Patagonia & Chilean Fjords: From Puerto Montt to Ushuaia

Day 1: Puerto Montt, Embarkation

Your journey begins in Puerto Montt, Chile, with boarding between 15:00 and 16:00 hrs. After all mandatory briefings, the ship sets sail towards the Gulf of Corcovado.

Day 2: Puyuhuapi Channel

We continue south to visit the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. 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, with the possibility to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions, and river otters.

Days 3: San Rafael National Park

Today, the ship reaches the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, the vessel cruises around the area of San Rafael National Park, a biosphere reserve, if weather permits. The park is the main entry point to Chile's Northern Patagonian Ice Field. We will also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands, and coves.

Day 4: Day at Sea, Gulf of Penas

As we sail south, 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 through presentations about the local marine fauna and flora.

Day 5: Caleta Tortel and Messier Channel

If weather permits, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region is planned for the morning. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a small village consisting mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. Wooden walkways are built with Guaitecas cypress, they connect houses and give the village its distinctive look and unique culture. We continue sailing south towards Messier Channel and navigate through the dramatic 18-meter-wide (59 feet) English Narrows for a privileged view of the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Outside Antarctica, some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere are found here.

Day 6: Bernardo O’Higgins National Park

We embark on a Zodiac excursion 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 and rugged textures, we may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.

Day 7: Day at Sea, Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego

While heading south 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 8: 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 9: Ushuaia Argentina, Disembarkation

Morning arrival in Ushuaia and disembarkation.

• Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material.
• Ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary corresponding to each expedition.
• Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship offering a variety of dishes.
• Dinner served daily on board the ship offering a choice between one of three main courses.
• Wine, beer, juice, and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the ship.
• Coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water, and snacks on board the ship throughout the expedition.
• Loan of waterproof boots for landing.
• All guided shore excursions.
• Lectures and entertainment on board.
• Access to exclusive content on the Antarctica21 app on board Magellan Explorer.
• Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee.

• Flights, accommodation, meals, excursions, and transfers other than those included in the itinerary corresponding to each voyage.
• Beverages purchased at the ship’s bar.
• Personal travel insurance.
• Extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.).
• Gratuities.
• Visas for Chile, Argentina, the UK and/or other destinations included in your itinerary, passport expenses, and any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable.

**This itinerary is also available in reverse beginning 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 - 2025-26 Season:

• Sea Kayaking: US$895 per person

Sea Kayaking in Antarctica and Patagonia. We recommend booking the Sea Kayaking program upon reservation of your sea voyage.