Antarctica & Patagonia: Legendary Ice & Epic Fjords
Highlights
- Encounter Antarctica’s otherworldly ice world up close, with Zodiac cruises, kayaking and walks among penguins, seals, and drifting icebergs
- Sail Patagonia’s dramatic fjords, where glaciers thunder into the sea beneath Andean peaks and pristine forests
- Follow legendary exploration routes from the Drake Passage to the Strait of Magellan, rich with seabirds, whales and maritime history
As the name suggests, legendary ice and epic fjords await on this rare expedition uniting two of the planet’s most awe-inspiring frontiers in one seamless voyage. From the luminous ice-scapes of Antarctica to the fjord-laced wilderness of southern Patagonia, this journey traces a path through regions defined by raw geology, abundant wildlife, and centuries of exploration lore.
Timed for optimal polar conditions, the voyage benefits from extended daylight in Antarctica, heightening opportunities to observe penguins, seals and whales amid towering glaciers and sculpted pack ice. As your journey continues, the landscape softens into Patagonia’s maze of channels and fjords, where snowcapped peaks, temperate rainforests and calving glaciers create a dramatic contrast to the Antarctic ice world.
Days are spent balancing discovery on shore and at sea. Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and guided walks bring you face to face with penguin colonies, marine mammals and immense walls of ice, while onboard lectures by expert naturalists deepen your understanding of these delicate ecosystems and the regions’ rich exploration history. Scenic sailing through legendary waterways adds moments of quiet reflection, with wildlife often appearing right off the bow.
Emotionally, this expedition is designed to inspire wonder and a profound sense of perspective. Guests often describe a feeling of humility and exhilaration, knowing they have traveled through places few ever reach, following routes once reserved for explorers and adventurers. It is an experience that lingers long after the voyage ends.
This itinerary, of which there are four variants (two “northbound” Antarctica to Patagonia and two “southbound” Patagonia to Anta...
Ships
National Geographic Resolution
National Geographic Explorer
Standard Activities
About the Antarctica & Patagonia: Legendary Ice & Epic Fjords
As the name suggests, legendary ice and epic fjords await on this rare expedition uniting two of the planet’s most awe-inspiring frontiers in one seamless voyage. From the luminous ice-scapes of Antarctica to the fjord-laced wilderness of southern Patagonia, this journey traces a path through regions defined by raw geology, abundant wildlife, and centuries of exploration lore.
Timed for optimal polar conditions, the voyage benefits from extended daylight in Antarctica, heightening opportunities to observe penguins, seals and whales amid towering glaciers and sculpted pack ice. As your journey continues, the landscape softens into Patagonia’s maze of channels and fjords, where snowcapped peaks, temperate rainforests and calving glaciers create a dramatic contrast to the Antarctic ice world.
Days are spent balancing discovery on shore and at sea. Zodiac cruises, kayaking, and guided walks bring you face to face with penguin colonies, marine mammals and immense walls of ice, while onboard lectures by expert naturalists deepen your understanding of these delicate ecosystems and the regions’ rich exploration history. Scenic sailing through legendary waterways adds moments of quiet reflection, with wildlife often appearing right off the bow.
Emotionally, this expedition is designed to inspire wonder and a profound sense of perspective. Guests often describe a feeling of humility and exhilaration, knowing they have traveled through places few ever reach, following routes once reserved for explorers and adventurers. It is an experience that lingers long after the voyage ends.
This itinerary, of which there are four variants (two “northbound” Antarctica to Patagonia and two “southbound” Patagonia to Antarctica, some with an extra day exploring the Antarctic Peninsula) is ideal for travelers seeking a true expedition that blends Antarctica’s iconic ice with Patagonia’s epic fjords, appealing to wildlife enthusiasts, photographers, and curious explorers eager to experience Earth’s wild edges in one unforgettable journey.
Itineraries
This itinerary has Recommended Group Flights that will be added to your reservation during checkout at an additional cost.
What are recommended group flights? Recommended Group Flights are part of the itinerary that we book on your behalf at an additional cost. The additional cost reflects flights that have been selected for your convenience to ensure seamless connections between destinations. This cost also includes ground transportation, luggage transfers, and airport assistance. If you would like to opt out of these flights or have other questions about our Recommended Group Flights, please contact your sales agemt.
