On this 10-day Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Argentina's Staten Island cruise from Puerto Natales to Ushuaia aboard National Geographic Explorer, explore the breathtaking fjords, glaciers, and panoramic vistas that make Chilean Patagonia one of the world’s most celebrated nature destinations. Navigate Chile’s rugged coastline by Zodiac and kayak, gliding into fjords and inlets beneath towering blue ice walls. Hike onshore with naturalists and spot elephant seals, Magellanic penguins, and Andean condors. Discover the rarely-seen beauty of Karukinka Natural Park and Isla de los Estados (Staten Island), where you enjoy special access to nature reserves showcasing stunning landscapes.
Highlights
Explore Chilean Patagonia's fjords, glaciers, and panoramic vistas
Navigate coastlines by Zodiac and kayak, gliding into fjords beneath ice
Discover the rare beauty of Karukinka Natural Park
Enjoy special access to the stunning landscapes of Staten Island
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Arrive in Santiago and transfer to the Ritz-Carlton, Santiago (or a similar hotel) before embarking on a guided tour of this dynamic city nestled against the Andes. Explore landmarks such as the Plaza de Armas and experience the blend of historic and modern elements that define the city. In the early evening, join for a casual welcome reception and a drink at the hotel.
Day 2: Punta Arenas | Puerto Natales | Embark | Kirke or White Narrows
Today, you fly from Santiago to Punta Arenas, the southern gateway to Patagonia. From there, drive to Puerto Natales and board your ship. Be on deck as the Captain navigates the challenging Kirke or White Narrows, known for its powerful currents and narrow passages, and keep an eye out for wildlife.
Today and in the coming days, you are 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, which spent most of November 1520 finding a way through the channels between the continental mainland and Tierra del Fuego to the south. Your first stop is in the extensive maze of channels and islands of the Chilean fjords, where you may go out by Zodiac and kayak.
Day 5: Tierra del Fuego, Chile | Karukinka Natural Park
Tierra del Fuego is one of Patagonia’s crown jewels. 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. Travelers are thrilled to have special permission from the Wildlife Conservation Society to visit this private reserve, which spans 1,160 square miles and harbors the endangered culpeo fox, Andean condors, albatrosses, grebes, petrels, fulmars, shearwaters, and many other kinds of wildlife. You may explore Jackson Bay, backed by a skyline of rugged mountains, and look for wildlife including black-browed albatrosses, which nest on one of the nearby small islands. Walk a trail to a lovely waterfall and look for elephant seals resting not only on the beach but also high in the grass meadows and even in the small river draining the valley inland.
Experience more stunning wilderness as travelers explore the fjords and glaciers of the region by Zodiac, kayak, and on foot. Take Zodiacs out to explore these protected waters and rugged shores, keeping watch for the shearwaters, petrels, albatrosses, and many other birds that inhabit this otherworldly realm.
Sail the Beagle Channel and look to hike and kayak one of the wild areas in this region of beech forests, mountains, and rivers. This southernmost corner of the South American continent is also home to Cape Horn, the island at the convergence of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, famously difficult waters that, throughout the centuries, has been the graveyard of many ships from the time before the Panama Canal.
Day 8-9: Isla de Los Estados (Staten Island), Argentina
You have special permission to visit extraordinary Staten Island, with your ship being one of the few expedition vessels ever allowed here. This place, largely untouched in recent decades and primarily visited by a few scientists and the staff of the tiny naval observatory, was named by Dutch explorers in 1615. Its mountainous, forested landscapes and rugged fjords are stunning, offering much to discover. Your exact schedule remains flexible to take full advantage of the conditions. You search for southern rockhopper and Magellanic penguins, other waterbirds, fur seals, and sea lions. On your landings ashore, look for otters and visit the replica of the 1884 San Juan de Salvamento “lighthouse at the end of the world,” which inspired Jules Verne’s novel. You also have opportunities to walk in the southern beech forests. These days promise a unique chance to explore this very remote place.
Day 10: Ushuaia, Argentina | Disembark Ship | Buenos Aires, Argentina
1 Breakfast
Today, you disembark in Ushuaia. Fly to Buenos Aires and connect with your flight home.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$13,5882-3 travelers
Cat 1
Main Deck with one or two portholes. #301-308
Cat 2
Main Deck with window. #317-320, 335-336.
Cat 3
Main Deck with Window #313-316, 321-328, 337-340,342, 344, 346, 348, 350.
Cat 4
Upper and Veranda Decks with Window. # 103-104, 107-108, 201-202, 204-207, 210, 212, 217, 226, 228.
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
9 Breakfasts, 9 Lunches, 8 Dinners
9 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Assistance by the onboard National Geographic Photography Expert
Access to the OM System Photo Gear Locker with the latest gear to try out on loan (aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet)
Beer, wine, cocktails, and spirits are available aboard the ship. Additionally, a selection of super premium wines and liquors is offered for purchase.
Crew gratuities
Complimentary Starlink-enabled Wi-Fi internet is available to all guests aboard Lindblad Expeditions-National Geographic fleet, enabling email, messaging, and social media.
Park and site entrance fees, special access permits, and port taxes
Excursions, hotels, and airport transfers, as indicated in the itinerary 
Selection of exploration tools curated to your destination, such as Zodiacs and glass-bottom boats, stand-up paddleboards, kayaks, snorkeling equipment (including wetsuits, masks, and fins), and other state-of-the-art gear
Guidance and company of leading expedition staff
All meals as indicated in the itinerary, both aboard and onshore. Meals are inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
Hors d’oeuvres inspired by regional cuisine and locally sourced where possible
24-hour access to snacks, premium coffees and teas, non-alcoholic beverages, and filtered water
Presentations on your destination by expedition staff and expert guest speakers
Complimentary reusable water bottle to fill at onboard water refill stations
The services of a physician, physician’s assistant, nurse practitioner, or paramedic  where available
Morning stretch classes and 24-hour access to exercise equipment where available
24-hour access to lounges, observation decks, library stocked with regionally relevant literature, and other shared spaces 
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Laundry, spa treatments, scuba diving, Wi-Fi and phone services (except when indicated as included)
We strongly recommend our guests to take Travel Protection Plan. A Plan with comprehensive coverage to protect you from cancellation fees, costs incurred due to trip delays/interruption, damaged or lost baggage, medical assistance, and evacuation during your travels
Airfare (except flights when indicated as included), pre- and post-expedition extensions, additional hotel nights, and private transfers (except when indicated as included)
Travel protection plans and passport, visa, and immigration fees 
Enhanced and premium Wi-Fi plans, which may enable video chat, web browsing, and streaming (connectivity permitting)
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Meyer Smolen
TrustScore 4.9 | 305 reviews
TrustScore 4.9 of 5
Based on 305 reviews on
1 day ago
Mary Curry found right trip for my budget and the best date that I liked. She made
that reservation when other company's agent could not do it.
Thank you so much!
Theresa AN
2 weeks ago
Clara has been a great help and is very knowledgeable. Getting excited already about our trip
David Corey
2 months ago
Eric was friendly, professional, and clarified my questions.
Kate Flannery
2 months ago
We had an initial virtual meeting with our trip planner, Sandra Fernandez, who was great. She was efficient, friendly, yet very professional. She not only answered all our questions, but also addressed our concerns honestly. After our 30-minute conversation with Sandra, we decided to book our cruise with her.
Rina Mitra
4 months ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
