Wonders of Patagonia Fjords
From Valparaíso, you’ll sail to rustic Castro with its colorful palafitos houses. From there, weave through the Chilean fjords and scenic waterways of Patagonia that offer stunning glacial views and abundant wildlife sightings. Along the way, we’ll visit small, isolated communities, offering a glimpse into life in a remote corner of the world.
Icescapes and penguins
Guided by your Expedition Team, you'll spend four incredible days exploring Antarctica's immense, pristine icescapes. Springtime is courting season and you'll be able to observe penguins mating. There's no fixed programme – we adapt our itinerary to take every opportunity to get closer to nature and enjoy unique experiences on ice cruises and landings.
- Explore the frozen continent of Antarctica in its late spring, when penguin colonies start nesting.
- Visit stunning UNESCO World Heritage Sites and explore deep into the maze of the beautiful Chilean fjords.
- See vibrant Valparaíso, the colourful stilt houses of Castro, and the unique cultures of small, isolated communities of Patagonia.
Availability is always subject to confirmation. Please check with us before booking flights
Prices quoted here are often dependent on currency fluctuations. Please check with (01432 507450 or info@small-cruise-ships.com) for the very latest price, which may well be cheaper than the one advertised here.
Your Antarctica and Patagonia expedition cruise begins in vibrant 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, colourful houses and mercados packed with local produce – take it all in on a funicular ride up to Cerro Alegre and Concepción.
Get into expedition mode
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 your binoculars and scan for rare wandering albatrosses and petrels. Make the most of your onboard facilities, and spoil yourself with a spa treatment in the wellness area, or enjoy the infinity pool, hot tubs, running track, sauna and gym.
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.
Witness unforgettable seascapes
Your expedition cruise continues south through the waters of Patagonia. The seas here are captivating, with a whole palette of 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, seals and more. Take in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or on-deck hot tubs and infinity pool, or just enjoy the onboard cuisine, before relaxing in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.
Your Expedition Team will be on hand with fascinating lectures on a range of topics, and our onboard photographer can help with tips on expedition photography.
Receive a warm welcome in Caleta Tortel
We continue off the well-trodden path to visit isolated Caleta Tortel. Lying at the mouth of Río Baker, Chile's largest river, this charming village is home to around 500 inhabitants.
Instead of streets, a maze of boardwalks connects the close-knit community, spreading over the water and around the mountain base. If conditions permit, you'll be able to investigate the milky blue waters here by kayak.
While exploring the village, you'll come across locals selling handicrafts and you may even be treated to a performance by folk dancers.
Wild Patagonia: Fjords, Culture and Glaciers
We continue our adventure deep into the Chilean fjords with fantastic opportunities for scenic cruising aboard the ship and in our small expedition boats too. Adventure awaits in this wild and stunning landscape!
As we sail through the maze of the Patagonian waterways, depending on tidal conditions, we hope to visit Puerto Edén, an enchanting village only accessible by sea. The 250-strong community here are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, offering a fascinating insight into Patagonian culture.
Continuing further south, we will cruise the majestic fjords, taking in the incredible scenery along the way. Enjoy the fresh sea air as we glide past untouched isles, glaciers and green mountains, looking out for marine wildlife who often swim alongside the ship.
Our exploration continues within Alberto de Agostini National Park, all the way up to glaciers such as Garibaldi or Pia. Here, the Andes tumble into the Pacific and great glaciers calve ice into the beautiful fjords. If conditions allow, we'll reach the glacier at the head of the fjord for some of the most breathtaking glacial scenery.
Get set for Antarctica
Over the next two days, 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 Centre, 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.
Experience Antarctica in all its natural majesty
Nothing prepares you for your first sight of Antarctica’s immense, frozen beauty. Surrounded by looming glaciers, and icebergs the size of floating cathedrals, Antarctica will fill you with wonder. Perhaps the most surprising part of Antarctica is the silence. It's a stillness that's broken every so often by the locals – the wildlife.
Here, nature is king, and we are mere observers. Our experienced Captain will continually monitor conditions to create the best possible itinerary for your adventure. Rest assured, each day will offer something different and thrilling.
You'll join the Expedition Team on landings and ice-cruises and may even get a chance to go kayaking among the icebergs.
Back on board, the Expedition Team will continue their lectures, helping you grow in your insights of the frozen continent. Over five magical days, you'll experience this amazing world in a way that will stay with you for a lifetime.
Relax and learn as we cruise to Argentina
After incredible days in Antarctica, we sail back across the Drake Passage towards warmer weather in Argentina, giving you an opportunity to enjoy the onboard facilities.
You can take part in art workshops, or perhaps enjoy a treatment in the spa. Get active in the gym or admire the views from the panoramic sauna. Relax in the outdoor pool or soak in the on-deck hot tubs.
Visit the Science Centre and find out more about the things you've seen or use the time to sort through your photos. Enlist the help of the Expedition Team to help identify species captured in your photos.
From Ushuaia to Buenos Aires
Your expedition cruise ends in Ushuaia, the main city in Tierra del Fuego, Argentina’s southernmost province. From here, you’ll take a flight back to Buenos Aires, but it doesn’t have to be the end of your adventure.
Why not join one of our optional Post-Programmes before heading home.
Itineraries are subject to change.
Fridtjof Nansen
| Max passengers: | 530 |
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Fridtjof Nansen is a small cruise ship specifically designed to be one of the most sustainable ships that can visit the Polar regions.
Launched in 2020, The state of the art vessel features new and environmentally sustainable hybrid technology that will reduce fuel consumption and show the world that hybrid propulsion on large ships is possible.
MS Fridtjof Nansen is the second of two hybrid ships to be launched cutting emissions by sailing with electrical propulsion. Hybrid technology, combined with the advanced construction of the hull and effective use of electricity on board will reduce fuel consumption and CO2-emissions on the ships by 20 percent.
The future of shipping will be silent and emission free. MS Fridtjof Nansen will lead the way towards an even more sustainable way of traveling. Sailing on electrical power is not only a great benefit for the environment, but it will also enhance the impact of experiencing nature for the guests. The ship will be specially constructed for voyages in polar waters and serve as a comfortable basecamp at sea – bringing adventurers from all over the world to the most spectacular destinations in the most sustainable way.
These ships combine state-of-the-art technology together with a premium onboard experience. All cabins are outside, half have private balconies, and aft suites even boast private outdoor Jacuzzis, to soak up the stunning scenery in style.
Facilities on board
One of the most eye-catching exterior design features of the ships will be the two-level indoor/outdoor Observation Deck wrapped around the top of the ships’ raked bow. In a vast area behind it, you’ll find the core of the onboard experience: Amundsen Science Center.
Packed with state of the art technology and high tech gadgets such as touch screens and science equipment, the immersive edutainment area will be the place guests and staff/crew meet, mingle and create a deeper understanding for the areas they explore. The flexible venue will feature lecture spaces, a small library, and speciality areas for workshops in photography, biology, and more.
The stunning scenery will be reflected in a rich and comfortable interior design. Scandinavian materials from nature, such as granite, oak, birch and wool will be used to create relaxed and stylish cabins and public areas. All cabins are outside, 50 % will have private balconies, aft suites will feature private outdoor Jacuzzis with spectacular views.
Deck plans are for illustrative purposes only – The actual ship and cabin layout may differ.
