Chilean Fjords & Antarctica

This expansive, modern port serves Santiago, Chile's vibrant capital, known for its Spanish colonial architecture and lively atmosphere. Surrounded by the Andes and Coastal Range, Santiago's heart is the Plaza de Armas, home to several historic landmarks, including the 18th-century Metropolitan Cathedral, the 1808 Palacio de la Real Audencia, City Hall, and the National Museum of History. To the north, the charming port city of Valparaíso, with its vibe, and the coastal resort town of Viña del Mar offer picturesque escapes. Renowned valleys between the capital and the coast boast some of Chile's best wineries, offering inviting tasting experiences.

Spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available.

In Chile’s Northern Patagonia Los Lagos, Puerto Montt is set on the shores of a large bay identified as Reloncavi Sound. To the east looms Mt. Yate, a snowcapped, glaciated stratovolcano, and beyond that, the Andes Cordillera. Islands punctuate the sound, the three largest being Tengio, Maillén, and Huar. Two much larger islands, Puluqiui and Queulín, sprawl across the mouth of the sound, separating it from the Gulf of Ancud. The point where the Reloncavi Estuary empties into the sound is effectively where the Chilean Central Valley meets the Pacific Ocean. Salmon farms dimple the coves of the sound, and pods of orcas are sometimes seen. Near the sound on shore, Chile’s Alerce Andino National Park protects a vestigial forest of ancient Alerce trees,  similar to the vast sequoias found in North America.

Puerto Montt sits beneath a skyline of snow-capped volcanoes. Volcan Osorno, towering 2,652-meter (8,701') above the town, erupted in 1835 and was described by naturalist Charles Darwin. The city is the gateway to many outdoor adventures, including an exhilarating white-water rafting trip, tranquil fly fishing, and scenic hiking in Alerce Andino National Park. Petrohue Rapids and Lake Llanquihue are set within a rural landscape of sheep farms. A walk around town allows for an encounter with the South American way of life. A vibrant fish market, selling everything from seaweed to salmon to spiny crabs, sits astride a street lined with craft stalls packed with brightly colored woolen ponchos. South American fur seals lounge along the seawall promenade as colorful fishing boats lay at anchor offshore. Puerto Montt is an eclectic mix of new and old, refined and rustic. 

Reloncavi Sound is a panoramic vista of high volcanoes. To the south is the scenic Moraleda Channel and the entrance to the picturesque Chilean Fjords.

The Moraleda Channel is a protected waterway running along the coast of Chile from the Gulf of Corcovado in the north to the Laguna San Rafael in the south. It separates the myriad mountainous islands of the Chonos Archipelago from the Chilean mainland. Like the Inside Passage on the Pacific coast of North America, the Moraleda Channel is a geological feature. Its course follows the geologic Liguiñe-Ofqui Fault on the eastern side of the islands, which are the peaks of the submerged Chilean Coastal Range.

The Darwin Channel cuts through the elongated, mountainous islands of the Chonos Archipelago in Southern Chile, connecting the Pacific Ocean on the west with the Moraleda Channel running along the Chilean mainland. These forested islands, mostly uninhabited, are the peaks of the submerged Chilean Coastal Range. Darwin Channel is a westward continuation of the Aysen Fjord, connecting to the Pacific at Isquiliac Island and opening at its eastern end into Darwin Bay. Being free of navigational hazards, it forms a preferred scenic pathway for ships navigating the area.

The Baker Channel is a large, multi-armed fjord that cuts from Tarn Bay in the Gulf of Penas, some 75 miles into the Chilean mainland. It lies roughly halfway between the Northern and Southern Patagonian Ice Fields, and its southern arm culminates at the face of the Jorge Montt Glacier, which flows from the Southern ice field and frequently calves icebergs into the channel. The channel forms the northern boundary of Chile’s vast Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

On the long Messier Channel between the huge Wellington island and the Chilean mainland, the English Narrows is a natural, eight-mile obstacle consisting of a scattering of islands constricting the passage to a width of as little as 200 yards. It presents no hazard to a skilled navigator under most conditions, but at spring tides, the current runs as much as six knots, and wind conditions may also make navigation risky. The narrow transit is an excellent time to be on deck to watch for birds such as diving petrels or steamer ducks and possibly the tiny, rare dolphins sometimes seen in remote areas like this.

Eyre Fjord penetrates the mainland of southern Chile from the Icy Channel about 20 miles to the broad face of the massive Pio XI glacier, also known as the Bruggen Glacier. It is the longest glacier in the Southern Hemisphere outside Antarctica, flowing 40 miles from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field to the fjord. It is also one of the very few advancing glaciers on Earth. The glacier face is located near a large eastern arm of Eyre Fjord called Exmouth Fjord.

