Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords
17 Days - National Geographic Resolution
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.
from NZD $41686pp
Home » 17 Day National Geographic Resolution: Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords (Southbound Modified)
Itinerary Highlights
- Seek out Antarctica’s iconic wildlife—including penguins, seals, and orcas—and marvel at incandescent icebergs using our fleet of kayaks and Zodiacs
- Capture incredible images of the ice and vast penguin colonies with help from a National Geographic Photography Expert
- 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
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Santiago, Chile
- Day 2: Punta Arenas / Embark Ship
- Day 3: Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park and Ainsworth Bay
- Day 4: Kirke Narrows / Puerto Natales
- Day 5: Puerto Natales / Torres del Paine National Park
- Day 6: Francisco Coloane Marine Park
- Day 7 and 8: Exploring the Chilean Fjords
- Day 9 and 10: At Sea / Drake Passage
- Day 11 to 14: Exploring Antarctica
- Day 15 and 16: At Sea
- Day 17: Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Santiago
Day 1: Santiago, Chile
Transfer from the airport to the Ritz-Carlton Santiago or similar before our guided overview of this vibrant city backed by the inspiring Andes. Discover sites like the Plaza de Armas and get a feel for the mix of old and new that makes this city so great. In the early evening, we gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:30 a.m. local time.
Arrival City: Santiago, Chile
Day 2: Punta Arenas / Embark Ship
Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, Chile’s southern gateway to Patagonia. Embark National Geographic Resolution.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 3: Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park and 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 4: Kirke Narrows / Puerto Natales
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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 5: Puerto Natales / Torres del Paine National 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 6: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 7 and 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 9 and 10: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 11 to 14: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 15 and 16: 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.
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Day 17: Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Santiago
Disembark in Ushuaia and board our flight to Santiago to connect with your overnight flight home.
Departure Time: Depart after 9:00 p.m. local time.
Departure City: Santiago, Chile
Meals Included: Breakfast
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
03 Feb 2025 - 19 Feb 2025 | NZD $41686pp | ||
Category 1 | NZD $41686pp | Contact us | |
Category 2 | NZD $42923pp | Contact us | |
Category 3 | NZD $49971pp | Contact us | |
Category 4 | NZD $55937pp | Contact us | |
Category A Solo | NZD $62519pp | Contact us | |
Category 5 | NZD $64308pp | Contact us | |
Category B Solo | NZD $64374pp | Contact us | |
Category 6 | NZD $73874pp | Contact us | |
Category 7 | NZD $82003pp | Contact us |
*Please note the charter flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas and Ushuaia to Santiago are not included on the cabin price listed. These will be extra.
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Category 1
Fore Deck, double bed or twin beds, two large windows, private bathroom, writing desk, reading lamps, TV, alcove windows, relaxing chair.
Category 2
Fore Deck, double bed or twin beds, two large windows, private bathroom, writing desk, reading lamps, TV, alcove windows, relaxing chair.
Category 3
Main Deck, double bed or twin beds, private bathroom, balcony, sofa, writing desk, TV, reading lamps.
Category 4
Lounge Deck, double bed, private bathroom, balcony, sofa, TV.
Category 5
Bridge Deck, double bed, private bathroom, balcony with sliding doors, sofa, writing desk, climate controls, TV.
Category 6
Bridge Deck, double bed or twin beds, private bathroom, large balcony, sofa, TV.
Category 7
Bridge Deck, double bed, private bathroom, seating area, large balcony, sofa, bathtub, walk in closet.
Category A Solo
Main Deck, private bathroom, balcony, sofa, writing desk, reading lamp, TV.
Category B Solo
Main Deck, private bathroom, balcony, sofa, writing desk, reading lamp, TV.
National Geographic Resolution Deckplan
Specifications
- Year Built: 2021
- Guests: 138
- Crew: 112
- Cabins: 71
- Length: 124.4m
- Beam: 21m
- Draft: 5.3m
- Speed: 16.6 knots
- Decks: 5
- Ice Class: 5
Whats included?
- One pre-voyage hotel night in Santiago
- Activities/shore excursions as specified
- Lectures and presentations by expedition leaders and naturalist staff
- Group transfers
- All meals during your voyage
- Selected alcoholic & non-alcoholic beverages
- Use of kayaks
- Port fees and service taxes
- Gratuities
What’s not included?
- International airfares
- Internal airfares mentioned in itinerary are optional and not included*
- Arrival/departure taxes or reciprocity fees, visa fees where applicable
- Travel insurance
- Any item not listed as included
Notes
*Please note the charter flights from Santiago to Punta Arenas and Ushuaia to Santiago are not included on the cabin price listed. These will be extra.