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Chile by water
Skorpios II
Chile’s unique ribbon-like shape gives it over
4,300 kilometres of coastline stretching down
the west coast of South America. The bottom
third of this coastline is a fragmented landscape,
as if this part of Chile was once dropped on the
floor and it shattered into a thousand pieces.
This means that there are many fjords, islets,
archipelagos and peninsulas to explore, and
there is no better (indeed there is no other)
way to explore this fascinating territory than by
taking to the water. This can be done either as
a day trip, on a longer journey as a means of
getting from place to place, or on a relaxing
cruise as a key part of your Chile trip.
NAVIMAG
Navimag operate passenger ferries (carrying
between 100 and 250 people) between Puerto
Montt and Puerto Natales, a journey that is
impossible to complete by road on the mainland
due to the obstacle of the Southern Patagonia
Ice Field. They also operate various other routes
in the area which are ideal for travellers, locals
and cargo alike. Joining the ferry offers you the
unique chance to see the fjords and coastline
of southern Chile go by at a leisurely pace,
allowing you plenty of time to spot dolphins
and whales along the way, as you wind your
way through narrow channels and along the
side of spectacular glaciers. The atmospheric
journey takes three nights and leaves you at the
gateway of Torres del Paine. Cabins are basic
but food plentiful and community spirit abounds,
with nightly gatherings to enjoy a pisco sour,
Chile’s traditional drink.
SKORPIOS
The vessels Skorpios II and III follow three
different routes through the channels and fjords
of Chilean Patagonia on cruises lasting between
three and five nights. The itineraries visit the
fringes of either the Northern or Southern
Patagonian Ice fields between Puerto Montt and
Puerto Natales. The boats have a capacity of up
to 130 passengers, with well-furnished, modern
en suite cabins on a number of decks, and a
good menu of local Chilean cuisine. Daily
excursions by motor launch take you to explore
the mainland, cruise through the dramatic
icebergs, or up to the face of huge glaciers.
NOCTILUCA
A 20 metre motor yacht which can sail into
places that the bigger boats cannot, the
Noctiluca offers a unique and intimate sailing
experience with personalised itineraries around
the beautiful and remote Aisén region.
Noctiluca was constructed on Chiloé Island
from a unique Patagonian wood that has been
used for centuries by the local mariners, and
sleeps four to eight passengers. It has a
comfortable lounge area, spacious outer decks
and the food and wine is of the highest quality.
A truly exclusive experience.
CRUCEROS AUSTRALIS
Finally, to the very tip of the continent. The
Beagle Channel and Cape Horn (weather
permitting!) are two of the highlights of the
‘Cruceros Australis’ cruises that sail the waters
between Punta Arenas in Chile and Ushuaia,
on Tierra del Fuego in Argentina, on three and
four night voyages. There are daily excursions
to see glaciers, elephant seal and penguin
colonies, plus lectures from the knowledgeable
guides, as well as evening entertainment.
Comfortable cabins and plentiful food and
drink mean these trips are a fabulous way to
experience some of the remotest parts of the
continent in a little bit of comfort. The cruises
operate from September to April, with
occasional sailings in the winter months.
Noctiluca
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