In-depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition (Northbound)

The sights of Santiago de Chile 

Welcome to Santiago, Chile's bustling capital. With its colonial-era architecture, award-winning restaurants and fascinating museums, it's the perfect place to start your expedition cruise. There's a lot to see, from the Mercado Central market to the Plaza de Armas and the Presidential Palace. Check out the Sky Costanera, which offers panoramic views of the city from 1,000 feet up.  

You may want to arrive a few days early to join one of our optional Pre-Programmes. 

Board your expedition ship in Punta Arenas 

You'll have an early start today as we depart Santiago and fly to Punta Arenas, Chile's southernmost port. Your expedition ship awaits you. Once you've boarded, get settled in, explore the ship, and meet your Expedition Team. 

As well as being your guides, hosts and local experts, they're also your travel companions for the next three weeks. Friendly and welcoming, they'll answer any questions you may have during your Antarctic adventure. 

Prepare for your Antarctic adventure 

Before you reach Antarctica, you must first experience the legendary Drake 'rite of' Passage, a two-day crossing where sea conditions can vary dramatically. It's named after Sir Francis Drake, who discovered it by chance when his boat was blown south by heavy winds. 

Visit the Science Center and find out what lies ahead. Your Expedition Team will deliver lectures on Antarctica – its history, wildlife and ecosystems. You'll learn how to make your visit as safe and as low-impact as possible, and about the Citizen Science projects you can join. 

Take this time to enjoy all the comforts you'll find on board. Relax in the hot tubs or panoramic sauna, look out for icebergs, whales and albatrosses on deck, or unwind in our Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

The most remote and starkly beautiful place on Earth 

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica's immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo, Chinstrap and Adélie Penguins watch erect from the shores while flying seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge. 

You'll spend eight exciting days busily exploring several of more than 20 possible landing sites, on and around the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands. Wherever we go and whatever we do, each day will offer something different and thrilling. 

We might sail into a flooded volcanic caldera or land in icy bays, where remnants of whaling paraphernalia lie abandoned. You may also get a chance to go kayaking among icebergs and seals, or snowshoe to a stunning viewpoint. 

Bird enthusiasts should look skywards for Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels and terns. Through onboard lectures and onshore talks, you'll learn more about this precious habitat and how we can all protect it for the future. 

Sail the Drake Passage and attempt a landing on Cape Horn 

After eight unforgettable days in Antarctica, we'll turn around and head back north across the Drake Passage and around Cape Horn. You'll have plenty of time to relax on board as we sail towards the Chilean fjords. 

The Expedition Team will continue their lectures in the Science Center and you can learn more about Chile's geology and wildlife. You can also contribute important data to Citizen Science projects and find out more about things you've seen in Antarctica. 

The waters around Cape Horn are just as changeable as the Drake Passage, but your experienced Captain will attempt to find a way to land and explore, if conditions allow. 

Witness dramatic scenery and iconic wildlife 

We cruise north along the Chilean coast through the ruggedly beautiful broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. These isolated islands and hidden bays create a rich haven for wildlife. 

Whether cruising aboard our small expedition boats or just out on deck, look out for colonies of Magellanic Penguins elephant seals and various species of whale. You may also see majestic waterfalls along this dramatic and beautiful section of coast. 

Gateway to Torres del Paine 

Our expedition cruise continues to Puerto Natales, gateway to the Torres del Paine National Park. You can choose to see this beautiful national park on either a bus or hiking tour – both incredible experiences well worth doing. 

The rugged landscape has steppe, forest and desert, punctuated by glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas roam freely. Look out for Chilean Flamingos, and you may even spot the mighty Andean Condor. 

Puerto Natales is a popular hub for hikers and travellers, with many eateries, bars and outdoor shops. You can set out on your own to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, enjoy a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery, or just stroll along the photogenic waterfront. 

Discover Kawésqar culture in a Patagonian village 

Set at the end of a deep fjord our next stop is the enchanting village of Puerto Edén, set in Bernardo O'Higgins National Park. 

The tiny settlement is only accessible by sea, and the ferry that connects it to the mainland only visits once a month. There are no roads here – just wooden boardwalks connecting houses and shops. Among its 250 inhabitants are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, and by talking to them you'll gain insight into their unique culture. 

Unforgettable Andean seascapes 

We cruise north along the Patagonian coast. You'll be captivated by the fjord landscapes of Patagonia, with their channels, mountains, and alpine-like glaciers interspersed with forests of nothofagus trees. 

As we sail, there's a good chance you'll see whales, seabirds, penguins and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs, enjoy locally sourced cuisine, or relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar. 

The Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on local history and wildlife, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on landscape photography. 

See stilt houses and historic churches 

Set among the lush vegetation of Chiloé Island, Castro is Chile's third oldest city. It's home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, namely Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón. 

From various vantage points you can get great views of the city's colourful palafitos, which are stilt houses situated along the waterfront. For some culture, head to the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art. 

Bring your binoculars as Chiloé is an important habitat for bird species such as Green-backed Firecrowns and Chilean Flamingos, along with penguins, Black-necked Swans, Ringed Kingfishers and Silvery Grebes. 

Relax on board as we sail towards Valparaíso 

Enjoy the final two days on board the ship as we sail towards Valparaíso, where your expedition cruise ends. Relax and make the most of the onboard facilities and spend time with the people you've met during your adventures.  

Whether that means searching for rare birds on deck, enjoying a drink in the Explorer Lounge & Bar or soaking in the hot tub – the choice is yours. You can continue your discoveries in the Science Center and join the Expedition Team to recap your incredible Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise. 

Discover Valparaíso, the 'Jewel of the Pacific' 

Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in colourful Valparaíso. Known as the 'Jewel of the Pacific', it's built on steep hillsides overlooking the ocean and you'll love discovering this friendly UNESCO-listed city. 

Filled with enticing scents and sounds, it's an exhilarating maze of alleyways and barrios, colourful houses and mercados packed with local produce – take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción. 

And if you're up for more adventures you can join an optional Post-Programme.