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In the 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.
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 & Garibaldi Fjord
The Beagle Channel is a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. Dividing Chile and Argentina, the passage showcases ice formations along the snow-dusted Darwin Range. We will sail along Glacier Alley, home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche glaciers, aiming to explore the Garibaldi Fjord.
Day 3 - Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego
While heading north along the Strait of Magellan, we explore the waters of the fjords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. We follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere
where whales feed. If we are lucky, we may be able to spot humpback or sei whales breaching in the distance. We may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses, and petrels.
Day 4 - Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
We take an exploratory Zodiac cruise to the Amalia Glacier area or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. We bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise across the sea and among its ice floes to uncover part of Chile's natural mystique. As we sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant yet rugged textures, we may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and
otters.
Day 5 - Messier Channel and Caleta Tortel
We continue sailing north towards Messier Channel and sail through the dramatic 18-meter-wide (59 feet) English Narrows to have a closer look at the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in one of the nearby glaciers. Outside Antarctica, some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere are found here. If permits, we will visit Caleta Tortel, a small village, or the surrounding areas in the afternoon. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker channel, Caleta Tortel consists mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. There are no conventional streets – instead, there are wooden walkways built with Guaitecas cypress. The wooden walkways give the village its distinctive look and its unique culture.
Day 6 - Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas
As we sail north, we cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team tells us 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. We also learn about the region's biodiversity with presentations on the local marine life and flora.
Day 7 - San Rafael National Park
The voyage continues with an expedition day in the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, if weather permits we plan to cruise around the area of San Rafael National Park, declared a biosphere reserve. The park is the main entry point to Chile's Northern Patagonian Ice Field. We also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and coves.
Day 8 - Puyuhuapi Channel
We continue to head north to visit the area around Puerto Aysén and Puyuhuapi. As we cruise and explore the area, we see the landscape unfold with its many fjords, islands, and channels. We hope to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island where we have the possibility of seeing dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.
Day 9 - Puerto Montt, Disembarkation
Morning arrival in Puerto Montt and disembarkation.
Please consider that our voyages are expeditionary in nature. This means, that there are no concrete itineraries, your Captain and Expedition Leader will utilise their vast experience to chart the best course for your expedition depending on the climatic and environmental conditions. Mentioned highlights and wildlife cannot be guaranteed.
Our Sea Kayaking program is an exclusive experience under the guidance and leadership of an experienced Kayak Master, who takes our guests on a sea journey through icy waters while observing massive glaciers and aquatic wildlife.
M/V Magellan Explorer, a brand new expedition vessel, will join the Antarctica fleet for the 2019-20 season.
MV Magellan Explorer features 50 passenger suites and cabins in five categories of accommodation, including dedicated single cabins. The cabins are very spacious, ranging in size from 40 m2 (440 sq. ft.) to 20 m2 (220 sq. ft.). All double cabins have two twin beds that can be configured as one queen-size bed, offering great flexibility to our guests. 42 cabins feature a large window and a private balcony, while 8 cabins feature a porthole. All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area.
Public areas include a large, forward-facing observation lounge, an observation deck, a dining room that accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting, two meeting rooms, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests to offer expansive views during exploration. Optional adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available.
Specific measures have been taken to minimize MV Magellan Explorer’s carbon footprint, including state-of-the-art engines that meet MARPOL’s stringent Tier III emission standards. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board.
Amenities & Services
Public areas include a spacious forward-facing observation lounge and bar that is also used to deliver briefings and educational presentations. The bow of the ship is accessible to guests; together with the outdoor observation deck it offers expansive views and close contact with the natural environment during exploration. The dining room accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting. There is also a meeting room, a library, a gift shop, a protected outdoor barbecue area, a gym, and a sauna. Adventure activities, such as kayaking and snowshoeing, are available.
The Vessel's Features
The ship is being built to the latest Polar Code specifications and carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class (Lloyd’s Register PC6). For comfortable navigation, the ship features stabilizers; for maneuverability, she features bow and stern thrusters. For safety in navigation, there is an ice-detecting radar. And to reduce the environmental footprint, the vessel is equipped with an energy-recovery system that recycles the heat produced by the engines to warm up the ship and its water supply.
| Luxury star rating: | 5 |
| Guests #: | 69 |
| Crew #: | 60 |
| Ice Class: | PC 6 |
| Speed: | 14 |
| Refurbished: |
| Year built: | 2019 |
| Length: | 90m |
| Width: | 16 |
| Draft: | 4 |
| Tonnage: | 4900 |
| Registry: | Bahamas |
| Elec Outlets: |
We understand that the trip of a lifetime takes planning, so we make the financial commitments easy to manage.
