What Antarctica & Patagonia Actually Felt Like
Originally drafted on 8 February 2026, while onboard the NG Resolution.
I’m writing this on day 16 of National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions’ Antarctica and Patagonia: Legendary Ice and Epic Fjords expedition, and we spent this morning exploring Seno Glaciar by zodiac. The glacier is approximately 20,000 years old, and the ice is so dense that it glows blue.
Later, in Puerto Profundo, we came across the skeleton of a humpback whale (to quote Dan, our Expedition Leader: ¡Qué profundo!), which was equal parts fascinating and surreal. Honestly, that’s been the pattern of this entire trip – every day has had at least one moment where I’ve thought “It’s a bit crazy that I get to be here.”
Why National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions Feels Different
One thing that’s become very clear on this trip is that not all Antarctic expeditions are created equal.
With National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, there’s no pre-set schedule dictating your day. Everything is shaped around conditions (weather, wildlife, ice) and guided by an expedition team whose priority is getting you into the best possible position for meaningful experiences. That flexibility is exactly why we’ve had the moments we have.
We’re travelling with naturalists, photographers, and expedition leaders who are genuinely leaders in their fields. These aren’t just guides; they’re researchers, educators, and storytellers. Every landing, every Zodiac ride, every recap builds context around what you’re seeing, so you’re not just observing, you’re actually understanding it. It feels less like being a passenger and more like being part of the expedition itself.
Antarctica Delivered (and then some)
Antarctica was a lot, in the best way. Some of the moments that still don’t feel entirely real:
- Crossing the Drake Passage peacefully both ways (the sought-after Drake Lake)
- Being the first ship into the Weddell Sea for 2026
- Finding an emperor penguin colony (an emotional career first for every staff member onboard)
- Having humpback whales swim straight through our kayaking group (completely unexpected)
- Hiking on Antarctic islands and the mainland peninsula (I’m very proud of my Strava maps)
- Walking right into an Adélie penguin rookery and observing for around an hour
- Doing the polar plunge in Lindblad Cove (twice!)
- Falling in love with glaciers and tabular icebergs
None of this felt rushed or staged. The expedition team constantly adjusted plans to make the most of what Antarctica gave us, which is exactly what you want in a destination like this.
Patagonia Feels Completely Different, But Just As Impressive
In Chilean Patagonia the landscape has shifted, but the experience hasn’t lost any of its impact. From zodiacs we’ve watched sea lion rookeries and pods of Chilean dolphins, seen condors in flight and feeding along the shoreline, and we’ve walked through temperate rainforests to find waterfalls and glaciers tucked away in coves. We also ate calafate berries straight off the tree, which – according to legend – guarantees that we will return to Patagonia (fingers crossed).
Again, the expedition approach makes a difference here. Instead of just passing through, you’re stopping, exploring, and understanding what you’re seeing – including the reality that some of these glaciers are retreating quickly and may look very different in the future.
Why I Recommend This Style of Travel &
National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions
This trip has reinforced something I talk about a lot with clients: it’s not just where you go, it’s how you experience it.
Expedition travel when done well is immersive, flexible, and genuinely engaging – and National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions does it exceptionally well. From the brilliant minds on the expedition team and the capability of the National Geographic Resolution, to the access you get through daily Zodiac landings and small group exploration… every part of the experience is built to get you closer to the destination.
From a professional perspective, this is exactly why I choose to recommend them. It means when I talk about a trip like this, I’m not just talking about the highlights. I understand how it actually works day-to-day, who it’s right for, and what kind of experience you’re stepping into, and I understand that an exceptional amount of effort is made to make the most of the destination and what the day brings.
For the traveller who doesn’t just want to see, they want to learn, explore, and experience the destination as it truly is, it’s one of the most rewarding ways to see the world.
If Antarctica has been sitting on your radar, I have good news for you: I’m hosting an information session where we’ll break down exactly what to expect, how these expeditions work, and how to know if it’s the right fit for you. Whether it’s been on your bucket list for years or just starting to catch your interest, this is the perfect place to start!
Antarctica: The Ultimate Expedition
Thursday 30 April | ⏰ 5:30pm | 📍 Franklin Wharf (Pier View Room), Hobart
I’ll be joined by Rosie from National Geographic-Lindblad Expeditions, and we will be talking more about my own trip and how National Geographic Lindblad Expeditions do things differently. It will be a great chance to hear directly from the experts!
This event is free but spaces are limited, so please register here by 25 April to secure your spot!
P.S. If you’ve been following along with this journey, this session will bring everything together, from what you’ve seen here to how you can experience it yourself.
