Antarctica & Chilean Fjords | Pursuit

Referred to as the 'Paris of South America', Buenos Aires is considered as one of the most livable cities in South America. Although the bustling capital city has just under 3,000,000 inhabitants and a population density of 13,680 inhabitants per square kilometer (34,800 per square mile), it was rated in 2018 as one of the top cities on the continent for its ‘quality of life’. Twinned with world cities such as Moscow and Miami, Buenos Aires displays through its architecture, a cultural past rooted in both the Old and New Worlds. A vibrancy for life can be seen everywhere. Crowded public markets, street performers dancing the tango, colorful graffiti-style street art, ultra-modern buildings, a dramatic skyline and a bustling port. Culturally, Buenos Aires has the busiest live theatre industry on Earth, outperforming New York, London and Paris. Every weekend, over 300 theatres are active with plays and productions.

*Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.

Start your day by flying from Buenos Aires to Ushuaia. Upon landing, our team will be ready to pick you up at the airport and ensure a seamless transfer to the ship for embarkation.

Once deemed too harsh for European settlement, Ushuaia's rugged beauty was the realm of its native inhabitants - the Yahgan People. Today, it holds the distinctive title of being the southernmost city on Earth, often referred to as 'the end of the world.' Situated along the banks of the Beagle Channel, Ushuaia unveils itself like an artist's masterpiece. A mosaic of vibrant houses adds a splash of color against the dramatic backdrop of snow-capped mountains. Dominating this breathtaking panorama is Monte Olivia, its jagged peaks soaring 4,530 feet above the landscape.

Embark on the thrilling Drake Passage, where the Pacific, Atlantic, and Southern oceans converge, creating an adventure like no other. Our skilled onboard staff and expedition team ensure your well-being, providing ample opportunities to marvel at the vast ocean expanse. Capture stunning moments as seabirds gracefully dance around the ship, and forge connections with both the Expedition Team and fellow travelers. This unique journey promises not only excitement in navigating the passage but also the chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of the open sea.

Your captain and the skilled expedition team will plan your exploration and adventure in Antarctica based on weather, ice conditions, and reported wildlife distribution during the expedition. This adaptable approach guarantees that you can maximize the benefits of favorable conditions, enriching your experience as you uncover the awe-inspiring landscapes and distinctive wildlife of this pristine continent.

Make the most of this day at sea by acquainting yourself with fellow travelers and the dedicated crew members. Delight in the ship's amenities as you partake in the adventure of a lifetime.

Stretching half a mile wide at its face and extending more than 10 miles back to where the Garibaldi Fjord surrenders to the Beagle Channel, this glacier is a testament to nature's grandeur. Unlike many glaciers that carry moraine or glacial till, Garibaldi boasts a medial moraine, a characteristic pointing to the fusion of two individual glaciers.

Enjoy a Zodiac cruise through the ice, bringing you close to the face of the magnificent Garibaldi Glacier. Keep an keen eye out for the playful seals and sea lions frolicking in the icy waters. You might even be treated to sights of Magellanic penguins and orcas, while Andean condors grace the skies overhead.

Punta Arenas is the most important port and commercial center for the immense Patagonian agricultural area of Chile. The economy revolves around the sheep raised on the expansive pampas. Located on the Strait of Magellan separating the mainland from the island of Tierra del Fuego, the city proclaims itself the southernmost city in the world. Its colonial history may be explored in the splendid Plaza de Armas, in the magnificent tombs of the Pioneer Cemetery and the opulent Braun-Menendez Mansion. The heritage of Ferdinand Magellan’s exploration can be recaptured at the Nao Victoria ship museum. Fort Bulnes national monument memorializes the earliest colonial period, while the offshore Los Pinguinos Natural Monument preserves the thriving seabird and sea lion colonies around Magdalena Island. This is also the port from which a full-day flight excursion takes visitors to the majestic peaks and picturesque lakes and wildlife of the Torres del Paine National Park.

