Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Cruise

This morning, be transferred to Punta Arenas airport for your charter flight to King George Island, Antarctica (weather permitting). The flight will take approximately one hour and forty-five minutes. On arrival into King George Island your expedition team is on hand to greet you and to prepare you for your Zodiac transfer to the vessel. You will have time to settle into your cabin before important safety briefings. Note: King George Island is located at the northern part of the Antarctic Peninsula in the South Shetland Islands and is one of the most remote places on Earth. A clear sky with perfect visibility is required in order for the plane to take off and land safely. Apologies in advance for any delays.

It’s almost impossible to describe the feeling of arriving in Antarctica. Take a deep breath of some of the most fresh, crisp air on earth. The western side of the Antarctic Peninsula and the South Shetland Islands are ready to be explored, and there are many options. Being so far south, experience approximately 18-24 hours of daylight, enabling the days to be as busy as desired. The experienced expedition team, who have made countless journeys to this area, will use their expertise to design the voyage from day to day, choosing the best options based on the prevailing weather, ice conditions and wildlife opportunities.

Hope to make landings or Zodiac excursions twice a day, as planned. Dress warmly before joining Zodiac cruises along spectacular ice cliffs or among grounded icebergs, keeping watch for whales, seals and porpoising penguins. Zodiacs will also provide transport between the ship and landing sites that are host to penguin rookeries and historic huts. While ashore, aim to stretch the legs, wandering along pebbly beaches or perhaps up snow-covered ridgelines to vantage points with mountains towering overhead and ice-speckled oceans below.

Possibly enjoy ship cruises through some of the narrow, dramatic straits separating offshore islands from the mainland, or linger in scenic bays to watch whales travelling or feeding. This is a great time to enjoy the observation lounge or bridge for uninterrupted views of Antarctica in all its splendor. Keep an ear out for the creak and deep rumble of glaciers as they carve their way from summit to sea, and take a quiet moment to experience the wonder of this incredible white continent.

Enjoy a final morning landing in the South Shetland Islands before the ship re-enters the Drake Passage for your return journey to South America. With lectures and film presentations to complete your Antarctic experience, there is still plenty of time to enjoy the magic of the Southern Ocean and the life that calls it home. There is time for reflection and discussion about what you have seen and experienced. Hopefully you will become an ambassador for Antarctica, telling your family, friends and colleagues about your journey to this magical place, and advocating for its conservation and preservation so that they might one day visit the region to experience what you have been lucky to see and do here. As the ship approaches the tip of South America, your captain may sail close to legendary Cape Horn, weather and time permitting.

There is an afternoon catamaran cruise option today. Board your catamaran and sail the Beagle Channel, towards the city’s iconic Les Eclaireurs Lighthouse. Crossing the Bridges Archipelago the catamaran will slow down to watch colonies of sea lions and imperial cormorants sun themselves on the rocky outcrops, while gulls, rock cormorants, skuas, petrels, albatrosses and cauquenes are often sighted. This cruise offers panoramic views of the city and the surrounding mountain range, in addition to hearing tales of the people and communities of the region. Alternatively, enjoy your day at leisure and meet at 3:30pm back at the pier for embarkation.

Located on Hornos Island in the Tierra del Fuego archipelago lies Cape Horn, near the southernmost point in South America. Until the opening of the Panama Canal in 1914, ships had to sail round Cape Horn to travel between the east and west coast of South America—a hazardous endeavor due to the strong winds and current, large powerful waves and occasional icebergs. These days, Cape Horn attracts adventurous travellers—mostly from expedition cruise ships, who go ashore and hike to the landmark lighthouse known as Stella Maris Chapel. At the top of the hill, you can enjoy panoramic views of where the Pacific and Atlantic oceans meet and feel the incredible power of nature as these two mighty oceans squeeze through the Drake Passage.

As the ship re-enters the Beagle Channel, an important waterway that allowed ships to avoid the notoriously rough waters around Cape Horn, follow the route that a young Charles Darwin took on board the famous HMS Beagle back in 1831, a five-year expedition that forever changed his life and which led him to develop his seminal theory of evolution.

Sailing west past Ushuaia, travel through a dazzling stretch of the 150-mile-long (240-kilometer) Beagle Channel called Glacier Alley or Avenue of the Glaciers as it’s more elegantly known. You will marvel at this string of tidewater glaciers pushing down to the edge of the sea from the enormous Darwin Ice Field. Surrounded by snow-capped peaks, most of the glaciers were named after European countries or the explorers who discovered them: Holland, Italy, Romanche, Spain, Garibaldi. Weather permitting, board the Zodiacs for a closer look at the impressive Romanche Glacier. Even if fog obscures the view, the sound of the cracking ice as it calves into the water is sure to impress. Apart from the spectacular scenery, Glacier Alley offers opportunities to spot wildlife such as penguin rookeries and South American fur seals.

