Patagonia & Chilean Fjords | 9 Days | Magellan Explorer Cruise

Your Patagonian adventure begins in Puerto Montt, a gateway to Chile's lake district. After boarding between 3:00 and 4:00 PM, you'll participate in mandatory briefings before the ship sets sail into the Gulf of Corcovado. As you depart, watch the verdant Chilean coastline disappear behind you, hinting at the wild terrain that awaits. This evening marks your first chance to connect with fellow travelers and meet the expedition team while preparing for the journey south.

Today you enter the Aysén region, navigating a tapestry of fjords, islands, and tranquil channels. As the ship cruises near Puerto Aysén, Puerto Cisnes, or Magdalena Island, keep your eyes peeled for an abundance of marine life—dolphins may ride the bow wave, sea lions lounge on rocks, and cormorants soar overhead. The day's destination will depend on weather and conditions, but the magic of Patagonia’s waterways promises an unforgettable immersion in nature's quiet drama.

The journey continues into the Chonos Archipelago and toward San Rafael National Park, a pristine biosphere reserve at the doorstep of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. If weather permits, the ship navigates Moraleda Channel and explores a wilderness of glaciers, hidden coves, and snow-capped peaks. Here, silence reigns except for the occasional calving of ice into glacial lagoons, offering moments of reflection amid nature's grandeur.

As you sail across the open waters of the Gulf of Penas, enjoy panoramic views of distant Andean ranges and the ever-changing sea. The expedition team presents stories of the indigenous Kawésqar and Yaghan people, European explorers like Darwin and Fitz Roy, and the region’s rich biodiversity. Take in the solitude of the sea as seabirds circle the vessel and the horizon stretches endlessly around you.

Weather allowing, explore the quaint village of Caleta Tortel, uniquely built on stilts and connected by wooden walkways. Tucked between the Baker River and Chilean fjords, this architectural gem reflects both cultural heritage and ingenuity. Later, navigate the dramatic English Narrows, only 18 meters wide, for rare views of colossal glaciers. The approach to the Southern Patagonian Ice Field is marked by a sense of awe as ice and mountains rise like ancient sentinels.

Today’s highlight is a Zodiac excursion through Bernardo O’Higgins National Park, Chile’s largest protected area. Glide among floating ice as you approach the Amalia Glacier or nearby frozen giants along Peel Fjord. The icy-blue hues of the glaciers stand in stark contrast to the forested slopes and snow-covered peaks. Wildlife watchers may spot dolphins in the waters, condors circling above, and otters playing among the rocks.

Cruising through the historic Strait of Magellan, you skirt the coastline of Tierra del Fuego. The voyage takes you near the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, one of the southern hemisphere’s best places to spot whales. With luck, you may witness humpback or sei whales breaching, while sea lions and penguins patrol the rocky shores. Birdwatchers will enjoy sightings of albatrosses, petrels, and other seabirds.

Enter the legendary Beagle Channel, named after the ship that carried Charles Darwin through these waters. Sail past the snow-capped Darwin Range, witnessing dramatic ice flows and towering glaciers such as Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania, and Romanche along Glacier Alley. The highlight of the day is the Garibaldi Fjord—an awe-inspiring arena of blue ice and jagged peaks that capture the wild heart of Tierra del Fuego.