In-depth Antarctica & Patagonia Expedition | Southbound | 22 Days | Ms Fram Cruise

Your journey to Antarctica and Patagonia commences in vibrant Valparaíso. Dubbed the 'Gem of the Pacific', this welcoming UNESCO-designated city sits atop steep slopes that afford breathtaking views of the sea.

Immersed in captivating aromas and vibrant sounds, Valparaíso is a thrilling labyrinth of narrow streets, colorful neighborhoods, and bustling markets brimming with fresh local fare. Ascend Cerro Alegre and Concepción aboard a funicular to soak in the city's charm.

For those eager to extend their exploration, we suggest participating in one of the optional Pre-Programs before we embark on the cruise.

During the following two days while sailing, you'll delve deeper into the marvels awaiting us during our journey.

The Expedition Team comprises specialists in fields ranging from oceanography and geology to ornithology and history. Attend their captivating lectures and interactive demonstrations at the Science Center.

Equip yourself with binoculars to spot elusive wandering albatrosses and petrels. Take advantage of the onboard amenities, including hot tubs, a panoramic sauna, and a gym, for a truly enjoyable experience.

Nestled amidst the verdant foliage of Chiloé Island, Castro stands as Chile's third-oldest city. Within its bounds lie two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Iglesia San Francisco and Iglesia Nuestra Señora de Gracia de Nercón.

Perched at various viewpoints, you can relish stunning vistas of the city's vibrant "palafitos," charming stilt houses lining the waterfront. To imbibe some culture, visit the Regional Museum and the Museum of Modern Art.

Don't forget your binoculars; Chiloé serves as a vital habitat for avian species like green-backed firecrowns and Chilean flamingos, alongside penguins, black-necked swans, ringed kingfishers, and silvery grebes.

Cruising southward toward Puerto Natales, the capital of Última Esperanza, we traverse the iceberg-strewn waters of Patagonia, showcasing captivating shades of blue, from the brightest aquamarine to the deepest midnight hues.

During the voyage, there's a high likelihood of spotting whales, seabirds, penguins, and more. Take pleasure in the scenery from the panoramic sauna or the deck's hot tubs, indulge in locally sourced cuisine, and unwind in the Explorer Lounge & Bar.

The Expedition Team will provide captivating lectures on local history and wildlife, while the onboard photographer can offer valuable tips for capturing breathtaking landscape photographs.

Nestled at the end of a deep fjord, the next destination is the captivating village of Puerto Edén, situated within Bernardo O’Higgins National Park.

This small settlement is accessible only by sea, with a ferry connecting it to the mainland just once a month. There are no roads; instead, wooden boardwalks link the houses and shops. Among the 250 inhabitants are some of the last remaining members of the Indigenous Kawésqar people, offering you the chance to engage with them and gain insight into their unique culture.

Continuing the expedition cruise leads us to Puerto Natales, the entry point to Torres del Paine National Park. You have the option to explore this stunning national park through either a bus or hiking excursion – both offering rewarding experiences.

The rugged terrain showcases steppe, forest, and desert landscapes, adorned with glaciers and lakes. Guanacos and rheas freely roam the area, while Chilean flamingos grace the skies, and you might even catch a glimpse of the majestic Andean condor.

Puerto Natales attracts hikers and travelers alike, boasting numerous eateries, bars, and outdoor shops. Venture out independently to visit the artisan village at Etherh Aike, partake in a gin tour at the Last Hope Distillery, or take a leisurely stroll along the picturesque waterfront.

As you venture south along the Chilean coastline, you'll traverse the stunning island chains that form the fjords of Magallanes Province. These rugged landscapes, with their isolated islands and secluded bays, serve as a thriving sanctuary for wildlife.

Whether you're cruising aboard the small boats (RIBs) or observing from the deck, keep an eye out for colonies of Magellanic penguins, elephant seals, and various whale species. You may also be treated to the sight of majestic waterfalls cascading down the dramatic and picturesque coastline.

Following the voyage through the Beagle Channel, we'll traverse past the southernmost point of South America, Cape Horn. This formidable landmark often poses challenges, but weather permitting, we'll endeavor to make a landing there.

Subsequently, we'll chart the course through the legendary Drake Passage towards Antarctica. Along the way, we'll equip you for the journey ahead and demonstrate methods for ensuring your visit is both safe and environmentally sustainable.

Within the Science Center, the Expedition Team will host lectures covering Antarctica's wildlife, history, and geology, as well as discussing the impacts of climate change and plastic pollution. Additionally, you'll have the opportunity to participate in the Citizen Science initiatives.

Your initial encounter with Antarctica's vast, frozen magnificence is an indescribable experience. Nature's handiwork is evident as icebergs, meticulously sculpted, drift through the straits. Gentoo and chinstrap penguins engage in courtship rituals while Adélie penguins diligently tend to their nests. Countless seabirds gracefully glide overhead, a testament to the wildness of this pristine environment.

Over the following seven days, your itinerary will be filled with exploration across numerous landing sites. With over 20 potential locations scattered across the Antarctic Peninsula and South Shetland Islands, each day promises excitement unlike anything you've encountered before.

The journey may lead us into submerged volcanic calderas or onto icy shores adorned with remnants of past whaling activities. You might even have the opportunity to kayak amidst towering icebergs and playful seals, or embark on a snowshoeing adventure to a breathtaking vantage point.

For bird enthusiasts, the skies will be adorned with Antarctic seabirds such as skuas, petrels, and terns. Through a combination of onboard lectures and onshore discussions, you'll gain deeper insights into this precious ecosystem and learn how we can collectively safeguard it for generations to come.

As your seven-day expedition cruise in Antarctica draws to a close, it's time to return. Your mind will be brimming with unforgettable sights and sounds, and your camera's memory cards will be filled with remarkable images.

In the remaining days at sea, you'll have the opportunity to reflect on your experiences with both the Expedition Team and fellow passengers. You can indulge your curiosity at the Science Center, unwind in the Explorer Lounge & Bar, and savor delicious onboard cuisine while the ocean stretches endlessly before you.

For a moment of relaxation amidst the excitement, take advantage of the panoramic sauna and hot tubs before we reach Punta Arenas.

Your expedition cruise through Antarctica and Patagonia concludes upon reaching Punta Arenas. From this point, you'll embark on a flight back to Santiago de Chile, carrying with you a treasure trove of unforgettable memories destined to endure a lifetime.

For those unwilling to bid farewell to their adventure just yet, we suggest considering an extension of your journey by joining one of the optional Post-Programs.