Antarctica21 Wilderness Cruise to the Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

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Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

A 9-day wilderness experience in Southern Chile and the Patagonia Ice Field. Visit the San Rafael Glacier, Tierra del Fuego, and Glacier Alley along the Beagle Channel.

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Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

Duration

9 Days / 8 Nights

Departure city

Puerto Montt, Chile or Ushuaia, Argentina

Ship options

For complete Sea Voyage pricing details review our brochure.

Itinerary at a Glance

In the Chilean Patagonia, one of the southernmost regions of the world, sail between massive blue-hued glaciers and the sharp peaks of the Andes mountains. This untamed terrain is home to fjords, channels, and islets with beaches teeming with marine wildlife, birds, and stunning natural landscapes best accessed by ship or Zodiac.

On this wilderness expedition, visit Puerto Cisnes, the San Rafael Bay and Glacier, the Gulf of Penas, the isolated village of Puerto Eden, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego, and the Beagle Channel.

Note: the itinerary operates in both a southbound and northbound direction, depending on travel dates. Travelers should confirm the itinerary applicable to their selected departure.

Day 1: Puerto Montt, Embarkation Your journey begins in Puerto Montt, Chile, with boarding between 15:00 and 16:00 hrs. After all mandatory briefings, the ship sets sail towards the Gulf of Corcovado.
Day 2: Puyuhuapi Channel We continue south to visit the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. As we cruise and explore the area, we see the landscape unfold with its many fjords, islands, and channels. We hope to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, with the possibility to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.
Day 3: San Rafael National Park Today, the ship reaches the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, the vessel cruises around the area of San Rafael National Park, a biosphere reserve, if weather permits. The park is the main entry point to Chile's Northern Patagonian Ice Field. We will also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and coves.
Day 4: Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas As we sail south, we cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team tells us about the indigenous inhabitants of these southern lands, the early Spanish colonizers, and famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy, and Alberto de Agostini. We also learn about the region's biodiversity through presentations about the local marine fauna and flora.
Day 5: Caleta Tortel and Messier Channel If weather permits, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region is planned for the morning. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a small village consisting mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. Wooden walkways are built with Guaitecas cypress, they connect houses and give the village its distinctive look and unique culture. We continue sailing south towards Messier Channel and navigate through the dramatic 18-meter-wide (59 feet) English Narrows for a privileged view of the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Outside Antarctica, some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere are found here.
Day 6: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park We embark on a Zodiac excursion to the Amalia Glacier area or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. We bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise across the sea and among its ice floes to uncover part of Chile's natural mystique. As we sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant and rugged textures, we may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.
Day 7: Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego While heading south along the Strait of Magellan, we explore the waters of the fjords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. We follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere where whales feed. If we are lucky, we may be able to spot humpback or sei whales breaching in the distance. We may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels.
Day 8: Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Fjord The Beagle Channel is a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. Dividing Chile and Argentina, the passage showcases ice formations along the snow-dusted Darwin Range. We will sail along Glacier Alley, home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers, aiming to explore the Garibaldi Fjord.
Day 9: Ushuaia Argentina, Disembarkation Morning arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation.
Note: the itinerary presented above is for reference. A southbound itinerary description is available on request. As for any expedition cruise, our route will be subject to weather conditions and the requirements of the Chilean authorities.

patagonia and chilean fjords, southbound itinerary

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Sea Voyage Inclusions

Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.

Special access to Explorers House for guests in Punta Arenas.

Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.

Daily buffet breakfast, à la carte lunch and dinner, as well as wine, beer, juice, soft drinks, coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship.

Loan of waterproof boots for landings, landing fees, contingency plan, and IAATO passenger fee.

All guided shore excursions, as well as lectures and entertainment on board.

Photo Album: Patagonia & Chilean Fjords

Glaciers along the Southern Patagonia Ice Field — Sail along the glaciers of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field with our expert guides.

Willife on the shores of the Chilean Fjords — Enjoy views of the wildlife like these baby seals along the the shores of the Chilean Fjords

Library on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban. — Enjoy the beautiful living spaces like Magellan Explorer’s library while at sea.

Magellan Explorer sailing in the Southern Ocean.

Spot plenty of birds in their natural habitat.

On a trip through Patagonia & Chilean Fjords, you may spot humpback whales along the Strait of Magellan.

Magellan Explorer

The Patagonia & Chilean Fjords expedition is only available on Magellan Explorer.

Magellan Explorer

Featuring a modern design and innovative technologies, this expedition vessel was custom-built for our Antarctic air-cruises.

For complete Sea Voyage pricing details review our brochure.

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Magellan Explorer in Antarctica. Photography by Sandra Walser for Antarctica21. — Explore the Last Continent on board Magellan Explorer, our small ship custom-built for Antarctic air-cruises.

For the 2025-26 season, we’re offering 36 new air-cruises on our small boutique ships!

Veranda Cabin on board Magellan Explorer. Photography by Tom Arban. — Enjoy views of the unforgettable landscapes from your bed.

Sail on Magellan Explorer

Find out what it’s like to sail on the modern and sleek Magellan Explorer, custom-built for Antarctic adventure and wilderness expeditions.

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Testimonial

‘’Many thanks for a great trip. All aspects of our holiday have been excellent. Service and care from the crew have been first class. We look forward to seeing you all again.’’

Dave & Ann S.

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia Sea Voyage, October 2022

Testimonial

‘’Thank you for allowing me to join you on the best adventure of my life. Every moment was magic. Truly thank you! You are an inspiration’’

L.C.

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia Sea Voyage, October 2022

Testimonial

‘’Fabulous ship, fantastic crew! Absolutely brilliant trip- all weather, lots of wildlife. What more could you possibly ask for?’’

Alison K.

Falklands (Malvinas) & South Georgia Sea Voyage, October 2022

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