Antarctica, Patagonia and Chilean Fjords Expedition

Feel the rhythm of bustling Buenos Aires

An overnight stay in Buenos Aires is the ideal way to start your Antarctic adventure.

Home to a proud and diverse community of porteños, or ‘people of the port’, this city is a sensuous fusion of faded European splendour and Latin American panache.

There are plenty of places to explore, including many parrillas serving authentic Argentine steak. Or maybe you’d like to practise your dance moves in the famous hometown of the tango.

Why not consider arriving a few days early to see all this vibrant city has to offer, or explore the region with our optional Pre-Programme.

Setting off at the bottom of the world

Your adventure begins with an early morning flight to Ushuaia, where you’ll meet our hybrid-powered expedition ship, specially designed for sustainable cruising in polar waters. 

This bustling port is the capital of Argentina’s Tierra del Fuego Province. Set against the magnificent backdrop of the Martial Glacier, Ushuaia vies for the title of the world’s southernmost city. 

After a briefing from your Expedition Team, you’ll have time to locate your cabin and explore the comforts and amenities on board. Later, you'll join your Expedition Team for a welcome dinner.

Cross the Drake Passage

On the two-day crossing through the Drake Passage, the Expedition Team will equip you with all you need to make the most of your polar expedition. 

Visit the onboard Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Listen to experts talk passionately about Antarctica’s history, the science beneath the ice, and the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join.  

There's plenty of time to relax, so unwind in the spa and wellness area, enjoy some delicious cuisine and meet fellow travellers in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife. 

Whales begin to arrive in greater numbers by December and January. This is also when the first penguin chicks hatch and seeing the clumsy clumps of feathers run around is always a charming sight. February and March offer peak whale-watching opportunities, when large amounts of krill lure them to the area. 

Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.  

You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises, and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs.  

Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent. Over five magical days, you'll experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.

Heading back north across the Drake Passage

After five incredible days, you’ll have experienced so much in Antarctica. Your head will likely be filled with a swirling kaleidoscope of special memories and impressions. The next couple of days will be a chance to reflect on your adventure to the seventh continent. 

As your mind tries to conjure up the magical Antarctic scenery, now could be a good time to sift through your photos and videos to recapture a sense of its magnitude. Why not take the chance to unwind in the sauna, or enjoy a few relaxing spa treatments in the wellness area.

Stunning scenery at the end of the world

Today you can spend the day exploring Ushuaia. Head to the Museo Marítimo de Ushuaia, a museum located in the old Prisidio – or prison – to learn all about the maritime history of Tierra del Fuego. 

You can get your passport stamped at the Tourist Information Centre, marking your visit to the world’s southernmost city. Sample some of the delicious local cuisine, or spend the day hiking one of the many spectacular trails found just outside the city.

Cruise the Beagle Channel and round Cape Horn

The next stage of your adventure starts in earnest as we cruise through the Beagle Channel and sail down to the southernmost tip of South America – Cape Horn. The rocky walls of the channel plunge straight into the deep blue icy waters of this wild and remote seascape. Watch out for rare, endemic Peale’s dolphins and other wildlife here. 

Cape Horn is where the open waters of the Atlantic and Pacific collide, creating powerful, swirling waves. Rounding the cape would once strike fear into the heart of hardened sailors, but with the benefit of modern instruments, we’ll attempt to land – an exploration milestone – and explore the cape … if the conditions cooperate.

Visit a remote paradise

Soak up the peaceful atmosphere of Puerto Williams, another contender for the world’s southernmost city. Drop into the Martin Gusinde Anthropological Museum. Here, you'll find Indigenous Yaghan artifacts, maps, photographs and a traditional canoe. You can also see a replica of the bow of the Yelcho – the ship that rescued Shackleton’s men in 1916. 

Hike through the gorgeous scenery, on your own or as part of a guided excursion. You may be able to kayak if the weather is nice. Keen birdwatchers should have their binoculars handy to spot seabirds, including the mighty albatross.

Witness some of Chile's most impressive glaciers

The goal for the day is a scenic cruise in Garibaldi Fjord within Alberto de Agostini National Park. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful Chilean fjords. 

Depending on the conditions, we'll head for glaciers Garibaldi or Pia, some of the most impressive examples in Chile. The fjord is also a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and many seabirds, including the impressive Andean Condor.

