonia: Glaciers and Peaks Expedition

Classic Patagonia: Glaciers and Peaks Expedition

From AUD $16,990

Description

Discover the essence of Patagonia—iridescent glaciers, snow-draped peaks, and sprawling landscapes—on an immersive voyage that reveals the region’s highlights. Navigate Chile’s maze of winding narrows, wild islands, and glacially carved valleys. Marvel at untouched vistas as you sail through Montañas Fjord en route to Bernal Glacier. Hike with naturalists through beech forests and Zodiac or kayak along windswept coastlines in search of elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, and guanacos. Venture to Karukinka Natural Park with special access to over 735,000 acres of protected land. 

Trip Name
Classic Patagonia: Glaciers and Peaks Expedition
Days
9
Overview
Vessel Type: Expedition Ship Passenger Capacity: 126 Built: 2020 A next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. National Geographic Resolution is a next-generation expedition ship, purpose-built for polar navigation. A twin to National Geographic Endurance, she is a fully stabilized, highly strengthened, ice-class Polar Class 5 (PC5) vessel, it is designed to navigate polar passages year-round, and safely explore uncharted waters, while providing exceptional comfort. Its patented X-BOW® is key to its design; its powerful wave-slicing action provides an extremely smooth ride in even adverse conditions, and even reduces spray on deck, for superior observation. She carries a full suite of expedition tools and offers a variety of experience-enhancing amenities. The luxury of comfort on expedition. National Geographic Resolution comfortably accommodates 126 guests in 69 outside-facing cabins. Cabins are efficiently designed, with sizes range from the 140-square-foot solo cabin to the 430-square-foot category 7 suite. Fifty-three of the 69 cabins, including all 12 of the solo cabins, will feature small balconies with floor-to-ceiling sliding doors that bring in the spectacular views and ample natural light.  Comfort & convenience in every room. Every cabin has two portholes, a large window or balcony, and temperature controls. Bathrooms are modern and stocked with botanically inspired hair products, soap, and shower gel, plus a hairdryer. Cabins are equipped with expedition command centers with tablets and USB/mobile device docking, TVs, Wi-Fi connections, and hair dryers. Dining. Food served aboard is fresh, local, and delicious, and sourced from suppliers who share our values of sustainable use whenever possible. Meals aboard are almost always served in the dining room, located aft of the lounge deck. When weather conditions allow, lighter fare may be served on the observation deck. There is no assigned seating and our dining room accommodates the entire expedition community in a single seating. During meals your expedition leader, naturalists, and any guest speakers aboard will join you. Public Areas: Two restaurants, a Chef’s Table for small group dining, Observation Lounge with bar, gym, Wellness area, infinity-style outdoor hot tubs, library, main lounge with full service bar, 24-hour beverage, state-of-the-art facilities for films, slideshows and presentations, and a photo workshop area; plus, an expedition base with lockers for expedition gear, and an “open bridge” for access to our captain, officers and the art of navigation. Meals: Two restaurants, featuring local, sustainable choices and unassigned seating for flexible, inclusive dining; plus a Chef’s table for intimate, small group dining. Main restaurant has 270º views, and the Observation deck restaurant features lighter, made-to-order fare.  Special Features: A full-time doctor, undersea specialist, National Geographic photographer, Lindblad-National Geographic certified photo instructor and video chronicler, an internet cafe and laundry. Wellness: The vessel is staffed by our wellness specialists and features a glass-enclosed yoga studio, gym, treatment rooms and spa relax area, and high- and low-heat saunas with ocean views. Expedition Landing Craft. Key to our operation is our fleet of expedition landing craft, which we use to land in places that would otherwise be inaccessible. With 14 of these boats and two loading stations used every time we disembark, we’re able to transfer guests off the ship quickly, so you can be out on adventures, not idly waiting. The expedition landing craft we use are 19 feet long, powered by four-stroke outboard engines, and are capable of comfortably carrying 10-12 people. They are widely recognized as the safest and most versatile small boats afloat. Remotely Operated Vehicle. Capable of reaching 1,000 feet, far beyond the range of any Scuba diver, the ROV allows you to literally view parts of the undersea that are as unexplored as the moon. Chances are you, like many of our guests, will be struck by how surprisingly colorful undersea life is in these unlikely places. And this glimpse may fundamentally change how you view the ocean. Kayaks. National Geographic Resolution will be equipped with a fleet of kayaks large enough to ensure everyone who wants to can paddle at every opportunity. Consequently, prior kayaking experience isn’t necessary—many of our guests have their first kayaking experience in extraordinary locations. Our custom-designed floating platform lets us deploy kayaks from the ship, or any location we want—including far from shore. Kayakers are usually free to explore where they want within boundaries set by the undersea specialist and officer of the watch. Underwater camera. Our undersea specialist will dive often during your expedition, even in polar regions, with cold-water gear, to shoot high-definition, Cousteau-like footage of the deep. Colorful nudibranchs, swimming, plant-like crinoids, and mysterious fish with antifreeze blood that thrive in the frigid sea will give you an entirely new appreciation of the marine environment. Video microscope. Naturalists will use the video microscope to help explain all elements of the environment, including tiny organisms that are the building block of the marine ecosystem. Spellbinding live views of krill at 80x magnification fills the high-definition screens in the lounge with vivid detail, and fills every onlooker with a sense of wonder at the importance of otherwise unobservable creatures. Hydrophone. This underwater microphone is deployed to listen to the vocalizations of marine mammals. Real time transmissions of their eerie, haunting sounds can be broadcast through the ship or recorded for later playback. Few experiences in nature are as captivating as watching humpback whales feed close to the ship as their vocalizations play through the ship’s PA system. Electronic charts. An electronic chart showing the ship’s location, course, and speed is almost always on display in the lounge. Open bridge. You’ll find our captains are engaged, knowledgeable members of your expedition who are eager to share their passion with you. National Geographic Resolution's open bridge features comfortable spaces to sit, enjoy the view, drink your morning coffee, or simply chat with the officers. Snorkeling gear & wetsuits. On warm weather itineraries where there will be snorkeling, you’ll select a mask, snorkel, fins, and wetsuit that remain yours for the duration of the expedition. There’s no need to pack and tote your own gear, although guests who prefer to are welcome to bring their own.

