Chilean Fjords & The Glaciers of The Beagle Channel

The World Heritage-listed city of Valparaíso has a long and colourful history dating to the 16th century conquistadors. It’s a vibrant city, both for its cultural scene – rich in theatre, music, performance and street art – and for its brightly painted buildings that occupy its steep hillsides, which are accessed by funiculars. The vibe in this maze-like city is bohemian, its cobbled streets bustling with casual eateries and bars to enjoy a craft beer or piscola (pisco and coke). Your journey into wonder begins with a warm greeting from the Captain and crew as you step on board Scenic Eclipse. Sip on a glass of Champagne and explore your luxurious suite, then join your fellow guests at the Sky Bar and toast to the start of an unforgettable voyage. Please book your flight to arrive into Santiago prior to 12:00 PM.

Enjoy a sleep-in lulled by the rhythm of the ocean. Wake up in your own time, and perhaps request your butler to deliver breakfast to your spacious suite or meet fellow guests in the alfresco Yacht Club. Today, join an introductory presentation about your polar expedition by the Discovery Team in the state-of-the-art theatre. Feel the excitement building as they explain how your Zodiac and other Discovery Excursions will work in the coming days. The theatre is where you can watch talks, lectures, movies and documentaries during the day. At night, enjoy world-class productions from musical theatre and cabaret to pop music, dance and fun interactive game shows.

Arrive in Niebla, which is home to the 17th century Niebla Fortress. Nearby Valdivia is known as one of Chiles most beautiful cities located along the waterfront of a winding delta. Valdivia is a vibrant and tenacious university town that has endured various challenges such as attacks, floods, fires, and the catastrophic earthquake of 1960—the strongest ever recorded—which nearly submerged the city. Spend the afternoon at leisure in your luxurious suite or head for the spacious and elegant Scenic Bar Lounge to enjoy your beverage of choice, whether it be aged whiskey—there are over 130 varieties—or a glass of wine. Then choose from up to 10 world-class dining experiences for dinner.

A busy town in the Chilean Lake District, Puerto Montt sits near the end of the Pan-American Highway – this epic stretch of road begins in Alaska and continues to Ushuaia in Argentina. Puerto Montt is the gateway to the Andean Alps and Patagonian fjords, so your stop here will be full of anticipation; around the corner lie gorges, far-flung islands, snow-capped volcanoes, and windswept shores. During downtime on the ship, you may wish to visit the gym for an invigorating workout or the studio for a Pilates class, some guided stretching or aerial yoga.

Visit Castro, located on the island of Chiloé. This is a place of exquisite natural beauty, flanked by a fjord on the east and home to Chiloé National Park, where an abundance of wildlife species thrives on the west coast. Catch a glimpse of the local penguin colony, comprising Magellanic and Humboldt penguins which migrate to the region. Stroll through the city streets and sample local delicacies, such as the Chiloé potato, and view the city’s many World Heritage-listed churches, known for their ecclesiastical wooden architecture.

After days of exploration, spend time relaxing in your spacious suite. Delve into an insightful conversation with one of our Polar Discovery Team members – comprised of up to 20 members, this team of geologists, historians, ornithologists, marine biologists, and glaciologists is at the heart of your Expedition Voyage. Alternatively, simply watch as the world slips by as you rug up and relax in a cabana on Deck 10 or in the privacy of your suite’s verandah.

Cruise through the Inner Fjords and the English Narrows, which is home to remote Puerto Eden. This is the only settlement inside the Chilean Inside Passage, a region with a mountainous terrain and a thriving Magellanic sub-polar forest. You will be able to learn about the ancient Mapuche culture, navigate the town’s intricate wooden boardwalks and see its native wildlife. You will also see Pio XI Glacier, which is nestled within the Berndardo O’Higgins National Park and spans the size of Santiago. Also known as Bruggen Glacier, this exceptional wonder is the sole glacier on Earth that is expanding daily.

Today you’ll cruise the historic Strait of Magellan, which links the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Named after Portuguese explorer Ferdinand Magellan in 1520, this was the primary passage for seafaring transport before the Panama Canal. You’ll follow the journeys of early explorers such as Ferdinand Magellan and Sir Francis Drake. Learn about the rich maritime history of these legendary waterways from your expert Polar Discovery Team. Join them on the Observation Deck for scenic viewing and wildlife spotting or relax with a speciality tea or coffee in the Scenic Lounge.

Punta Arenas is located at the southern extreme of Chile and serves as the gateway into Antarctica as well as Torres del Paine National Park. Overlooking the Strait of Magellan, the city flourished during the California Gold Rush – its prime position served as a haven for ships. The city will captivate you with its clean air, sophisticated European architecture and is renowned for kayaking. Nearby Magdalena Island is the breeding ground of Magellanic penguin colonies. When back on board, you may wish to book a treatment# at the tranquil Senses Spa. Perhaps indulge with an ESPA facial# or an alternative therapy including Ayuverdic massage#, Tibetan bowl sound healing or Japanese shiatsu.

Navigate the labyrinth of the Chilean Fjords – its long narrow inlets and steep cliffs, channels and islands all carved by glaciers. From the Observation Deck with its commanding view of the bow, marvel at the towering peaks, cascading waterfalls, and dense forests of this pristine wilderness. When not covered in ice, the shore is a unique mix of temperate and Sub-Antarctic flora, from deciduous beech trees to edible calafate berries. Stay alert for delightful sightings of elephant seals, dolphins, and majestic whales gracefully accompanying your voyage – use your complimentary binoculars to find these as they blend into the landscape.

While cruising this magnificent region, you will witness Seno Garibaldi, one of a handful of advancing glaciers in the world. You will also cruise to Seno Pia Glacier, where you’ll explore its ice crevasses and rivers. This area is a World Heritage-listed Biosphere Reserve, and its rich waters are home to seals, sea lions and seabirds, including the impressive Andean condor. Watch the spectacular scenery slip by as you relax in a cabana on Deck 10 this afternoon. Alternatively, ask your butler to bring afternoon tea to your suite and relax on your private verandah.

Cruise through the iconic waters of Cape Horn, where the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans meet at the southernmost point of South America. The collision of these two oceans can sometimes cause rocky waves but it’s also a great place to spot sea lions, penguins and whales. You will also cruise through the scenic Beagle Channel, named so for the ship that carried Charles Darwin on his five-year discovery journey. Admire the dramatic views of the Andean mountains from the comfort of your ultra-luxury Discovery Yacht. Tonight could be the night you enjoy Sushi @ Koko’s with your new friends. Stay up late in the bar or retire to the library for a moment of blissful solitude before bed.

Your voyage ends this morning as you farewell the crew and fellow guests. Disembark after breakfast to fly to Buenos Aires, taking away memories of a truly unforgettable experience. Please book your flight to depart out of Buenos Aires after 09:30 PM. #Spa treatments at additional cost. +All drinks on board, including those stocked in your mini bar, are included, except for a very small number of rare, fine and vintage wines, Champagnes and spirits. The itinerary is a guide only and may be amended for operational reasons. As such Scenic cannot guarantee the voyage will operate unaltered from the itinerary stated above. Please refer to our terms and conditions for further information.