Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Wilderness Expedition
Board the 96-guest Magellan Explorer to sail an uncommon route between Puerto Montt, Chile and Ushuaia, Argentina. Along the way, actively explore among glaciers, Andean peaks, unique wildlife and even a small village along remote coastline only accessible by ship.
In the Chilean Patagonia, one of the southernmost regions of the world, sail between massive blue-hued glaciers and the sharp peaks of the Andes mountains. This untamed terrain is home to fjords, channels, and islets with beaches teeming with marine wildlife, birds and stunning natural landscapes best accessed by ship or Zodiac.
On this wilderness expedition visit Puerto Cisnes, the San Rafael Bay and Glacier, the Gulf of Penas, the isolated village of Puerto Eden, the Strait of Magellan and Tierra del Fuego, and the Beagle Channel. Sail an uncommon, long route from Puerto Montt, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina (or reverse), for a remote experience of this rugged coastline and visits that most Patagonia cruisers don’t make. Ending in Ushuaia offers the perfect opportunity to combine this sailing with an Antarctica cruise.
Cruise aboard the contemporary 96-guest Magellan Explorer. This strong and agile ship combines excellence in expedition cruising with boutique hospitality, a high ice class rating, modern safety features, long-range ability and spacious cabins.
Read on for details about this trip, or learn more about AdventureSmith’s Patagonia cruises and Patagonia trips.
2025-26 Northbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Itinerary
The 2025-26 northbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords cruise sails from Ushuaia, Argentina to Puerto Montt, Chile. Highlights include the small village of Caleta Tortel and cruising near the Amalia Glacier in Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, with boarding between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. The ship will make a brief technical stop in Port Williams to comply with Chilean customs and immigration requirements before proceeding along the Beagle Channel.
The Beagle Channel is a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. It belongs to both Chile and Argentina. Today, sail in view of spectacular ice formations sprawled along the sea from the snow-dusted Darwin Range. You will sail along Glacier Alley, home to a family of five glaciers: the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania and Romanche glaciers. Hope to explore the Garibaldi Fjord, where you will be surrounded by hanging and tidewater glaciers; nearby waterfalls are so close they can almost be touched.
While heading south along the Strait of Magellan, explore the waters of the fiords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. Follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere where whales feed. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness humpback or sei whales breaching in the distance. You may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses and petrels.
Embark on a Zodiac excursion to the Amalia Glacier area or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise across the sea and among its ice floes to uncover part of Chile’s natural mystique. As you sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant and rugged textures, you may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.
Continue sailing north towards Messier Channel and sail through the dramatic 59-foot-wide (18 meters) English Narrows to have a closer look at the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in one of the nearby glaciers. Outside Antarctica, some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere are found here. If possible, visit Caleta Tortel, a small village, or the surrounding areas in the afternoon. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker channel, Caleta Tortel consists mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. There are no conventional streets – instead, there are wooden walkways built with Guaitecas cypress. The wooden walkways give the village its distinctive look and its unique culture.
If weather permits, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region is planned for the morning. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a small village consisting mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. Wooden walkways are built with Guaitecas cypress; they connect houses and give the village its distinctive look and unique culture.
As you sail north, cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team tells about the indigenous inhabitants of these southern lands, the early Spanish colonizers, and famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy and Alberto de Agostini. You also learn about the region’s biodiversity through presentations about the local marine fauna and flora.
The voyage continues with an expedition day in the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, if weather permits, plan to cruise around the area of San Rafael National Park, declared a biosphere reserve. The park is the main entry point to Chile’s Northern Patagonian Ice Field. Also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands and coves.
Continue to head north to visit the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. As you cruise and explore the area, see the landscape unfold with its many fjords, islands and channels. Hope to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, with the possibility to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions and river otters.
Arrive in Puerto Montt this morning and disembark the ship.
Included
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material; ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary; daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship; dinner served daily on board the ship with three main course options; wine, beer, juice and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the ship; coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board; loan of waterproof boots for landing; all guided shore excursions; lectures and entertainment on board; and landing fees.
