Patagonia & Chilean Fjords: From Ushuaia to Puerto Montt

Day 1: Ushuaia, Embarkation

Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, with boarding between 3 and 4 PM (15:00 – 16:00 hr.) We will make a brief technical stop in Port Williams to comply with Chilean customs and immigration requirements before proceeding along the Beagle Channel.

Day 2: Beagle Channel

Today we sail along the Beagle Channel, a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, partly belonging to Chile and partly to Argentina. We will 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. Here you will sail and be surrounded by both hanging and tidewater glaciers and waterfalls you can view from the ship. These 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.

Days 3: Strait of Magellan

This afternoon, our ship will cruise along the Strait of Magellan to explore the remote and protected coastal area of the Carlos III Island. This region is part of the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, the first marine park and the only place in the southern hemisphere where Humpback whales feed outside of Antarctica. We aim to deploy our Zodiac fleet in the mythical waters of the strait sailed by the Portuguese explorer in 1520. If you are lucky, you may be able to bear witness to Humpback or Sei whales breaching at a distance in the sea. You may also have sightings of dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels.

Day 4: Amalia Glacier

Today we take an exploratory Zodiac cruise to the Amalia Glacier area, a 3 km (2 mi) wide glacier along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. It is part of the Southern Patagonia Ice Field surrounding the Reclus Volcano. We will bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise along its ice floes across the sea to uncover part of Chile's natural mystique. As you cruise between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant yet rugged textures, you may be able to spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.

Day 5: Puerto Eden

We sail the dramatic, 18 mt-wide English Narrows on our 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.

Day 6: Gulf of Penas

We cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. As we continue to sail northward, 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.

Day 7: San Rafael

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 we will also enjoy exploring the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and coves.

Day 8: Puerto Cisnes

We continue to head north to the village of Puerto Cisnes, in the remote region of Aysén, for an afternoon visit. We visit the seaport and explore the area, with its many fjords, islands, and channels. We hope to visit Magdalena Island, where we have a good chance of seeing penguins, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.

Day 9: Puerto Montt, Disembarkation

Morning arrival in Puerto Montt and disembarkation.

• 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.

*Itinerary operated in reverse, starting in Ushuaia and ending in Puerto Montt
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.

Optional Activities:

• Kayaking - US$495
• Hiking and Snowshoeing in Antarctica, available for booking on board the ship at USD $85 per person, per excursion.