Patagonia! Glaciers, Fjords, & Wildlife Aboard the National Geographic Resolution

Trip Overview

After the stark whites and grays of Antarctica, arriving in Patagonia felt like a breath of green air. This second half of the expedition shifted the palette—lush fjords, dramatic cliffs, temperate rainforests. It was still wild and remote, but now it pulsed with color and vegetation. The tone softened, too—less harsh, more grounding.

Sailing up the coast of Chile aboard the National Geographic Resolution, we explored glaciers, channels, and islands almost untouched by human presence. The wildlife was abundant, the ship's atmosphere relaxed, and every day felt like a quiet adventure.

Most Memorable Moments

Seeing Green Again

After Antarctica's stark beauty, the greens of Patagonia felt like a visual exhale. Moss-draped trees, grasses swaying in the wind, even the algae on shoreline rocks—it all stood out in vibrant contrast.

Sitting in the Captain's Chair

One of my favorite routines was heading up to the ship's helm. The captain let me sit in the big chair, and it became one of the best places on the ship for spotting wildlife—whales, birds, and icebergs in the distance.

Rugged Beauty, Up Close

Patagonia surprised me with how <em>textured</em> it was. Fjords carved by time, waterfalls slicing down cliff faces, and narrow inlets where the Zodiacs felt almost like explorers' vessels from another era.

Diego Pol on Board

Having world-renowned paleontologist Diego Pol on the ship added a totally unexpected layer to the experience. His fossil talks, insights, and casual shipboard conversations reminded me how deep this land's history runs.

Logistics & Practical Information

ACCOMMODATION

Aboard the National Geographic Resolution – Purpose-built polar expedition ship equipped with stabilizers, dynamic positioning, and a full fleet of Zodiacs and kayaks.

TRANSPORTATION

Continued north from the Antarctic Peninsula, traveling through the Beagle Channel, Tierra del Fuego, and Patagonian fjords. Explored via Zodiac and on foot across various islands and glacier-fed inlets. Final port: Puerto Natales.

NOTABLE FOOD

All meals provided aboard the ship. Excellent dining with a variety of options and accommodating dietary restrictions.

ACTIVITIES

Glacier viewing and Zodiac cruises
Hiking on various islands and shorelines
Wildlife spotting from the ship's decks and helm
Naturalist talks and photography sessions
Evening briefings and shared meals

CONDITIONS & GEAR

Cooler, but not freezing—ideal for hiking with layers
Windproof outerwear was essential
Waterproof boots stayed helpful during landings
Binoculars made all the difference for spotting wildlife

WILDLIFE HIGHLIGHTS

Dolphins and whales
Seabirds including albatross and petrels
Guanacos and other terrestrial wildlife visible from shore
A puma!!
Forests of lichen and moss that felt like a living museum

Reflections & Final Thoughts

Patagonia wasn't loud about its beauty. It didn't need to be. It unfolded slowly—through layers of green, mist on the water, and the realization that this place, too, is on the edge of something.

After the grand starkness of Antarctica, Patagonia felt like a soft landing. It reminded me that "wild" can also mean lush, ancient, and deeply rooted. And that exploring isn't always about extremes—sometimes it's about diving deep on the smaller things.