Explore Chilean Patagonia on this small ship expedition cruise, where soaring peaks, glaciers, and fjords set the stage for wildlife encounters with penguin colonies, seabird rookeries, dolphins, whales, and sea lions.
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, sailing into the Beagle Channel, where Magellanic penguins gather in rookeries and black-browed albatross glide effortlessly above the ship. South American sea lions haul out on rocky shores, while Peale’s dolphins may ride the bow wave as you pass towering glaciers framed by the Darwin Range.
As you continue north through the Strait of Magellan and Chile’s remote fjords, wildlife thrives in these nutrient-rich waters. The Francisco Coloane Marine Park is a prime feeding ground for humpback and sei whales, often seen surfacing and breaching. Imperial cormorants and giant petrels wheel overhead, while Andean condors soar above the cliffs.
As you sail north, the immense icefields of Bernardo O’Higgins and San Rafael National Parks provide a dramatic backdrop to Zodiac explorations. Travelling aboard Magellan Explorer, a modern expedition vessel purpose-built for exploring remote waters, you enjoy both comfort and close access to the wilderness. Here, you may spot Chilean dolphins, steamer ducks, and otters along sheltered coves. Your expedition concludes in Puerto Montt, having traversed Patagonia’s wild fjords, glaciers, and islands - an unforgettable journey through one of the richest wildlife regions of the Southern Hemisphere.
Why not combine penguins and pumas for an extra special Patagonia wildlife adventure? After your expedition, extend your journey with puma tracking in Torres del Paine National Park. This exceptional small-group adventure focuses on tracking and photographing pumas and other wildlife with a local naturalist in the spectacular landscapes of southern Chile. The extension typically lasts six days, providing ample opportunity to observe these elusive big cats in their natural habitat. Contact us to discuss this with a member of our team.
Typical Itinerary
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Day 1:
Ushuaia
Embark and set sail along the Beagle Channel.
Keep watch for black-browed albatross, Magellanic penguins and South American sea lions as you set course for Chilean waters.
Accommodation: Magellan Explorer, 8-nights
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Day 2:
Beagle Channel & Garibaldi Glacier
Sail past Glacier Alley and the snow-capped Darwin Range. In Garibaldi Fjord, marvel at hanging glaciers, tumbling waterfalls, and the chance of Peale’s dolphins alongside the ship. Imperial cormorants nest along the cliffs, while steamer ducks and kelp gulls patrol the shoreline.
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Day 3:
Strait of Magellan & Tierra del Fuego
Explore the wildlife-rich Francisco Coloane Marine Park, where humpback and sei whales feed. Dolphins, penguins, sea lions, and soaring albatross highlight this dramatic stretch of ocean.
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Day 4:
Bernardo O’Higgins National Park
Today, enjoy a Zodiac excursion to Amalia Glacier or Peel Fjord. Towering ice, circling condors, cormorants, and the possibility of otters reveal the wilderness of Chile’s largest national park.
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Day 5:
Messier Channel & Caleta Tortel
Cruise along the scenic Messier Channel and, if conditions allow, visit Caleta Tortel with its unique wooden walkways. Watch for dolphins, sea lions, and rich birdlife along the fjords.
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Day 6:
Gulf of Penas
Cross the open Gulf of Penas with views of the surrounding mountains. Watch for humpback whales and sei whales feeding in these nutrient-rich waters, while Peale’s dolphins and Chilean dolphins may ride the ship’s bow. Black-browed albatross, giant petrels, and shearwaters often accompany the vessel.
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Day 7:
San Rafael National Park
Today, Zodiac cruises bring you close to the San Rafael Glacier, part of the Northern Patagonian Ice Field. Look for Chilean dolphins, steamer ducks, and Andean condors soaring overhead.
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Day 8:
Puyuhuapi Channel
Sail through fjords and islands near Puerto Aysén. Depending on conditions, visit Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, home to South American sea lion, Peale’s and Chilean dolphin, and a variety of seabirds.
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Day 9:
Puerto Montt, Disembarkation
Arrive in Puerto Montt and disembark, concluding your expedition through Patagonia’s fjords, glaciers, and wildlife-rich channels.
Please note: Exact itinerary and duration will depend on your chosen vessel, departure date and local conditions.
LUXURY VESSEL
LUXURY VESSEL
