The best expeditions cruises in South America

For a continent as varied as South America, it may be hard to know where to begin. But I’m here to offer you a solution to that.

From long cruises along the South American Coast to shorter expeditions to the Galapagos Islands, the South American luxury cruises I’ve listed below will offer you a wide array of tastes, sounds, sights, and experiences to marvel.

While you’re at it, you’ll also feel the rhythm of thousands of years of culture and history and savor an incredible variety of regional delicacies. To top it off, do not forget to make friends with the renowned Falkland Island penguins.

Without further ado, below are the 5 best expedition cruises in South America.

1. Galapagos Legend

Specifically designed to cruise the Galapagos Islands, the Galapagos Legend offers its travelers all amenities you would expect from a large cruise liner.

With a capacity of up to 100 guests, this magnificent Galapagos cruise boasts the charm of the Enchanted Islands, which implies it is small enough to ensure a more intimate experience if you’re traveling with family and friends.

Its fantastic open decks will allow you and your loved ones to enjoy BBQs at night and admire the islands’ flora and fauna during the day. You could also bask in the sun at the bar and pool areas.

With its three different decks, The Galapagos Legend has also suited a new cabin configuration in an effort to ensure enjoyment for groups traveling together. All balcony suites now come with panoramic windows and private balconies that allow everyone to immerse themselves in the vast scenery they’re about to encounter.

Other Amenities and Services offered by the cruise

• A meeting room
• Promenade
• Outside pool bar
• Swimming pool
• Observation decks & sun terraces
• Dining room
• Clinic
• Inside bars
• Auditorium
• Business center
• Piano lounge
• Video and library room

2. Australis

Would you like to discover some of the most beautiful, but unexplored regions of the world? This is the cruise for you. Built in 2010, Australis can hold up to 200 travelers in 100 different and comfortable cabins.

The cruise sails through the Beagle Channel and Strait of Magellan where you’ll have a chance to check out some of the most remote destinations on the planet (some of which are only accessible by boat.)

Every excursion will combine interesting wildlife and spectacular scenery alongside first-class service on board.

In regards to itineraries, they vary from 5 to 9-day programs and have both one way and round trip options. You can either choose to take a round trip from Punta Arenas or Ushuaia, or take a one-way cruise from the two destinations but combine Tierra del Fuego and other areas in Southern Argentina.

Whichever itinerary you choose, you can rest assured you’ll experience the best luxury cruise expedition.

Other Amenities and Services offered by the Cruise

• A lighthouse
• Gift shop
• Video room
• Lectures about geology, glaciology, and history
• Bars and lounges
• Lots of open spaces for walking around
• Meals can be adapted for kids
• Dining room

3. Skorpios

Currently, Skorpios cruises offer two different itineraries in Chile. The first one, Chonos route, takes place in the Northern Ice Field, starting from Puerto Montt to Glacier San Rafael and back again. This route will take you through several hot springs, water channels, bays, and islands.

The second route (Kaweskar) explores the Southern Ice Field, executing a round trip from Puerto Natales to Fiordo Calvo. This trip will cover 380 miles of navigation to Southern Ice Field, and along the way, you’ll also get to see the most important glaciers in the region namely, Herman, Bernal, Amalia, El Brujo, and the Calvo Fjord glaciers. The total number of glaciers you’ll see and observe is 15.

The two cruises, MV Skorpios III and MV Skropios II, carry up to 90 and 110 passengers respectively and are similar in layout and design. Both also boast an array of lounges where you can unwind amidst excursions while chatting with other passengers, enjoying the views, or listening to lectures offered by the guides.

Other Amenities and Services offered by the Cruises

• Restaurants offering Patagonian dishes
• Satellite phone for communication
• Cruise rates include meals, accommodation, boat excursions, and drinks from the bar
• Fitness rooms
• Reading rooms
• Games areas
• Shops
• Laundry services
• Onboard lectures and presentations
• Bar and lounges
• Visitors can visit all areas of the cruise without restriction
• Menu changes are accepted at no extra cost
• Bilingual trip information
• Public TV

4. Seaman Journey

This 16 passenger catamaran offers Galapagos tourists a smooth, comfy experience at the best prices.

Built back in 2008, Seaman Journey started cruising the Galapagos Islands as a first-class, 16-passenger cruise. Each of the eight cabins delivers lots of natural light through the full-sized windows, whereas the sun deck and bow observatory remain great spots for birdwatching and spotting marine life.

During the trips, the ship staff serves a wide array of high quality, mouth-watering local and international dishes and will even accommodate dietary and allergies restrictions.

With different-length itineraries offered, travelers can also choose from short 3 night tastes of the Galapagos Islands to 2-week comprehensive tours of the islands.

All cruises, regardless of the itinerary, offer a nice mix of kayaking, swimming, walking, and land-based excursions to keep even the most adventurous travelers entertained. The naturalist guide is at your disposal to answer all questions you may have about biology, wildlife, and the natural history of the islands.

Other Amenities and Services offered by the Cruise

• Daily housekeeping
• Video and audio entertainment
• Library
• Family and budget-friendly cruise
• Bar
• Observation and leisure deck
• Naturalist itineraries
• Kayaks on board
• Sea view cabins
• Nonsmoking rooms
• Ensuite bathrooms
• Charging stations
• Warm water showers
• Indoor saloon
• Aircon cabins
• Welcome cocktails
• Vegetarian options
• Western and local food
• Fine wines selection

5. Anakonda Amazon Cruise

Travel aboard one of the best luxury ships in the Ecuadorian Amazon Rainforests, the Anaconda Amazon Cruise, and marvel at the experience. This cruise will allow you to visit some of the most pristine and remote parts of the region and interact with the area’s different local communities: all this while enjoying the services, comforts, and facilities of a five-star boutique hotel.

Travelers can also socialize in the alfresco lounge, an observation deck with two outdoor Jacuzzis, bar and spacious dining room. The cruise also comes with a small boutique where everyone can acquire souvenir and any essential products they may have forgotten at home.

Should you (or any other passenger) opt for adventures that are distinct from those planned for the groups, an onboard concierge will be more than happy to help you coordinate some special guest requirements.

Other Amenities and Services offered by the Cruise

• The crew includes local guides, skilled nature guides, pursers, paramedics, and a concierge
• Boasts 18 suites and four decks
• Air conditioning
• 24-hour electricity
• Private bathrooms with hot showers
• Two different sets of interconnected suites
• Dining room
• Bar
• Observation deck
• Alfresco lounge
• Two-man kayaks

Take a look of these tour programs:

1. Amazon Tour: Amazon Basic Tour
2. Galapagos Tour: Eight days Galapagos land tour
3. Galapagos Land Tour: Nine days Galapagos Tour
4. Day tour in Galapagos: Kicker Rock Tour