Patagonia
& Chilean Fjords
Adventurous yet elegant
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 you 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. Along the way you will marvel at the rich wildlife, feel dwarfed by immense landscapes and ice fields, and gain a deep understanding of human endeavour, both historic and modern, in this harsh but breathtakingly beautiful wilderness.
Antarctica21 is a boutique specialist focused on designing and delivering adventurous yet elegant small-scale expeditions. They offer the perfect balance between active exploration and high-quality hospitality. This expedition sails aboard the Magellan Explorer, a modern expedition vessel custom-built for Antarctic and Sub-Antarctic air-cruises. The ship features a glass-enclosed observation lounge and presentation room with state-of-the-art audio-visual equipment, a spacious and stylish dining room, a well-stocked bar, a library, a meeting room, a gym, a sauna, and a medical clinic. The forward-facing observation deck leads to the ship’s bow, which is accessible to guests to offer proximity to marine wildlife. The ship has a fleet of 10 Zodiacs that are well suited for disembarking and wildlife watching.
Expedition cruising redefines travel, focusing on adventure, discovery and connection in the remotest of destinations. Antarctica21’s approach creates intimate experiences that deeply connects you with the majesty of Earth’s southernmost reaches.
You will love
- State of the art small ship
- Raw, unfiltered nature
- Breathtaking natural beauty
- Stories of human endeavour
- High guide to guest ratios
Let us design your perfect itinerary.
9 UNFORGETTABLE DAYS
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.
DAY 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.
DAY 5 | Continued
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 & 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.
PLEASE NOTE:
This itinerary is also available in reverse travelling in a northbound direction.
THINGS YOU NEED TO KNOW
From USD $6495 per person based on double cabin
Start: Puerto Montt, Chile
|
Finish: Ushuaia, Argentina
Inclusions
- Cruise on board the ship indicated for
each voyage. - Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage
information material. - For guests visiting Punta Arenas, exclusive access
to Explorers House. - Daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the
ship, offering a variety of dishes. - Three-course 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 and Magellan Discoverer.
- For Penthouse Suites on board Magellan Explorer and Grand Veranda Suites on Magellan Discoverer, complimentary premium internet service. For all other categories, complimentary standard internet service. Conditions apply.
- Landing fees and IAATO passenger fee.
Exclusions
- 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.
- Multi-entry 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.
Maximum 96 passengers with 67 staff.
Variety of cabins available ranging from single verandah cabin (26 sq m) to triple verandah suite (52 sq m).
Flights & insurance – on request.
Exceptional Special Offer
Early booking promotions are currently available for a selection of air cruises and voyages with Antarctica21, granting you a significant saving of up to $2,000 USD per person.
Only available on bookings made before March 31 2025 so contact us today to take full advantage – don’t miss the boat!
An absolutely fantastic travel company - every one of the many trips they have organised for us over 22 years have been faultless and fabulous.
Judith & Roger Williams
Would do it all again and not change a moment. Best holiday ever!
The McGowan Tribe
It certainly was the best trip we have EVER had. The experiences were mind blowing. We want everyone we know to experience Africa - the animals, the people - magical.
Jo-anne & Dean Mifsud
The Classic Safari Company is the best I have dealt with. Extremely knowledgeable & professional, friendly, patient & understanding of first timers to Africa.
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Classic Safari Company were brilliant - 10/10
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Classic Safari is the place to go to for "top end" adventure travel.
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If you want the most sensational experience in Africa let Julia and the staff at Classic Safari Co plan it for you! Their knowledge, expertise and enthusiasm for their job means your every wish will be fulfilled.
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Their experience and knowledge of Africa is evident and we couldn't have been happier with the total package. This has given us a taste for Africa - now we are ready for more.
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Classic Safari Company has done it again! A unique experience that ticked all the boxes - wildlife, culture and dining experience. A dream come true!
Ros Wheeler
Absolutely everything was first class & so well organised.
Simon & Jackie Adams
The trip of a lifetime, couldn't have dreamt of a better adventure if I tried.
Emma Jeffcoat
You can't improve on perfection. I had my best birthday and holiday with my family celebrating my 80th birthday in Africa. Everything that Julia organised was perfect and the whole trip was a highlight!
Buckingham Family
Everything was perfect! Advice and information on destinations and activities hit everything I had hoped to experience. I contacted the Classic Safari Company upon recommendation and have now, in turn, recommended to others.
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Very knowledgeable and patient. Our trip was all that we hoped for. Wonderful!
Jane & Robert Happell
Thank you for making our trip to Africa so spectacular. The attention to detail really made it special. It really was the trip of a lifetime.
Paul Cozzi
An amazing experience - the best family holiday we have ever had. We were extremely impressed by the meticulous attention to our itinerary. I can't speak highly enough of all the elements of this exciting journey!
Sheryl & Robert Taylor
We loved it all. Our son wants to go back tomorrow. We would ALL go back again!
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Classic Safari are the people who genuinely know other culture and offer incredible insight to perfectly meet your expectations.
Melanie McMillan & Iain Jones
The trip exceeded my expectations and was the best family holiday I have ever had. Our children simply loved it and now I know more about African wildlife than they do about our own farm animals.
Rowntree family
We are so happy we put our trust in CSC, we had an amazing adventure and would recommend them to anyone.
Kim & Brad Balance
Julia you did a fantastic job - everything was first class. Well organised, efficient and stress free. We all agreed it was the best holiday we've ever had. Cant wait to travel with CSC again.
Milford family
We wanted the opportunity to see as many wildlife parks as possible and the Classic Safari Company provided an action-packed itinerary that included six, with 11 tiger sightings and nine leopard. This was overlaid with an introduction to Jaisalmer, Jaipur and the 'real' India. Pench and Panna were the hidden gems of a really great trip, very well organised, seamless and enjoyable. As a solo traveller I felt incredibly safe at all times. I want to go back!
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Elizabeth Mackintosh
Thank you for putting together the ancestral adventure of a lifetime. I cannot speak highly enough of the trip.
Jenny Kidd
