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 textured 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
🛳 Route Summary
This portion of the voyage was part of a combined Antarctica + Patagonia expedition with Lindblad Expeditions and National Geographic.
- Continued north from the Antarctic Peninsula
- Traveled 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
🧥 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
🛳 Life Aboard
- Helm visits for quiet reflection and wildlife spotting
- Naturalist talks, photography sessions, and relaxed conversation
- Evening briefings and shared meals that brought the day into focus
- That unbeatable view from every window
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..
Expedition Hamilton 