On our first full day in Patagonia, we cruised west through Glacier Alley on National Geographic Endurance. We arrived at Seno Pía, a spectacular glacially-carved fjord in Patagonia. After breakfast and a safety briefing, the low clouds lifted. We boarded Zodiacs for a trip to get closer to the faces of the two tidewater glaciers. We noticed an abundance of seabirds, fur seals, and floating icebergs along the way. As we cruised out of the fjord, we admired the breathtaking scenery with glacial features and waterfalls. Later, we cruised east along Glacier Alley, noticing the abundant glaciers and glacial features. We made a landing at Caleta Olla and enjoyed walking along the shoreline and going on various exploratory hikes to see Hollandia Glacier and its glacial lake. At recap and Captain’s Welcome Cocktail Hour, we enjoyed sharing our adventures with our fellow guests as we continue cruising deeper into the fjords.
3/17/2023
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National Geographic Endurance
Seno Martinez and Seno Agostini, Chile
We woke up to a typical overcast and rainy day in Patagonia, Chile. Yet, the glacier carved fjords, Nothafagus beech forest, and waterfalls make every day in Patagonia one to cherish. We started the morning in a small bay in Seno Martinez where we took advantage of the low winds to send out the kayaks for a calm paddle in the soft rain around the bay. Hugging close to the rocks provided us the chance to inspect blue mussels, barnacles, and limpets along with the various foliage and berries hanging over the water. Those who opted for a Zodiac cruise got to explore farther afield and even ran into a few Magellanic penguins. In the afternoon we cruised out of Seno Martinez and into Seno Agostini passing one glacier after another as we transited an exceptionally beautiful part of Patagonia. Arriving to a sheltered bay, the Patagonian wind increased, and the rain continued, however we were up for anything and got dressed in our waterproofs to Zodiac cruise. We splashed through the water hunting for birds, nosing into waterfalls, and getting a view of the Hyatt Glacier in the distance.