Our final day of this two-week expedition was a fitting end to our explorations of Patagonia and Isla de Los Estados (Staten Island). So few people have visited Staten Island that every outing was a new adventure, with today serving as the perfect reminder as to why this place is so special. We spent the entire morning cruising the shores of Isla Observatorio, teeming with thousands of seabirds and pinnipeds; every little nook of kelp-covered shoreline and ridge was packed with life. In the afternoon, we set anchor at Puerto Roca on the main island and set out for a leisurely stroll along the fine, sandy beach, taking time to reflect and soak in the magnificent scenery.
11/10/2024
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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.
