Exploration of Antarctica, Chilean Fjords and Falklands

Note: This is an expedition where the elements rule, and the weather, wind, and ice conditions will determine our schedule. Safety is paramount and the captain will decide the final sailing itinerary during the voyage. Hence, this itinerary is just an indication of what you can experience and why every expedition with Hurtigruten is unique.

SANTIAGO DE CHILE

After arriving in Santiago de Chile, you can explore the city for yourself before spending the night at a hotel.

SANTIAGO DE CHILE / PUNTA ARENAS / EMBARKATION

After checking out of your hotel, fly to Punta Arenas, where you’ll join the ship. Once on board, you’ll be treated to a welcome dinner.

CHILEAN FJORDS

After setting sail, pass Isla Tucker, a small island that is widely known for its Magellanic penguin colony, as well as other birds, dolphins, and sea lions. The captain and his crew demonstrate their navigational skills as the ship sails through the narrow Canal Gabriel.

CHILEAN FJORDS

Upon arrival in the Chilean fjords, take in a truly unforgettable view of the plunging fjords and steep mountains blanketed in emerald forests. It’s rare to see any traces of human life on shore—the ship is surrounded by endless wilderness. In one of the fjords, take a boat ride to get a closer look at the nature and the wildlife. If the weather is good, go ashore on Cape Horn. This area is known for its high seas and challenging seafaring conditions. In other words, making it ashore is a rare achievement.

CHILEAN FJORDS / CAPE HORN

Cape Horn is one of the most mythical places on Earth. Before the Panama Canal, seafarers had to pass this infamous rocky island in order to cross from one side of the Americas to the other. Today, we’ll try once more to make a landing and go ashore here.

THE DRAKE PASSAGE

The Drake Passage is the stretch of ocean between the southern tip of South America, also known as Cape Horn or Tierra del Fuego, part of Chile, and the South Shetland Islands of Antarctica, off the coast of the Antarctic Peninsula. On the crossing, you’ll learn a great deal about Antarctica’s natural wonders and fascinating history.

THE DRAKE PASSAGE

After crossing the Antarctic Convergence, you’ll start to notice the air getting crisper and colder. Here, you may spot your first Antarctic penguins in the water—keep an eye, as well, for icebergs.

ANTARCTICA

Go ashore to explore the impressive Antarctic scenery and wildlife, including penguins and fur seals. From deck, there will be numerous chances to spot whales as well. Enjoy close encounters with wildlife and glaciers, old whaling stations, and relics from former expeditions.

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Having just been in Antarctica, you might find it more than a little surreal to arrive in in the Falkland Islands, in a town that looks like it’s been transported straight from England with its red phone boxes, red buses, and British pubs.

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Stanley is the capital on the Falkland Islands. Today, roam the city streets or join an excursion to explore regional wilderness and wildlife.

THE FALKLAND ISLANDS

Our exciting on-board programme continues in the evening. Bird lovers will rejoice as we reach Carcass Island, a bird paradise with a rich variety of ducks, geese, penguins, albatrosses, caracaras, and wrens. It’s also one of the few islands in the region to have trees. We use our small boats go ashore to explore, hike, or take a closer look at all the birds.

THE MAGELLAN STRAIT

As the ship completes the loop of the Magellan Strait, you’ll relive and share everything you’ve explored, seen, and discovered on this trip. Celebrate your experiences and knowledge, solidify new friendships, and join us for a farewell dinner and party.

PUNTA ARENAS / DISEMBARKATION / SANTIAGO DE CHILE

Arriving in Punta Arenas, it’s time to say goodbye. Your journey onward begins with a flight to Santiago de Chile.