South & Central America, South America
Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island
This carefully curated expedition offers the peak experiences of Patagonia and its surrounding environs in a compact time frame. Discover the fjords, glaciers, and panoramic vistas that make Chilean Patagonia one of the most lauded nature destinations on Earth. Exposing you to the "best of" highlights, like the stunning Beagle Channel, massive glaciers, and snowcapped peaks, this perfectly-paced voyage also brings you into the seldom-seen natural splendors of Karukinka Natural Park. Cap off your expedition by exploring Argentina’s rugged, seldom-seen Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), a land of mythic wildness that has been largely off-limits to travelers since 1923.
• Venture through wildlife reserves not easily accessible to the public, including Karukinka Natural Park in Tierra del Fuego
• Kayak and Zodiac cruise the breathtaking Chilean fjords that are only accessible by expedition ship
• See massive glaciers, dramatic fjords, and soaring snow-covered peaks and spot Magellanic penguins, Andean condors, Austral parakeets, foxes, sea lions, elephant seals, and more
• Transit the legendary Beagle Channel and take in the view of Cape Horn
• By special permission, be one of the few people ever to explore Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), located at the extreme end of South America
Highlights
• Venture through wildlife reserves not easily accessible to the public, including Karukinka Natural Park in Tierra del Fuego
• Kayak and Zodiac cruise the breathtaking Chilean fjords that are only accessible by expedition ship
• See massive glaciers, dramatic fjords, and soaring snow-covered peaks and spot Magellanic penguins, Andean condors, Austral parakeets, foxes, sea lions, elephant seals, and more
• Transit the legendary Beagle Channel and take in the view of Cape Horn
• By special permission, be one of the few people ever to explore Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), located at the extreme end of South America
Arrive in Santiago, Chile and check in to the
centrally located Mandarin Oriental (or similar),
and have the morning to relax. Santiago is nearly
surrounded by the Andes, which form an inspiring
backdrop to our afternoon guided overview of this
vibrant city. We explore the Plaza de Armas, the
main square, and nearby Presidential Palace,
enjoying wonderful views from the many hills that
dot the city. (L)
Today we fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas,
Chile’s southern gateway to Patagonia, drive to
the outpost of Puerto Natales, and embark our
ship. (B,L,D)
Be on deck to look for condors and other wildlife
on our way out of Puerto Natales as our ship
transits the narrow sliver of water known as the
Kirke Narrows—always a challenge to navigate
because of the powerful currents that flow through
its pinch point. Today and during the following
days you’ll be treated to the spectacular features
of an active glaciated landscape with hanging
valleys and tributary glaciers. This region was
navigated by Ferdinand Magellan’s expedition and
it took most of November 1520 for his ships to find
a way through the channels that lie between the
continental mainland and Tierra del Fuego to the
south. Our captain and local pilots guide us
through Kirke Narrows, accessible only to a small
ship such as National Geographic Resolution.
We’ll look to make a first stop in the extensive
maze of channels and islands of the Chilean
fjords, where we may go out by Zodiac and kayak.