Established in 2003 as Chile’s first marine reserve, Francisco Coloane was the first known feeding ground for humpback whales along the Pacific coast of South America. The park honors Francisco Coloane, a celebrated Chilean author who wrote many stories of ocean adventures about Patagonia and Antarctica. Coloane was himself an adventurer, explorer and son of a whaler. Around the southern area of Santa Ines Island, surrounded by spectacular views including the tidewater glacier pushing down the rugged mountainous island, spend time kayaking and Zodiac cruising, getting a close look at Magellanic penguins, imperial cormorants, flightless steamer ducks and southern fur seals. Around Carlos III Island, a known feeding ground for the humpback whales, hope to see the majestic creatures from the comfort of your ship, or if conditions permit, from kayaks or Zodiacs.

As the ship ventures north, enter one of the many channels and fjords of Patagonian Chile. Be prepared to experience wild weather. The fjords and islands of Chilean Patagonia take the brunt of the prevailing westerlies that blow across the southern seas, and here, the wind can blow almost constantly, and rain and snow can fall all year round. You may sail through Montañas Fjord, a long fjord flanked by rugged mountains and a number of glaciers including Herman, Bernal, and Paredes.

At low tide this evening, cross the White Narrows–a narrow channel of water approximately 260 feet (80 meters) wide. Find a spot on one of the ship’s many observation areas and appreciate the masterful skills of your captain as he or she navigates through this difficult channel. At the heart of Chilean Patagonia lies Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. More than 200 miles (320 kilometers) from one end to the other, the park encompasses Patagonia’s Southern Ice Field, which in combination with its northern counterpart forms one of the largest expanses of glacial ice outside the Polar Regions.

Puerto Natales is the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park, world-renowned for its granite towers, which give the park its name. These gigantic spires were carved by glacial ice and upon entering the park, you will see a series of lakes with intense colors, mountains covered in ice and an array of local fauna. In Patagonia, you will feel the immensity of nature and delight in feeling completely insignificant in its presence. The jaw-dropping landscapes of turquoise waters, glaciers and towering granite horns of the Torres del Paine National Park is a humbling experience.

You will have 2 days to experience the wonders of Torres del Paine National Park on various hikes suited to your fitness level. You will pass several estancias (ranches) en route to the national park, and you will witness the landscape change from a steppe eco-region to deciduous forest. Along the way, pause amongst the mountains to admire views of the lakes called Amarga, Sarmiento, Nordenskjold and Salto Grande. You may be able to see some of the local fauna, including many species of birds including the majestic condor. Look out for foxes, huemul (Andean deer) and guanacos, which are wild camelids related to the llama. The reclusive, difficult-to-spot puma has also been seen inside the national park where authorities are happy to report a healthy growing population.

Spend the night at a comfortable hotel located just outside of the national park offering superb mountain and river views. Here you will enjoy local cuisine and Chilean wine and hear about the various hiking options  available to you (detailed below) and suited to your individual interests and fitness level. On the afternoon of your second day in Torres del Paine National Park, you will be transported back to the vessel in time for dinner, swapping stories on the drive back, of your exploration of the park.

Later this evening, enjoy the crossing of the Kirke Narrows. From the observation areas, it’s an ideal opportunity to watch the scenery unfold as you sail through this beautiful channel. Enjoy informative and entertaining presentations from the hand-selected expedition team, who will bring to life the natural environment, wildlife, culture and history of the places you’ll be experiencing.

Hiking in Torres del Paine National Park
You can choose from one of the following three itineraries to suit your fitness levels: Easy, Medium, and Difficult

Day One in Torres del Paine National Park
Easy Option: Shorter days with minimal walking required with visits to the national park’s most impressive lookouts such as Sarmiento Lake viewpoint, Laguna Amarga lookout, Nordenskjold Lake lookout and Salto Grande lookout. Lunch at Pehoe Lake and end the day at Villa Serrano to check-in to your hotel for the evening.

Medium Option: Easy treks of up to 8.7 miles (14 km) per day such as the Lazo-Weber trek, stopping for lunch during the trek. The trek is not difficult but it is long in distance. Walking poles are recommended for this trek. End the day at Villa Serrano to check-in to your hotel for the evening

Difficult Option: Longer and more challenging treks (three total) of up 13.7 miles (22 km) per day, such as the Fauna Trail from Sarmiento to Amarga and Salto Grande + Mirador Cuernos. Lunch at Pehoe Lake before the cóndor lookout. End the day at Villa Serrano to check-in to your hotel for the evening.

Day Two in Torres del Paine National Park
Easy Option: Depart from Villa Serrano. Visit Cascada del Río Paine and Laguna Azul. Stop at Cerro Castillo on your drive back to Puerto Natales to rejoin the ship.

Medium Option: Today’s itinerary consists of two short treks of up to 3.7 miles (6 km) each, including Salto Grande + Mirador Cuernos, Nordenskjold Lake lookout, the Fauna Trail from Sarmiento to Amarga Laguna and Amarga lookout. Drive back to Puerto Natales to rejoin the ship.

