Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine – Ultramarine, March 2025

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 Roald Amundsen. Why not make the most out of your stay in Chile and add a 5-day Pre-program to Atacama Desert, one of the driest deserts in the world?

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 also spend some time on deck to look out for wildlife.

Castro, set among windswept hills and green vegetation, is known for its colorful `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, such as the Andean condor.

Deep fjords and tall mountains plunging into the icy water characterize 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 also learn how to make your visit as safe and as sustainable as possible and you’ll join Citizen Science programs to help collect data for current scientific research.

Antarctica never fails to inspire awe and wonder, with white horizons above oceans full of icebergs and whales. Perhaps even more awe-inspiring will be your first encounter with the huge colonies of Expedition Team will lead ice-cruising and landings at every opportunity to come ashore and explore the impressive Antarctic scenery. From deck, there are great chances to spot whales. Of course, this is true wilderness, so nature is in charge, but our experienced Captain will work with the elements to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure.

We will attempt landings at several sites in the South Shetlands and on the Antarctic Peninsula and aim to bring you to the incredible diversity of landscapes and rich wildlife on display in this pristine wilderness.

Wherever we explore, the sights and sounds and of Antarctica are sure to stay with you for a lifetime!

MS Roald Amundsen 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 analyze samples taken during the expedition cruise to see another kind of ‘wildlife’ at the cellular level.

Sadly, every expedition must come to an end. When we reach Punta Arenas, on the edge of the Strait of Magellan, it is time to say goodbye. Your journey home continues with your flight to Santiago de Chile, where you have a chance to extend your stay and enjoy an optional Post-program to Easter Island, listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most remote islands in the Pacific.