Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine
15 Days - Ultramarine
Retrace Charles Darwin’s epic voyage to the ‘edge of the world’ on our Essential Patagonia: Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine expedition, a comprehensive journey into Chile’s spectacular network of fjords and channels. Helicopter flightseeing and Zodiac cruises along this enchanting stretch of coastline provide awe-inspiring perspectives of some of the most remote and picturesque landscapes on Earth. From Magellanic penguin colonies and other seabirds to South American sea lions and southern elephant seals, the fascinating array of wildlife is as abundant as the majestic blue-toned tidewater glaciers. Join us in this enchanting wonderland and experience all the natural splendors of southern Patagonia.
from AUD $23000 $17250pp
Home » 15 Day Ultramarine: Essential Patagonia – Chilean Fjords and Torres del Paine
Itinerary Highlights
- Encounter iconic wildlife, such as Magellanic penguins, sea lions and seabirds
- Experience some of the world’s most remote glacial and fjord systems, including Glacier Alley
- Retrace Darwin’s route through the Beagle Channel and learn about the storied history of southern Chile
- Cruise in a Zodiac for a unique perspective of glaciers, fjords and channels
- Enjoy helicopter flightseeing from Ultramarine for a unique perspective of the landscape
Itinerary in Brief
- Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
- Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
- Day 3: Cape Horn
- Day 4: Diego Ramirez Islands
- Day 5: Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers, Glacier Alley
- Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
- Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
- Days 8 and 9: Puerto Natales and Torres Del Paine National Park
- Day 10: Canal de las Montañas
- Day 11: Tuckers Islets
- Day 12: Ainsworth Bay and Islote Albatros
- Day 13: Bahia Brookes
- Day 14: Marta Island
- Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and Fly to Santiago, Chile
Day 1: Arrive in Buenos Aires, Argentina
Upon arriving in this splendid city, known for its architecture and rich European heritage, you will independently transfer to your group hotel (pre-expedition hotel night included in mandatory transfer package).
Day 2: Fly to Ushuaia and Embark
After an early breakfast at the hotel, the group will transfer to the airport and board our private charter flight to Ushuaia, Argentina.
Upon arrival, you will be transferred from the airport to a central downtown location to have some time on your own to explore this quaint port town before making your way to the pier.
After a late afternoon embarkation, you will sail along the historic Beagle Channel, which transects the Tierra del Fuego archipelago in the extreme south of South America.
Day 3: Cape Horn
As we begin our exploration of Chile’s southern extent, expect a new adventure every day. Though each expedition will be different, depending on the weather, we aim to start our journey to the “edge of the earth” with a visit to historic Cape Horn (Cabo de Hornos). At the southernmost point of the Tierra del Fuego (“Land of Fire”) archipelago, this steep, rocky headland on Hornos Island marks the northern boundary of the famous Drake Passage, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet. From the 1700s to the early 1900s, prior to the opening of the Panama Canal, this cape was part of a major global trade route.
If sea and weather conditions allow, you may go ashore for a hike out to the lighthouse, the tiny Stella Maris (“Star of the Sea”) Chapel, and the albatross- shaped monument honoring the many mariners who lost their lives attempting to “round the Horn.” Atop the windswept promontory, pause for a moment to take in the panoramic view and to enjoy the peaceful solitude that can only be found at one of the most southern stretches of land in the world.
Day 4: Diego Ramirez Islands
Your ship will then continue cruising farther south, to the Diego Ramírez Islands, the most southern point of South America and one of the least- explored places on the planet. This small archipelago was actually thought to be the southernmost land mass in the world when it was discovered in 1619 by the Spanish Garcia de Nodal expedition. Named after the expedition’s cosmographer, the archipelago held this distinction for 156 years, until Capt. James Cook’s discovery of the South Sandwich Islands in 1775. Weather permitting, depending on conditions, we may choose to Zodaic cruise or ship cruise around these tussock-grass- covered islands to admire the abundant birdlife. A designated Important Bird Area, and part of the Diego Ramirez Islands and Drake Passage Marine Park, the archipelago is home to tens of thousands of breeding seabirds, and an exceptional place for birdwatching. Binoculars in hand, birders will marvel at the sight of nesting black-browed albatross and grey-headed albatross. These islands are the southernmost mollymawk albatross breeding ground in the world. Sightings of dolphins, South American fur seals, and rockhopper, macaroni and Magellanic penguins are also possible here.
