The forests of southernmost Patagonia are verdant and lush but so dense and tangled that they are mostly impenetrable. That’s why expedition cruising — travelling by sea — is the best way to experience this wild and remote part of the world. Today we managed not one but two landings on the island of Tierra del Fuego!
In the morning, we visited Karukinka Natural Park. We carefully scouted our walking route over the marshy grasslands at the end of the bay, widely skirting the numerous gigantic elephant seals resting tranquilly in the vegetation. They lie so still that it is easy to mistake a seal for a smooth glaciated outcrop — until the seal raises its giant head to let out a guttural roar.
Our long hikers made their way through the forest up to a stunning waterfall cascading from high cliffs above. Patagonia’s famous winds ensured that everyone was doused in saltwater on the Zodiac ride back to the ship.
In the afternoon, we landed at Ainsworth Bay for a peaceful nature walk through both forest and bog. Meanwhile, expedition team diver Caitlyn drove our visiting scientists out by Zodiac to sample plankton in the bay’s turquoise glacial waters.