(B,L,D Daily)
Tierra del Fuego is one of Patagonia’s crown
jewels. We visit its newest and largest protected
area: Karukinka Natural Park. Established in 2004
through a gift from Goldman Sachs, Karukinka is
one of the largest donations ever made for
conservation. We’re thrilled to have special
permission from the Wildlife Conservation Society
to visit this private reserve, which spans 1,160
square miles and harbors endangered culpeo fox,
Andean condors, albatross, grebes, petrels,
fulmars, shearwaters, and many other kinds of
wildlife. We may explore Jackson Bay, backed by
a skyline of rugged mountains and look or wildlife
including black-browed albatross, which nest on
one of the nearby small islands. We may walk a
trail to a lovely waterfall and look for elephant
seals resting on not only the beach but also high in
the grass meadows and even in the small river
draining the valley inland. (B,L,D)
We’ll explore more stunning wilderness as we see
the fjords and glaciers of the region by Zodiac,
kayak, and on foot. A vast area of soaring,
snowcapped mountains, gigantic glaciers,
thousands of verdant islands, serene lakes, and
waterfalls—the archipelago is scarcely touched by
man. Take Zodiacs out to explore these protected
waters and rugged shores, the blue and white of
ice contrasting with greens of the forest and
highlighted by splashes of flowering plants. Look
for the Andean condors, albatrosses, grebes,
petrels, fulmars, shearwaters, and many other
birds that inhabit this otherworldly realm. Then we
sail the Beagle Channel and will look to hike and
kayak one of the wild areas in this region of beech
forests, mountains, and wild rivers. (B,L,D)
Today we visit Cape Horn, near the southernmost
tip of the South American continent, named in
1616 for the Dutch town of Hoorn. These waters
are famously difficult to navigate, and over the
centuries have been the graveyard of many ships
—which before the opening of the Panama Canal
had to round the Cape to sail between the Pacific
and Atlantic Oceans. Of course, we'll use our
modern equipment to explore safely. Weather
permitting, we'll take our Zodiacs ashore and walk
to the top of the hill for panoramic views and to
see the memorial placed there in 1992, showing
an albatross in silhouette. (B,L,D)
We have been given special permission to visit
extraordinary Staten Island, and our ship will be
one of the only expedition ships ever allowed here.
It’s a place of superlatives, barely touched in
recent decades and visited primarily by a few
scientists and those who man the tiny naval
observatory. The island was named by Dutch
explorers in 1615. Its mountainous, forested
landscapes and rugged fjords are beautiful, and
we’ll find a great deal of interest here. Our exact
schedule will remain flexible to take best
advantage of conditions. We’ll see southern
rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, many other
water birds, and fur seals and sea lions. We’ll also
look for otters on our landings ashore, and we’ll
see the replica of the 1884 San Juan de
Salvamento “lighthouse at the end of the world,”
which inspired Jules Verne’s novel by the same
name. There will be chances to walk in the
southern beech forests. These days are bound to
stand out as a unique chance to explore a very
remote place. (B,L,D Daily)
Disembark in Ushuaia, the southernmost city in
the world. Take a charter flight to Santiago and
connect to flights home. (B,L)
Itineraries are subject to change
|
Book now |
Category 1
$16,480 AUD pp
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins #301-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 2
$17,040 AUD pp
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 3
$20,720 AUD pp
#313-316, 321-328, 337-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV. Cabins 341 & 343 have a sofa bed for a triple.
Category 4
$22,940 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Upper Deck
#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds and at least one large window. All cabins can convert between two single beds to a queen, except Cabins 217, 226 & 228 that feature one queen-size bed only. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$25,250 AUD pp
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)
Category SA (solo)
$25,900 AUD pp
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
Category SB (solo)
$28,690 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#105-106 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Upper Deck
#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Category 6
$29,250 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#101-102 — These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Upper Deck
#213 — This spacious cabin has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, chairs, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Category 7
$32,570 AUD pp
#215, 219, 230 — These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
|
Book now |
Category 1
$16,480 AUD pp
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins #301-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 2
$17,040 AUD pp
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 3
$20,720 AUD pp
#313-316, 321-328, 337-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV. Cabins 341 & 343 have a sofa bed for a triple.
Category 4
$22,940 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Upper Deck
#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds and at least one large window. All cabins can convert between two single beds to a queen, except Cabins 217, 226 & 228 that feature one queen-size bed only. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$25,250 AUD pp
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)
Category SA (solo)
$25,900 AUD pp
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
Category SB (solo)
$28,690 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#105-106 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Upper Deck
#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Category 6
$29,250 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#101-102 — These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Upper Deck
#213 — This spacious cabin has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, chairs, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Category 7
$32,570 AUD pp
#215, 219, 230 — These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
|
Book now |
Category 1
$16,980 AUD pp
#301-308 — Cabins feature one or two portholes. Most cabins feature two single beds that can be converted to a queen. Cabins #301-306 feature one queen-sized bed. All cabins feature a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 2
$17,900 AUD pp
#317-320, 335-336 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), and one large window. They offer a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, sitting chair, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV.