Day 5: Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers, Glacier Alley
As our ship sails north toward the southern edge of Tierra del Fuego, stimulating presentations by your Expedition Team will enrich your knowledge of the glacial systems, geology, environment, wildlife and storied history of the region as you retrace Charles Darwin’s historic journey through the Beagle Channel, a 150-mile (240 km) strait separating Tierra del Fuego’s main island from several smaller islands. Named after Captain Robert FitzRoy’s famous ship on which Charles Darwin was a young naturalist, the channel presents plenty of photo ops to capture seabirds hovering overhead and dramatic vistas of jagged-peaked mountains and glaciers. Rugged and untouched, this magnificent landscape is as starkly beautiful as it was when Darwin first laid eyes on it in 1833. What he experienced in this region would later help him form his earthshaking theory on evolution by natural selection.
Glacier Alley (as it’s nicknamed) is one of the most spectacular ship passages in Tierra del Fuego. To honour the European countries that first explored the region, the glaciers have taken their names—España (Oblicuo), Romanche, Alemania (Roncagli), Francia, Italia, and Holland Glaciers.
Situated within the protected boundary of Alberto de Agostini National Park, both Pia and Garibaldi Glaciers sit at the head of picturesque, often ice- choked fjords that offer jaw-dropping views. Located within the Cordillera Darwin (Darwin Mountain Range), the impressive Pia Glacier extends from the soaring mountaintops down into the sea. A short hike to a lookout point provides superb vistas of the glacier and mountains.
Surrounded by pristine sub-Antarctic forests, Garibaldi Glacier flows from a separate mountain, providing equally exceptional views, with the Darwin Mountains rising dramatically out of the fjord. We can explore this area by Zodiac, including a beautiful glacial waterfall nearby.
As we navigate the fjords, your Expedition Team will keep watch for Andean condors, massive birds rivaled in wingspan by only the wandering albatross.
Day 6: Dainelli (Aguila) Glacier
Located at the end of a tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush sub-Antarctic forests in Agostini Sound, Dainelli Glacier (sometimes called Aguila— Spanish for “Eagle” Glacier) is a unique sight, as it appears to flow over rolling hills rather than mountains. Cruising aboard a Zodiac toward the blue-tinged ice, conditions permitting, you will be humbled by the wonder of nature’s power. We hope to venture ashore for an easy hike along the beach to get a more intensive look at the glacier and surrounding mountains.
Day 7: Cruising the Chilean Fjords
Continuing north, we’ll navigate through a remote network of coastal fjords and channels, including time spent venturing out into the Pacific Ocean. Your Expedition Team will prepare you for the adventures that await, helping you further understand the glacial systems, as well as the flora and fauna that can be found in this part of Chile. Take a moment, as we glide past soaring snow-capped peaks, to contemplate the indigenous peoples who thrived here for thousands of years and the mariners of early European exploration who traveled these same sheltered passageways, and were rewarded with the same wondrous sights.
Days 8 and 9: Puerto Natales and Torres Del Paine National Park
Sailing the turquoise waters of the extraordinary stretch of coastline leading to the small port of Puerto Natales, we’ll meander through a mesmerizing maze of deep, windswept fjords, narrow channels and isolated bays, with an eye toward the rugged landscape, unique wildlife and impressive glaciers that tumble from the towering mountains into the icy waters below, along with the imperial and king cormorants, South American terns, black-necked swans and southern wigeons (Chiloé wigeons) that frequent the fjords.
Torres del Paine National Park is one of the most stunning wilderness areas in South America, and Puerto Natales is the gateway. This enormous park is a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, so designated for both its natural wonders and ancient human history, and named for the three granite peaks that tower above the glacier-fed lakes. Enjoy a day of hiking and exploration aboard chartered buses tailored to your preferred activity level and stopping at lookouts in the park, followed by traditional Patagonian cuisine in the afternoon.
Taking our expedition onto dry land for another full day, we will also visit a working Patagonian estancia (“ranch”), founded in 1891 by Scottish immigrants. Here you will learn about Patagonian sheep farming in a historic pastoral setting. You may be lucky enough to spot wildlife inhabiting the surrounding grasslands like ostrich-like rhea, and guanacos, a wild relative of the domestic llama. Complete your cultural experience with a lunch of barbecued lamb al palo (“on a stick”), and return to the ship in the early evening.
