Set sail on the Magellan Explorer for this 9-day Patagonia and Chilean Fjords cruise. In 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.
Highlights
Explore the waters of the fiords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego
Visit the Garibaldi Fjord, surrounded by hanging and tidewater glaciers
See penguins, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters on Magdalena Island
Cross the Gulf of Penas and enjoy beautiful views of mountain ranges
Activity options vary depending on destination and operator. Activity level is determined by the range and intensity of activities you choose to participate in. Discuss with your Trip Planner which options are best for you.
Your adventure commences in Puerto Montt, Chile, with embarkation scheduled between 3:00 PM and 4:00 PM. Following all essential orientations, the vessel departs for the Gulf of Corcovado.
You'll continue south to explore the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. As you cruise and explore the region, you'll witness the landscape unfolding with its many fjords, islands, and channels. You'll have the opportunity to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, with the possibility of spotting dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.
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.
As you sail south, you'll cross the Gulf of Penas, soaking in the stunning vistas of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team will inform you about the indigenous inhabitants of these southern lands, the early Spanish colonizers, and renowned explorers like Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy, and Alberto de Agostini. You'll also gain insight into the region's biodiversity through presentations on the local marine fauna and flora.
If weather permits, you have a morning visit planned to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region. Situated between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a quaint village characterized by stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, stretching along the coastline for several kilometers. Wooden walkways made of Guaitecas cypress connect the houses, contributing to the village's distinctive appearance and unique culture. Your journey continues southward towards Messier Channel, where you'll navigate through the dramatic 18-meter-wide (59 feet) English Narrows, offering a privileged view of the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica can be found here.
You'll 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. You'll immerse yourself in the icy-blue beauty of the glacier and navigate across the sea and among its ice floes, uncovering part of Chile's natural mystique. As you sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant, rugged textures, you may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.
While cruising along the Strait of Magellan, explore the waters of the fiords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. Follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere where whales feed. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness Humpback or Sei whales breaching in the distance. You may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels.
The Beagle Channel offers you 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, this passage showcases ice formations along the snow-dusted Darwin Range. You'll sail along Glacier Alley, home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers, to explore the Garibaldi Fjord.
Day 9: Ushuaia | Disembark
1 Breakfast
Morning arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation.
Note: the itinerary presented above is for reference. As for any expedition cruise, our route will be subject to weather conditions and the requirements of the Chilean authorities.
Apologies for the inconvenience. Prices for not yet published. Below per person rate based on previous season. Contact us to confirm upcoming season pricing.
Prices for are estimated based on inflation. Contact us to confirm pricing and availability for your desired departure date.
$5,9952-3 travelers
Triple Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m²
-Cabin with sitting area and porthole
Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Veranda Cabin
240 ft2 – 22 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Deluxe Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
Penthouse Suite
360 ft2 – 33 m2
-Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area
Single Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
- Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Notes
-Rates are quoted in U.S. dollars and represent costs per person, double occupancy. Cabin sharing, where solo travelers are matched with a cabin mate of the same gender is available in Porthole and Veranda Cabins.
-Cabins are available for single occupancy at 1.85x the double occupancy rate for Porthole and Veranda Cabins types. Deluxe Veranda, Penthouse Suite, and Grand Suite cabins are 2x the double occupancy rate.
Fly cruises: Children admitted from 8 years old
Classic Antarctica Air Cruise
Polar Circle
Antarctica Express
Sea voyages: Children admitted from 12 years old
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords
Falklands (Malvinas) & SG
Falklands (Malvinas), SG and Antarctica
Antarctic Small Ship Expedition
Optionals
Kayaking: Children admitted from 16 years old.
Hiking & snowshoeing: Children admitted from 12 years old.
Initial deposit is $4000 plus the adventure activities must be paid in full at the time of booking., and most travelers will call our office and pay the deposit with a credit card.
Final payment is due 130 days prior to departure by bank transfer, check or credit card. All final payments by credit card may be subject to a surcharge and maximum of $20,000 charge
For full cancellation policy details, please contact us for a quote.
Included
8 Breakfasts, 7 Lunches, 8 Dinners
8 Nights Accommodations
Accommodations as listed
Ground transportation as listed
Activities as listed
Meals as listed
Access to a 24-7 Emergency line while traveling
Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board ship
Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board ship throughout the expedition
IAATO passenger fee
Loan of Waterproof Boots for Landings
Comprehensive Pre- and Post-voyage Information Materials
Lectures and entertainment onboard.
Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a wide choice of dishes.
Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
All guided shore excursions.
Excluded
Gratuities
Travel Insurance
Personal Expenses
Flight costs (please request a quote)
Additional excursions during free time
Fuel and transportation surcharges (when applicable)
Passport and Applicable Visa Expenses
Beverages purchased at the bar
All participants in an Antarctica 21 expedition are required to have a travel insurance policy. A comprehensive policy is recommended but, at a minimum, Medical Evacuation coverage up to $100,000 USD is required.
Our guide and driver were very good with their knowledge and were very helpful with our questions. It was a very pleasant visit that would have been impossible to do on our own. Hotels and restaurants were fantastic. The special places we got to go to, like the kitchens, were great. Enjoyed the entire trip!
Mary Curry found right trip for my budget and the best date that I liked. She made
that reservation when other company's agent could not do it.
Thank you so much!
Theresa AN
3 months ago
Clara has been a great help and is very knowledgeable. Getting excited already about our trip
David Corey
5 months ago
Eric was friendly, professional, and clarified my questions.
Kate Flannery
5 months ago
We had an initial virtual meeting with our trip planner, Sandra Fernandez, who was great. She was efficient, friendly, yet very professional. She not only answered all our questions, but also addressed our concerns honestly. After our 30-minute conversation with Sandra, we decided to book our cruise with her.
Rina Mitra
7 months ago
Although there was a lot of paper work, I received help and guidance when I needed it.
