Antarctica, Patagonia, Chilean Fjords - Exploration of the Southern Highlights (Southbound)

This expedition cruise starts in colourful Valparaíso. One of the best ways to see this town is by riding its funiculars to sweeping views. Explore the port to get a feel for Chile’s seafaring side. We also recommend a visit to the Historic Quarter before embarking on MS Fridtjof Nansen.

As we make our way along the Pacific coast of Chile, the Expedition Team will start the lecture programme to prepare you for the experiences ahead. Make sure to spend some time on deck to look out for wildlife.

Castro, set among windswept hills and green vegetation, is known for its colourful `palafitos´, wooden houses mounted on stilts along the water's edge, as well as the UNESCO World Heritage Site Iglesia San Francisco.

We sail south through the fabled waters of Patagonia and to one of the world’s most remote and beautiful places: the province of Ultima Esperanza, meaning Last Hope. We voyage through iconic Andean seascapes for views of a glorious expanse of undisturbed nature.

The village of Puerto Edén in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park will enchant you. It is known for its geographical isolation, situated at the end of a deep fjord and surrounded by mountains. Its population of 250 includes the 15 remaining members of the Kawéskar people.

Puerto Natales is the gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park, world famous for the impressive “Torres del Paine” (Towers of Paine) rock formation. Explore the park on our optional excursion to discover a landscape of stunning variety, from the vast open steppe to rugged mountain terrain topped by looming peaks that host a wide variety of wildlife. Watch for llamas, pumas, and foxes in addition to more than 100 species of birds like the Andean condor.

Deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into the icy water characterise this wild area that seems almost untouched by humans. Glacial ice has scoured its way between the mountains, creating the lovely isolated islands and hidden bays that form this unique fjord landscape.

In the morning we will sail through the scenic Beagle Channel before we continue into open waters, and if conditions allow, we will make an attempt to land on Cape Horn – the southernmost tip of South America. Next, we sail the legendary Drake Passage while our lecture series prepares you for Antarctica’s fantastic wildlife and history. You’ll learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible and you’ll join Citizen Science programmes to help collect data for current scientific research.

Antarctica never ceases to amaze and astound. 90% of the world´s ice is here, and the continent virtually doubles in size of due to sea ice in the winter. In summer, it is a cradle of life, a vital breeding ground for millions of penguins, whales and seals.

As outlined in the Antarctic Treaty, this is a continent dedicated to peace, science and tourism that has evolved through millenniums without human interference. Therefore, we adhere to very strict environmental guidelines. We want to leave nothing but footprints and take nothing but pictures!

The elements rule in Antarctica, and our experienced captain will create the best itinerary possible for your adventure. We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula and aim to show you the diversity of the reigion´s wildlife and landscape.

Our expert Expedition Team will take you out for ice-cruising and exciting landing activities. There may also be the chance to kayak in the company of whales and icebergs, hike in amazing scenery and perhaps camp on the world´s most isolated continent. It's hard to put this wild beauty into words. As a well-known quote from a veteran Antarctic traveler put it: “If you can describe Antarctica with words, you have probably never been there.”

MS Fritjof Nansen takes us safely back across the Drake Passage as we continue our lecture series and recap our experiences of Antarctica. Using the state-of-the-art microscopes in the ship’s Science Center, you can analyse samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level.

Our expedition cruise ends as we reach Ushuaia, and we transfer you to the airport for your flight back to Buenos Aires. For more adventure, you can extend your stay in Buenos Aires or join an optional Post-Programme to Iguazu Falls.