Exclusions
Flights; accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary; beverages purchased at the ship’s bar; internet connection on board the ship; personal insurance of any kind; extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); gratuities; visas for Chile and/or Argentina; passport expenses; any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable; and optional activities.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 180 days – full refund except for $1,000
179 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 90% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 92.5 % of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 95% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
If full payment has not yet been received at 120 days prior, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid amount is due immediately.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 2025-26 northbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH) and ends in Puerto Montt, Chile (PMC). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia ahead of the 3:00pm embarkation on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Puerto Montt no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Kayaking is available at $895 per person. To take part in the program participants must have previous kayaking experience. Minimum age is 15 to participate, and the group is limited to a maximum of 20 participants with two groups of 10 alternating days. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Single cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at an 85% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select Porthole and Veranda Cabins (Magellan Explorer) upon availability; all other categories incur a 100% supplement. Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender is also an option (same cabin categories apply).
Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their Air Cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 12 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 66lbs or 30kg and 3.9ft or 1.2 m tall) must be met. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for family groups of 6 or more travelers (special booking conditions apply).
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is recommended for this trip, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 USD per person. In addition to the emergency evacuation insurance, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
2026-27 Southbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Itinerary
The 2026-27 southbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords cruise sails from Puerto Montt, Chile to Ushuaia, Argentina. In 2026-27, a unique attempt to visit the Pio XI Glacier is added to the itinerary.
Your journey begins in Puerto Montt, Chile, with boarding between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. After all mandatory briefings, the ship sets sail towards the Gulf of Corcovado.
Continue south to visit the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. As you cruise and explore the area, see the landscape unfold with its many fjords, islands and channels. Hope to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, with the possibility to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions and river otters.
Today, the ship reaches the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, the vessel cruises around the area of San Rafael National Park, a biosphere reserve, if weather permits. The park is the main entry point to Chile’s Northern Patagonian Ice Field. You will also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands and coves.
As you sail south, cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team tells about the indigenous inhabitants of these southern lands, the early Spanish colonizers, and famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy and Alberto de Agostini. You also learn about the region’s biodiversity through presentations about the local marine fauna and flora.
If weather permits, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region is planned for the afternoon. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a small village consisting mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. Wooden walkways are built with Guaitecas cypress; they connect houses and give the village its distinctive look and unique culture.
Continue sailing south towards Messier Channel and navigate through the dramatic 59-foot-wide (18 meters) English Narrows for a privileged view of the glaciers of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. In the afternoon, hope to visit Pío XI Glacier or another nearby glacier. Brüggen Glacier, also known as Pío XI Glacier named by Spanish explorers after a Pope, is the largest western outflow from the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. It is also the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside Antarctica.
Embark on a Zodiac excursion to the El Brujo or Amalia Glacier area, or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise across the sea and among its ice floes to uncover part of Chile’s natural mystique. As you sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant and rugged textures, you may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.
While heading south along the Strait of Magellan, explore the waters of the fiords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. Follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere where whales feed. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness humpback or sei whales breaching in the distance. You may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses and petrels.
The Beagle Channel is a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. Dividing Chile and Argentina, the passage showcases ice formations along the snow-dusted Darwin Range. Sail along Glacier Alley, home to the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania and Romanche glaciers, aiming to explore the Garibaldi Fjord.
Arrive in Ushuaia this morning and disembark the ship.
Included
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material; ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary; daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship; dinner served daily on board the ship with three main course options; wine, beer, juice and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the ship; coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board; loan of waterproof boots for landing; all guided shore excursions; lectures and entertainment on board; and landing fees.
Exclusions
Flights; accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary; beverages purchased at the ship’s bar; internet connection on board the ship; personal insurance of any kind; extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); gratuities; visas for Chile and/or Argentina; passport expenses; any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable; and optional activities.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 210 days – full refund except for $1,000
209 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 90% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 92.5 % of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 95% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
If full payment has not yet been received at 120 days prior, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid amount is due immediately.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 2026-27 southbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords cruise begins in Puerto Montt, Chile (PMC) and ends in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Puerto Montt ahead of the 3:00pm embarkation on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Ushuaia no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Kayaking is available at $995 per person. To take part in the program participants must have previous kayaking experience. Minimum age is 15 to participate, and the group is limited to a maximum of 20 participants with two groups of 10 alternating days. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Single cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at an 85% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select Porthole and Veranda Cabins (Magellan Explorer) upon availability; all other categories incur a 100% supplement. Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender is also an option (same cabin categories apply).
Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their Air Cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 12 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 66lbs or 30kg and 3.9ft or 1.2 m tall) must be met. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for family groups of 6 or more travelers (special booking conditions apply).
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is recommended for this trip, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 USD per person. In addition to the emergency evacuation insurance, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
2026-27 Northbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Itinerary
The 2026-27 northbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords cruise sails from Ushuaia, Argentina to Puerto Montt, Chile. In 2026-27, a unique attempt to visit the Pio XI Glacier is added to the itinerary.
Your journey begins in Ushuaia, Argentina, with boarding between 3:00pm and 4:00pm. The ship will make a brief technical stop in Port Williams to comply with Chilean customs and immigration requirements before proceeding along the Beagle Channel.
The Beagle Channel is a striking narrow passage in the archipelago of Tierra del Fuego, a region originally named after the fires that burned in local native settlements when the first European explorers arrived. It belongs to both Chile and Argentina. Today, sail in view of spectacular ice formations sprawled along the sea from the snow-dusted Darwin Range. You will sail along Glacier Alley, home to a family of five glaciers: the Holanda, Italia, Francia, Alemania and Romanche glaciers. Hope to explore the Garibaldi Fjord, where you will be surrounded by hanging and tidewater glaciers; nearby waterfalls are so close they can almost be touched.
While heading south along the Strait of Magellan, explore the waters of the fiords that branch out from Tierra del Fuego. Follow the remote coast around the Francisco Coloane Marine Park, a protected area in the southern hemisphere where whales feed. If you are lucky, you may be able to witness humpback or sei whales breaching in the distance. You may also see dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, albatrosses and petrels.
Embark on a Zodiac excursion to the El Brujo or Amalia Glacier area, or the surrounding glaciers along the Peel Fjord in the Bernardo O’Higgins National Park. Bask in the glacier’s icy-blue beauty and cruise across the sea and among its ice floes to uncover part of Chile’s natural mystique. As you sail between snow-capped peaks to get a closer look at the glacier and its brilliant and rugged textures, you may spot dolphins swimming at a distance, cormorants or condors flying above, and otters.
Continue sailing north towards Messier Channel and sail through the dramatic 59-foot-wide (18 meters) English Narrows to have a closer look at the Southern Patagonian Ice Field in one of the nearby glaciers. Outside Antarctica, some of the largest glaciers in the southern hemisphere are found here. If possible, visit Caleta Tortel, a small village, or the surrounding areas in the afternoon. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker channel, Caleta Tortel consists mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. There are no conventional streets – instead, there are wooden walkways built with Guaitecas cypress. The wooden walkways give the village its distinctive look and its unique culture.
As you sail north, cross the Gulf of Penas, enjoying beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges. The expedition team tells about the indigenous inhabitants of these southern lands, the early Spanish colonizers, and famous explorers such as Charles Darwin, Fitz Roy and Alberto de Agostini. You also learn about the region’s biodiversity through presentations about the local marine fauna and flora.
If weather permits, a visit to Caleta Tortel or the surrounding region is planned for the afternoon. Located between the mouth of the Baker River and a small cove within the Baker Channel, Caleta Tortel is a small village consisting mainly of stilt houses, typical of Chilotan architecture, built along the coast for several kilometers. Wooden walkways are built with Guaitecas cypress; they connect houses and give the village its distinctive look and unique culture.
The voyage continues with an expedition day in the Chonos Archipelago. Heading towards the Moraleda Channel, if weather permits, plan to cruise around the area of San Rafael National Park, declared a biosphere reserve. The park is the main entry point to Chile’s Northern Patagonian Ice Field. Also explore the surrounding fjords, channels, islands and coves.
Continue to head north to visit the area around Puerto Aysen and Puyuhuapi in the Aysén region. As you cruise and explore the area, see the landscape unfold with its many fjords, islands and channels. Hope to visit either Puerto Cisnes, Puyuhuapi, or Magdalena Island, with the possibility to see dolphins, whales, cormorants, sea lions and river otters.
