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
Head south to the village of Puerto Cisnes, in the remote region of Aysén, for an afternoon visit. Visit the seaport and explore the area, with its many fjords, islands, and channels. Then hope to visit Magdalena Island, where you have a good chance of seeing penguins, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.
The expedition continues with a full day of activities planned at San Rafael Bay. Declared a Biosphere Reserve, the park is the main entry point to Chile’s Northern Icefields. San Rafael Glacier is the main attraction, but you'll also enjoy exploring the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and coves.
Cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. Sail southward, the expedition team tells you 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. You also learn about the region’s biodiversity with presentations on the local marine life and flora.
Sail the dramatic, 18 mt-wide English Narrows on the way to the famous fishing village of Puerto Eden, one of Chile’s most isolated settlements. The village sits on the eastern side of Wellington Island and is only accessible by sea. Puerto Eden has no roads. Instead, a network of wooden boardwalks connects the houses and establishments. Rich evergreens cover the landscape steeped in indigenous traditions and culture, being home to the Kawéskar people.
Continue sailing south towards Madre de Dios Island, several natural caves that create a unique landscape evocatively named Marble Glaciers. In one of those caves, skeletons of whales 2600 to 3500 years old have been discovered. Many caves near the coast were used in the past as burial sites by the Kawéskar people. The whole region is an ideal place for exploration. part of an uninhabited archipelago west of the Trinidad Channel and Concepción Channel. The island is composed partly of limestone, with
While cruising along the Strait of Magellan, explore the waters of the fiords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego, a region named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. 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.
Continue along the Beagle Channel, a striking narrow passage, partly belonging to Chile and partly to Argentina. Sail along Glacier Alley, a 240 km (150 mi) stretch within the Channel in Southern Chile, home to a family of five glaciers: the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers. Hope to explore the Garibaldi Fjord where you will be surrounded by hanging and tidewater glaciers; nearby waterfalls are so close they can almost be touched. Spectacular ice formations are sprawled along the sea, forming part of the Southern Patagonian Ice field and the snow-dusted Darwin Range. It is a perfect time to enjoy the graceful view and, if possible, get a glimpse of sea lions and steamer ducks. The Beagle Channel, with the Strait of Magellan to the north and the Drake Passage to the south, is one of the three navigable passages in South America connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. On the way to Ushuaia, Argentina, the largest settlement on the channel, make a brief nighttime technical stop in Port Williams to comply with Chilean customs and immigration requirements.
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.
$5,995
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Triple Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Suite with two bedrooms, balcony, and sitting area
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Porthole Cabin
Porthole Cabins 200 ft2 – 18 m²
-Cabin with sitting area and porthole
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Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
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Deluxe Veranda Cabin
240 ft2 – 22 m2
-Cabin with sitting area and balcony
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Penthouse Suite
360 ft2 – 33 m2
-Suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom area
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Grand Suite
480 ft2 – 44 m2
-Two-room suite with sitting room, balcony, and bedroom
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Single Veranda Cabin
210 ft2 – 19 m2
- Cabin with sitting area and balcony
Initial deposit is $3500 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.
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
Parkas are not provided on your cruise. Please bring your own windproof, waterproof, insulated parka with you. You will want to make sure it is roomy enough to fit warm layers underneath. Click here for information about parka rental.
Map
When to Go
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Good to ideal period to travel, and many people choose to visit at this time.
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