Pumalín Park is an enormous area of limited development and active conservation in Chile’s center. Its designation in 2005 as a nature sanctuary has granted it additional protection to secure its ecological values and prevent development. It effectively serves as a nature belt, allowing birds, animals, and plants to spread in all directions and access the sea uninterrupted. We went ashore at this beautiful reserve in the morning, going on both short and long walks to discover some of the endemic species. Afterwards we stopped briefly at the small coffee shop nestled in the shoreline and then went back on board for a fantastic lunch and afternoon at sea. Regaled with a lecture from the photography team on board and our Global Perspectives guest speaker, we sailed south, towards tomorrow’s adventure.
11/10/2024
Read
National Geographic Resolution
Garibaldi Glacier, Romanche Fjord, and Beagle Channel
The first rays light up the northwestern branch of the Beagle Channel. In the distance mountains glow in pale yellows and oranges as well as the water’s many birds, including a flock of hundreds of sooty shearwaters as they search for food. By breakfast we are at the entrance of the Garibaldi Fjord, steep gray rock walls on either side, and at the end the beautiful eponymous glacier. We head out on Zodiac cruises to get closer views of the tortured rocks, beautiful waterfalls, stunted forests, and of course wait for the glacier to calve. It obliges us many times. During the afternoon, we nose into the Romanche Fjord and then head out to sail along the Beagle Channel. Along the way we encounter many seabirds. Before dinner we attend the captain’s farewell cocktails and enjoy the guest slideshow before heading down to our special asado dinner! Our remarkable expedition through the Chilean Fjords is coming to an end. We have all witnessed some amazing wildlife encounters and marveled at the beauty of the Torres del Paine Massif. Memories we have aplenty, which will be cherished for many a year.