Arrive in Puerto Montt this morning and disembark the ship.
Included
Comprehensive pre- and post-voyage information material; ship cruise as indicated in the itinerary; daily buffet breakfast and lunch on board the ship; dinner served daily on board the ship with three main course options; wine, beer, juice and soft drinks served with lunch and dinner on board the ship; coffee, tea, chocolate, cappuccino, water and snacks on board; loan of waterproof boots for landing; all guided shore excursions; lectures and entertainment on board; and landing fees.
Exclusions
Flights; accommodation, meals, excursions and transfers other than those included in the itinerary; beverages purchased at the ship’s bar; internet connection on board the ship; personal insurance of any kind; extra expenses (communication, laundry, souvenirs, etc.); gratuities; visas for Chile and/or Argentina; passport expenses; any arrival and/or departure tax, if applicable; and optional activities.
Payment & Cancellation
In order to confirm this trip, a deposit of $1,500 is required per person at time of booking. The balance of the trip price is due 120 days before the departure date. Special holiday payment and cancellation terms may apply. Guests who must cancel their trip for any reason must do so in writing. Standard cancellations are subject to the following per-person penalties, based on number of days prior to departure:
Up to 210 days – full refund except for $1,000
209 to 120 days – 100% of deposit
119 to 90 days – 90% of total trip cost
89 to 60 days – 92.5 % of total trip cost
59 to 30 days – 95% of total trip cost
29 to 0 days – 100% of total trip cost
If full payment has not yet been received at 120 days prior, the full penalty will still apply and unpaid amount is due immediately.
Terms & Conditions
This trip is subject to AdventureSmith Explorations Terms and Conditions. Please read this information carefully and call us if you have any questions. A Traveler Information Form, which includes a release of liability, must be completed and signed by all travelers. Your Adventure Specialist will send you a unique link to complete this form along with a packing list and extensive pre-departure and travel insurance information upon booking confirmation.
Arrival & Departure
The 2026-27 northbound Patagonia & Chilean Fjords cruise begins in Ushuaia, Argentina (USH) and ends in Puerto Montt, Chile (PMC). We highly recommend arriving one day prior to your trip start date in case of any flight delay, cancellation or lost luggage issues. Plan flights to arrive to Ushuaia ahead of the 3:00pm embarkation on Day 1 of the itinerary. Plan flights to depart Puerto Montt no earlier than 12:00pm Noon on disembarkation day. If you would like assistance with international flights, please visit our Booking Flights resource page.
Activities
Kayaking is available at $995 per person. To take part in the program participants must have previous kayaking experience. Minimum age is 15 to participate, and the group is limited to a maximum of 20 participants with two groups of 10 alternating days. Please contact AdventureSmith to reserve activity space with your booking.
Room Configuration
In addition to listed Single cabin rates, select double-occupancy cabins may be available for single occupancy with a single supplement fee. Single travelers wishing to book a double-occupancy cabin may do so at an 85% supplement of the per-person listed rate in select Porthole and Veranda Cabins (Magellan Explorer) upon availability; all other categories incur a 100% supplement. Sharing a cabin with another passenger of the same gender is also an option (same cabin categories apply).
Note: Single travelers who use CPAP machines or other assistive devices, as well as those who have conditions that can be disrupting to others (loud snoring, sleepwalking etc.) can only book their Air Cruise in a Single Cabin or in a Twin Cabin for single use. They cannot book on a twin-share basis.
Families & Children
At date of embarkation, a minimum age restriction of 12 years and minimum height and weight requirements (weight of 66lbs or 30kg and 3.9ft or 1.2 m tall) must be met. A 5% discount on the rate per person is offered for family groups of 6 or more travelers (special booking conditions apply).
Travel Insurance
Emergency medical evacuation insurance is recommended for this trip, with a minimum coverage of $100,000 USD per person. In addition to the emergency evacuation insurance, we highly recommend our travelers protect their investment with travel insurance that includes trip cancellation and other benefits. Our partners at Travelex Insurance offer a variety of plans and policies to fit every trip and budget. For best value and coverage for pre-existing medical conditions, consider purchasing a policy at time of booking. Learn more about travel insurance or get a free quote.