Day 10: Canal de las Montañas
Cruising the pristine waters of the Canal de las Montañas (“Channel” or “Fjord of the Mountains”) will leave you breathless. You’ll be awed by the amazing series of waterfalls cascading down between the jagged peaks that rise up sharply on either side of the narrow, 41-mile (66 km) long channel dotted with glaciers, five of which spill dramatically into the water. Here, impressive ice fields glisten in the distance, and steeply sloped glaciers exceed elevations over 8,235 feet (2,510 meters). The channel also provides an ideal place to put our Zodiacs in the water for more detailed exploring or going ashore for a hike to scenic viewpoints. If you’re feeling more adventurous, perhaps you’ll treat yourself to an optional kayaking excursion (extra cost), an exceptional opportunity to experience the channel from a special perspective.
Day 11: Tuckers Islets
A series of small islands and rocky outcrops in Almirantazgo Sound (“Admiralty Sound”), a fjord off the Strait of Magellan, Tuckers Islets is a superb location for viewing penguins. Though landing here is prohibited to protect the fragile nesting habitat, a Zodiac excursion will take you very near a pebble beach to view a colony of 4,000-plus breeding Magellanic penguins, conditions permitting. Named for Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan, whose crew sighted the charming creatures in 1520 during the first circumnavigation of the globe, the species is native to the region, and the sight of them in their burrows, lounging on the beach or waddling in and out of the water, is one you won’t forget. If we’re fortunate, we may also see Chilean skuas, Magellanic cormorants (rock shags), imperial cormorants (king shags), oystercatchers, kelp geese, or even dolphins.
Day 12: Ainsworth Bay and Islote Albatros
Continuing our exploration of Almirantazgo Sound, we plan to explore ashore at Ainsworth Bay, one of the most picturesque and pristine places in Patagonia. Surrounded by untouched sub-Antarctic forest, this isolated bay is a protected area within the border of Alberto de Agostini National Park. It hosts abundant birdlife, so you’ll want to keep your eyes peeled as we cruise in the Zodiacs. Hiking options will be available for all fitness levels, affording panoramic views of Marinelli Glacier, Marinelli Fjord and the surrounding Darwin mountain range.
Day 13: Bahia Brookes
Another excellent spot for glacier exploring in Almirantazgo Sound is Bahia Brookes (Brookes Bay), where, conditions permitting, we’ll go ashore by Zodiac. The bay offers ample chances for closer views of a number of waterfalls and glaciers, including the calving North Brookes Glacier, set against the breathtaking backdrop of the towering Darwin mountain range. Amid the serene silence of this icy wonderland, the only sound you may hear is the powerful roar of ice breaking off and crashing into the frigid waters below. This is also a great location for viewing ice fall deposits, which form reconstituted glaciers, and kame (silt and sediment deposits).
Day 14: Marta Island
In the middle of the Strait of Magellan, Marta Island (Isla Marta) is home to abundant birdlife and more than one thousand Patagonian (South American) sea lions. To protect the wildlife, shore landings are not possible here, but we do plan to circumnavigate the island, providing numerous opportunities to observe and photograph the colony from a short distance, in the comfort of a Zodiac. Called lobos marinos (“sea wolves”) by local Chileans, these giant pinnipeds—males can weigh over 700 pounds/320 kg—form quite a noisy group as each sea lion vies for a choice spot of coastline. As you cruise by, sightings of imperial cormorants, skuas, southern gulls, snowy sheathbill—and if we’re lucky, dolphins—are also possible.
Day 15: Disembark in Punta Arenas and Fly to Santiago, Chile
After an adventurous two weeks of exploration, you’ll say goodbye to your Expedition Team and disembark in Punta Arenas, to be transferred to the airport for your charter flight to Santiago, where you are welcome to continue on your own travels or connect to your homeward flights.
Dates | Cabin | From | Special Offer |
---|---|---|---|
13 Mar 2025 - 27 Mar 2025 | AUD $17250pp | Save 25% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $17250pp | Save 25% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $20250pp | Save 25% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $22575pp | Save 25% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $26100pp | Save 25% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $27300pp | Save 25% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $28425pp | Save 25% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $29700pp | Save 25% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $36150pp | Save 25% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $40350pp | Save 25% | |
12 Mar 2026 - 26 Mar 2026 | AUD $18845pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Explorer Triple | AUD $18845pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Explorer Suite | AUD $22189pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Balcony Suite | AUD $24469pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Deluxe Balcony Suite | AUD $28877pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Terrace Suite | AUD $29941pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Solo Panorama Cabin | AUD $31081pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Penthouse Suite | AUD $32221pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Owner's Suite | AUD $39973pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% | |
Ultra Suite | AUD $44381pp | Pay in full at the time of booking and save 5%, Save 20% |