Itinerary



Day 1 - Day 1 Puerto Natales, Chile
 Arrive in Puerto Natales and transfer from the airport to the Hotel Costaustralis (or similar). Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:30 a.m. local time. Arrival City: Puerto Natales, Chile
Day 2 - Day 2 Embark Ship / Kirke or White Narrows / Montañas Fjord / Bernal Glacier
Embark the National Geographic Resolution and make your way to the observation deck as this state-of-the-art vessel sets sail into the wilds of Patagonia. Be on the lookout for condors and other wildlife as you transit the narrow sliver of water known as the Kirke or White Narrows—always a challenge to navigate because of the powerful currents that flow through its pinch points. Sail into the Montañas Fjord with its majestic cliffs that appear close enough to touch and then spend the afternoon at Bernal Glacier, one of the most beautiful spots in the region. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3 - Days 3-4 Exploring the Chilean Fjords
Over the next few days, you’ll discover spectacular features of an active glaciated landscape with hanging valleys and tributary glaciers, sailing in the wake of Ferdinand Magellan’s historic expedition which found its way through the channels that lie between the continental mainland and Tierra del Fuego to the south. If conditions allow, your first stop will be in the maze of channels and islands of the Chilean fjords, where you may explore by Zodiac and kayak.   Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4 - Day 5 Exploring Tierra del Fuego and Karukinka Natural Park
Tierra del Fuego is one of Patagonia’s crown jewels and you’ll visit its newest and largest protected area: Karukinka Natural Park. Established in 2004 through a gift from Goldman Sachs, it’s one of the largest donations ever made for conservation. Spanning 1,160 square miles, this private reserve harbors endangered culpeo foxes, Andean condors, albatross, grebes, petrels, fulmars, and more and you'll have the opportunity to explore with special permission from the Wildlife Conservation Society. You may also explore Jackson Bay, backed by a skyline of rugged mountains and home to black-browed albatross, which nest on one of the nearby small islands, as well as elephant seals which you may spot on the beach, in grass meadows, and even in the small river draining the valley inland. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5 - Days 6-8 Exploring Fjords and the Beagle Channel
Experience more stunning wilderness as you explore fjords and glaciers of the region by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot. This vast area is scarcely touched by humans and features snowcapped mountains, gigantic glaciers, serene lakes, waterfalls, and thousands of verdant islands. Take Zodiacs out to explore these protected waters and rugged shores, keeping watch for the shearwaters, petrels, and many other birds that inhabit this wild realm. Sail the Beagle Channel where you might stop to hike or kayak through beech forests, mountains, and rivers. Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6 - Day 9 Ushuaia, Argentina / Disembark Ship / Santiago, Chile
Disembark in Ushuaia and board our recommended flight to Santiago to connect with your overnight flight home; we'll provide transfers to the airport and hotel and luggage assistance.**If you are not purchasing our recommended flight, please get in touch with us to confirm your arrangements.Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m. local time. Departure City: Santiago, Chile 
Day 7 - Please note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $16,990Category 1. From
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $17,570Category 2. From
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $21,360Category 3. From
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $22,597Category A Solo. From
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $23,650Category 4. From
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $26,040Category 5. From
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $28,409Category B Solo. From
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $30,160Category 6. From
30-10-202607-11-2026AUD $33,570Category 7. From

Inclusions

    • Spend one thrilling week exploring the best of Patagonia’s craggy peaks, winding fjords and narrows, and majestic glaciers
    • Kayak and Zodiac cruise beneath towering walls of blue ice, and hike wild beech forests with naturalists by your side
    • Gain special access to Karukinka Natural Park, home to Andean condors, albatrosses, and elephant seals
    • Spend an afternoon navigating by foot or Zodiac cruise the scenic Montañas Fjord, surrounded by towering peaks and highlighted by the stunning Bernal glacier
    • Experience true expedition travel as your captain and expedition leader guide you to some of their favorite spots as well as uncharted landings

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