Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition
17-night Antarctica expedition · 1 departure · from $12,552 per guest
- 17 nightsDuration
- MS Fridtjof NansenShip
- Valparaiso to UshuaiaRoute
- Oct 26, 2027Next sailing
18-day all-inclusive Antarctica expedition cruise from Valparaíso to Buenos Aires
Explore the frozen continent of Antarctica in 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 colorful stilt houses of Castro, and the unique cultures of small, isolated communities of Patagonia.
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, meaning you will be able to observe penguins’ mating rituals. There's no set schedule – we adapt our itinerary to take every opportunity to get closer to nature and enjoy unique experiences on ice cruises and landings.
Upcoming departures
| Sails | Ship | Nights | From (per guest) | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oct 26, 2027 | MS Fridtjof Nansen | 17 | $12,552 | Cabins & fares |
Day by day
As planned for the Oct 26, 2027 departure; other departures may differ.
Day 1Valparaiso
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.
You can explore more of the region on one of our optional Pre-Programmes.
Day 2Cruising
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.
Day 3Cruising
Day 4Castro
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.
Day 5Patagonia Exploration
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.
Day 6Caleta Tortel
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.
Day 7Puerto Edén
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.
Day 8Alberto de Agostini National Park
Day 9Pia Glacier, Glacier Alley
Day 10Drake Passage Seas
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.
Day 11Drake Passage Seas
Day 12Penola Strait
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.
Day 13Antarctic Sound
Day 14Antarctic Sound
Day 15South Shetland Islands
Day 16Cruising
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.
Day 17Cruising
Day 18Ushuaia
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.
Gallery
Questions about this trip?
Our polar specialists can compare these departures, cabins and current offers with you.
Email explore@polaradventure.com or call toll-free 1-888-611-7688.
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