**Prices are per person based on twin / shared accommodation.
**Single supplements may apply
Cabin Details
Solo Panorama Cabin
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 132 square-feet
- Floor-to-ceiling windows
- Single bed
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Explorer Triple
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- Three separate single beds
- Sitting area
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Explorer Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 3
- Approx. 285 square-feet
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Picture window
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Balcony Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 226 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 52 square-foot balcony
- Connecting cabins available
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower and heated floors
Deluxe Balcony Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Decks 4 and 6
- Approx. 299 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 70 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Terrace Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 350 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 100-square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private extra-wide balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Penthouse Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 7
- Approx. 369 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 67 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Sitting area with sofa bed
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
Owner's Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 446 square-feet of indoor living space
- Approx. 46.3 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds in a private bedroom
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room
Ultra Suite
*Please note, picture is an artists impression. Image will be updated when available.
- Located on Deck 6
- Approx. 563 square-feet of interior living space
- Approx. 46 square-foot balcony
- One double or two single beds
- Walk-in closet
- Sitting area with sofa bed and additional walk-in hallway closet
- Private balcony
- Desk
- Refrigerator
- Television
- Private bathroom with shower, bathtub and heated floors
- Separate powder room
Ultramarine Deckplan
Specifications
- Staff and Crew: 140
- Guests: 199
- Ice Class: 1A+, PC6
- Length: 420 ft (128m)
- Draft: 16.4ft (5.1m)
- Cruising Speed: 16 knots, in open water
- Registration: Marshall Islands
- Lifeboats: 4, fully enclosed
Whats included?
- Leadership throughout your voyage by our experienced Expedition Leaders, including shore landings and other activities
- All Zodiac transfers and cruising as per the daily program
- All shore landings as per the daily program
- Shipboard accommodation with daily housekeeping
- All meals, snacks, soft drinks and juices on board throughout your voyage (Please inform us of any dietary requirements as far in advance as possible. Unfortunately, the ships’ galleys cannot prepare kosher meals.)
- Select beer and wine during dinner; and coffee, tea and cocoa available around the clock
- Formal and informal presentations by our Expedition Team and guest speakers as scheduled
- A photographic journal documenting the expedition
- A pair of waterproof expedition boots on loan for landings and Zodiac cruising excursions
- An official Quark Expeditions® parka to keep
- Hair dryer and bathrobes in every cabin
- All miscellaneous service taxes and port charges throughout the program
- All luggage handling aboard the ship
- Emergency Evacuation insurance for all passengers to a maximum benefit of USD $500,000 per person
- One 10- to 15-minute helicopter flightseeing excursion (weather and logistics permitting)
- Torres del Paine National Park entrance fee and ground transfers
- Estancia visit and ground transfers
- Lunches ashore during Puerto Natales/Torres del Paine excursion days
What’s not included?
- International airfare
- Passport and applicable visa expenses
- Chilean reciprocity fee, if applicable
- Government arrival and departure taxes not mentioned
- Meals ashore unless otherwise specified in the itinerary
- Baggage, cancellation, interruption and medical travel insurance—strongly recommended
- Excess-baggage fees on international flights
- Mandatory waterproof pants for Zodiac landing and cruising excursions, or any other gear not mentioned
- Laundry, bar, spa services and other personal charges, unless specified
- Phone and Internet charges (connectivity may vary by location)
- Voluntary gratuity at the end of the voyage for expedition staff and shipboard crew
- Additional overnight accommodation
- Arrival and departure transfers, except where explicitly stated
- Adventure Options not listed in Included Activities
- Mandatory Transfer Package*
Notes
Mandatory Transfer Package
Includes:
- One night’s pre-expedition hotel accommodation in Buenos Aires with breakfast (Note: The number of guests per room is the same as cabin occupancy on the ship. Due to limited availability, travelers who reserve a suite on board are accommodated in standard rooms at the hotel. Triple rooms may not be available.)
- Group transfer from hotel to airport in Buenos Aires
- Group flight departing from Buenos Aires’ domestic airport (Aeroparque/AEP) to Ushuaia, and returning to Santiago’s international airport (SCL)
- Group transfer from Ushuaia airport to the ship, and from ship to Punta Arenas airport (Note: Transfer on arrival in Buenos Aires from airport to hotel at the beginning of the journey is not included. Please make your way to the included hotel.)
Package Price:
- US$995 (Antarctic 2024/25)
- US$1,195 (Antarctic 2025/26)
Adventure Options:
- Sea Kayak: US$1,995
- Paddling Excursion: US$395
- SUP: US$295
- Exclusive Heli-Landing: US$995