At the head of scenic Eyre Fjord is the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside Antarctica. The monumental ice mass of the Bruggen Glacier fills the fjord to a width of 4.5 kilometers (3 miles) and covers an area of 1,265 square kilometers (488 square miles). Colossal ice cliffs rise to a height of 75 meters (246') and are cut by deep-blue crevasses and free-standing ice pillars known as seracs. Some 66 kilometers (41 miles) upstream of where it meets the ocean, the Bruggen Glacier merges with the ice of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Unlike other glaciers worldwide, it advanced significantly from 1945 to 1976, adding nearly 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) to its toe. Located deep within the boundaries of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, it was named after the German-Chilean geologist Juan Bruggen Messtorff. Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is one of the last refuges for the small Chilean deer known as a huemul, and species such as the Andean condor and marine otter may also be found here.

The Wide Channel is an inside passage along the coast of southern Chile. It separates the eastern lobe of the huge Wellington Island from the Chilean mainland, starting between Saumarez Island and Icy Channel in the north and opening into the Concepcion Channel in the south adjacent to the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park on the mainland Wilcock Peninsula. Surrounded by steep mountains, its shoreline on the mainland side is interrupted by two large fjords, the Europa and Penguin fjords. Join your expedition team members on deck or in an observation lounge for expert insights into the area.

Cutting eastward from the Sarmiento Channel in Southern Chile, this fjord is divided into three separate fjords: Amalia, Asia, and Calvo Fjords. Amalia leads to Amalia Glacier, the El Brujo Glacier is in Asia Fjord, and Calvo boasts several small glaciers. To the east, the mainland is part of the huge Torres del Paine National Park. The area is a fascinating geological panorama, and your expedition team members will be available to interpret the sights and identify wildlife spotted while cruising the scenic waterways.

Entering Peel Fjord from the Sarmiento Channel in southern Chile, your ship veers into the branch called Asia Fjord. As you cruise deeper into the fjord, the water’s surface is dappled with floating ‘bergie bits’ of ice and occasional larger growlers. Meanwhile the steep slopes on either side are tinseled with lacy waterfalls flowing from the snow-frosted peaks above. Ahead, two ochre slopes cradle a glowing blue-white face of cracked and fissured ice two kilometers across and hundreds of feet high, spilling with geologic slowness from the South Patagonian Ice Field far up the valley. Occasionally, a huge shard of ice falls silently into the sea, followed seconds later by the delayed sound of its crack and thunder. You are in the midst of Chile’s Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, the nation’s largest protected region.

The Smyth Channel is another of the spectacular waterways threading the maze of islands off the coast of extreme southern Chile. At its northern end, it briefly parallels the Sarmiento Channel, then veers southward, opening into the Strait of Magellan. Dotted with myriad small islands and corrugated with countless narrow fjords and bays, it makes a mesmerizing panorama as your ship plies between the islands on one side and the immense Peninsula Muñoz-Gamero on the other. Members of your expedition team will be on deck and in lounges to offer insights into the wild, unspoiled terrain you are passing.

The Strait of Magellan is a 350-mile/570 km channel separating the mainland of South America from the large Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was first navigated by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan during his circumnavigation voyage in 1520. He named it the Strait of All Saints because his transit started on November 1, All Saints Day. Magellan named the southern island Tierra del Fuego after seeing the smoke from fires in the camps of the native Yahgan people, whom he called the Patagones, meaning “big feet,” and their land Patagonia. The strait is between two and 20 miles wide, earning the nickname Dragon’s Tail among sailors for its tortuous path.

Along with the Beagle Channel, it was one of two protected channels for sailing between the oceans before the construction of the Panama Canal. The third alternative was the notoriously turbulent open-ocean Drake Passage beyond Cape Horn. One sizeable port city in the strait, Punta Arenas, Chile, has an interesting harbor breakwater consisting of two ship hulks, the Cavenga, and an old iron four-mast sailing ship, the County of Peebles. Several Chilean national parks and monuments are in the strait, including Los Pinguinos National Monument and a sanctuary for protecting humpback whales. Southern right whales are also known to frequent the strait’s waters. There are 41 light signals in the strait, including the San Isidro Lighthouse, which has been restored and is now a museum, and the Evangelistas Lighthouse at the western entrance. The strait was difficult for sailing ships due to unpredictable winds and tidal currents. Depending on tide conditions, even modern ships often opt for one of the alternative routes because the Venturi effect greatly exaggerates the tidal speeds through narrows.

Punta Arenas is the most important port and commercial center for Chile's immense Patagonian agricultural area. The economy revolves around the sheep raised on the expansive pampas. Located on the Strait of Magellan, separating the mainland from the island of Tierra del Fuego, the city proclaims itself the southernmost city in the world. Its colonial history may be explored in the splendid Plaza de Armas, in the magnificent tombs of the Pioneer Cemetery, and in the opulent Braun-Menendez Mansion. Ferdinand Magellan's exploration heritage can be recaptured at the Nao Victoria ship museum. Fort Bulnes National Monument memorializes the earliest colonial period, while the offshore Los Pinguinos Natural Monument preserves the thriving seabird and sea lion colonies around Magdalena Island. This is also the port from which a full-day flight excursion takes visitors to the majestic peaks and picturesque lakes and wildlife of the Torres del Paine National Park.

