In-depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition (Southbound)

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.

If you'd like to explore more, why not join one of our optional Pre-Programmes.

Over the next two days at sea, you'll learn more about the wonders we'll encounter during our trip.

Members of the Expedition Team will be experts in anything from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Drop in on their fascinating lectures, as well as hands-on presentations in the Science Center.

Grab a pair of binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities and enjoy the hot tubs, panoramic sauna and gym.

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.

We cruise south towards Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza. The iceberg-studded waters of Patagonia are captivating, with mesmerising shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.

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.

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.

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 stroll along the photogenic waterfront.

Your journey south along the Chilean coast takes you through the ruggedly beautiful, broken island chains of the fjords of Magallanes Province. 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.

After sailing through the Beagle Channel, we’ll pass the southernmost tip of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable icon often has challenging conditions, but if weather allows, we'll attempt to land there.

From here, we'll navigate the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. En route, you'll find out what lies ahead and how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible.

In the Science Center, the Expedition Team will give lectures about Antarctica’s fauna, history and geology, as well as the impact of climate change and plastic pollution. You can also get involved in our Citizen Science projects.

Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Icebergs, sculpted by nature, float in the straits. Gentoo and Chinstrap Penguins court while Adélie Penguins nest. Countless seabirds wheel overhead. Nature is in charge.

You’ll spend seven 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.

After seven days expedition cruising in Antarctica, it’s time to head back. Your mind will be full of lasting sights and sounds – and your camera’s memory cards loaded with impressive images as well.

During your last few days at sea, you can recap your experiences with your Expedition Team and fellow guests, satisfy your curiosity in the Science Center, relax in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, or enjoy the delicious onboard cuisine as the waves roll by.

You can also unwind from all the excitement by making the most of the panoramic sauna and hot tubs before we arrive in Punta Arenas.

Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise comes to an end in Punta Arenas. From here, you'll catch a flight back to Santiago de Chile, taking with you a wealth of fantastic memories that will no doubt endure.

If you're not ready to end your adventures just yet, why not extend your trip and join our optional Post-Programmes.