The Strait of Magellan is a 350-mile/570 km channel separating the mainland of South America from the large Isla Grande de Tierra del Fuego and connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. It was first navigated by the explorer Ferdinand Magellan during his circumnavigation voyage in 1520. He named it the Strait of All Saints, because his transit started on November 1, All Saints Day. It was also Magellan who name the southern island Tierra del Fuego, after seeing the smokes from fires in the camps of the native Yahgan people, whom he named the Patagones, meaning “big feet,” and their land Patagonia. The strait is between two and 20 miles wide, and earned the nickname Dragon’s Tail among sailors, for its tortuous path. Along with the Beagle Channel, it was one of two protected channels for sailing between the oceans prior to the construction of the Panama Canal The third alternative was the notoriously turbulent open ocean Drake Passage beyond Cape Horn. There is one sizeable port city in the strait, Punta Arenas, Chile, which has an interesting harbor breakwater consisting of two ship hulks, the Cavenga and an old iron four-mast sailing ship, the County of Peebles. There are several Chilean national parks and monuments in the strait, including Los Pinguinos National Monument and a sanctuary for protecting humpback whales. Southern right whales are also known to frequent the strait’s waters. There are 41 light signals in the strait, including the San Isidro Lighthouse that has been restored and is now a museum, and the Evangelistas Lighthouse at the western entrance. The strait was very difficult for sailing ships, due to unpredictable winds and tidal currents. Depending on tide conditions, even modern ships often opt for one of the alternative routes, because the tidal speeds are greatly exaggerated by the Venturi effect through narrows.

The Smyth Channel is another of the spectacular waterways threading the maze of islands off the coast of extreme southern Chile. At its northern end, it briefly parallels the Sarmiento Channel, then veers southward opening into the Strait of Magellan. Dotted with myriad small islands and corrugated with countless narrow fjords and bays, it makes a mesmerizing panorama as your ship plies between the islands on one side and the immense Peninsula Muñoz-Gamero on the other. Members of your expedition team will be on deck and in lounges to offer insights into the wild, unspoiled terrain you are passing.

Cruising Fiordo de las Montañas (Fjord of the Mountains) is a highlight of your Chilean Patagonia voyage. This narrow channel, located west of Puerto Natales, stretches more than 40 miles north to south, ending in a glacially carved valley at the far end of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Bordered by two mountain ranges, the fjord is bestrewed with glaciers that have broken off from the snow-topped peaks while a series of waterfalls cascade down the jagged cliff walls. On a clear day you can see 5,750-foot-high Mount Burney, an inactive, ice-covered stratovolcano located about 50 miles away. Fiordo de las Montañas lies within Kawésqar National Park, Chile’s second-largest, which protects a vast swath of the country’s southern coast. The 7-million-acre park takes its named from the ancient Kawésqar people who once inhabited this region. The park is home to the endangered huemul (South Andean deer), culpeo fox, and puma, as well as more than 125 bird species, including southern giant petrel and imperial shag spotted while cruising the channel.

At the head of scenic Eyre Fjord is situated the longest glacier in the southern hemisphere outside of Antarctica. The monumental ice-mass of the Brüggen Glacier fills the fjord to a width of 4.5 kilometers (3 miles) and covers an area of 1,265 square kilometers (488 square miles). Colossal ice cliffs rise to a height 75 meters (246’) and are cut by deep-blue crevasses, and free-standing ice pillars known as seracs. Some 66 kilometers (41 miles) upstream of where it meets the ocean, the Brüggen Glacier merges with the ice of the Southern Patagonian Ice Field. Unlike other glaciers worldwide, it advanced significantly from 1945 to 1976 adding nearly 60 square kilometers (23 square miles) to its toe. Located deep within the boundaries of Bernardo O'Higgins National Park, it was named after the German-Chilean geologist Juan Brüggen Messtorff. Bernardo O'Higgins National Park is one of the last refuges for the small Chilean deer known as a huemul and species such as the Andean condor and marine otter may also be found here.

