Cruise Overview
22-day expedition cruise from Valparaíso to the Chilean fjords and the frozen beauty of Antarctica
Explore beautiful fjords along the Chilean coast in wild Patagonia, continuing down to the untouched icescapes of Antarctica in its late spring.
Visit fascinating UNESCO sites and remote communities, sail round the legendary Cape Horn and navigate the Drake Passage.
Spend seven days exploring Antarctica on landings, hikes and ice-cruising, observing wildlife and nature up close with your Expedition Team.
An Antarctic expedition
We’ll set sail down the Chilean coast to explore the unique world of Antarctica. Every day, our route will be guided by nature as we make the best of local conditions. Each sunrise will offer something different and thrilling. In October and November on the seventh continent, penguins start courting and nesting. Fall in love with this frozen yet uniquely beautiful world as you go on landings and small boat (RIB) adventures.
Patagonian paradise of natural and man-made wonders
Your expedition cruise takes in designated World Heritage Sites and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. These include colorful Valparaíso, the ornate churches of Chiloé at Castro, and the spectacular landscapes, glaciers, and lakes of Torres del Paine National Park. Having sailed down the awe-inspiring coast of Patagonia, we’ll attempt a landing at Cape Horn as part of our adventure.
Know before you go
Practical information you need to know
Itinerary
We'll help you plan where to go, when to visit and how long to stay
Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Day 1
Valparaíso, a UNESCO gem
Discover Valparaíso, the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in colorful Valparaíso. Known as the ‘Jewel of the Pacific’, this friendly UNESCO-listed city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean.
Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it’s an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colorful houses, and ‘mercados’ packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
If you’d like to do some more exploring before we set sail, we recommend joining one of our optional Pre-Programs.
Preparing for adventure
Day 2-3
Preparing for adventure
Enter expedition mode
Over the next two days at sea, you’ll learn more about the wonders we’ll encounter on our trip.
Expedition Team members are experts in everything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures and hands-on presentations in the Science Center.
Grab a pair of binoculars and look for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, panoramic sauna, and gym.
Castro’s Chilotan charm
Day 4
Castro’s Chilotan charm
See stilt houses and historic churches
Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third-oldest city. It’s home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.
From various vantage points, enjoy great views of the city’s colorful ‘palafitos,’ which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For a bit of culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.
Bring your binoculars, as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as green-backed firecrowns and Chilean flamingos, along with penguins, black-necked swans, ringed kingfishers, and silvery grebes.
Fabled Patagonian waters
Day 5
Fabled Patagonian waters
Unforgettable Andean seascapes
We cruise south toward Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza. The iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia are captivating, with mesmerizing shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.
As we sail, there’s a good chance you’ll see whales, seabirds, penguins, and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or the hot tubs on deck, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, and relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
The Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures about local history and wildlife. Our onboard photographer can also help with tips on landscape photography.
Remote Puerto Edén
Day 6
Remote Puerto Edén
Discover Kawésqar culture in a Patagonian village
Set at the end of a deep fjord, our next stop is the enchanting village of Puerto Edén, set in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
The tiny settlement is only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here – just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Its 250 inhabitants include some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people. You will have the chance to talk to them and gain insight into their unique culture.
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Day 7-8
Bohemian Puerto Natales
Gateway to Torres del Paine
Our expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, the gateway to Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to see this beautiful national park on either a bus or hiking tour – both experiences are worth doing.
The rugged landscape features steppe, forest, and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean flamingos and you may even spot the mighty Andean condor.
Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travelers, with many eateries, bars, and outdoor shops. Set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery, or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.
Exploring Chile’s fjords
Day 9
Exploring Chile’s fjords
Witness scenic landscapes filled with wildlife
Your journey south along the Chilean coast takes you through the ruggedly beautiful island chains that make up the fjords of Magallanes Province. Isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife.
Whether cruising aboard our small boats (RIBs) or on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and various whale species. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coastline.
Rounding Cape Horn
Day 10-11
Rounding Cape Horn
Attempted landing at Cape Horn
After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often presents challenging conditions, but weather permitting, we’ll attempt to land there.
From here, we’ll navigate the legendary Drake Passage toward Antarctica. En route, we will prepare you for what lies ahead and show you how to make your visit as safe and sustainable as possible.
In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica’s fauna, history, and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in our Citizen Science projects.
Antarctica: another world
Day 12-18
Antarctica: another world
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins court while Adélie penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.
During the next seven days, you’ll be busy exploring several landing sites. There are more than 20 possible sites on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. It doesn’t matter where we go or what we do, every day will be thrilling and unlike anything you’ve experienced before.
We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also have the chance to kayak among icebergs and seals or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint.
Bird enthusiasts should look skyward for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you’ll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future.
Relax and unwind at sea
Day 19-21
Relax and unwind at sea
The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth
After seven days on your expedition cruise in Antarctica, it’s time to head back. Your mind will be full of unforgettable sights and sounds and your camera’s memory cards will be bursting with impressive images.
During your last few days at sea, you can recap your experiences with your Expedition Team and fellow guests, satisfy your curiosity in the Science Center, relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, and enjoy delicious onboard cuisine as the waves roll by.
You can also unwind from all the excitement by making the most of the panoramic sauna and hot tubs before we arrive in Punta Arenas.
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Day 22
Arrival in Punta Arenas
Onward from Punta Arenas
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you’ll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will last a lifetime.
If you’re not ready to end your adventure just yet, we recommend extending your trip and joining one of our optional Post-Programs.
What's included
Flights
- Flight in economy class from Punta Arenas to Santiago de Chile
Transfer
- Transfer from the ship to the Punta Arenas airport after the expedition cruise
Expedition Cruise
- Stay in a cabin of your choice
- Breakfast, lunch, and dinner, including beverages* in the Aune restaurant
- Fine-dining À la carte restaurant Lindstrøm is included for suite guests
- Complimentary tea and coffee
- Complimentary Wi-Fi on board†
- Complimentary reusable water bottle
- English-speaking Expedition Team who organize and guide activities, both on board and ashore
- Range of included activities
Onboard activities
- In-depth lectures and discussions hosted by experts on the Expedition Team
- Full use of our Science Center, small library, and advanced biological and geological equipment
- The Citizen Science program allows guests to contribute to ongoing scientific research projects
- Our onboard professional photographer will give photography tips and teach techniques for capturing landscape and wildlife photos.
- The ship has hot tubs, a sauna with a view, and a gym
- Join informal gatherings with the crew for daily briefings.
Landing activities
- Escorted landings with small boats (RIBs)
- Loan of boots, trekking poles, and all equipment needed for the activities
- Complimentary wind- and water-resistant expedition jacket
- Expedition photographers will be on hand to assist you.
Notes
- All planned activities are subject to weather and ice conditions
- Excursions and activities are subject to change
- Please make sure you meet all entry and boarding requirements.
- No gratuities are expected
What's not included
International flights
Travel protection
Baggage handling
Optional shore excursions with our local partners
Optional small-group activities with our Expedition Team
Special offers
Expedition exclusive cost savings and rare opportunities.
* Certain offers may not be combinable, up to two savings opportunities except where noted otherwise
Included Programs
It's a mixture of adventure activities for individuals of all ages