Itinerary Notes
Read this itinerary as a guide only; the exact route and program varies according to ice, weather conditions, wildlife encountered and the captain’s discretion. Flexibility is the key to the success of any Antarctica expedition. Visits to research stations depend on final permission.
Loading rates & dates…
No upcoming departures available at this time.
No departures match your filters.
Named after the famed explorer, Ferdinand Magellan, the MV Magellan Explorer is the first small passenger ship purpose-built for Antarctica fly cruises. She boasts technical solutions designed to enhance the expedition experience while offering a stylish and comfortable feel. Although the ship's capacity is for 96 passengers, guests are limited to only 76, ensuring the ultimate small ship polar air cruise experience. She offers a variety of comfortable accommodations including the elusive single cabin. The Magellan Explorer was constructed in Valdivia, Chile, by ASENAV shipyard. Her successor is sister ship Magellan Discoverer.
Why Sail Aboard Magellan Explorer
Choose the strong and agile Magellan Explorer for a stylish base for adventures, combining excellence in expedition and boutique hospitality. The Magellan Explorer’s dedication to keeping it small fits perfectly with AdventureSmith Explorations’ philosophy of small, sustainable cruises. As other Antarctica operators continue to push the boundaries of what constitutes a small ship (many reaching above 150 guests), it is refreshing to see a polar vessel focused on preserving the guests’ experience as well as the environment.
Limiting capacity to only 76 guests allows for ample space on board for ultimate comfort and off-board passenger expedition experience. This limited passenger count also allows for all travelers arriving to embark on a single flight to Antarctica, translating into less waiting. For these, and many other reasons, the Magellan Explorer is among our top choices for passengers seeking Antarctica luxury cruises and longer Falkland Islands and South Georgia cruise routes.
Our experts have been aboard the Magellan Explorer firsthand. Read our dedicated Magellan Explorer Ship Review or consult this page further for a detailed description including deck plans and a photo gallery. Our small ship cruise experts have been aboard nearly every first-class vessel in Antarctica and can help compare the Magellan Explorer with other Antarctica ships and ice-class expedition ships offering Patagonia cruises, and Antarctica cruise and Antarctica air cruise itineraries.
Operations Aboard Magellan Explorer
Because the Magellan Explorer has been planned and built specifically for the operation of Antarctic air cruises, many of her technical features are designed to support long periods of time away from port. Extended fuel range, comfortable crew quarters, spacious storage areas for provisions and supplies, and a well-equipped workshop for equipment maintenance are just some of the features that make the Magellan Explorer the perfect platform for a fly-and-cruise operation.
The vessel is built to the latest Polar Code specifications and carries a Polar Class 6 ice-class (Lloyd’s Register PC6), with its ice-detecting radar, state-of-the-art navigation and double hull construction. She features stabilizers for comfortable navigation and bow and stern thrusters for excellent maneuverability.
Sustainability Aboard Magellan Explorer
Specific measures have been taken to minimize MV Magellan Explorer's carbon footprint. The ship is equipped with state-of-the-art efficient engines and meets MARPOL’s stringent Tier III emission standards, the most rigorous standard in the industry. To minimize fuel consumption, a waste heat recovery system recycles the heat produced by the ship’s engines and repurposes it to power the ship’s heating system and to warm the water used on board. All waste is compacted and stored to be safely disposed. The ship's desalination plant produces at least 24 tons of fresh water each day.
Common Areas Aboard Magellan Explorer
The interior spaces of the MV Magellan Explorer, designed to enhance travelers' experiences and connection to Antarctica, were designed by renowned Chilean studio Enrique Concha & Co. The modern environment provides a comfortable, stylish and efficient feel at every turn in the ship. The public spaces include a large forward-facing observation lounge that hosts briefings and educational presentations, accessible bow, and an outdoor observation deck, each providing expansive views and close contact with the natural environment. The dining room accommodates all guests and expedition staff in a single sitting. Also on board is a meeting room with an interactive science lab, gift shop, protected outdoor barbecue area, library stocked with Antarctica literature and books in multiple languages, plus a gym and sauna. The ship offers local intranet with international news, daily programs and a medical clinic. Wireless internet is included onboard, with a set data allowance and the ability to add more if needed. Wireless receivers offer simultaneous translation for non-English speaking guests.