Category 3
$21,750 AUD pp
#313-316, 321-328, 337-350 — Cabins feature two single beds (some can convert to a queen-sized bed), one large window, and two sitting chairs and a small table and ample storage. They have a writing desk, floor length mirror, reading lamps, well-appointed bathrooms with a roomy glass-wall shower, and a TV. Cabins 341 & 343 have a sofa bed for a triple.
Category 4
$24,090 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#103-104, 107-108 — Cabins feature two single beds than can convert to a queen-sized bed, and at least one large window, climate controls, sitting chair, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Upper Deck
#201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228 — Cabins feature two single beds and at least one large window. All cabins can convert between two single beds to a queen, except Cabins 217, 226 & 228 that feature one queen-size bed only. All cabins feature climate controls, sitting chairs, and a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall.
Category 5
$26,520 AUD pp
#209, 211, 214, 216, 218, 220-222, 224 — Cabins feature a balcony with sliding glass doors, feature one queen-sized bed, a writing desk and chairs, climate controls, a TV. Bathrooms are also generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall. (Cabin 221 has two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen.)
Category SA (solo)
$27,200 AUD pp
#309-311, 329-334 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-wall shower stall, and a TV.
Category SB (solo)
$30,130 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#105-106 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Upper Deck
#203, 208 — These cabins feature one single bed and a large window, a writing desk, reading lamp, bathroom with a roomy glass-walled shower stall, and a TV.
Category 6
$30,720 AUD pp
Veranda Deck
#101-102 — These spacious cabins can be converted into triples. They have two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, sofa-bed, chairs, two large windows, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Upper Deck
#213 — This spacious cabin has a private balcony, two single beds that can be converted into a queen, a writing desk, double closet, bookcase, chairs, and a TV. The sleeping area can be closed off with the glass partition. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
Category 7
$34,200 AUD pp
#215, 219, 230 — These large cabins with private balconies have two single beds that can convert to an Olympic-sized queen. They have seating areas with a sofa-bed and can be converted to triples. Cabins also include a desk with chairs, coffee table with sitting chair, and a small table. Bathrooms are generously sized with a roomy glass-walled shower stall and twin sinks.
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: All cabins face outside with windows or portholes, private facilities and climate controls.
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.
Special Offers
• BACK-TO-BACK SAVINGS. Save 10% on any consecutive journeys taken on board one of our expedition ships. This savings is applicable on voyage fares only, and are not valid on extensions or airfare.
• TRAVELING AS A GROUP. Save 5% when traveling as a group of 8 or more people. Take advantage of these great savings, while enjoying traveling with your friends and family. This savings is applicable to voyage fares only, and is not valid on extensions or airfare. Deposit, final payments, and cancellation policies for group travel vary from our regular policies.
• COMBINING OFFERS. Certain offers may be combinable, up to two savings opportunities, except where noted otherwise. For example, travel with a group of 8 or more on back-to-back expeditions, and take advantage of both savings.
• FREE BAR TAB AND CREW TIPS INCLUDED. We will cover your bar tab and all tips for the crew on all National Geographic Resolution, National Geographic Explorer, National Geographic Endurance, and National Geographic Orion voyages.
Inclusions
• Voyage on board in selected cabin category
• All meals while on board
• Non alcoholic beverages
• Experienced expedition team and leader
• All excursions
• Zodiac and kayak exploration
• Snorkeling, including wetsuits, masks, fins & snorkel where relevant
• Lectures and presentations on board
• One hotel night in Santiago, accommodations
• meals indicated
• alcoholic beverages (except premium brands)
• excursions
• services of LindbladExpeditions’ Leader, Naturalist staff and expert guides
• use of kayaks; entrance fees
• all port charges and service taxes
• gratuities to ship’s crew.
Exclusions
• International and domestic flights unless otherwise stated
• Travel insurance
• Passport and visa costs if applicable
• Alcoholic beverages on board unless otherwise stated
• Gratuities unless otherwise stated
• Wifi on board
• Any items of a personal nature including laundry
• Immigration fees
• air transportation
• personal items such as alcoholic beverages, emails, laundry, voyage video,etc.
Luxury Expedition
10 Days from
$16,480 AUD pp
Our Associates Include
