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Chilean Fjord Adventure (RCGS Resolute)

Chilean Fjord Adventure (RCGS Resolute)

From USD $6,495

Description

The vast Patagonian ice-sheet that straddles the Andes mountains in South America is the third largest ice-mass on the planet, after Antarctica and the Greenland icecap. It is a remnant of the Earth’s most recent ice age and dominates the landscape, ecology and geology of Patagonia. Immense glacial systems cut through towering mountains as they move inexorably towards the sea. Take a look at any map of the region and this action becomes immediately apparent, in the maze of fjords and islands that make up one of the planet’s last great remaining wilderness regions. Ancient boreal forests also tell a story of an evolving planet and the supercontinent of Gondwanaland. They are home to several species of flora only found in South America, New Zealand, and Australia’s most southerly state, Tasmania.

Commencing in Ushuaia, we make our way north through a vast network of deep fjords and channels, occasionally venturing out to the Pacific Ocean as we navigate towards Valparaiso – Chile’s historic deep-sea port. We explore our surroundings by Zodiac boat, approaching huge glaciers and observing resident and migratory wildlife and birdlife. On shore, we enjoy hikes of varying durations to outstanding viewpoints, in the company of expert guides. In addition, visits to small coastal communities showcase the unique way of life of the local people – telling a story of both indigenous and European settlement. It is hard to think of a more remote, pristine location and we’ll discover it all in the comfort of one of the world’s most capable expedition ships, RCGS Resolute.

Trip Name
Chilean Fjord Adventure (RCGS Resolute)
Days
14
Overview
Vessel Type: Polar Expedition Vessel Passenger Capacity: 146 Built: 1993 Named after the HMS Resolute, a British Royal Navy Arctic exploration vessel, as well as the Inuit town of Resolute in Canada’s Nunavut Territory, RCGS Resolute will arrive in Canada in November 2018 for its inaugural polar voyage. RCGS Resolute also carries the name of The Royal Canadian Geographical Society (RCGS), since we are exclusive education, environmental science, and expedition partners in Canada’s north. This longstanding partnership works to the benefit of our guests, who have the opportunity to learn from and interact with world-renowned educators, researchers, naturalists, marine biologists, artists, historians and photographers. With an unsurpassed ice classification, a proven track record for stability and safety, large indoor and outdoor viewing platforms, and exceptional maneuverability, RCGS Resolute is ideally equipped to guide guests through the world’s most pristine regions, further expanding our expertise in exploration and discovery. RCGS Resolute will carry a maximum of 146 passengers in unparalleled comfort, with an array of luxury amenities, educational opportunities and activities tailored to guests’ particular interests, and individual, personalized service.  Superb Design and Layout. Throughout the ship there are spaces ideally suited to every need. Spacious outer decks provide 360 degree viewing platforms perfect for photography, wildlife watching, birding and appreciating expansive views.  The salt water plunge pool, large relaxation deck, hot water jacuzzi are all located aft of the wellness centre (massage therapy, Finnish Sauna, steam room) and well equipped gymnasium.  Inside there are multiple areas to explore ranging from our well appointed theatre style presentation room, aft observation lounge and bar, forward observation lounge and bar, and both dining rooms. Add in the One Ocean Expeditions multimedia room, and mobile laboratory and the opportunities are endless.  Six Different Cabin Categories. All cabins feature outside viewing ranging from deck three traditional with port holes, up to decks 4 through 6 offering expansive panoramic windows.  Cabins all have lower berths that have the ability to be single beds, or 1 double bed depending on our guests needs.  Extensive renovations have provided new carpets, high quality cabinetry with soft close drawers, contemporary and spacious bathroom design, all paired with soft accent lighting offering options dependant on our guests daily activities and mood. All cabins offer modern sectional lounge quarters, providing a quiet nook to read or catch up on journalling.  Space is exceptional as each cabin offers 22M squared living space, whilst the One Ocean Suites are absolutely palatial offering 44M squared with enough room to entertain or do back - flips (your choice)! Enjoy Great Dining? So do we. At One Ocean Expeditions, the priority is on the expedition.  However with every activity, option, event, or excursion we find we build up incredible appetites to indulge in superb and extensive menu options.  Our bistro dining room provides early birds the option to get their social caffeine or smoothy start to the day, accompanied by light breakfast style snacks.  Full meal service includes buffet breakfast and lunches incorporating an international flare.  For those with special dietary requirements - no problem, we can accommodate that too.  Dinner is a great opportunity to catch up about the day’s events, as well as look to where we expect to explore next.  Five course menu options are offered a la carte, and seating is open in our business casual dining room featuring 180 degree sweeping views.  There’s also an excellent wine list featuring a range of international wines and other beverages of choice.  Join us on the Bridge. There is an open-bridge policy and guests are welcome to meet the navigating crew at virtually any time of day; there’s always something to learn from the officers on watch and the bridge is one of the best places on the ship for spotting whales and sea birds.  The bridge is closed during times of tricky navigation, pilotage, or weather. Operational Safety. There are no compromises here. The expedition staff and crew onboard RCGS Resolute have the deepest respect for changeable weather in the polar regions and the varying sea and ice conditions. That respect is apparent in every decision made throughout the voyage. The ship carries the most extensive inventory of safety equipment on all excursions and require leaders to undergo vigorous and effective safety training programs. Your expedition team are well prepared, so you can relax and enjoy your voyage.