Through the Magellan Strait & White Narrows

As we sail north along the Chilean coast, join your Expedition Team for fascinating lectures on topics like pre-Columbian history, the geology of our surroundings and the folklore of local communities. 

Enjoy the serenity and beauty of the maze of fjords we pass, surrounded by islands, glaciers and steep mountains. And keep an eye out for elephant seals, dolphins and whales, who often swim alongside the ship. 

Our resident photographer will be on hand to help you get the most from your wildlife and landscape photography.

The next day, according to the tide, we’ll sail through the White Narrows into Puerto Natales. At less than 330 feet wide in parts, this striking waterway between islets and sheer rock cliffs is only passable in slack water and daylight. 

Gateway to Torres del Paine

Today you’ll awake in Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. The rugged landscape features steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes, and you can choose to see it either on a panoramic bus or hiking tour.

Andean animals such as guanacos, rheas and the elusive puma roam here. Look out for Chilean Flamingos as well as the mighty Andean Condor.

Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and adventurers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. Visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike or stroll along the photogenic waterfront.

Tides rule the day

According to the tide, we’ll leave Puerto Natales behind and head back through the fabled White Narrows. As we make our way through the maze of the Chilean Fjords, revel in the spine-tingling scenery and join the Expedition Team in the Science Centre.

The next day, tidal conditions allowing, we hope to visit Puerto Edén, an enchanting village only accessible by sea. The 250-strong community here are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, offering a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture.

Alternatively, we’ll spend the day cruising the majestic fjords, drinking in the incredible scenery and spotting wildlife along the way. We may take the opportunity to launch our small expedition boats and explore even closer. Be ready for spontaneous adventures!

Receive a warm welcome in Caleta Tortel

We continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to just 500 inhabitants. 

Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, spreading over water and around the mountain base. If conditions permit, you'll be able to explore more of the milky blue waters here by kayak. 

While exploring the village, you'll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers.

Unforgettable Andean seascapes

Your expedition cruise continues north through the fabled waters of Patagonia. The seas here are captivating, with a whole palette of 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, seals and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and infinity pool, enjoy the onboard cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

Your Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on expedition photography.

Stilt houses and historic churches

Set among the lush green of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile’s third oldest city and home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites – Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia de Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.  

Keep your camera ready for views of the city’s colourful palafitos – stilt houses along the waterfront. For an insight into local culture, head to the Museo Regional de Castro museum and Modern Art Museum. 

You may also have the opportunity see some of Chiloe’s other highlights. Castro is strategically located at the centre of the island providing easy access to many fascinating locations.

Explore Spanish fortresses and lively markets

We go ashore at the pretty seaside town of Niebla, set on a picturesque peninsula with views of Corral Bay on one side and the Valdivia River on the other. Take a stroll on the wide sandy beach and, if the Feria Costumbrista market is open, sample traditional empanadas, anticuchos and churros. 

Aside from the town itself, the ruins of the old Spanish fort and its associated museum are well worth a visit. Learn more about the region's history at the museum, then wander around the lighthouse. You'll enjoy beautiful views across the river and bay. 

We’ll then visit Valdivia, capital of the province and one of the oldest Spanish-era settlements in Chile.

Wildlife spotting at sea

Your expedition cruise continues along the Pacific coast to Valparaíso, our final stop. Now, as our journey nears its end, perhaps you’ll want to reflect on the experiences you’ve had so far. Perhaps you’ve made some new friends along the way, and maybe you’re even thinking ahead to your next adventure. 

There will be a chance to enjoy a recap of our shared experiences in Antarctica, Patagonia and the fjords from our Expedition Team. And seeing as you’re at sea, you may as well take full advantage of all the great onboard facilities the ship offers – and enjoy a final fantastic evening meal.

A great place to end your expedition cruise

Your Grand Expedition Cruise to Antarctica, Patagonia and the Chilean fjords ends in Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', this UNESCO-listed city is built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean. It's well worth spending time exploring before you fly home. 

Filled with exciting smells, sounds and people, it’s an exhilarating maze of winding alleyways and barrios, colourful houses, and mercados packed with local produce. Take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. 

Although your Grand Expedition Cruise has come to an end, if you're up for more adventures you can join an optional Post-Programme.