ROUTING REMINDER: National Geographic Resolution departures route roundtrip via Santiago; National Geographic Explorer departures route roundtrip Buenos Aires – Santiago. Please note that the “2025 Northbound (Modified)” and “2025 Southbound (Modified)” are one day shorter than the other routes. Please confirm the route of your departure at the time of booking with your sales agent before making flight arrangements.
Santiago, Chile
Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s mountainous capital, and transfer to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, or similar.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:00 a.m. local time.
Arrival City: Santiago, Chile
Ushuaia, Argentina/ Embark ship
At sea/ Drake Passage
Exploring Antarctica
At sea
Exploring the Chilean Fjords
Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park and Ainsworth Bay
Francisco Coloane Marine Park
Kirke Narrows / Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales / Disembark Ship / Santiago
Santiago, Chile
Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s mountainous capital, and transfer to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago, or similar.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:00 a.m. local time.
Arrival City: Santiago, Chile
Ushuaia, Argentina / Embark Ship
At Sea / Drake Passage
Exploring Antarctica
At Sea
Chilean Fjords
Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park and Ainsworth Bay
Francisco Coloane Marine Park
Kirke Narrows / Puerto Natales
Puerto Natales / Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales / Disembark Ship / Santiago
Santiago, Chile
Transfer from the airport to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (or similar) before a guided overview of the vibrant Chilean capital backed by the 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, gather for an informal reception and a drink at the hotel.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:00 a.m. local time.
Arrival City: Santiago, Chile
Puerto Natales / Embark Ship
Puerto Natales and Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales / Kirke Narrows
Francisco Coloane Marine Park
Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park and Ainsworth Bay
Exploring the Chilean Fjords
At Sea / Drake Passage
Exploring Antarctica
At Sea
Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Santiago
Santiago, Chile
Arrive in Santiago, Chile’s mountainous capital, and transfer from the airport to the Ritz Carlton, Santiago, or similar.
Arrival Time: Arrive before 11:00 a.m. local time.
Arrival City: Santiago, Chile
Puerto Natales / Embark Ship
Puerto Natales / Torres del Paine National Park
Puerto Natales / Kirke Narrows
Francisco Coloane Marine Park
Tierra del Fuego: Karukinka Natural Park and Ainsworth Bay
Exploring the Chilean Fjords
At Sea / Drake Passage
Exploring Antarctica
At Sea
Ushuaia / Disembark Ship / Santiago
What's Included
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All accommodations aboard ship or in hotels per itinerary.
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All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore.
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Beer, wine, cocktails, liquors and spirits aboard the ship (except certain premium brands which are available for purchase.
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Hors d’oeuvres, 24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water.
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Excursions and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary, as indicated in the itinerary.
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Crew gratuities.
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Exploration tools curated to destination, such as Zodiacs, kayaks, snowshoes and cross-country skis.
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Guidance and company of our leading expedition staff.
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Assistance by the National Geographic photographer and National Geographic Expeditions certified photo instructor.
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Basic Wi-Fi aboard ship.
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Complimentary reusable water bottle.
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Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker.
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Presentations by expedition staff and expert guest speakers.
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Complimentary parka.
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Complimentary reusable water bottle.
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Onboard physician consultations; morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment.
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24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library, and other shared spaces.
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Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes.
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Unused services or items included in our programs are non-refundable.
What's Excluded
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Airfare (except flights* when indicated as included).
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Pre- and post-expedition extensions.
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Additional hotel nights (except when indicated as included).
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Private transfers.
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Laundry, spa treatments, enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans aboard expedition fleet.
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Phone services (except when indicated as included).
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Travel protection plans; and passport, visa, and immigration fees.
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*Recommended flight costs include flight(s) that take place during the date range of your trip to transport travelers from one itinerary destination to another. This cost also includes ground transportation, luggage transfer, and airport assistance.
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If you prefer to arrange your own flights privately, have alternate means of transport, or wish to modify at a later time, please contact an Expedition Specialist
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Additional costs associated with medical services outside onboard physician consultation.