Itinerary



Day 1 - DAY 1 / USHUAIA, ARGENTINA
We gather at our central meeting point then transfer to the pierfor embarkation. Excitement is in the air as we enjoy a welcomecocktail and dinner before casting off, bound for the stunninglandscapes of Patagonia, rugged coastal Chile and historic cityof Valparaiso.
Day 2 - DAY 2 / CAPE HORN, HORNOS ISLAND
Our journey is now well under way. Through the night we sailedsouth through the Wollaston Islands and down to the notoriousCape Horn headland on Horonos Island – one of the mostsouthern points of Chile and the northern boundary of the DrakePassage. Prior to the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914,Cape Horn was part of a key world trade route (the Clipperroute) and today rounding Cape Horn is a bucket list item formany recreational sailors. Weather and sea permitting, we’ll goashore to explore the rugged landscape, lighthouse and chapelfound on Horonos Island.
Day 3 - DAY 3 / GARIBALDI OR PIA FJORD & ALBERTO DE AGOSTINI NATIONAL PARK
We have rounded Cape Horn and during the night we sailed ina north westerly direction back into the Beagle Channel, whichseparates Argentina from neighbouring Chile, and into Albertode Agostini National Park, designated as a UNESCO BiosphereReserve due to its large tracts of ancient sub-Antarctic forestsystems. Naturalists believe these forests started growingaround 10,000 years ago. At the break of dawn, we’ll findourselves at the opening of the Pia and Garabaldi fjords. OurFjord and glacier of choice will depend on current sea and tidalconditions. We plan to head to shore for the first time, with theoption of taking a short but steep hike up to find panoramicviews of either of the glaciers. We also plan to explore eitherof the massive glaciers and near-by waterfalls here by Zodiac.Resident wildlife in the Beagle Channel includes the SouthAmerican sea lion and several species of birds, includingMagellanic penguins and albatross.
Day 4 - DAY 4 / ALBERTO DE AGOSTINI NATIONAL PARK, DAINELLI AND SERRANO GLACIERS
Sailing through the night, by morning we have rounded the western tip of the great isle of Tierra del Fuego. We take inviews of the ice-capped peaks of the Darwin Range as weenter remote D’Agostini Sound. Here, the Dainelli and SerranoGlaciers, along with several others, cascade into the sea.Our captain will assess current ice and weather conditions todetermine where we can land to explore from shore.
Day 5 - DAY 5 / MAGELLAN STRAIT & CABO SAN ISIDRO
We arrive at Cabo San Isidro, on the north shore of theMagellan Strait, and site of the southernmost lighthouse onthe continent. This is our opportunity to enter the normallyimpenetrable Magellanic southern beech forests. A hikingtrail follows the shoreline, passing shell middens left by theindigenous Kawéskar people, leading from Aguila Bay, a siteof an important whaling station over a century ago. Wildlifewatchers will appreciate the variety of forest birds, and theviewpoint above the bay where dolphins are often observedswimming in the kelp beds below.
Day 6 - DAY 6 / ALACALUFES NATIONAL RESERVE
We cruise through the maze of channels that form Chile’sinside Passage, gradually making our way northward. We exitthe Strait of Magellan and soon find ourselves in the SmythCanal along the east coast Manual Rodrigues Island – namedafter the guerilla leader and arguably one of the founders ofindependent Chile – home to a large section of the AlacalufesNational Reserve. As we explore this rugged area keep a lookout for Chilean dolphins, whales and sea lions, as well asWhite-Crested Elaenias, Southern Churríns, Southern CrestedCaracara and the Magellanic Woodpecker. Conditionspermitting we will land for a shore excursion before returningto the ship for dinner. Over dinner and through the night wecontinue to sail through the Smyth Channel towards Peel Fjord.
Day 7 - DAY 7 / PEEL FJORD - ASIA & AMALIA GLACIERS
In a trip full of superlatives and highlights, today may well benear the top. Navigating into Peel Fjord, we make our waytowards the impressive glaciers of this region. If you’re on theouter decks for a morning coffee or photography session youmay hear what sounds to be thunder - a noise stemming fromglacier movement and breakage known as calving. After breakfast we’ll make our way onto the water where, from thelow vantage point of our Zodiacs or Kayaks, the sheer scale ofthe glacier faces is an experience you won’t forget. Be on thelookout for wildlife such as South American Sea Lions, RockCormorants, and Andean Condors.
Day 8 - DAY 8 / BRÜGGEN GLACIER & FALCON FJORD
Navigating into Eyre fjord, the vast sweep of the BrüggenGlacier comes into view. Often called the ‘Pio XI’, at almost60 kilometres in length it is the largest glacier in the SouthernHemisphere outside of Antarctica. It rises almost 70 metresabove the surface of the water and is a staggering 4 kilometreswide. In the afternoon, we put on our expedition gear to explorethe seldom visited Falcon Fjord.