Included Magdalena Penguin Reserve Experience

Upon arrival at Magdalena Island, declared a Natural Monument in 1982, you will see one of the largest penguin colonies in southern Chile, and get acquainted with the unspoiled habitat of penguins, cormorants and many other birds. A substantial colony of Magellan penguins nests and breeds here. These penguins return every year to this spot between October and March to lay eggs and raise their young. They bury their eggs in the sandy burrows and under shrubs; at this time of year most of the chicks will have hatched. The animals are naturally curious and untamed; if approached too quickly they will scamper into their burrows or try to reach the water.

A snack pack will be provided.

After ample time to observe the birds it is time for the invigorating walk back to the vesel and the navigation back to Punta Arenas. You will have about one hour on the island to observe the curious and entertaining penguins before returning to Punta Arenas.

Notes: Do not attempt to touch the penguins as their strong beaks can inflict serious wounds. Since this is a wildlife reserve, no visitor facilities are available. Walking is on mostly flat, marked pathways with approximately 30 minutes on uneven terrain. Wear sturdy, comfortable walking shoes.Rough sea conditions can be experienced on the approximately two hour journey to Magdalena Island; passengers prone to seasickness should take this into consideration It is essential that you wear warm layered clothing in order to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion. Seasonal migration, which is somewhat unpredictable, can affect the operation of this tour from March to April. The ship will liaise with the tour operator prior to arrival in Punta Arenas and, in the event that the penguins are no longer present, guests will be given the chance to substitute an alternative shore excursion.

Included Voyage Into the Past: Magellan's Discovery Experience

Only 18 members survived Magellan's 1519 expedition, which circumnavigated the globe and put Tierra del Fuego on the map. The territory you'll cover today played a significant role in Magellan's epic voyage, and your outing will introduce you to the saga and the first inhabitants of Fireland (Tierra del Fuego). Your guide will first show you some points of interest in Punta Arenas, the southernmost city in the world, but the major highlights are found in the rugged, scenic beauty outside of the city. You will head to Nao Victoria Museum, which contains a life-size replica of Ferdinand Magellan's ship -- the vessel in which he circumnavigated the globe. The ship replica recreates all the original structural features and, unlike many museums, offers a very tactile experience, as visitors are encouraged to hear the sounds of yesteryear and touch the replica everyday objects, including navigation instruments and artillery. The next stop is at the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum, founded by Salesian missionaries. This facility provides a comprehensive overview of the regional flora and fauna, the habitat of the local indigenous people, and regional history. From here, you will drive to the Cerro la Cruz viewpoint and take in the same view of the Strait of Magellan that Ferdinand Magellan himself had when he was here. You'll also see the port and the legendary Tierra del Fuego Island -- known as Fireland. On your way back to town, stop at Plaza de Armas (the main square) before returning to the pier.

Please note: You must climb a long flight of stairs to reach some of the displays at the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum and most of the exhibit interpretive panels are written in Spanish only.'

Included Punta Arenas on Foot Experience

Discover the frontier spirit of Punta Arenas, the largest city in southern Patagonia. Meet your in guide and walk to the Ancud monument which is dedicated to the schooner that carried the first settlers here in 1843. Stop at the historic pier to see a large colony of cormorants and observe the interesting behavior of these aquatic birds. Head toward the city center along the pleasant Colón Avenue, where you will find several neoclassical mansions including the Municipal Theater, the Braun Menéndez Museum and the Sara Braun Palace-each a reminder of the wool boom that brought business and immigrants here at the turn of the 20th century. Arrive at Plaza de Armas to see the monument to Ferdinand Magellan, the explorer who first sailed these waters, and walk the buidings around the plaza such as Union Club or the Cathedral and have free time. Climb to the Cerro de la Cruz observation deck for panoramic views of the city before returning to the ship.

Please note: It is essential that you wear warm, layered clothing in order to fully enjoy and participate in this excursion. Outer layer should be waterproof and windproof. Bring gloves, a warm hat and a scarf. You must climb a long flight of stairs to reach some of the displays at the Maggiorino Borgatello Museum and most of the exhibit interpretive panels are written in Spanish only.

Spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available.

Depending on weather, ice conditions, and reported wildlife distribution during your voyage, your captain and expedition team will program an additional day of discovery and adventure for you in Antarctica.

Spend your day at sea enjoying the many facilities available.

Arrive in Ushuaia and disembark after breakfast. Fly to Ezeiza International Airport in Buenos Aires.