Difficult Option: Las Torres Base trek, up to 12.5 miles (20 km). You will explore the Ascencio Valley, walking through a beautiful Lenga forest and getting up close to the astounding Torres del Paine viewpoint. Throughout the trek you will walk through forests, along streams and across glacier moraines. Drive back to Puerto Natales to rejoin the ship.

This afternoon, a maze of fjords ultimately leads you to the entrance of Pío XI, named in honor of Pope Pius XI by Father Alberto de Agostini, an Italian missionary and explorer, who in 1931 was the first person to cross the Southern Ice Field. Of the 48 glaciers in the Southern Ice Field, nearly all are retreating, except Pío XI. Scientists have not been able to explain exactly why it has advanced so far and so fast over the past 80 years. In any case, Pío XI Glacier is an anomaly in a world where nearly all glaciers are retreating and being able to see it up close is a privilege. Head to Puerto Eden on your journey northwards, navigating more challenging passages including Paso del Abismo, a very narrow and spectacular channel where you can continue to enjoy remarkable scenery.

Located on the east coast of Wellington Island, inside Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, Puerto Eden is a tiny fishing village connected by intricate canals, imposing mountains, icefields, and is considered one of Chile’s most isolated inhabited places. The village is known for being the home to approximately 25 Kawésqar indigenous inhabitants–roughly 10% of the population of the village. The village is connected by beautiful timber boardwalks called pasarelas. Kawésqar are traditionally nomadic sea people and it comes as no surprise that the main economic activity is fishing-mussels being a local specialty. Known for their excellent craftsmanship for canoe-making and basketry, local handicrafts are also a specialty, and you’ll have ample opportunity to meet the locals and to purchase locally made handicrafts directly from them. You’ll enjoy exploring the picturesque boardwalks over the maze of canals, meeting the friendly locals, and soaking in the tranquil natural beauty of this isolated hamlet.

Leaving Puerto Eden behind, re-enter the channels for a few days navigating your way through Patagonia’s maze of fjords towards Chiloé. Your team of experts will continue to deliver informative and entertaining presentations in the lecture theater or, you may choose to enjoy a book from the library or stay active in the fitness center.

Spend time on the decks to scan for whales, dolphins and seabirds, while admiring the beautiful landscapes of the maze of channels and islands around. You will be sailing along part of the 90-mile-long (145 km) Moraleda Channel, which separates the mainland from the huge archipelagos of Chonos and Guaitecas. To the east you will see magnificent Andes peaks such as the Mentolat, Melimoyu and the Maca volcanoes. You will be scanning the waters for the occasional presence of pods of killer whale that predate on the numerous South American sea lion colonies located along the coast and forested islands.

Spend the morning exploring the delightful and impressive coastline of Tic Toc Bay–either ship cruising or perhaps by Zodiac and kayak. This whole area has been recently recognized as one of the few marine parks of Chile famous not only for the seasonal presence of blue whales but also for the rich array of other cetaceans, marine mammals and seabirds. In the Corcovado Gulf, you will enjoy spotting a good variety of seabirds including black-browed albatross, southern giant petrel, southern fulmar and long-distant migrants such as the migratory Arctic skua.

Continue to keep watch for whales in the Corcovado Gulf as you sail into Chiloé, an archipelago of lush islands, a land of myths and legends, unique folklore and culinary traditions. It’s a region blessed with natural beauty and culture, cherished by Chileans. Explore this mythical island with its colorful timber churches, sixteen of which have been declared World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.

Continue to Castro, the charming capital of the Chiloé region. Here you have a choice of one of the following two shore excursion options:

Option 1: Castro and Chonchi (5 hours)
Discover the main attractions of Castro town including palafittes (houses on stilts), museums, churches and the handicraft market. You will then visit the beautiful renowned churches of the area recognized by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. Continue to Chonchi, nicknamed the “city of three floors” for its terraces, with important sites such as the Museum of Traditions, Accordion Museum and its attractive waterfront. For lunch, savor the taste of the region’s fresh produce before returning to Castro for some free time.

Option 2 – Chiloé National Park (6.5 hours)
This excursion takes you through the pristine natural landscapes that amazed Charles Darwin during his explorations of the Huillinco and Cucao Lakes and Pacific Ocean. At Chiloé National Park visit the interpretation center and walk along lovely Sendero el Tepual, a pathway that winds through Chiloé’s thick and humid forest. After the walk, it’s time to relax and enjoy lunch, where you will savor the flavors of the region’s produce, before returning to Castro for some free time.

This evening, enjoy captain’s cocktail party and farewell dinner to celebrate the end of a memorable adventure in this magical part of the world.

Your voyage ends In Puerto Montt. Say farewell to your expedition team and fellow adventurers before transferring to the airport for your onward travels