Day 9 - DAY 9 / WELLINGTON ISLAND & PUERTO EDEN
We awaken off the shores of Wellington Island, outside oneof the most remote inhabited places in the world. The tinyindigenous village of Puerto Edén is home to the last remainingKawéskar people. A visit to shore allows us to explore thevillage and to potentially purchase local handicrafts includingbaskets and models of bark canoes reflecting the Kawéskar’spaddling heritage. In the afternoon, we sail north along MessierChannel, now leaving the Patagonian fjords to voyage over theopen sea, rounding the Taitao Peninsula by night.
Day 10 - DAY 10 / COASTAL CRUISING
Throughout the day our onboard experts educate us with aseries of presentations about the environment, wildlife andhistory of this stunning region. Take some time to relax in thewellness centre, pool or stroll around the decks. Our openbridge policy means that you can join the ship’s Captain andlearn about the operations of our modern expedition vessel.
Day 11 - DAY 11 / CASTRO & CHILOÉ ISLAND
We have moved to milder climates and are now in positionclose to the town of Castro – the provincial capital of the islandof Chiloé. The town was founded in 1567 and is the thirdoldest city in Chile. Today it is known for its elaborate churches,made entirely of wood, which have earned it a designationas a UNESCO World Heritage Site. We make our way ashoreand are immediately struck by the colourful houses built onstilts around the harbour. Known as ‘palafitos’, they are simplehomes built by local fisherman. The local markets are a highlightand showcase some of the most impressive crafts and textilesin the country. Reboarding the ship in the afternoon, we hug thecoastline, hoping to see the snow-capped summits of the manyactive volcanoes that characterize this region.
Day 12 - DAY 12 / COASTAL CRUISING & NIEBLA
Located at the mouth of the Valdivia River, Niebla is anintriguing coastal town with rich history, inhabited for centuriesby the indigenous Mapuche tribe. Europeans first discovered itin the mid-15th century. Take in the historical remains of Fuertede Niebla – part of an important fort system established by theconquering Spanish army to protect the estuary of the ValdiviaRiver – and immerse yourself in the exhibitions at the Casa delCastellano museum. Unwind before the day is done by takingstroll along one of the outstanding nearby beaches and enjoythe sand, cliffs, and rock formations that scatter the coastline.
Day 13 - DAY 13 / COASTAL CRUISING TOWARDS VALPARAISO
As we make our way towards the historic port of Valparaiso,the educational presentations continue and we enjoy anentertaining voyage recap by our Expedition Leader. Join ourphotography expert in the multimedia room, where you candownload and/or back up your precious images. Or spendtime outside on the observation decks, in our spacious loungesor on the bridge. It’s a fitting time to reflect on a wonderfulexpedition. This evening we enjoy a special dinner attended bythe Captain of the ship.
Day 14 - DAY 14 / VALPARAISO, CHILE
This morning we arrive at Valparaiso, the principal deepwater port for Santiago, around 100 kilometres inland fromthe coast. After breakfast it is time to say farewell to yourcrew and fellow travellers as we disembark RCGS Resolute.A transfer to downtown Santiago, via Santiago Airport, isprovided for all guests, however Valparaiso is well worth a dayor two of exploration if your schedule allows. Ride the historicfunicular railways that still operate around the city and enjoythe bohemian atmosphere. Or spend some time exploring thecelebrated Casablanca wine region located nearby.
Day 15 - Please Note:
Itineraries are subject to change.

Trip Dates

StartEndPrice FromRoom Type
28-03-202009-04-2020USD $6,495Main Deck Triple Private
28-03-202009-04-2020USD $7,995Twin Private
28-03-202009-04-2020USD $8,295Superior
28-03-202009-04-2020USD $8,695Superior Plus
28-03-202009-04-2020USD $8,995Shackleton Suite
28-03-202009-04-2020USD $11,195One Ocean Suite
30-03-202113-04-2021USD $9,495Shackleton Suite
30-03-202113-04-2021USD $11,695One Ocean Suite
30-03-202113-04-2021USD $6,895Main Deck Triple Private
30-03-202113-04-2021USD $8,395Twin Private
30-03-202113-04-2021USD $8,695Superior
30-03-202113-04-2021USD $9,095Superior Plus

Inclusions

    • Learn about the environment, glacial systems, history and ecology from experts
    • Visit historic sites, local communities and experience rural Chilean culture
    • Experience some of the most remote and pristine wilderness areas on Earth
    • Observe resident and migrating wildlife on shore, in Zodiacs and from the ship

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