Entering into the Gulf of Penas, to the southeast lies the 6 kilometer (2.5 mile) wide opening of Baker Channel. Sailing 120 kilometers (80 miles) into the southern margins of the Andes we are now surrounded on all sides by snow-capped peaks. The Southern Patagonian Ice Sheet, extends 370 kilometers (230 miles) to the south. At its northernmost edge, a large glacial tongue descends from the heights above. Entering the ocean in cliffs of ice, the Jorge Montt Glacier, is over 1,400 meters (4,700’) wide.

Caleta Tortel, a secluded village along Chile's southern coast, captivates with its unique wooden walkways and stilted houses that gracefully meld into a breathtaking natural panorama. Surrounded by towering mountains, serene fjords, and magnificent glaciers, the village offers a tranquil retreat free from conventional roads. Beyond its distinctive architecture, Caleta Tortel invites exploration of local craft shops, small museums, and cultural centers, providing a window into the traditional coastal lifestyle. The warm community enhances the village's charm, creating an authentic and serene escape for those seeking a unique and off-the-beaten-path experience.

Boca del Guafo, situated near Caleta Tortel along Chile's southern coast, is a hidden gem embraced by an enchanting natural landscape. Here, nature takes center stage with pristine beaches, dense forests, and rugged cliffs framing the coastal beauty. The area is renowned for its tranquil ambiance, offering a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle. Visitors can explore the picturesque surroundings, taking in panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean, as well as indulge in the vibrant marine life that populates the nearby waters. Boca del Guafo invites those seeking an experience to discover its untouched wilderness and relish the peaceful harmony of this coastal haven.

Situated on Chile's Chiloé Island, Castro is a town with a distinctive and understated charm. Known for its practical yet picturesque palafitos, the simple, colorful houses on stilts along the waterfront create a quiet and unassuming ambiance. The town's focal point is the Plaza de Armas, featuring the UNESCO-listed Church of San Francisco, notable for its humble wooden architecture. Castro offers a tranquil atmosphere, allowing visitors to explore local markets and savor the serene beauty of the island. With its subtle blend of history, modest architecture, and the unhurried pace of life, Castro provides a calm and reflective experience for those seeking a more contemplative journey.

Puerto Montt sits beneath a skyline of snow-capped volcanoes. Volcan Osorno towering 2,652-meter (8,701’) above the town, erupted in 1835 and was described by naturalist Charles Darwin. The town sits at the gateway to a myriad of outdoor adventures including an exhilarating white-water rafting trip, tranquil fly fishing and scenic hiking in Alerce Andino National Park. Petrohue Rapids and Lake Llanquihue, are set within a rural landscape of sheep farms. A walk around town allows for an encounter into the South American way of life. A vibrant fish market, selling everything from seaweed to salmon to spiny crabs sits astride a street lined with craft stalls packed to the brim with brightly colored woolen ponchos. South American fur seals lounge along the seawall promenade as colorful fishing boats lay at anchor offshore. Puerto Montt is an eclectic mix of new and old, refined and rustic.

Reloncaví Sound is a panoramic vista of high volcanoes. To the south, is scenic Moraleda Channel and the entrance to the picturesque Chilean Fjords.

Indulge in the ship's amenities on your final day at sea, providing an ideal opportunity for relaxation and reflection as you assimilate the memories of your adventures. The tranquil ambiance of the ship offers a perfect setting to savor the experiences and create lasting connections with those who have shared in the exploration of these remarkable waters.

After an exhilarating cruise amidst the Chilean fjords and the pristine surroundings of Antarctica, disembark in San Antonio port (near Santiago de Chile) and proceed to the airport for your ongoing travels.

Please note: Cruise itinerary is subject to change depending on weather conditions, ice conditions and other factors.