Dining Aboard Magellan Explorer
The main dining room serves buffet breakfasts and lunches, and table service dinner. When weather permits, outdoor BBQs are enjoyed on the deck. Premium Chilean wines are served with lunch and dinner. Snacks and drinks are shared during daily briefings plus welcome and farewell celebrations. 24-hour coffee, tea and water are also available. In addition to the cuisine, the bar offers a selection of Chilean domestic drinks, along with international favorites.
Activities Aboard Magellan Explorer
Zodiac cruises start in the specific Zodiac embarkation area equipped with hangers, lockers and sitting facilities to prepare for exploration. Then guests are routed to the two mid-ship gangways for quick and safe Zodiac operations with 10 Zodiacs for exploration and shore excursions. The Magellan Explorer also offers a variety of polar activities, including kayaking, hiking and snowshoeing, at additional cost.
Cabins & Deck Plan Aboard Magellan Explorer
The Magellan Explorer features cabins in seven categories of accommodation. With most cabins featuring a large window and private balcony, and flexibility to offer dedicated single cabins, or interconnecting cabins (on sea voyages, #401-408 & #410-413), various passengers are accommodated. The spacious cabins range in size from 440 square feet (Triple Suite & Grand Suites), to 330 square feet (Penthouse Suites) and 220 square feet (Porthole Cabins, Veranda Cabins, Deluxe Veranda Cabins and Single Veranda Cabins).
All cabins feature a private bathroom and a sitting area. Each contains at least one desk and chair, combo Euro-American electrical outlets with USB port, safe, telephone, hair dryer, private bathroom with shower, bathroom amenities, bathrobe, and at cost personal laundry service options. Cabins with larger private bathrooms stocked with premium amenities include: the Triple Suite, Deluxe Veranda Cabins, Penthouse Suites and Grand Suites.
Current Deals on This Trip
Loading deal details…
Unable to load deal details. View full page →
Learn About the Small Ship on Your Itinerary
The Magellan Explorer is a brand new expedition ship built specifically for Antarctica fly cruises. This polar class 6 vessel features stylish design with technical advances for smooth and safe expeditions.
Reviews from Our Experts So You Know What to Expect
-
Expert Aboard: Magellan Explorer Ship Review
Step aboard the 76-guest Magellan Explorer in Antarctica. Two of our experts share firsthand insights on what makes this under-100-guest vessel so special, plus perspectives from travelers who’ve sailed aboard it.
Trips You Might Also Like
View All Patagonia Cruises
No single supplement
+2
Explora El Chaltén
Discover Argentina’s hiking capital with guided treks via isolated lodge
Save up to 25%
Patagonia Wildlife Safari
Choose your own adventure via smart-value, eco-friendly, geodesic domes
Save 5% on groups
National Geographic Antarctica, South Georgia & The Falklands
A comprehensive route guided by National Geographic experts
Inspiration & Education from Our Staff
-
Why Cruise Patagonia
There is more to Patagonia than Torres del Paine National Park. Learn why a Patagonia cruise offers an entirely unique and efficient way to see this remote region at the bottom of the earth.
-
How to Travel to Every Continent
Learn how to travel to every continent, from helping to define your timeline to efficiency and money-saving tips. Reach all 7 continents with this advice from our expert who's in the club.
-
Antarctica Travel Guide
There are more small ships than ever cruising Antarctica with vessels and itinerary options for every style and budget. This up-to-date guide culls the best tips for a comprehensive look at Antarctica travel today.
Additional Travel Options Before or After Your Cruise
View All Patagonia Cruises
Save up to 25%
+1
Patagonia & Chilean Fjords Cruise
Top-to-bottom Chile cruise via modern, sustainability-minded ship
Save 5% on groups
Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Argentina’s Staten Island
Nat Geo expedition cruise adding rarely visited Staten Island
Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords & Torres del Paine Cruise
Signature Patagonia cruise plus overnights in Torres del Paine National Park
Our experts will save you hours.
A single conversation with us is worth hours of internet scrolling. Find your next best trip with ease, then book with the confidence of our 20+ year experience.
