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In fact, as far as expedition cruises go, there are only 1 or 2 vessels that offer the Patagonia itinerary. Some cruises do operate during the shoulder months of the summer around October and April, but these are rarer. Early Spring is actually a great time to witness the whale migration and the colonies of elephant seals and sea lions. Below we have provided a comprehensive overview on all the questions you need to consider when choosing your cruise. We have a particular focus on expedition cruises, however, we also cover the longer main line itineraries that visit Patagonia. Please use our quicklinks below if you know what section you wish to read.
Day by Day
We cruise south towards Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza. The iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia are captivating, with stunning shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues. Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, weaving over water and around the mountain base. If conditions permit, you'll be able to explore more of the milky blue waters by kayak.
Wildlife
The bay offers ample chances for closer views of a number of waterfalls and glaciers, including the calving North Brookes Glacier, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Darwin mountain range. Amid the serene silence of this icy wonderland, the only sound may be the powerful roar of ice breaking off and crashing into the frigid waters below. This is also a great location for viewing ice fall deposits, which form reconstituted glaciers and kame (silt and sediment deposits). Optional activities (additional cost) include kayaking, one-time paddling excursions, stand-up paddleboarding and an exclusive heli-landing. Continuing north, the ship navigates through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing out into the Pacific Ocean. The expedition team will prepare all for the adventures that await, helping everyone further understand the glacial systems, as well as the flora and fauna that can be found in this part of Chile.
Webinar: Science Program
We aim to get off the ship as much as possible to experience the destinations up close. Twice per day is common but more if weather, daylight hours and itinerary allow. Duration of the landings vary from site to site but at the height of the peak season, cruise operators must stick to timings allocated by authorities. To ensure you have an enjoyable and safe cruise or trek expedition we have developed some important pre-departure information to help you prepare.
Marvel at the astonishing size of this glacier
It hosts abundant birdlife, so keep eyes peeled while cruising in the Zodiacs. Hiking options are available for all fitness levels, affording panoramic views of Marinelli Glacier, Marinelli Fjord and the surrounding Darwin mountain range. Taking the expedition onto dry land for another full day, also visit a working Patagonian estancia (“ranch”), founded in 1891 by Scottish immigrants. Here, learn about Patagonian sheep farming in a historic pastoral setting.
The diversity of the Patagonian landscape appreciated from air is astounding. In addition to the fjords and snow-covered mountains, there are blue-tinted icebergs, glaciers, channels, fjords, rainforest, rugged shorelines abundant with wildlife. No trip to Patagonia is complete without marveling at mighty glaciers. The islands and fjords of Chilean Patagonia are dotted with vast rivers of ice, including the Grey Glacier, which can be seen from your ship or up close on an excursion. With its creaking, blue-white face, the Serrano Glacier is another great option for viewing, especially when chunks of ice calve off into the water where the glacier meets the sea. Embark on a luxury cruise to Patagonia to uncover the untamed beauty and unique culture of this remote South American region.
Magellan Explorer
Sail in the wake of intrepid explorers as you traverse the waters of the Chilean fjords. To learn more about each port of call and our included as well as optional excursions, click on the individual days below. In-depth talks on history, climate change, sustainability, wildlife, Earth science, culture, and other topics specific to the destination you are visiting are held here. Learning more about each subject is certain to enhance your expedition experience. Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colorful houses, and mercados packed with local produce.
Flying south to Ushuaia where you'll board your ship
From the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade route. There also several luxury expedition ship such as the Le Boreal, Silver Explorer, and the National Geographic Orion. These ships are slightly bigger, meaning they can't make as many shore landings. However, the luxury and cabin space aboard more than makes up for this fact. Leaving Ainsworth Bay behind, sail west along the sound to the Tuckers Islets.
Chile
We land on remote beaches, where you might walk up a ridge for panoramic views or hike to see remnants of bygone eras. Our expedition team is by your side the whole time, enriching your experience with fascinating presentations and insights into remarkable places. Australis offer a number of 5 day itineraries aboard either of their expedition ships. These itineraries are a great way to explore the fjords if your on a budget or don't have too much time to spare.
As well as flights to the Chilean capital Santiago, Punta Arenas is also connected by air to Puerto Montt, the port for Northern Chilean Fjords cruises as well as the main airport to reach the Chilean Lake District. Coyhaique (Balmaceda) in Aysen also has flights to and from Punta Arenas. The majority of guests on Cape Horn cruises tend to be international travellers, and guides speak English as well as Spanish. Guests on the Fjords cruises are more of a mix of domestic and international tourists, giving passengers a fantastic slice of Chilean culture along with the scenery. Guides may speak English as well as Spanish, but English audio translations during activities means you’ll never miss out. The glaciers here are the product of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field.
Atlas Ocean Voyages Names World Traveller and World Navigator in Patagonia - Cruise Industry News
Atlas Ocean Voyages Names World Traveller and World Navigator in Patagonia.
Posted: Mon, 21 Nov 2022 08:00:00 GMT [source]
Take a moment, while gliding past soaring snow-capped peaks, to contemplate the mariners of long ago who traveled these same sheltered passageways and were rewarded with the same wondrous sights. Once again, Australis are the leading operator when it comes to slightly longer expedition cruises. The 9 day itineraries tend to be round trips from Punta Arenas or Ushaia. Like the 5 day itineraries, these cruises visit all the major highlights of the region such as Cape Horn, Ainsworth Bay etc. However, they also visit many other glaciers including Aguila Glacier, Agostini Glacier, and Condor Glacier. Places like Cape Horn and Tierra Del Fuego have ruined many expeditions of old, especially in Winter when the seas are at their roughest.
Small ship travel has gained popularity for convenience, adventure and to explore the remote places of the Earth. Learn all the unique possibilities an expedition ship can offer, and why you should get aboard. In the afternoon, cruise across Nassau Bay into the remote archipelago that includes Cape Horn National Park. Weather and sea conditions permitting, venture ashore on the windswept island that harbors legendary Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). Discovered in 1616 by a Dutch maritime expedition and named after the town of Hoorn in West Friesland, Cape Horn is a sheer 1,394-foot high rocky promontory overlooking the turbulent waters of the Drake Passage.
Sister ships Ventus Australis and Stella Australis sail in either direction between Ushuaia and Punta Arenas to Cape Horn and the Beagle Channel. Wildlife to look out for on this cruise includes the chance to elephant seals as well as dolphins and a rich variety of birdlife. The new Ultramarine 199-passenger polar ship is purpose-built for safety and far-off exploration in Antarctica and the Arctic.

The tiny village is only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. The unique community is designated a Living Human Treasure by UNESCO. If conditions are right, we'll launch our small expedition boats to take a closer look at this remarkable glacier, where ice occasionally calves off into the waters below. Our expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, where we'll spend the night. You can opt to go hiking in Torres del Paine National Park—an incredible experience well worth doing.
The birdwatching on this cruise is superb, from seabirds along the coast to hummingbirds in the forests – and not forgetting Magellanic penguins in the Queilen Channel off Chiloé. With luck, there is even the possibility of seeing blue whales in the Corcovado Gulf when they visit between December and April. One of the most popular Patagonia cruises is exploring the island of Tierra del Fuego between Ushuaia (Argentina) and Punta Arenas (Chile). The biggest attraction here is the chance to visit the almost legendary Cape Horn – a place that once struck fear into every sailor's heart. A Patagonia cruise offers plenty of time to relax and enjoy all the incredible amenities Celebrity offers. Start the evening at the Martini Bar, and after dinner, take in a spectacular Broadway-style show.
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